Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic’ experience ahead of departure

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Updated 09 June 2025
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Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic’ experience ahead of departure

  • As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage

MINA: Most of the more than 1.6 million pilgrims taking part in this year’s Hajj have completed the second day of Tashreeq — a spiritually significant stage marked by the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina on Sunday.

As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage.

June 8, which corresponds to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar and marks the second of the three Tashreeq Days, witnessed a steady stream of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat complex in Mina.

Under the coordination of Saudi authorities, the movement unfolded smoothly, supported by comprehensive security, health and logistical services.

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Following the stoning ritual, many pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa, or the farewell circumambulation — the final rite of Hajj. This act signifies the conclusion of the pilgrimage, after which pilgrims begin their journeys back to their home countries.

In Islamic jurisprudence, pilgrims who complete the Hajj rites by the second day of Tashreeq are said to have performed Ta’ajul, or hastened Hajj. This option, permissible under Islamic Shariah, allows pilgrims to depart Mina after completing the stoning ritual on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.

Those who remain in Mina until sunset are obligated to stay for a third day and do the stoning ritual once more on the 13th, marking the full completion of the pilgrimage rites.

PHOTO GALLERY: Hajj 2025: Pilgrims complete second day of Tashreeq

The temperature recorded in Mina at 11 a.m. was 41 degrees Celsius, with expectations of a rise to 45 degrees Celsius before a predicted 31 degrees Celsius later in the day, according to the National Meteorology Center.

Speaking to Arab News, Sayed Taqi, an Afghan pilgrim on his first pilgrimage, said that he had a “very good” experience for Hajj.

“The security people were helpful, and, honestly, I am very happy. I will be ending my rituals today by noon, as I have a flight tomorrow,” Taqi said.

Mohsin Rasul, a pilgrim from Bangalore, India, who was completing his rituals, said: “The overall experience was very nice and quite peaceful, there was not much rushing with the arrangements by the authorities, and there wasn’t any problem anywhere, whether in the Grand Mosque, Madinah, Mina or Arafat.”

He added: “Everywhere, the arrangement was fantastic, in fact.”

Maqsari Hasni from Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, said that he could not describe the feeling of being in the holy sites to perform Hajj.

He also spoke with a voice filled with gratitude and appreciation: “I thank the Saudi government very … very much. It has done its duty perfectly, and we are truly proud of you. May Allah bless and protect you.”

Azhar Al-Wishah, an Iraqi pilgrim who lives in Canada, said that he and his group performed a smooth and comfortable hajj.

Describing the services provided to the group, he said: “We have really found a truly great service from the security people and all those working here. They have supplied all the services. We would like to thank the government and the people for your good reception and generous hospitality.”

He hoped that peace and security would continue in Saudi Arabia and for its people, “who humbled us with their generosity and who were competing eagerly to serve the pilgrims.”

Al-Wishah added: “May God watch over this country and keep it safe until the Day of Judgment.”

Fatima, a 28-year-old Iranian pilgrim, told Arab News that she took part in a unique experience — witnessing people from all around the world coming together to perform the same rituals, just as Prophet Ibrahim did thousands of years ago. She added that it was remarkable to see individuals of different ages, colors and nationalities united in one place.

Describing the crowd management during Hajj, she said: “I think it is very difficult to manage, but overall, it was very well organized.”

According to the Ministry of Health, more than 147,000 medical services had been provided as of June 7.

In a post on its X account, the ministry reported that during this year’s Hajj, 18 open-heart surgeries were performed, while 248 cardiac catheterization procedures were carried out.

The ministry added that 2,626 pilgrims were referred to its intensive care units, and outpatient clinics treated more than 7,540 pilgrims. Moreover, 5,619 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, while 35,176 patients received care at emergency rooms in Makkah.

The post added that 80,603 pilgrims received medical assistance at the ministry’s various medical centers.


Saudi interior minister visits Paris Operation Center responsible for security during Olympics

Updated 29 July 2025
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Saudi interior minister visits Paris Operation Center responsible for security during Olympics

  • Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met separately with Laurent Nunez, head of Paris Police Prefecture, and Guillaume Cardy, chief of RAID elite police unit

LONDON: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif visited the Paris Operation Center during his official trip to France this week, where he held meetings with ministers and officials to enhance security cooperation between the two countries.

He was received on Tuesday by Laurent Nunez, the head of the Paris Police Prefecture, who briefed him on the workflow and technology of the center. Last summer, during the Paris 2024 Olympics, French authorities conducted a massive operation, deploying nearly 45,000 police officers for the event.

Prince Abdulaziz also visited the headquarters of the elite unit, RAID, which conducts research, provides assistance, intervenes in counter-terrorism efforts, and handles hostage rescues as well as high-risk criminal situations. He met with Guillaume Cardy, the chief of RAID, and observed a security strategy to address threats using the latest tactical methods and supporting techniques.

On Monday, Prince Abdulaziz discussed ways to enhance security cooperation with his French counterpart, Bruno Retailleau. The two interior ministers signed an executive document outlining future security cooperation between Riyadh and Paris.


Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza cross Rafah border crossing

Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza cross the Rafah border crossing. (SPA)
Updated 29 July 2025
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Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza cross Rafah border crossing

  • Humanitarian aid, provided by KSrelief, is destined for the Gaza Strip as part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing campaign to deliver assistance to Palestinian people

RIYADH: Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza crossed the Rafah border crossing, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The humanitarian consignment, provided by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, is destined for the Gaza Strip as part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing campaign to deliver vital assistance to the Palestinian people.

A worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding in Gaza and immediate action is needed to avoid widespread death, a hunger monitor warned on Tuesday, as the number of Palestinians reported killed in the conflict crossed the 60,000 threshold.

Facing mounting international criticism over conditions in Gaza, Israel announced steps over the weekend to ease aid access. But the World Food Programme said on Tuesday it was not getting the permissions it needed to deliver enough aid since Israel began humanitarian pauses on Sunday.

Gaza health authorities have been reporting more and more people dying from hunger-related causes. The total stands at 147, among them 88 children, most of whom died in the last few weeks.


Saudi cabinet backs Palestinian statehood, welcomes France’s recognition pledge

Updated 29 July 2025
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Saudi cabinet backs Palestinian statehood, welcomes France’s recognition pledge

  • The cabinet voiced support for a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France

The Saudi cabinet reaffirmed on Tuesday the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, voicing support for a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.

The cabinet expressed hope the forum would accelerate international recognition of a Palestinian state and pave the way for implementing the two-state solution. It also welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent pledge to recognize Palestine, urging other countries to take similar steps in support of Palestinian rights and regional stability.

Chaired by King Salman, the cabinet condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli Knesset’s call to impose control over the occupied West Bank and Jordan Valley. It stressed that such actions violate international law and undermine efforts to achieve peace.

The cabinet also reviewed recent diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening ties with regional and international partners. It praised the outcomes of the Saudi delegation’s visit to Syria, conducted under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which led to the signing of 47 investment agreements worth nearly 24 billion riyals and the formation of a joint business council to boost cooperation between the two nations' private sectors.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari, in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, highlighted the Kingdom’s participation in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. He noted that Saudi Arabia has recorded the fastest progress among G20 countries in sustainable development over the past decade, underscoring its leadership in international initiatives that promote prosperity and progress.


Saudi Game Champions program empowers national talent for global market

Updated 29 July 2025
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Saudi Game Champions program empowers national talent for global market

  • Program included multiple stages: a Game Jam, incubation and acceleration phases, and closing ceremony celebrating local achievements and talent
  • Initiative is aimed at helping participants enter the market with high standards of quality and professionalism

RIYADH: The Center of Digital Entrepreneurship of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has concluded the Saudi Game Champions program, a nine-month initiative to support the growth of the nation’s development studios.

The program included multiple stages: a Game Jam, incubation and acceleration phases, and closing ceremony celebrating local achievements and talent.

The initiative is aimed at helping participants enter the market with high standards of quality and professionalism.

It offered over 180 hours of specialized workshops and more than 1,500 hours of mentorship, involving 25 Saudi Arabia game studios.

At the closing ceremony, Hussain Al-Safwan of LIMELESS Studio won the Bold Change Award, while Fahad Al-Jumaan of Hero Galaxy Studio received the Most Inspirational Award.

Mostafa Fares earned the Most Creative Award, and his colleague Ali Aseeri received the People’s Choice Award, both representing SYMMETRIC STUDIO.

The initiative is a part of the center’s broader efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s role in the global gaming industry.


Coalition hosts anti-terror finance training in Comoros

Updated 29 July 2025
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Coalition hosts anti-terror finance training in Comoros

  • The course aims to equip participants with information on national and international legal frameworks related to these issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday

The Saudi Arabia-backed Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition has launched a five-day training course in Moroni, Comoros, focused on combating terrorism financing and money laundering. 

The course aims to equip participants with information on national and international legal frameworks related to these issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It focuses on skills to analyze financial data and detect suspicious activities, raise public awareness of related risks, and develop effective prevention and coordination mechanisms among regulatory, security, and financial authorities.

Participants include representatives from regulatory and judicial bodies, the Ministry of Interior, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, non-financial businesses, and non-profit organizations.

The course reflects the coalition’s commitment to enhance international cooperation and develop national civil and military competencies to combat these crimes.

It also aims to create a professional training environment that fosters integrated and effective systems to combat financial threats linked to terrorism.