Saudi crown prince meets with Arab leaders on sidelines of Manama summit
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince urged international community to fulfil its responsibility by demanding an immediate end to Israeli aggression
Updated 16 May 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Arab leaders on the sidelines of an Arab League summit taking place in Manama on Thursday.
The crown prince met with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Jordan’s King Abdullah, Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The summit has been dominated by the Israel-Hamas war and the crown prince said in a speech that the Kingdom “emphasizes the need for continued collaboration to confront the brutal aggression against Palestine.”
He urged the international community to fulfil its responsibility by demanding an immediate end to Israeli aggression and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The crown prince also stressed “the importance of pursuing a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue based on UN legitimate resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, guaranteeing the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state within 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Elevating the comfort and dignity of Hajj pilgrims
Premium amenities on offer for ease, safety, accessibility
Hajj operators say VIP packages within Islamic guidelines
Updated 5 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
A number of premium amenities are available for Hajj pilgrims seeking greater comfort, safety and accessibility during the pilgrimage.
Some of the offerings include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits, and 24/7 medical support.
Hajj operator Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz spoke to Arab News about some of the new services introduced this year.
“We have enhanced our services in very small things,” he said. “Like the pillow, which now weighs 1,100 grams, and the mattresses, which are more comfortable for rest.
“We’ve also set up specialized tents that include mosque praying areas, which were previously located outside. One entire tent is equipped with massaging chairs to provide added comfort to the pilgrims.”
Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz (left) spoke to Arab News about some of the new Hajj services on offer this year. Shown on the right are some of the premium services available for pilgrims include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits and 24/7 medical support. (Supplied)
These upgrades allow pilgrims regardless of age or physical condition to perform their rituals with dignity.
“Our trained staff are available to support pilgrims at every stage, with special care provided for those with mobility needs.”
Wheelchair users are offered dedicated support during essential movement between the holy sites, and the operator also offers 24-hour meal and medical services.
“The Islamic sermon is provided in English, Arabic and Urdu, ensuring that everyone can understand and connect with the spiritual message,” Mahfouz added.
Mohammed Hamed, representing another Hajj operator, highlighted efforts to provide a comfortable pilgrimage.
“We have designed beds in a style with dividers so pilgrims are not disturbed by others in the tent,” he said.
“Each sleeping space includes charging points and reading lamps, allowing pilgrims to rest and recharge both physically and electronically.”
To minimize crowding and waiting, the company brings meals directly to pilgrims. “We will provide food to them wherever they are sitting ensuring a peaceful environment,” Hamed added.
Critics of VIP Hajj packages sometimes raise concerns about preserving the pilgrimage’s spiritual essence. However, providers insist these services are aligned with Islamic values and are merely accommodating varying needs among the faithful.
Salim Mansour, another Hajj service provider, defended the rise of VIP offerings. “The VIP packages are carefully designed to remain within the accepted religious guidelines of Islam.
“Many pilgrims opt for VIP Hajj packages to enjoy added conveniences, such as accommodation near the Jamarat area in Mina and dependable transportation services.”
These services are part of a wider initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing and modernizing the nation’s pilgrimage and tourism offerings.
Saudi Hajj gift association Hadiyah to serve 2.9 million pilgrims this year
Updated 14 min 6 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Hajj and Mutamer’s Gift Charitable Association, or Hadiyah, has launched its field and creative service programs to benefit nearly 3 million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to SPA, the initiative aims to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims by upholding human and moral values from the moment of arrival to departure. Hadiyah’s efforts extend across all points of entry — land, sea and air — facilitating access to Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.
Turki Al-Hetershi, Hadiyah’s executive director, said that the association was preparing to serve 2.9 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors this year.
He said that Hadiyah would focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience through innovative initiatives and strategic community partnerships.
Saudi minister of Islamic affairs inspects new projects at holy sites ahead of Hajj
Misting fans, air quality monitors among upgrades as worship sites prepare to receive pilgrims
Eight development projects worth over $9m inaugurated during minister’s inspection tour
Updated 18 min 47 sec ago
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs inspected holy sites on Thursday to ensure preparations were complete to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh inaugurated eight development projects worth more than $9 million (SR33.7 million) as part of the tour.
The development projects include upgrades at Namira Mosque in Arafat.
These feature the installation of 19 structural umbrellas, similar to those at the Prophet’s Mosque, and heat-reflective coatings applied to floor surfaces in the mosque’s courtyard, reducing temperatures by up to 10 C in shaded areas.
The tour also marked the second phase of the courtyard cooling project, including the installation of 98 misting fans in and around Namira Mosque.
In Mina, 57 misting fans were installed as part of improvements at Al-Khaif Mosque and public restrooms.
A total of 70 cold water production units, each with a capacity of 1,000 liters, were installed to supply as many as 140,000 pilgrims per hour.
Other upgrades include the installation of an integrated audio, surveillance and lighting control system managed via a centralized electronic unit.
Carbon dioxide monitoring devices have also been installed for the first time to ensure indoor air quality for worshippers.
Additional upgrades included the modernization of air conditioning and ventilation systems at Namira and Al-Khaif mosques; restoration of Namira Mosque, including improved insulation and operational efficiency; and the renovation of Hajjaj Al-Barr Mosque in Mina. The total value of these projects exceeds $9 million.
Following the tour and projects inauguration, Al-Sheikh praised the generous support of the country’s leadership for pilgrims attending Hajj.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that pilgrims can perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility.
The minister said that continuous support has empowered the ministry to fulfill its responsibilities in preparing the sites of worship, developing infrastructure and delivering services.
Saudi National Defense University holds graduation ceremony
Updated 29 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: A graduation ceremony for the graduates of the defense ministry’s National Defense University was held in Riyadh under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman.
Upon his arrival, the Saudi Press Agency reported, the defense minister was received by Vice Minister of Defense Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf; Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili; adviser to the minister of defense for intelligence affairs Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Seif; and director of the National Defense University, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Ruwaili.
Prince Khalid watched a visual presentation about the university’s programs to train and qualify military and civilian leaders studying at the university. He also reviewed developmental activities and events reflecting the university’s institutional development plans.
King Abdulaziz University highlights academic programs, global partnerships at NAFSA 2025
San Diego event gathers more than 8,000 education professionals from over 100 countries
Updated 29 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University is taking part in NAFSA 2025 in San Diego: The Association of International Educators’ Annual Conference and Expo.
It forms part of a Saudi Ministry of Education delegation featuring 12 universities.
Running until Friday, the event has gathered more than 8,000 education professionals from over 100 countries.
KAU is showcasing its academic programs, research achievements, and global collaboration initiatives, with a focus on innovation, talent attraction, and joint academic ventures.
The university is also promoting the Study in Saudi Arabia platform, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a top destination for international students.
Tareef Al-Aama, the president of KAU, said the Kingdom’s higher education sector was undergoing a transformative phase under Vision 2030, supported by strong leadership and strategic planning.
He also emphasized KAU’s commitment to global engagement, academic excellence, and expanding international partnerships.
