Pilgrims praise Saudi Arabia’s services at Prophet’s Mosque

The total number of Umrah performers and visitors who arrived in Madinah through air, land and sea ports during the first quarter of the year. (SPA/File)
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Updated 30 October 2022
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Pilgrims praise Saudi Arabia’s services at Prophet’s Mosque

MADINAH: A group of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah praised the Kingdom’s efforts to ensure pilgrims perform Umrah rituals with ease.

Integrated services and concern for visitors confirm the Saudi government’s keenness to deliver maximum comfort for pilgrims, visitors told the Saudi Press Agency.

Jassim Mohammed Khalil from Iraq said that what he saw on his way to perform prayers in the mosque reflected the bright image of the organization and the interest in serving visitors.

Taher Issa from Algeria said that the Kingdom has provided services and facilities that allow visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque to perform their rituals with comfort, reassurance and safety.

Iman Mahdi from Iraq praised the efforts of security personnel and workers in the mosque, while Mohammed Ali from Pakistan said that the Kingdom is making great efforts to provide services and facilities to pilgrims.

The total number of Umrah performers and visitors who arrived in Madinah through air, land and sea ports during the first quarter of the year and since the outset of the Umrah season reached 1,486,880.

According to a report by the undersecretariat of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for visitor affairs in Madinah, the leading Umrah performers in Madinah in terms of nationality are: Indonesia with 449,696 pilgrims, followed by Pakistan with 287,793, India with 189,052, Iraq with 122,557 and Bangladesh with 76,946.


Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66. (@KAIAirport)
Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

  • The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has expanded its electronic visa program to include citizens of three Caribbean countries: Barbados, the Bahamas and Grenada.

People from these countries can now apply, online or on arrival, for a visa to visit the Kingdom for the purposes of tourism, to perform Umrah, to attend events, exhibitions and conferences, or to visit friends and relatives, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66. It is part of the efforts by Ministry of Tourism to enhance the Kingdom’s global connectivity, stimulate economic diversification, and help achieve the tourism goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification. Those goals include an increase in the tourism industry’s contribution to gross domestic product of more than 10 percent of the total, and the creation of 1 million jobs in the sector.

The Ministry of Tourism introduced tourist visas in September 2019 as part of a broader initiative to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage, encourage visitors from around the world to visit the country and engage with the rich cultural experiences on offer in the country, and promote international interactions. It is expected that the eVisa program will be further expanded to include more countries.


Saudi legal center issues key research on e-commerce, tax, sports

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi legal center issues key research on e-commerce, tax, sports

  • Focus also on regulations for privatization of healthcare sector
  • Legal framework for firms listing on stock exchange under study

RIYADH: The Center of Legal Studies and Research has released seven studies covering various sectors of the economy including business, health, e-commerce and sports, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The research is a part of the center’s aim to highlight key developments and challenges within the Kingdom’s legal and legislative framework, the SPA reported. 

The studies, which are in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, also focuses on regulations for managing special economic regions and zones.

One study focused on the privatization of the healthcare sector and developing regulations in line with international best practice.

Another paper looked at tax legislation in the Kingdom and made recommendations on insolvency.

There was also research conducted on a suitable legal framework for listing Special Purpose Acquisition Companies on the Saudi Arabia stock exchange.

The center began issuing research for the first time last year on ways to streamline the Kingdom’s legal framework for the economy. 

All publications are accessible on the center’s website at www.clsr.gov.sa.


Saudi Fashion Commission launches product-development studio

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi Fashion Commission launches product-development studio

  • The Lab will help develop sustainable, thriving industry
  • Assist local designers, firms fulfil ‘Made in Riyadh’ plan

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission recently launched a studio for product development, The Lab, in Riyadh.

The launch was attended by Misk Foundation CEO Badr Al-Badr, Deputy CEO Omar Najjar, industry specialists, and officials from government entities. The headquarters of the project is in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, or Misk City. 

Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said The Lab would help develop a sustainable and thriving industry. And assist local designers fulfill their creative visions as a part of the “Made in Riyadh” label. 

Misk City CEO David Henry said The Lab would elevate the fashion industry in the Kingdom, and allow domestic businesses to showcase their products in the country and abroad.

Henry highlighted Misk City’s contribution to promoting national retail brands in the fashion sector and supporting small- and medium-sized local companies. 

The studio would support education and training programs for young Saudi Arabian designers and open new avenues for investment in the fashion sector. 

It would also assist in hosting fashion events and festivals in Misk City.


Saudi, British teams to explore prehistoric sites in Farasan Islands and Jazan

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi, British teams to explore prehistoric sites in Farasan Islands and Jazan

  • Saudi Heritage Commission, York University ink pact in Riyadh
  • Survey, excavation data will help rehabilitate archeological sites

RIYADH: The Saudi Heritage Commission has signed a scientific cooperation agreement with the University of York in the UK for archaeological surveys at prehistoric sites on the Farasan Islands in the Jazan region, as well as along the Red Sea coast in the southwest of the Kingdom.

Representing the commission at the signing ceremony, held recently at its headquarters in Riyadh, was the general manager of archaeology, Abdullah Al-Zahrani, along with the commission’s CEO, Jasser Al-Harbash. The University of York was represented by the project director at the archaeological site, Prof. Geoff Bailey.

This agreement is part of the commission’s ongoing effort to expand field archaeological surveys and excavation work across the Kingdom. And to prepare and rehabilitate archaeological sites by expanding the base of scientific partnerships with universities and international research centers specializing in heritage.

Through this agreement, the commission aims to gather more scientific data on prehistoric sites and understand patterns of ancient pastoral activity.

Field studies will be conducted, and the publication of the findings from archaeological surveys and excavations will be broadened as a result of this collaboration.

The aim is also to attract top-notch scientific talent to assist with such projects.

The agreement calls for the joint preparation of periodic reports and scientific studies, as well as the exchange of information and expertise in related fields.

Last week, the Heritage Commission signed an agreement with Japan’s Kanazawa University to collaborate on archaeological work at two prehistoric sites in Jouf and Tabuk.

It highlights the commission’s commitment to expanding its field work and archeological surveys across the Kingdom and enhances its scientific partnerships with specialist universities and centers around the world.


Syrian refugees benefit from KSrelief’s volunteer program

Updated 08 May 2024
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Syrian refugees benefit from KSrelief’s volunteer program

  • The week-long program involved 23 volunteers who assisted more than 900 Syrian refugees

RIYADH: The 25th volunteer training program organized by Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently concluded at Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The week-long program involved 23 volunteers who assisted more than 900 Syrian refugees.

Run in collaboration with the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the program offered training courses in areas such as tablet and mobile phone maintenance, sewing and embroidery, ceramics, pottery, and carpentry.

It also included English language courses, interactive science courses in chemistry and physics, and activities to enhance children’s creative and social skills.

Additionally, the program provided medical services at the camp’s clinics in specialties such as ophthalmology, dermatology, diabetic foot care, and physical and occupational therapy.

Workshops for wheelchair maintenance and repair and about medical equipment were also held.

This program was one of KSrelief’s volunteer initiatives and emphasized the importance of volunteer work.