First Moroccan pilgrims arrive in Jeddah through Makkah Route Initiative
First Moroccan pilgrims arrive in Jeddah through Makkah Route Initiative /node/2111421/saudi-arabia
First Moroccan pilgrims arrive in Jeddah through Makkah Route Initiative
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Moroccan pilgrims breeze through the immigration line at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, thanks to the Makkah Route Initiative. (SPA)
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A Moroccan pilgrim breezes through the immigration line at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, thanks to the Makkah Route Initiative. (SPA)
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A Moroccan pilgrim breezes through the immigration line at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, thanks to the Makkah Route Initiative. (SPA)
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A Moroccan pilgrim breezes through the immigration line at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, thanks to the Makkah Route Initiative. (SPA)
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A Moroccan pilgrim breezes through the immigration line at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, thanks to the Makkah Route Initiative. (SPA)
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A Moroccan pilgrim breezes through the immigration line at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, thanks to the Makkah Route Initiative. (SPA)
First Moroccan pilgrims arrive in Jeddah through Makkah Route Initiative
Morocco is the fifth country to participate in the Makkah Route Initiative, after Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
Updated 27 June 2022
Arab News
JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah received its first Moroccan pilgrims through the Makkah Route Initiative.
They departed from the Makkah Route hall at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca and were greeted by Moroccan Consul General Ibrahim Ajouli, Col. Suleiman Mohammed Al-Yusuf, and representatives from the initiative at KAIA.
The Makkah Route Initiative was launched for the first time this year in Morocco, adding to the four countries already participating in the project: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
A Moroccan pilgrim gets gets "processed" without hassle at the immigration desk of the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (SPA)
It aims to simplify procedures for pilgrims by issuing e-visas, completing passport procedures at the airport of the country of departure following the completion of health requirements, and dealing with luggage procedures, transport, and accommodation.
Upon arrival, pilgrims directly move to buses transporting them to their accommodation in Makkah and Madinah while authorities deliver their luggage to their lodgings.
Serving pilgrims is one of the Interior Ministry's programs contributing toward Vision 2030.
The initiative was first launched in 2019 in a few airports and expanded this year, saving pilgrims up to 12 hours upon arrival at Saudi airports.
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 FM heads high-level economic delegation on visit to Damascus
Updated 8 min 19 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Damascus on Saturday as he embarked on an official visit to the Syrian capital heading a high-level economic delegation from the Kingdom.
Prince Faisal is scheduled to meet with President of the Syrian Republic Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The high-level economic delegation, which includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment will also hold a consultation session with their counterparts from the Syrian side.
Syria and Saudi Arabia have earlier discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the financial sectors.
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
Updated 31 May 2025
Arab News
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.
What Saudi Arabia’s ancient lava fields reveal about its volcanic past — and tourism potential
Saudi Arabia aims to turn its lava landscapes into tourist destinations, blending science, history, and outdoor adventure
The Kingdom’s last major eruption occurred near Madinah in 1256, leaving a 20 km lava trail that is still visible today
Updated 31 May 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Scattered across Saudi Arabia’s vast deserts and mountains lie more than 2,500 volcanic craters — relics of a fiery geological past that continues to intrigue scientists and thrill adventurous travellers today.
These ancient volcanoes have not erupted in centuries. Their silence, however, belies their significance.
“The Kingdom possesses one of the largest volcanic fields (locally known as Al-Harrat) in the world,” Turki Essam Al-Sehli, senior director of the Geohazard Center at the Saudi Geological Survey, told Arab News.
“These fields cover an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers — around 4.6 percent of the Kingdom’s total area.”
The last known eruption was in 1256 AD, when lava from Al-Harrat Rahat flowed within 20 kilometers of Madinah. While dramatic in its time, such activity has long since ceased. “The Kingdom has experienced relative volcanic stability for centuries,” Al-Sehli said.
One of Saudi Arabia's largest lava fields is Harrat Rahat, which stretches from northern Makkah to Madinah. (SPA photo)
This dormancy, combined with the dramatic scenery of ancient lava fields, has opened the door to a growing trend: volcano tourism.
From stark black cones to craters that plunge deep into the Earth, Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking geological sights in the region.
Among the most striking is Al-Wahbah, a vast crater near Taif that is 250 meters deep and more than two kilometers across. In the Asir region, Jabal Farwa — the Kingdom’s tallest volcanic peak — rises more than 3,000 m above sea level.
A view of Al-Wahbah crater near Taif. From stark black cones to craters that plunge deep into the Earth, Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking geological sights in the region. (SPA photo)
Meanwhile, the Khaybar tract is home to Mount Al-Qadar, where lava once flowed for more than 50 km, and the otherworldly Mount Al-Abyad, known for its pale color and unusual formations.
“Fields like Rahat and Khaybar are characterized by hundreds of volcanic cones formed by mild explosive eruptions and vast lava flow areas reaching lava flow length over 50 km on some occasions, which grant them significant geological and scientific importance,” Al-Sehli said.
“Additionally, they are considered the largest in the Arab world and the Middle East.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• The last volcanic eruption in the Hijaz region occurred in 1256 AD, southeast of Madinah.
• Its lava flow extended for 23 kilometers, stopping 8.2 km short of the Prophet’s Mosque.
• Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape has the potential to become a global tourist destination.
While some fields are still classified as “potentially active,” experts agree there is no cause for alarm.
“Some volcanic fields are categorized as potentially active due to the geophysical indicators of eruptible magma in the mid-crust, which means there is a possibility — even if slight — of future volcanic activity,” Al-Sehli said.
“Currently, there are no signs of imminent danger.”
Combo image from the Saudi Geological Survey showing a remote seismic station, which are equipped with satellite telemetry, sensors to convert seismic wave velocities into digital signals, and device to convert the analog electrical signals into digital signals. (SGS photos)
Indeed, any future eruption, while highly unlikely in the short term, would be closely monitored. The Saudi Geological Survey operates a state-of-the-art seismic and volcanic surveillance network designed to detect even the slightest changes beneath the surface.
Should a large eruption take place, however, the environmental impact and the effect on the local climate could be significant.
“In the event of a major volcanic eruption, the emission of fine volcanic ash and gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the upper layers of the atmosphere could lead to temporary cooling of the local or regional climate, as well as generating acid rainfall,” Al-Sehli said.
With little risk posed by these sleeping giants and great natural beauty to explore and enjoy, Saudi Arabia is increasingly investing in geotourism — promoting its volcanic fields not as hazards, but as heritage.
“There is growing interest in developing geological tourism in the Kingdom,” Al-Sehli said. “The ministry of tourism is collaborating with the Saudi Geological Survey to develop and preserve these geological sites.”
The Saudi Geological Survey’s role extends far beyond monitoring. It produces maps and reports, conducts scientific research, and works to raise public awareness through exhibitions and outreach programs.
Among the SGS other functions include the identification of potential hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and desertification. (SGS)
It also helps identify and conserve key geological sites, ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s volcanic past is protected for future generations.
From lava trails to towering cones, the Kingdom’s volcanic fields offer a window into Earth’s ancient forces — and a unique travel experience for those looking to explore a different side of Saudi Arabia.
These volcanoes may be dormant, but their potential — for knowledge, for tourism, and for wonder — is anything but.
Dr. Adel Tash, CEO of KAMC, told Arab News that the launch of the service is a significant medical milestone, further solidifying the city’s role as a leading reference center for advanced specialized healthcare, driven by the latest innovations in medical and surgical technology.
“The first case involved a patient in his thirties who suffered from recurrent air accumulations in his left chest cavity, causing persistent breathing difficulties. Tests revealed cysts in the upper and lower lobes of his left lung. These cysts were successfully removed, and the lung was attached to the chest wall using a surgical robot during a delicate operation that took an hour and a half,” Tash said.
The operation was performed under the leadership of Dr. Muteb Al-Zaidi, a consultant in thoracic, esophageal, and gastric surgery, using robotic and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. He was assisted by Dr. Ayman Jaafar, assistant consultant in thoracic surgery, in collaboration with a specialized team from the anesthesia and nursing departments.
Tash said robotic surgery is characterized by the high precision provided by the 3D camera, and the ability to precisely access complex areas of the body with minimal intervention, which is reflected in reduced post-operative pain, accelerated recovery, and faster discharge of the patient from the hospital compared with traditional operations.
He said that traditional operations required surgical incisions that could be more than 10 centimeters whereas a single incision in robotic surgery does not exceed 1 cm, which reduces side effects and improves overall surgical outcomes.
Tash concluded by underscoring KAMC’s ongoing commitment to adopting the latest scientific technologies and providing advanced and safe healthcare services that contribute to improving patients’ quality of life and making the treatment experience a model to be emulated across the Kingdom and the region.
In this context, KAMC, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, launched the Da Vinci surgical system, positioning itself among the first healthcare institutions in the Western Region to adopt this state-of-the-art technology for intricate and high-precision surgeries. This step is expected to enhance the quality of medical services and elevate the patient experience, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The Da Vinci system is a robotic platform that allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with exceptional precision. Operated from a central console, the system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into highly refined, microscopic actions, enhanced by a high-definition, magnified 3D view of the surgical site. It comprises three key components: the surgeon console, where the surgeon directs the procedure via an advanced visual interface; the patient cart, which houses robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments and a high-resolution camera; and the vision cart, responsible for image transmission and visual processing. Crucially, the system is not autonomous. The entire operation is performed under the full control of a surgeon.
The system was first used at KAMC in a thoracic surgery, followed by a complex procedure for a patient with uterine cancer. The surgery was completed without complications, and the patient was discharged in less than 24 hours.
KAMC now plans to expand the system’s use to a wide range of specialties, including urology, gastrointestinal surgery, thoracic and cardiac procedures, bariatric surgery, and other advanced general surgeries.
The system offers a range of technical and medical advantages, including high-definition 3D visualization that allows surgeons to observe intricate anatomical details with exceptional clarity; ultra-precise instrument control that mimics the natural movement of the human hand with microscopic accuracy; and minimally invasive procedures through small incisions, which significantly reduce pain, blood loss, and the risk of infection.
Patients benefit from faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and improved surgical outcomes with lower complication rates compared with traditional surgery. Additionally, the system supports advanced surgical education and training through a safe, highly accurate simulation environment.
KAMC seeks to broaden the application of robotic surgery across additional subspecialties, advance physician training through immersive virtual reality simulations, and use smart analytics and artificial intelligence to elevate the precision, efficiency and overall quality of surgical outcomes.