One crew with a hundred and one stories to tell, Hajj unites all

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Hala Tashkandi, Rua’a Al-Ameri and Huda Bashatah set out to be the first and only all female on-the-ground editorial team to cover Hajj in 2019. (AN photo/ Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 02 August 2020
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One crew with a hundred and one stories to tell, Hajj unites all

  • Hala Tashkandi, Rua’a Al-Ameri and Huda Bashatah set out to be the first and only all female on-the-ground editorial team to cover Hajj in 2019
  • The Arab News female staff describe their journey

RIYADH/DUBAI: Joining a procession of millions taking part in their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, three Arab News female staff members embarked on a very personal, spiritual and professional journey in 2019.
Coming from three Arab News bureaus, reporter Hala Tashkandi from Riyadh, senior reporter Rua’a Al-Ameri from Dubai and photographer Huda Bashatah from Jeddah set out to be the first and only all female on-the-ground editorial team to cover Hajj that year.


On her first visit to the Kingdom, Al-Ameri was not sure what to expect. After 23-hour journey of connecting flights, delays and a few hours waiting at Jeddah airport, Al-Ameri joined the team as they made their way to the holy city of Makkah.
“The road leading to the holy city was jam-packed, and we were nervously waiting for our documents to be emailed from the ministry to allow us through the Saudi security checkpoints. Like in a James Bond movie, our passes arrived just seconds before we reached the guards,” said Al-Ameri.
Upon reaching the Ministry of Hajj camp, the three of them set out their plans to document the spiritual journey taken by millions of devoted Muslims while performing their own pilgrimage, a balance that required stamina, endurance and a strong will, characteristics that the trio are known for in their respective bureaus.
The granddaughter of a Hajj expert, Tashkandi co-led the team as she had performed her pilgrimage before and had heard stories from her grandfather about the tough journey ahead of them.

“I took the responsibility of showcasing the pilgrimage in more ways than one,” said Tashkandi. “As a Muslim, I loved being able to show the world one of the most beautiful and sacred rituals in our religion. As a Saudi, I was eager to laud our government for the amazing efforts they made in ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage for all of the holy city’s guests. And as a woman, and a member of an all-female main team, I was determined to prove that the three of us were just as capable of handling ourselves as our male colleagues during what was obviously a grueling, fast-paced, intense coverage.”
Hajj is not the easiest of rituals, and the team walked for hours under the blistering sun. The work never stopped in the evenings as they continued reporting. “It was tough, and despite packing light clothes and abayas, nothing could have prepared me for the blistering heat. And if I was not getting fried by the sun, I was getting drenched by the rain – which flooded the camp I was staying in,” said Al-Ameri.
Tashkandi recalled the noise, the chaos, the beauty and the unity she felt as if it were her first time. “You are reminded of all the things you have to be thankful for. It is beautiful. People from every country, in every skin tone, from every social class, from every level of education, all as close to equal as they can possibly get,” she said. “All heading in one direction, with one unstoppable goal, united in prayer and spirituality and love. It is a feeling you can only experience in one place on Earth.”

As the team photographer, Bashatah was tasked with a challenging role that is usually the preserve of men, yet she was able to send to HQ some of the most personal photos and stories ever featured in the newspaper. Meeting people from all walks of life with her camera in tow, Bashatah dived into the crowds, often getting lost but later returning with fascinating things to share.
“I didn’t see any female photographers at the holy sites. There were only men taking pictures during Hajj, which motivated me to work harder to give my best. Taking pictures in crowds, among children, women and old pilgrims, was the biggest challenge I have ever faced and a great responsibility since it was my first experience of Hajj, as well,” said Bashatah.
The trio’s experiences varied but there were moments where each one felt a connection to the true meaning of Hajj, unity.
“I saw an old man in his wheelchair and as I approached him to take a picture, he smiled and spoke words in his Iraqi accent that I still vividly remember: “You are really sweet, my girl. Are you taking pictures of us so that you can come and visit us in Basra when you miss us?” Tears welled up and I kissed him on his head and told him “we will meet again soon,” said Bashatah.
Al-Ameri recalls one incident when the flooding shut down the power and she was forced to write her report on her mobile phone. Sitting quietly in a corner at their accommodation, dripping wet from the rain and up against her Dubai deadline, the reporter was tapping away on her phone when out of nowhere she was offered help in the kindest manner.
“A kind young woman saw me, and graciously put a towel on my head to keep me warm as I worked. And it was that kind gesture that represented to me the meaning of this journey. To be selfless and to help those around you, a strong message in Islam,” she said. 


On their last stop before returning to Jeddah, the trio performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah, the act of going around the Kaaba seven times to end their pilgrimage. Mesmerized by grandeur of the holy Kaaba, this was Al-Ameri’s first visit to the Holy Mosque and in keeping with the spiritual connection of the pilgrimage, it made sense to complete her journey by touching the walls of the holiest site in Islam. Passing through the crowds toward the magnificent structure with the help of her fellow colleagues, Al-Ameri finally reached the high walls of the holy Kaaba and with that, her journey was complete. A surreal moment that she hopes to experience again.
The trio helped one another along, lifting each other’s spirits, laughing, crying and bonding over Saudi Arabia’s famous spiced fried chicken, Al-Baik, and huddling together under an umbrella to protect themselves from torrential rains. When they didn’t have a place to sleep, they talked their way into a makeshift mosque and slept alongside 20 other people, using their shoes as pillows. They used cookies to persuade an officer to help them find a ride back to their camp after they were stranded. It all made for an exhilarating and exhausting experience but, as far as a journalist’s job goes, that’s exactly the way it should be.


“To choose a single moment that shaped my view of the experience is impossible,” said Tashkandi. “Everywhere you look during Hajj, you see kindness, you see pilgrims sharing their umbrellas with strangers to shield them from harsh sun and sudden rain, people having intense conversations in different languages but still managing to get their points across. You see charity. You see laughter. You see shared joy. You see the very best of humanity.”


Madinah leads Saudi organic aromatics market

Updated 30 sec ago
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Madinah leads Saudi organic aromatics market

  • The report outlined cultivated areas, with Madinah leading at 37 hectares
  • Madinah mint was identified as the region’s most prominent organic aromatic plant

RIYADH: Madinah has solidified its position as the Kingdom’s largest producer of organic aromatic plants, contributing 78 tonnes — 26.4 percent of the national total of 296 tonnes.

This reflects the region’s strong agricultural productivity and its key role in medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A recent report by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce detailed the national landscape, showing Qassim as the second-largest producer with 15.9 percent, followed by Riyadh with 14.9 percent and Jazan with 14.7 percent.

Together, these four regions account for approximately 72 percent of the Kingdom’s total organic medicinal and aromatic plant production, the SPA reported.

The report outlined cultivated areas, with Madinah leading at 37 hectares, followed by Qassim with 36, Riyadh with 35, and Jazan with 34 hectares — underscoring strong regional competition in the sector.

Madinah mint was identified as the region’s most prominent organic aromatic plant, valued for its strong aroma and distinctive flavor, according to the SPA.

Its cultivation is deeply rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage and presents attractive investment opportunities at various scales.

Other aromatic plants grown in Madinah include basil, henna, and moringa.

The report also highlighted broader investment opportunities within the aromatic plant production sector.


Saudi FM heads high-level economic delegation on visit to Damascus

Updated 18 sec ago
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Saudi FM heads high-level economic delegation on visit to Damascus

  • Prince Faisal is scheduled to meet with President of the Syrian Republic Ahmad Al-Sharaa
  • The high-level economic delegation includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment

DAMASCUS: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Damascus on Saturday with an economic delegation on a visit to discuss ways to support Syria’s war-ravaged economy, authorities said.

The high-level economic delegation, which includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment, will hold a consultation session with their Syrian counterparts.

Syria and Saudi Arabia had previously discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the financial sectors. 

Saudi Arabia has been one of the most important regional supporters of Syria’s new authorities, who took over after ousting longtime ruler Bashar Assad in December after nearly 14 years of civil war.

On a visit to Riyadh earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said he would lift US sanctions on Syria, a move that paves the way for economic recovery in the war-torn country.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani welcomed Prince Faisal, who is “heading a high-level delegation,” on arrival at Damascus airport, a Syria foreign ministry statement said.

The pair were scheduled to hold a press conference this afternoon.

A Saudi foreign ministry statement said Prince Faisal would meet with interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and “the high-level economic delegation” would hold talks with Syrian officials about ways of cooperating “that contribute to supporting Syria’s economy and strengthen institution building.”

In February, Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia in his first trip abroad as president.

Last month, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, another key backer of the new authorities, announced they would settle Syria’s debt to the World Bank totaling roughly $15 million.

Damascus is hoping that the lifting of sanctions, particularly by the United States, will pave the way for support from the international community.

Years of war and sanctions have battered the country’s economy, infrastructure and industry.

A recent United Nations Development Programme report estimated Syria’s “lost GDP” during the 2011-2024 war to be around $800 billion.

Prince Faisal first visited Syria’s new authorities in January.


Kingdom extends aid to global communities

Updated 30 min 55 sec ago
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Kingdom extends aid to global communities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,155 food baskets to displaced and needy families in Baidoa district, Bay region, benefiting 6,930 people.

KSrelief also signed an agreement with the International Wars and Disaster Victims’ Protection Association to operate the third phase of the dialysis center at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, benefiting 665 individuals.

In Yemen, the agency distributed 3,471 food packages to the neediest groups in Al-Madinah district, Marib governorate, benefiting 24,297 people.

KSrelief signed an agreement with a civil society organization to distribute 800 tonnes of dates in Chad. The $2 million initiative aims to support vulnerable families across several regions and is expected to benefit about 500,000 people.

The agency implemented the two-week Saudi Noor program in Burkina Faso to combat blindness and related diseases. KSrelief’s medical team examined 8,000 individuals, distributed 2,000 eyeglasses, provided medication to 3,886 patients, and performed 800 surgeries as part of the initiative.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.


Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

Updated 31 May 2025
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Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12,129 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 7,127 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,441 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,561 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,197 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 34 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 90 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board

Updated 31 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board

  • Elected chairman of the Executive Board was Australia
  • The board's new officials will hold office until mid-2028

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia was elected on Friday as vice chair of the World Health Organization’s executive board for the 2025–2028 term.

The election was held during the board’s first meeting of its 57th session in Geneva following the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly.

Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the session was led by Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, Ministry of Health undersecretary for international cooperation, who stood on behalf of Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, SPA reported.

Composed of 34 members representing various member states, the WHO executive board is responsible for implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly — the supreme decision-making body of WHO. The executive board oversees priority health programs and policies at both regional and international levels.

Elected chairman of the executive board was Australia, represented by Blair Comley, secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 

Also elected to the board’s three other vice chair positions were Norway, Togo and Thailand.

A statement by the Saudi delegation, quoted by SPA, said that the Kingdom’s election to the WHO executive board underscores “the growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and its significant role in advancing global public health.”

Saudi Arabia has previously reaffirmed its commitment to support WHO in addressing health challenges.

According to WHO, Saudi Arabia has since 2018 consistently supported the organization, contributing more than $385 million to global health initiatives and emergency-related operations in various countries including the occupied Palestinian territory, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.