Centennial of iconic book that described King Abdulaziz as ‘crowning jewel’ of Arab leaders

1 / 3
Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)
Short Url
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Centennial of iconic book that described King Abdulaziz as ‘crowning jewel’ of Arab leaders

  • Celebration in capital to mark 1925 publication of ‘Kings of Arabia’
  • Event held on anniversary of monarch’s triumphant Riyadh return

RIYADH: On Jan. 15, 1902, King Abdulaziz Al-Saud returned in triumph to Riyadh after a period of exile in Kuwait, and consolidated control over both the political and religious powers of Arabia.

The event marked the beginning of a new era for the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Islamic world.

This year on Jan. 15, to mark the monarch’s return 123 years ago, the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh celebrated the centennial of an iconic book, “Kings of Arabia,” one of Lebanese-American writer and political activist Amin Rihani’s most notable books.

Published in 1925, it follows the writer’s journey across the Arabian Peninsula and his encounters with its most prominent Arab leaders.

Upon meeting King Abdulaziz, known at the time as the Sultan of Najd and its dependencies, Rihani famously had this to say about the late ruler: “Now that I have met all the Arab leaders. None of them (is) greater than this man.




Centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

“And I am not hastily judging nor am I exaggerating. As he is truly great. Great in his handshake and smile. Great in his words and his gaze.

“Great at stomping the Earth with his staff. He speaks his mind in the first meeting fearing no man. He reveals his secret and what a great secret it is.

“A man who knows his worth and believes only in Allah and himself. The man in him is greater than the Sultan. And he earned his people’s leadership with merits, not titles.

“I came to Ibn Saud with a heart that carries neither love nor hate as I told him. Neither the British’s nor the Hejaz’s opinions, neither the praises nor the condemnations had affected me, and the heart was filled with love in the first meeting between us.

“Even though this love might not be a result of admiration. I am delighted to have visited Ibn Saud after having visited them all. Truly, he is the crowning jewel.”

Prince Faisal bin Salman, special advisor to King Salman and chairman of the board of directors of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, spoke at the event which was hosted jointly by the foundation and the Amin Rihani Organization.




Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud speaks during the centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

Prince Faisal spoke about how Rihani came to Saudi Arabia with the preconceived notions common among many people who “did not have the opportunity to get to know the Arabian Peninsula up close.”

“At that time, the Arabian Peninsula and its neighboring countries were wary of the other, and looked at it with suspicion,” he said.

“King Abdulaziz in his wisdom adopted an open and welcoming dialect for all, believing that living authentic Islamic and Arab values ​​such as faith, trust in Allah, generosity, courage, and chivalry would change understanding and break barriers and distances.”

Prince Faisal also saluted the progress made in the Kingdom since the establishment of the First Saudi State in 1932.

“This scene pictured by Rihani in his book, conveyed ... the building of a contemporary state that combines authenticity, modernity, and ambitious fruits for the future.




Centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

“The success established by King Abdulaziz was continued in his sons, the kings after him, arriving at Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman.”

Prince Faisal added that “they too walk on the same path of preserving the Islamic principles and authentic Arab values ​​of Abdulaziz, the spirit of growth and opening up to the world, which made the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today one of the most important models globally in development, progress and innovation.”

Prince Faisal said that he has never encountered anyone who had previously held a negative image of the Kingdom and who had not reevaluated their misconceptions after visiting and meeting its people.

Rihani’s nephew, president of the Amin Rihani Organization and professor at Notre Dame University in Lebanon, Amin Albert Rihani, delivered a speech remotely.

“Those interested in Middle Eastern studies around the world will find it difficult to understand the developments and current events in the Middle East at the beginning of the 21st century unless they read the book ‘Kings of Arabia,’ because it constitutes the cornerstone of the history of the Near East in general and the Arab world in particular, and it also constitutes the gateway to contemporary Arab history,” he said.




Centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

Rihani spoke about the rich history and affection that connects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

“How did (Rihani’s) historical journey build, at the last of its stations, the first bridge of affection between the first two newly emerging Arab countries, between Lebanon, which was officially established in 1920, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose unification was announced in 1932?

“It is a bridge of affection, love, and appreciation between Sultan Abdulaziz and Amin Rihani.

“It is the first bridge between the small homeland with the big heart and the large homeland with the vast and wide vision, ready to keep up with the times and keep up with the model that is to be emulated in every poverty and victory.”

Rihani’s family also attended the event as the prince’s guests of honor.




Thought sessions at the Centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

Following the presentation, the event concluded with two panel discussions on the prominence of King Abdulaziz in “Kings of Arabia” and on the book’s history.

The celebration also featured a short clip of a newly released documentary film detailing Rihani’s journey and its significance in the birth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
 


Cabinet reviews Hajj 2025 plans as Dhul Hijjah begins

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. (SPA)
Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Cabinet reviews Hajj 2025 plans as Dhul Hijjah begins

  • Cabinet said the Kingdom takes pride in serving the Two Holy Mosques and receiving millions of pilgrims for Hajj, Umrah, and visits

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday reviewed plans for this year’s Hajj season as the Supreme Court announced that Dhul Hijjah will start on Wednesday.

Hajj takes place during Dhul Hijjah and the pilgrimage will start on June 4 with pilgrims gathering in the Tent City of Mina.

The Cabinet said relevant authorities were operating with the highest standards of efficiency, quality, coordination, and integration, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

These efforts aim to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, supported by the Kingdom’s extensive development projects and advanced infrastructure, which enhance all aspects of service and facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals for pilgrims from around the world, the Cabinet said.

The Cabinet said the Kingdom takes pride in serving the Two Holy Mosques and receiving millions of pilgrims for Hajj, Umrah, and visits. This reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering Islamic role and longstanding commitment since its unification by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s participation in the recent summits between the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and China. These engagements reaffirm the Kingdom’s support for international initiatives promoting sustainable development and regional stability, contributing to a prosperous future for all nations, it said.

The Cabinet welcomed the announcement of a new oil discovery in the neutral zone between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It described the development as a positive step that enhances cooperation in the energy sector and reflects the success of joint exploration and development efforts.

The Cabinet also reviewed regional and international developments, reiterating the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian cause. It called for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the cessation of violations by Israeli authorities of international laws and norms.

The Cabinet praised the launch of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition’s regional program for Sahel countries, inaugurated in Mali. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among member states in combatting terrorism and its financing through joint action and the exchange of expertise.

The Cabinet lauded initiatives launched as part of the Health Sector Transformation Program which have enhanced the quality and comprehensiveness of healthcare, improved preventive and traffic safety measures, and advanced digital health services in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

The Cabinet affirmed that the Kingdom remains committed to comprehensive and sustainable development through economic diversification, optimization of its competitive advantages, stimulation of local and foreign investment, empowerment of Saudi citizens, and the creation of job opportunities across various sectors.


Makkah Route Initiative: Enhancing the experience for once-in-a-lifetime journey

Updated 27 May 2025
Follow

Makkah Route Initiative: Enhancing the experience for once-in-a-lifetime journey

  • The initiative involves dedicated services at 12 airports in 8 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, the Maldives and Cote d’Ivoire
  • Now in its seventh year, more than 1m pilgrims benefitted from the initiative, says ministry

RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior aims to make the once-in-a-lifetime journey easy for foreign pilgrims by enhancing their Hajj experience.

Now in its seventh year, the initiative is carried out by the ministry as part of the Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program.

The ministry recently announced that more than 1 million pilgrims have benefited from the initiative since its launch, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Hajj pilgrims.

Makkah Route Initiative: A farewell wave, and a smile preceded by satisfaction as a pilgrim completing the procedures with ease at Karachi Airport. (Supplied/X/Makkah Route Initiative)

Established in 2018 and activated in 2019, the initiative enables pilgrims to complete their entry procedures to Saudi Arabia at their home countries’ airports.

Upon arrival in the Kingdom, pilgrims and their luggage are directly transported to their accommodation in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, avoiding long lines and wait times at the airport.

Pilgrims arriving under the initiative spend only a few minutes at the Saudi immigration counters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Makkah Route Initiative enables pilgrims to complete their entry procedures to Saudi Arabia at their home countries’ airports.

• Pilgrims arriving under the initiative spend only a few minutes at the Saudi immigration counters.

It includes dedicated lounges at 12 airports in eight countries — Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, the Maldives and Cote d’Ivoire.

Malaysian pilgrim Hasna Hamza, who arrived for her pilgrimage last week, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Saudi government for facilitating the journey.

Makkah Route Initiative: A farewell wave, and a smile preceded by satisfaction as a pilgrim completing the procedures with ease at Karachi Airport. (Supplied/X/Makkah Route Initiative)

Aged 74, she described the process as “smooth, respectful and deeply spiritual.”

She completed her travel procedures in Kuala Lumpur — including biometric collection, health screening, passport validation and luggage processing.

Upon arrival in Madinah, she and fellow pilgrims were swiftly transferred to their accommodation with their luggage.

Bangladesh Ambassador M. Delwar Hossain welcoming the Bangladeshi pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah. (Supplied/Embassy of Bangladesh)

Naved Hasan, a Pakistani pilgrim told Arab News that the initiative enables pilgrims “to be fully committed to performing one of their holiest duties with peace of mind.”

Mohammed Mubarak, a Bangladeshi pilgrim, added: “Completing all the necessary procedures before leaving my home country saved me a lot of time and stress.”

The first group of 414 Bangladeshi pilgrims arrived at the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on April 29.

A Hajj pilgrim completing the procedures with ease upon arrival under Makkah Route Initiative. (File photo)

Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia M. Delwar Hossain welcomed them at the airport, and assured that the Bangladesh Embassy, Consulate and Bangladesh Hajj Mission were available to support them.

The program, led by multilingual national teams and supported by advanced technology, ensures a smooth and spiritual experience for all pilgrims.

Underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to pilgrims through the Makkah Route Initiative, Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Dr. Sami Al-Saleh said the initiative “streamlines Hajj procedures and ensures a peaceful journey for pilgrims traveling from their home countries to the Kingdom.”

Makkah Route Initiative: A Hajj pilgrim completing the procedures with ease at Jakarta Airport. (Supplied/X/Makkah Route Initiative)

Al-Saleh added that the widely embraced initiative in Morocco enables pilgrims to fulfill all travel procedures at Mohammed V International Airport in their home country.

Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives this week, making it the eighth country to benefit.

Officially inaugurating the initiative at Velana International Airport in Male on Monday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu presented the passport to the first pilgrim from a group of 234.

The ministries of media, health and Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia run campaigns through social media to provide all the necessary information.

The Ministry of Hajj has reiterated that all intending to perform Hajj must obtain an official permit through the “Nusuk” platform, in technical integration with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, “Tasreeh.”

The ministry emphasized that compliance with regulations is essential to protect the safety and well-being of pilgrims, and to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj experience.

In an official statement, the ministry stressed that no separate visa category — other than the official Hajj visa — grants its holder the right to perform Hajj.

Hefty fines up to SR100,000 ($26,000) will be enforced for anyone attempting to perform Hajj without the necessary visa.

The Makkah Route Initiative is run in coordination with several government entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and Ministry of Media, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the General Authority for Awqaf, the Pilgrim Experience Program and the General Directorate of Passports.

 


Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative in Maldives

Updated 27 May 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative in Maldives

  • Maldives is eighth country to benefit, following Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, Ivory Coast

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched its Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives, making it the eighth country to benefit from the scheme.

The other seven countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco and the Ivory Coast.

President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the route at Velana International Airport in Male on Monday, in the presence of the Chairman of the Makkah Route Supervisory Committee Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, Minister of Islamic Affairs in the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and several other officials.

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurating the Makkah Route Initiative at Velana International Airport in Male in the presence of Chairman of the Makkah Route Supervisory Committee Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, and Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. (Supplied)

The President’s Office posted on X: “President Dr @MMuizzu officially inaugurates the Makkah Route Initiative, accompanied by first lady madam @sajidhaamohamed.

“The president presented the passport to the first pilgrim utilizing the Makkah Route Initiative, while the first lady presented the passport to the second pilgrim.”

The first group of 234 Maldivian pilgrims left Male Airport under the initiative for Saudi Arabia.

This is a tremendous honor for the Maldivian people.

Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ali Saeed described the occasion as a proud moment for all Maldivians.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs in the Maldives said it noted that the positive changes initiated in Hajj affairs under Muizzu’s administration were now coming to fruition, transforming the pilgrimage experience for Maldivian pilgrims.

The minister said: “This is a historic page in our efforts to ease and enhance the Hajj journey for our citizens.”

Ali Saeed expressed sincere gratitude to Muizzu for his strong support and commitment to making the Makkah Route Initiative a reality for the Maldives.

He further revealed that the inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative was made possible through special exemptions granted by Saudi Arabia, with the personal approval of King Salman.

“This is a tremendous honor for the Maldivian people,” he added, recognizing the close and valued relationship between the two nations.

The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by streamlining travel procedures in their home countries and facilitating the smooth and seamless completion of process at their designated embarkation points.

This includes collecting biometric data, electronically issuing Hajj visas, completing passport procedures at the departure airport following health verification, coding and sorting luggage according to transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom, and transferring pilgrims to buses to their residences in Makkah and Madinah.

Partner agencies are responsible for delivering the luggage to pilgrims’ accommodation in the holy cities.

 


Saudi deputy minister meets Portuguese foreign ministry official

Saud Al-Sati (R) holds talks with Helena Malcata in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 4 min 38 sec ago
Follow

Saudi deputy minister meets Portuguese foreign ministry official

  • The two officials headed the second round of political consultations between the two countries

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met Helena Malcata, director-general of foreign policy at the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The two officials headed the second round of political consultations between the two countries, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various fields.

Portuguese Ambassador to the Kingdom Nuno Matias was present during the meeting.

 


Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir walks to visit the Damascus Gate to Jerusalem’s Old City in Jerusalem, May 26
Updated 27 May 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli officials and settlers under the protection of Israeli forces on Monday.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its condemnation of the continued flagrant violations of international law and brutal attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Crowds of Israelis streamed through Jerusalem’s Old City, where some scuffled with residents and hurled insults at Palestinians, as annual celebrations of Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem took place on Monday.

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, to mark the occasion.

Jerusalem Day, as the celebrations are known, commemorates Israeli forces taking east Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

The Kingdom affirmed its categorical rejection of anything that undermines the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites.It called on the international community to hold Israeli authorities accountable for their ongoing violations against Islamic holy sites and innocent civilians in Palestine.