Saudi Islamic Affairs minister meets with Egyptian Minister of Endowments

Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh and Osama Al-Azhari met in Cairo on Saturday. (SPA)
Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh and Osama Al-Azhari met in Cairo on Saturday. (SPA)
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Updated 24 August 2024
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Saudi Islamic Affairs minister meets with Egyptian Minister of Endowments

Saudi Islamic Affairs minister meets with Egyptian Minister of Endowments
  • Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh is in Egypt to lead Kingdom’s delegation at 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs

RIYADH: The Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance met with the Egyptian Minister of Endowments Osama Al-Azhari in Cairo on Saturday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting, also attended by Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, marked the beginning of Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh’s visit to Egypt, where he is leading the Kingdom’s delegation at the 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

The discussions between the two ministers focused on enhancing cooperation in various fields to advance Islamic work.

Al-Azhari expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s participation in the conference, and acknowledged the Kingdom’s influential role as a leader in Islamic affairs and its promotion of tolerance, moderation, and balanced discourse.

The conference, which starts on Sunday and ends on Monday, is being held under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

It will feature more than 100 participants, including ministers, muftis, and representatives of Islamic organizations from more than 60 countries.


Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo wins architectural design award

Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo wins architectural design award
Updated 27 May 2025
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Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo wins architectural design award

Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo wins architectural design award

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai has won gold in the Cultural Architecture — Interactive and Experiential Spaces category of the New York Architectural Design Awards.

The pavilion, which offers visitors an immersive experience and insight into the Kingdom’s heritage, was spearheaded by the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission and led by CEO Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman and project manager Fatima Al-Doukhi. Also involved in the design were the renowned Foster + Partners.

The design highlights the cultural similarities between Saudi Arabia and Japan while focusing on sustainability, employing passive cooling strategies enhanced by strategically placed blocks to facilitate air flow.

The pavilion features low-carbon materials, energy-efficient lighting and solar energy technologies. It also includes Braille signage and pathways for visitors with disabilities, making the building accessible for all.

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion has already attracted over half a million visitors since its launch on April 13.

It has also hosted over 175 events, including cultural performances, business events, media and over 400 VIP delegations.


Jouf businesses to feed Hajj pilgrims transiting province

Jouf businesses to feed Hajj pilgrims transiting province
Updated 27 May 2025
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Jouf businesses to feed Hajj pilgrims transiting province

Jouf businesses to feed Hajj pilgrims transiting province
  • Health products will also be provided when they visit Pilgrim’s City in Al-Shaqiq

RIYADH: The Jouf Chamber of Commerce has launched an initiative to support pilgrims passing through the region on their way to perform Hajj.

The organization in the northern Saudi Arabia province will supply pilgrims with around 300 care packages, including essential hygiene products, when they visit Pilgrim’s City in Al-Shaqiq, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Additionally, local businesses will be stepping up to provide meals and refreshments for the pilgrims as they pass through the province, heading to Makkah and Madinah.

The climax of the Hajj season, known as Arafat day, will possibly be on June 5, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Volunteers will be on hand to assist the visitors.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court called on Muslims in the country to look for the new moon of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah around dusk on Tuesday.

The Hajj is one of the key pillars of Islam and requires pilgrims to perform various rituals at the holy sites in Makkah.

After completing the Hajj, many pilgrims travel to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque, before heading home.


Saudi, US security agencies sign agreements

Saudi, US security agencies sign agreements
Updated 27 May 2025
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Saudi, US security agencies sign agreements

Saudi, US security agencies sign agreements

RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, Saudi Minister of Interior, has signed a number of agreements with US counterpart agencies, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The agreements fall within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control and the Facilities Security Forces' mandate to develop human capital, transfer knowledge, and enhance the capabilities of security agencies in drug control, training, and vital facilities security.

The minister signed the agreements under the directives of the Saudi leadership, SPA said.

The agreements fall within the framework of strengthening international partnerships with counterpart agencies.


Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom

Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom
Updated 27 May 2025
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Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom

Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom
  • ‘Our goal is a safe, efficient pilgrimage for all,’ Hajj and Umrah minister says
  • Health, media, transport ministers outline preparations for seamless experience

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full readiness to serve pilgrims during Hajj 1446H, with more than 1.07 million pilgrims already in the Kingdom and advanced digital systems deployed across sectors to ensure a safe and seamless experience for them.

At a joint press conference on Monday, ministers from Hajj and Umrah, Health, Transport and Media outlined the strategic and operational plans for the pilgrimage season, which align with Vision 2030’s goals for service excellence.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that more than 1.4 million Nusuk smart cards had been issued and more than 30 new digital services launched via the Nusuk app this year. The digital platform supports the entire pilgrim journey, from arrival to departure, including permits, mobility, guidance and real-time updates.

Al-Rabiah said that pilgrim camp allocations in Mina and Arafat were now fully integrated with crowd flow systems.

“We began preparing for this season immediately after the last one ended,” he said. “From digital permits to onsite inspections, our goal is a safe, efficient pilgrimage for all.”

As part of the operational strategy, the ministry has conducted more than 37,000 inspections of service providers this month, identifying 3,400 violations and resolving them immediately.

To assist pilgrims on the ground, more than 120 guidance points have been established, including the “Ask Me” service and more than 400 electric carts for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said that more than 50,000 healthcare services had been delivered, with no epidemic cases detected so far.

A 60 percent increase in clinical capacity has been implemented this year, supported by three field hospitals, 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances and 11 air ambulances. Since the start of the season, the ministry has performed 140 surgeries, 65 heart catheterizations and six open-heart operations.

“Our focus is prevention first, followed by rapid response,” Al-Jalajel said. “We are committed to protecting every pilgrim from harm.”

Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser announced the integration of smart monitoring systems, including the use of drones to monitor crowd movement and sensor-enabled roads to reduce heat by up to 12 degrees Celsius.

The Mashair Train will carry up to 72,000 pilgrims per hour, while Haramain High-Speed Railway is offering 2 million seats, up by 400,000 from last year. Additionally, rubberized and cooled road technologies have been expanded by 30 percent to improve comfort and reduce heat exposure.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari said that the Kingdom had launched Hajj awareness campaigns in 50 languages and was now hosting international broadcasters from more than 25 countries. More than 10,000 Wi-Fi access points have also been activated in the holy sites to keep pilgrims connected.

Al-Dosari emphasized the role of AI this year in managing crowd flow and optimizing decision making in real time through data analysis, all handled by trained digital teams.

“Serving pilgrims is a duty we inherit and honor,” he said. “Every detail matters and this year, every tool of technology and collaboration is in place to ensure a successful Hajj.


Saudi health minister: No epidemic threats detected during Hajj season so far, no risk of outbreaks

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel. (MoH)
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel. (MoH)
Updated 26 May 2025
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Saudi health minister: No epidemic threats detected during Hajj season so far, no risk of outbreaks

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel. (MoH)
  • Saudi Arabia began Hajj readiness months in advance, conducting global health risk assessments for diseases such as yellow fever, polio, and meningitis

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed on Monday that there have been no public health concerns during the Hajj season so far and that the public health situation remains stable.

“We are pleased to announce that no epidemic cases have been detected so far and there is no risk for outbreak of diseases. The health and safety of pilgrims remain our highest priority,” said Al-Jalajel in an official statement.

He said the Kingdom is proactively preparing to ensure a safe pilgrimage experience for everyone and the health ministry continues to closely monitor the health situation.

Saudi Arabia’s extensive preparedness has been guided by the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and is made possible by close cooperation across public, private, and non-governmental sectors, the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia began Hajj readiness months in advance, conducting global health risk assessments for diseases such as yellow fever, polio, and meningitis. These efforts led to the implementation of strict health entry requirements and the introduction of new “health capability” criteria to ensure pilgrims are medically fit to perform their rituals safely, the ministry added.

Al-Jalajel thanked all countries for cooperating and adhering to the guidelines. “Our story with Hajj is long-standing, but every year we write a new chapter—with greater readiness, deeper awareness, and smarter technology,” the minister said.

Health teams have been stationed at 14 entry points across land, air, and sea to provide immediate medical services since the first flight under the Makkah Route Initiative arrived, the ministry said.

So far, over 50,000 healthcare services have been delivered, including 140 surgeries, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart procedures.

As part of preventative measures against extreme heat, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has planted over 10,000 trees, expanded shaded walkways, and installed 400 water stations and mist fans.

The Ministry has also launched many multilingual public health awareness raising campaigns through media, field engagement, and international medical missions.

It has also significantly boosted the health infrastructure at the holy sites. Bed capacity has increased by 60 percent compared to last year. A new emergency hospital with 200 beds was recently inaugurated in Mina, while three field hospitals — totaling more than 1,200 beds — were deployed in collaboration with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and National Guard.

This year has also seen the highest-ever private sector involvement in Hajj healthcare, with three major private hospitals operating at the holy sites.

To ensure rapid emergency responses, 11 medical evacuation aircraft, 900 ambulances, and 71 new emergency points have been activated, with more than 7,500 paramedics on the ground.

Advanced digital solutions are being deployed, including smart monitoring devices for high-risk pilgrims connected to Seha Virtual Hospital and telemedicine services for remote consultations. More than 50,000 healthcare and technical professionals are behind these efforts.

In a direct message to pilgrims, Al-Jalajel said: “You are the most important part of Hajj. Your awareness, prevention, and responsibility matter. Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged walking and overcrowded areas, wear your mask, use an umbrella, and follow movement instructions. If you feel unwell, seek help immediately. We are always by your side.”

“Awareness, prevention, and responsibility are not only personal choices—but religious and humanitarian obligations to protect the health and safety of all pilgrims,” he added.