Umrah pilgrims must book via app, says Saudi interior ministry

Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Al-Bassami said that there were a “sufficient” number of bookings available, and called on pilgrims to adhere to their specific dates. (SPA)
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Updated 22 March 2023
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Umrah pilgrims must book via app, says Saudi interior ministry

JEDDAH: Pilgrims who wish to perform the Muslim Umrah ritual are now required to reserve an appointment via the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps, the Saudi interior ministry announced on Tuesday.

“The Umrah security plan for (this) year included managing and organizing crowds and traffic, providing humanitarian services, supporting and empowering the entities participating in implementing the plan, and distributing manpower,” said Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami.

He said that there were a “sufficient” number of bookings available, and called on pilgrims to adhere to their specific dates, all of which were being organized in coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

He was speaking to reporters during a press conference for the leaders of the Umrah security forces on the ministry’s plans and preparations for this year’s Umrah season at the 911 Unified Operations Center in Makkah, the state-run SPA news agency reported.

“The expected densities in public transport stations at the entrances to Makkah and the vicinity of the Third Ring Road and next to the Holy Mosque of Makkah were taken into account, and the paths were reorganized to ensure crowd movement safety,” Al-Bassami said.

He stressed the importance of wearing face masks to preserve public health and in compliance with instructions for preventive measures and health regulations.

Al-Bassami said that large crowds would be directed accordingly and beggars who entered these sites would be dealt with firmly and strictly.

Director-General of Civil Defense Maj. Gen. Hammoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj said: “The General Directorate of Civil Defense has completed its preparations in all sites frequented by pilgrims and visitors to ensure readiness, fire prevention and protection, especially in areas that witness high density.”

He said that the Civil Defense had coordinated with authorities to take legal measures by applying regulations and controlling violations.

Al-Faraj said that the directorate was ready for intensive deployment around the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and important sites through safety inspectors and support forces.

He praised the fire and rescue services in Makkah, Madinah, the holy site centers, and the deployment of mobile units at specific times.

Al-Faraj also praised the creation of a number of rapid intervention teams, especially in the central area in Makkah, around the Prophet’s Mosque and other vital sites.

Maj. Gen. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Passports, said that his authority had worked on early social and technical preparations and equipment for the Umrah season, developed plans and executive programs, raised media awareness, enhanced communication, and supported and assisted operating agencies for pilgrims.

He said that the directorate had completed its operational preparations by equipping ports with manpower and modern technologies to easily complete the procedures for pilgrims at all international ports, through qualified staff that spoke a number of languages to guide visitors to adhere to Umrah instructions.


Crown prince holds phone calls with King of Bahrain, Emir of Kuwait

Updated 10 May 2025
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Crown prince holds phone calls with King of Bahrain, Emir of Kuwait

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the calls, the crown prince reviewed relations between the Kingdom and Bahrain and Kuwait, SPA added. 

They also discussed a number of issues of common interest.


Saudi Arabia, Jordan welcome India-Pakistan ceasefire, urge dialogue

Updated 10 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Jordan welcome India-Pakistan ceasefire, urge dialogue

  • Kingdom commends both parties for prudence, self-restraint amid heightened tensions

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday welcomed the US-mediated ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, expressing hope that the development will pave the way for restoring security and stability in the region.

In an official statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom commended both parties for their prudence and self-restraint amid heightened tensions, and reiterated its support for resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.

Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of good neighborliness in a manner that promotes peace and prosperity for both countries and their peoples.

The ceasefire announcement came on Saturday after both Islamabad and New Delhi confirmed the agreement following a period of escalated hostilities.

The de-escalation followed US-mediated talks late on Friday night, with President Donald Trump stating that Washington had played a key role in brokering the understanding between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the ceasefire agreement, describing it as a key step toward enhancing regional stability, the Jordan News Agency reported.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah emphasized the importance of resolving crises through diplomatic channels and reiterated Jordan’s support for peaceful efforts based on the principles of good neighborliness.

He praised both sides for promoting dialogue and exercising restraint.


Jeddah festival celebrates Korean culture

Updated 4 sec ago
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Jeddah festival celebrates Korean culture

  • Event strengthens ties through heritage, fun 

JEDDAH: The Korean Culture Festival, which was organized by the Consulate General of South Korea, has been held at the Korean International School in Jeddah.

This year’s theme, “Enjoy Korea,” drew around 500 guests to celebrate Korean heritage, culture, and the growing friendship between Saudi Arabia and Korea.

Held annually, the festival is part of the consulate’s efforts to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between the two nations.

The event was inaugurated by Consul General Woo Hong-koo, who spoke of the long-standing relationship between South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

He said: “This event provides a valuable opportunity to deepen residents’ interest in Korea. As the world’s 12th largest economy, Korea’s growth has been significantly supported by its long-standing cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

“Through events like this, we hope to inspire more people to explore Korea, a country that warmly welcomes all with its rich culture, dynamic traditions, and the global phenomenon of K-pop.”

One of the festival’s highlights was a pansori concert — a traditional Korean musical storytelling performance — by Chae Soo-jung, the chairman of the World Pansori Association, who traveled from South Korea to participate.

Guests explored various cultural activities, including a kimbap (Korean sushi) cooking class, traditional Korean calligraphy, and a hanbok experience, at which those attending could try on traditional attire.

A new addition this year was the virtual reality corner, offering immersive simulations of modern South Korea.

Han SangJun, principal of the Korean International School, highlighted the festival’s significance, saying: “Beyond showcasing Korean culture and tradition, this festival plays a vital role in building people-to-people connections and fostering mutual respect between our communities.

“It’s especially meaningful to see so many Saudi families and young people actively engage with Korean students, learn through hands-on activities, and create lasting memories. These interactions lay the groundwork for deeper educational and cultural collaboration in the future.”

A highlight was the involvement of Korean school students, who led an interactive segment on traditional games. These included ddakji (a paper-flipping game), gonggi (played with small stones), jegichagi (a Korean version of hacky sack), and biseokchigi (a stone-striking game). The activities encouraged participation from attendees of all ages.

Yeong Na, a representative of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, a government-affiliated organization promoting Korean identity and heritage, attended the festival, and said: “Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of Korea’s historical journey and national values.

“By participating in events like this we hope to build meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and inspire greater interest in Korea’s past, present, and future.”

Ahmed Fatani, a university student, said: “I have always been a fan of K-pop, but this event showed me a whole new side of Korea. I had seen some of the traditional games but watching them live and trying them myself was amazing.

“The calligraphy and hands-on activities were also really memorable. It made me want to learn more about Korean history and hopefully visit the country one day.”


Saudi FM receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah

Updated 10 May 2025
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Saudi FM receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah

  • Araqchi traveled to Jeddah to meet with senior Saudi officials
  • The visit comes ahead of possible indirect US-Iran talks in Oman on Sunday

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Araghchi was in Jeddah to meet with senior Saudi officials and discuss bilateral issues and regional and international developments.

During the reception, the two ministers reviewed Saudi-Iranian relations and ways to support them in various fields. They also discussed the latest regional developments and the efforts made in this regard, SPA added.

Araghchi is expected to later travel to Qatar to participate in the Iran-Arab World Dialogue summit in Doha, an Iranian ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

The visit also comes ahead of scheduled indirect US-Iran talks in Oman on Sunday and an expected trip to the region by US President Donald Trump.

 


Little Explorer event in Jeddah connects young minds with archeology, heritage

Updated 10 May 2025
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Little Explorer event in Jeddah connects young minds with archeology, heritage

  • Initiative offered interactive, engaging educational experience

Jeddah: The Little Explorer event, which was organized by the Heritage Commission in Jeddah and ran from May 6-10, offered an interactive and engaging educational experience for children.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of archeological excavation and strengthen the connection between younger generations and the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Blending entertainment with education, the event sought to foster a generation that values antiquities and their role in strengthening national identity.

Held in Bab Jadeed, the event was part of the commission’s efforts to engage young people in heritage preservation through educational and hands-on activities, which introduced archeological principles and promoted the protection of historic sites.

The event featured five main pavilions, each designed as an educational and interactive station, according to the SPA.

The Little Explorer’s Tale took place in an interactive cinema screening an educational animation that simulated an exploratory journey to the Al-Faw archeological site, offering an engaging introduction to cultural heritage.

Children at the Explorer’s Academy viewed authentic artifacts from various civilizations and learned about excavation tools and archeological processes.

The Excavation Simulation offered a hands-on experience, allowing participants to search for artifacts using real tools in a realistic sand-filled setting.

The Archeological Workshop provided a space for creative drawing with children learning about historic monuments with the help of iPads.

The Play and Learn area combined recreational games with archeological themes, making heritage exploration both fun and educational for children.