Hajj — a profound journey connecting global Muslims

Pilgrims learn the importance of social solidarity through sharing food and mutual assistance in performing the rituals. (SPA)
Pilgrims learn the importance of social solidarity through sharing food and mutual assistance in performing the rituals. (SPA)
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Updated 16 June 2024
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Hajj — a profound journey connecting global Muslims

Pilgrims learn the importance of social solidarity through sharing food and mutual assistance in performing the rituals. (SPA)
  • Pilgrimage unites languages and cultures, building a bridge to the world

MAKKAH: Each Hajj season, Muslims from all over the world, representing diverse languages, cultures and traditions, gather in the holy cities.

Beyond its religious significance, the pilgrimage offers a platform for cultural engagement among worshippers, displaying the rich cultural tapestry of the global Muslim community.

The cultural diversity is evident not only in the pilgrims’ traditional attire, but also in the variety of languages that can be heard throughout Makkah’s neighborhoods, in the Grand Mosque and the roads leading to it, as well as on public transportation.




Muslim pilgrims arrive to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca, on June 16, 2024. (AFP)

Fawaz Al-Dahas, a history professor at Umm Al-Qura University, emphasized the understanding and solidarity of Muslims who gather for one purpose: to perform Hajj.

Despite their different languages and cultural backgrounds, pilgrims strive for understanding, harmony and kindness with each other to ensure their pilgrimage is accepted and their efforts are not in vain, he said.

“The cultural exchange during Hajj is a unique and enriching opportunity. Pilgrims learn about the customs and traditions of other countries, opening new horizons and deepening knowledge,” Al-Dahas said, adding that this leads to greater respect and deeper understanding among people from different backgrounds.




Muslim pilgrims walk at Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 15, 2024. (REUTERS)

“Hajj promotes the concept of one nation, where all pilgrims are equal, regardless of race or nationality,” Al-Dahas said.

“Wearing the ihram, all pilgrims feel a sense of equality and belonging to a single community, fostering peaceful coexistence. This experience teaches patience, tolerance and cooperation during the performance of the rituals, further strengthening the spirit of understanding and coexistence among Muslims after they return home.”

Hajj also promotes collaboration among Islamic nations in areas such as health, security, and logistics, as governments work together to ensure pilgrims’ safety and comfort, he added. This cooperation promotes brotherly relations and solidarity.




Pilgrims learn the importance of social solidarity through sharing food and mutual assistance in performing the rituals. (SPA)

Through this annual event, Muslims bridge cultural and geographical divides. Hajj highlights the value of interaction between peoples and nations, demonstrating how diversity can be a strength in society.

Rania Shawdary, a mutawif (guide for the pilgrims), said: “Hajj is a significant annual event that reflects the Kingdom’s substantial efforts in serving pilgrims from around the world. Pilgrims witness firsthand the extensive services and facilities provided, which encourages them to cooperate and participate and observe everyone working together for the success of this great ritual for Muslims.”

She highlighted the generosity and hospitality, with pilgrims from different parts of the world receiving free services, such as water, food and housing.




Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 15, 2024. (AFP)

Pilgrims learn the importance of social solidarity through sharing food and mutual assistance in performing the rituals, thereby enhancing the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood, Shawdary said.

“The shared challenges and difficulties faced during their journey prompt pilgrims to assist each other and cooperate, helping them put aside their differences.”

Majid Al-Mufadhli, a Saudi journalist who has covered Hajj events for years, said that media plays a significant role in conveying the Hajj experience to the world.

“This helps promote understanding and communication between different cultures, as media coverage of Hajj events and pilgrim stories and experiences raises awareness of Hajj’s importance and its role in uniting Muslims,” he said.

Social media platforms also enhance communication among pilgrims, their families and friends, as well as between worshippers themselves, facilitating the exchange of experiences and cultures and promoting understanding, Al-Mufadhli added.

“Pilgrims face significant challenges related to crowd management, joint work and adhering to plans set by the responsible authorities, which drives them to cooperate and harmonize with each other to perform the rituals with comfort and ease,” he said.

The pilgrimage also represents an opportunity for innovation in areas such as crowd management, health and transportation technology, utilizing modern technologies to ensure safety and comfort. The atmosphere of cooperation shows the world that Muslims are an organized and compassionate community, capable of adapting to ensure the safety and comfort of all.

“Hajj is an opportunity and an extraordinary gathering that unites languages and cultures. Through participating in this great event, pilgrims learn the values of generosity, hospitality, love and brotherhood, returning home with a new spirit of unity and cooperation,” Al-Mufadhli said.

 


Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence

Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence
Updated 28 February 2025
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Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence

Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence
  • Environment authorities have attributed the disappearance of the plant in the 1990s to overgrazing
  • The plant is considered a crucial food source for wildlife and livestock

ARAR: A vital pastoral shrub once widespread in the Hamad area of Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders region has reappeared after decades of absence, the Saudi Press Agency reports.

Environment authorities have attributed the near extinction of the plant in the 1990s due to overgrazing.

Lately, Salsola tetrandra shrubs had been reported in inaccessible, rocky areas, signaling the plant's potential for recovery.

The plant is considered a crucial food source for wildlife and livestock. It also plays a critical role in providing sustenance for animals, stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, contributing to the sustainability of natural pastures, and reflecting the Kingdom's rich environmental diversity.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to enhance pasture rehabilitation programs and combat overgrazing, aiming to restore the plant to its previous ecological status. 

National environmental protection efforts are expected to facilitate the broader return of Salsola tetrandra in the coming years, bolstering environmental sustainability and restoring balance to natural ecosystems in the Northern Borders.

The Kingdom has been in the forefront of the global campaign to restore ecological balance, with an ambitious plan to plant 10 billions trees and shrubs. 

Since its launch of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, the Kingdom has planted 100 million trees and shrubs and rehabilitated 118,000 hectares of degraded land.


Demand for Najran’s Al-Samraa brown wheat rises for Ramadan

Demand for Najran’s Al-Samraa brown wheat rises for Ramadan
Updated 45 min 32 sec ago
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Demand for Najran’s Al-Samraa brown wheat rises for Ramadan

Demand for Najran’s Al-Samraa brown wheat rises for Ramadan
  • High demand because of nutritional value, health benefits
  • Staple in several popular dishes including Raqsh and Wafd

NAJRAN: Wheat produced in Saudi Arabia’s southern region of Najran is in high demand because of its wide use during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Among the most popular type is the Al-Samraa brown wheat, known locally as Al-Bur Al-Najrani, a staple ingredient in numerous popular dishes such as Raqsh and Wafd.

“The increased demand for Najrani wheat during Ramadan is attributed to its high quality, nutritional value, and health benefits,” the SPA reported.

This particular variety is rich in vitamins B and E, folic acid, zinc, and fiber.

Al-Samraa is one of 13 products in Saudi Arabia that have been chosen by the Slow Food organization’s Ark of Taste. Slow Food is a US-based organization that catalogs “delicious and distinctive foods facing extinction” or that need to be recognized.
 

Al-Samraa is one of the 13 products in Saudi Arabia that had been chosen by the Slow Food's Ark of Taste. (SPA file photo)

“By identifying and championing these foods, we keep them in production and on our plates,” stated the website of Slow Food, which has added more than 3,500 products from over 150 countries to its International Ark of Taste.

Earlier this month, the regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said Najran farmers expect to harvest their wheat crops in March.

Planting began in early October, just before the Kingdom’s winter. Farmers said their crops were cultivated without chemicals and that advancements in agricultural machinery have enhanced efficiency and product quality.

Najran's Al-Samraa wheat is unhybridized and naturally grown, a heritage passed down from generation to generation. (SPA file photo)

Last year, Al-Samraa was featured in the inaugural Najran Wheat Festival organized by the MEWA and Social Development Bank to showcase the region’s cultural heritage.

“This unhybridized, naturally grown wheat is a heritage we received from our ancestors,” farmer Mohammed Al-Mansour said, according to the SPA.

“We use minimal irrigation to protect it from pests, ensuring its high quality,” Al-Mansour added.

According to the Cooperative Agricultural Association West of Najran, traditional wheat cultivation involves meticulous land preparation and irrigation.

Farmers also rely on animals for land preparation and harvesting. Wheat farming has been made easier today with the introduction of modern planting methods and the use of advanced machinery.

Wheat farming has been made easier today with the introduction of modern planting methods and use of advanced machineries. (SPA)

Saudi interior minister, Syrian intelligence official discuss combating drug trafficking

Saudi interior minister, Syrian intelligence official discuss combating drug trafficking
Updated 28 February 2025
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Saudi interior minister, Syrian intelligence official discuss combating drug trafficking

Saudi interior minister, Syrian intelligence official discuss combating drug trafficking

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif received in Riyadh on Thursday the deputy chief of Syria’s General Intelligence Service Muwaffaq Doukhi, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The officials discussed cooperation in the field of combating drug trafficking.

Director of Syria’s Anti-Narcotics Department Khaled Eid, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department Marwan Al-Ali, and a number of senior officials attended the meeting.

Doukhi and Eid visited earlier the General Directorate of Public Security and the General Directorate of Anti-Narcotics in Riyadh. 

The Syrian officials were briefed on the work mechanism, security tasks, and the latest technologies used in the directorates.


How Saudi Arabia is using advanced automated systems to tackle traffic congestion

How Saudi Arabia is using advanced automated systems to tackle traffic congestion
Updated 27 February 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is using advanced automated systems to tackle traffic congestion

How Saudi Arabia is using advanced automated systems to tackle traffic congestion
  • SDAIA’s Sawaher is revolutionizing traffic management by harnessing data — from citywide trends down to individual streets
  • The upgrade has already cut road accident fatalities, reduced traffic, and improved the flow of vehicles during major events

RIYADH: Congestion is a major concern for residents of Saudi Arabia’s cities. Commuters in Riyadh alone lose an average of 52 hours in traffic annually, according to a 2024 estimate.

While projects like the Riyadh Metro, which opened the last of its lines in January, are doing their part to ease the flow of cars, the city’s population is still projected to grow from around 8 million today to 9.6 million in 2030, presenting further challenges.

The Saudi Data and AI Authority, in collaboration with government entities, has developed several systems that generate vast amounts of information on road traffic, ranging from a macro, citywide level to individual streets.

One of these is the Sawaher system, a national platform designed to analyze streams of images and videos using artificial intelligence and computer vision, providing real-time insights. One of its key use cases is in traffic management.

Another is the Smart C platform, which leverages data and artificial intelligence technologies to monitor, analyze, and predict operational indicators, supporting decision-making in smart city management. 

“Riyadh is becoming a very busy city, so we need to be innovative, we need to act fast,” Mohammed Al-Buqami, general manager of product development at SDAIA’s Estishraf, told Arab News. 

Mohammed Al-Buqami

The system developed by SDAIA analyzes data in detail, identifying accident hotspots and comparing seasonal fluctuations.

Areas with a high number of fatal accidents are assessed for whether or not signage or road infrastructure can be improved to cut down on collisions.

“Ramadan specifically will have different spots than any other month in the year,” Al-Buqami said, as working hours and commuting patterns shift during the holy month. 

When a recent event in Riyadh attracted a huge number of visitors, it caused a ripple effect of congestion. That is why SDAIA, in collaboration with government entities, decided to develop a new tool “to ensure that traffic at the gate does not cause congestion in the surrounding area or impact major roads,” Al-Buqami said.

Looking to the future and problems that may arise from a rising population, SDAIA is working to introduce new technologies, and recently carried out a bootcamp for budding AI experts who came up with the idea for a robot that detects cracks, potholes, and puddles on the city’s roads, as well as an automated accident response system.

While SDAIA is on the cutting edge of data analytics and automated traffic management, the Kingdom has been implementing advanced technology solutions for road safety for more than a decade. 

Saher, the automated penalty system, was developed in 2009 and launched the following year by the Ministry of Interior, using a network of cameras and radars.

The installation of Saher camera along major roads in Saudi Arabia have led to a reduction in speeding and reckless driving violations. (AN file photo)

When cameras detect a violation such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, texting while driving, or other such offenses, the system retrieves the vehicle owner’s details from the database and automatically issues a fine sent to the driver via SMS.

“The Saher system illustrates how AI and automation can revolutionize traffic enforcement and improve road safety,” Hasan Al-Ahmadi, associate professor at the Department of Civil Engineering at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, told Arab News.

Saher operates continuously, ensuring consistent enforcement of traffic laws without relying on human oversight.

DID YOU KNOW?

• By the end of 2023, Saudi Arabia had 15.1 million roadworthy vehicles — a 6.2 percent increase from 2022.

• In 2016, the country’s road traffic fatality rate was 28.8 per 100,000 people.

• Vision 2030 reforms have cut road deaths by 54 percent, dropping to 13.6 per 100,000 from 2016 to 2023.

It can identify and track road users moving through cities, automatically recognizing number plates and allowing law enforcement officers to pinpoint stolen or wanted vehicles.

Saher cameras are placed at regular intervals and their watchful eye can detect infractions as minor as changing lanes excessively or not leaving enough room between vehicles. 

Saher cameras are placed at regular intervals and their watchful eye can detect infractions as minor as changing lanes excessively or not leaving enough room between vehicles. (Supplied)

The system uses machine learning to study driver behaviors over time, identifying trends such as habitual speeding or repeated violations. Insights from this analysis are used for educational campaigns or stricter penalties for repeat offenders, said Al-Ahmadi, who has published a number of research papers on automation and road safety in Saudi Arabia.

The professor noted that a number of studies have shown decreases of up to 30 percent in speeding violations and red-light infractions since Saher was introduced. 

In Dammam, accident rates dropped by approximately 20 percent, while congestion was reduced by around 20 percent in Dammam and Jeddah. 

Congestion in Dammam's roads has been reduced by around 20 percent since the introduction of the Saher traffic monitoring system. (SPA file photo)

Meanwhile, studies also show that emergency response times improved by between 20-30 percent, Al-Ahmadi said.

In 2016, road accidents were the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia. A total of 21 people were killed in crashes every day — almost one every hour. 

These findings spurred the government into action. By 2023, fatal accidents had fallen by 54 percent.

Data and analytics were a key part of this success, with the number of road cameras increasing by 320 percent from 2016 to 2021, according to a World Health Organization report. Analyzing data from the country’s death registry also played a part.

Al-Ahmadi sees a future where even more advanced technology can play a part in making Saudi Arabia’s roads safer.

As Saudi Arabia moves towards a more sustainable society, automated systems could also monitor vehicle emissions and impose penalties in high-pollution zones, says Assistant Professor Hasan Al-Ahmadi of KFUPM's Department of Civil Engineering. (Supplied)

Drone technology could be used for real-time traffic monitoring in areas with limited camera coverage, he said. Integrating intersection management systems with self-driving vehicles could be another advanced solution.

Al-Ahmadi also suggested that monitoring technology could be upgraded to analyze drivers’ facial expressions, blink rates, and head movements to detect fatigue or distraction.

As Saudi Arabia moves towards a more sustainable society, automated systems could also monitor vehicle emissions and impose penalties in high-pollution zones, Al-Ahmadi added. 

While the Kingdom’s cities continue to grow at a rapid rate, the problem of congestion and road safety is not going anywhere. 

However, with a combination of automated technology and continuous monitoring, as well as the introduction of new infrastructure projects, officials have found early success in reducing fatalities and look poised to keep the issue at bay.

 


Saudi Border Guards thwart major drug smuggling operations in Asir

Saudi Border Guards thwart major drug smuggling operations in Asir
Updated 27 February 2025
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Saudi Border Guards thwart major drug smuggling operations in Asir

Saudi Border Guards thwart major drug smuggling operations in Asir

ABHA: Border Guard land patrols in Asir’s Al-Raboua sector thwarted the smuggling of 300 kg of qat. Initial legal procedures were completed, and the seized items were handed to the relevant authorities.

In a separate incident, land patrols operating in the Dhahran Al-Janoub sector apprehended a Saudi national attempting to smuggle 40 kg of hashish. The suspect was processed according to protocol and, along with the seized narcotics, handed to the relevant authorities.

Security officials continue to encourage public vigilance, urging citizens and residents to report any information related to drug trafficking or distribution. Reports can be made by dialing 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, 999 in all other regions, or directly to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995. Information can also be submitted electronically via email.