Hajj 2023: inspiring unity, tolerance, brotherhood among Muslims worldwide

Pilgrims gather, acquaint themselves with one another, and embark on a journey of discovery. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Short Url
Updated 02 July 2023
Follow

Hajj 2023: inspiring unity, tolerance, brotherhood among Muslims worldwide

  • Moucharaf Nassim, from Pakistan, told Arab News: “I saved for several years to come to make my first pilgrimage with my husband

MINA: The Hajj, one of the largest annual human gatherings on Earth, is also an abundant source of positive human emotions. It acts as a powerful force that encourages people to connect with others, foster open communication, share experiences, embrace acceptance, and seek understanding amid diverse perspectives that can often separate.

The Hajj unites pilgrims from various nations for a few days as they fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam, invoking and praying to God to grant their heartfelt desires.




Pilgrims gather, acquaint themselves with one another, and embark on a journey of discovery. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Pilgrims gather, acquaint themselves with one another, and embark on a journey of discovery. Many have long cherished the dream.

Arab News conducted live interviews with pilgrims in Mina.

Myriam, a young girl from Malaysia, said: “I have arrived to make my first pilgrimage. I finished my Hajj and I am very happy and especially grateful because God gave me the chance to come to Makkah. It was very difficult but I succeeded and I hope that God will bless my Hajj.




Pilgrims gather, acquaint themselves with one another, and embark on a journey of discovery. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“The conditions were very good and we were well taken care of. I also had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from other countries. We shared our meals together, we prayed together. The Hajj allowed me to find new friendships and, through social networks, we’ve decided to stay in touch. I just had some unforgettable moments.”

Moucharaf Nassim, from Pakistan, told Arab News: “I saved for several years to come to make my first pilgrimage with my husband. We prayed, and read the Qur’an. I even met friends I worked with for years. I was surprised by this coincidence.”

A group of Bosnian pilgrims living in Sweden also made the journey.

Selim, the head of their delegation, said: “I am responsible (for the group) and imam of a group of 40 people. They are all happy and grateful. We are really unable to describe how we feel about the city of Makkah, and about Arafat.

“Every step of our pilgrimage was excellent. We return to Sweden grateful and happy and hope that our pilgrimage will be accepted by Allah.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli minister’s call for sovereignty over occupied West Bank

Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli minister’s call for sovereignty over occupied West Bank

  • Kingdom’s foreign ministry said the move would violate international laws

RIYADH: A government minister’s threat for Israel to apply full sovereignty over the occupied West Bank was strongly condemned by Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom “condemned and denunciated” the statement made by the Israeli official calling for the imposition of sovereignty over the Palestinian territory.

Such action would be a violation of international law, the statement said. Saudi Arabia rejects any attempts to expand settlements on Palestinian land, the ministry added, while reiterating the Kingdom’s position on the importance of Israel abiding by international resolutions.

The statement followed comments from Israel’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin saying “the time has come” for Israel to apply sovereignty across the West Bank.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 1967 and has built dozens of settlements, deemed illegal under international law, across the territory.

The Saudi foreign ministry offered its support for the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate rights and in establishing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

 


Saudi ministry recalls faulty chargers over fire risk

Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

Saudi ministry recalls faulty chargers over fire risk

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has announced the recall of 88,518 Anker portable chargers across multiple models due to a potential internal electrical short circuit that may cause overheating and pose a fire risk.

The ministry urged consumers to immediately stop using the affected products and contact Anker at the toll-free number 8008500030 to arrange a replacement or full refund, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Consumers can check if their device is included in the recall and start the replacement or refund process by visiting anker.com/mmrc2506.

Users are also advised to verify the model number of their charger against the list of affected products on the Defective Products Recall Center website ecalls.sa.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety and stressed the importance of promptly addressing product defects to prevent potential hazards.


GCC passports departments chiefs hold meeting

Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

GCC passports departments chiefs hold meeting

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi participated in the 39th Meeting of the Directors-General of Passports of the GCC countries, held on Wednesday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh.

During the meeting, he reviewed the latest developments, including the Gulf visa project.

The passport departments of the interior ministries of GCC countries, through a series of joint meetings, are making efforts to launch a unified tourist visa project in the near future, the General Secretariat said in a report.

“Everyone is working as one team to keep pace with technological developments and security requirements in a world characterised by rapid change,” Albudaiwi said.


Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with US secretary of state

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with his US counterpart State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. (AFP)
Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with US secretary of state

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with his US counterpart Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, Prince Faisal and Rubio reviewed US-Saudi relations and ways to enhance the strategic partnership between their countries. The latest regional and international developments were also discussed. 


Saudi delegation in Tokyo for talks on GCC-Japan free trade agreement

Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

Saudi delegation in Tokyo for talks on GCC-Japan free trade agreement

  • Trade volume between Kingdom, Japan reached $36bn in 2024
  • Saudi team oversees and monitors progress of trade negotiations

TOKYO: Farid bin Saeed Al-Asali, the General Authority for Foreign Trade’s deputy governor for international agreements and organizations, is in Tokyo to lead the Kingdom’s delegation in the second round of negotiations on the free trade agreement between the GCC and Japan, which began on June 30 and will run until July 4.

According to GAFT, the Saudi negotiating team includes nine technical teams focused on goods, services, investment, e-commerce, intellectual property, and government procurement.

Comprising 46 government agencies, the teams prepare the Kingdom’s positions on negotiations and proposals within the World Trade Organization and free trade agreements, and submit relevant reports to the negotiating team.

In 2024, the trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Japan reached about $36 billion. The most significant exports from the Kingdom were mineral products and organic chemical products. In contrast, the primary imports from Japan included automobiles and automotive components, as well as machinery and mechanical tools.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s exports totaled about $28 billion, while imports amounted to around $8 billion.

The Saudi team oversees and monitors the progress of trade negotiations to ensure they align with the Kingdom’s trade objectives and policies. Additionally, the team participates in the negotiations to incorporate the Kingdom’s positions, making their role integral to the process.

The General Authority for Foreign Trade aims to enhance trade gains, strengthen global presence, and engage with international organizations for sustainable development. The authority plays a crucial role in negotiations, representing the Kingdom’s interests and ensuring trade agreements align with its objectives.