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‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards

Over 400 licensed guides are affiliated with the platform, offering customized excursions throughout the Kingdom to pilgrims. (Supplied)
Over 400 licensed guides are affiliated with the platform, offering customized excursions throughout the Kingdom to pilgrims. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 January 2025

‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards

‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards
  • Launched in 2003 and with more than 186 countries participating, the prestigious WSAs are held biennially and recognize impactful digital initiatives

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is the sole Saudi participant to win a 2024 World Summit Award in the Culture and Heritage category, thanks to its “Nusuk” platform.

The project competed against over 900 technical submissions from 160 countries.

Launched in 2003 and with more than 186 countries participating, the prestigious WSAs are held biennially and recognize impactful digital initiatives. They seek to bridge the global digital divide by honoring smart applications and creative online content. The WSAs are a key UN initiative, supported by the International Telecommunication Union.

The award reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering strategy in developing innovative technological solutions aimed at enhancing pilgrims’ experiences and highlighting cultural and heritage values.

FASTFACT

‘Nusuk’ is a suite of innovative technological solutions which facilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

It underlines the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s efforts to drive comprehensive digital transformation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

“Nusuk” is a suite of innovative technological solutions which facilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

It has already advanced significantly with the development of pioneering systems such as the Nusuk Card, Nusuk Masar and crowd management systems.

It also focuses on highlighting the Prophet’s biography and cultural landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, featuring more than 150 museums, monuments, restaurants, cafes and tourist destinations, among other notable sites that enrich the user’s experience.

Over 400 licensed guides are affiliated with the platform, offering customized excursions throughout the Kingdom to pilgrims.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has said it is very proud of its achievement and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to developing technological solutions that ensured the sustainability of the Hajj and Umrah sectors, facilitating easy access to smart services and ensuring a smooth and tranquil performance of the rituals.

Decoder

What is Nusuk?

‘Nusuk’ is an online platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which offers a suite of innovative technological solutions to acilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency. Over 400 licensed guides are affiliated with the platform, offering customized excursions throughout the Kingdom to pilgrims.


Ƶ, Iraq sign MoU to combat drug trafficking


Ƶ, Iraq sign MoU to combat drug trafficking

Updated 07 August 2025

Ƶ, Iraq sign MoU to combat drug trafficking


Ƶ, Iraq sign MoU to combat drug trafficking

  • The MoU outlines joint efforts to tackle the illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and chemical precursors, the Saudi Press Agency reported

DUBAI: Ƶ and Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Riyadh on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in combating drug trafficking and smuggling.

The MoU outlines joint efforts to tackle the illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and chemical precursors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Iraqi News Agency reported that the agreement includes 17 key articles covering a wide range of cooperative measures such as intelligence-sharing, technical training, early warning systems, and the development of joint prevention and surveillance strategies. It also emphasized enhanced coordination at border crossings, where both countries face mounting challenges linked to cross-border smuggling.

The agreement was signed by Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Naif and Iraqi Minister of Health and Chair of the Supreme Commission for Drug Control, Saleh Mahdi Al-Hasnawi.

The signing ceremony, attended by Iraq’s Ambassador to Ƶ Safia Al-Suhail, comes amid increasing regional concern over the rise in drug-related crimes and their impact on public health and national security.

Iraq’s Ministry of Health said the agreement reflects "deepened bilateral ties and institutional integration" between the two countries in addressing one of the region’s most urgent transnational threats.


Saudi Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims

Saudi Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims
Updated 07 August 2025

Saudi Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims

Saudi Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims
  • Allows for issue of permits, booking train tickets, navigating maps, without the internet

JEDDAH: Ƶ’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new feature enabling full access to the Nusuk app without consuming internet data, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The initiative, launched in cooperation with telecom providers stc, Mobily, and Zain, aims to ease the journey of pilgrims and enhance their digital experience during Hajj and Umrah.

This step allows owners of local SIM cards to use the Nusuk app and all its services without requiring an active data plan or internet connection, explained ministry spokesperson Ghassan Al-Nuwaimi.

Pilgrims can use services for permits, booking Haramain High-Speed Train tickets, navigating maps, using the artificial intelligence feature, and submitting reports and inquiries.

Nusuk platform CEO Ahmed Al-Maiman said the new feature is expected to improve crowd management, provide instant access to essential information and services, reduce the number of lost individuals, and speed up verification of permits upon entry.


Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh
Updated 07 August 2025

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Kuuru, an ambitious Saudi concept from Leylaty Group and Peru’s MCK Hospitality, delivers on its promise of a vibrant fusion of Peruvian passion and Japanese precision.

The experience begins upon entry. The interior is undeniably sophisticated, radiating a chic, fine-dining ambiance perfect for a special culinary journey. 

Visiting the Riyadh branch located in the King Abdullah Financial District, the service was impeccable, significantly elevating the evening. Our server was a knowledgeable guide, tailoring recommendations and orchestrating a seamless flow of dishes.

The culinary adventure started strong. The Kuuru ceviche was a standout, incredibly fresh and complex. Be advised: Its vibrant acidity is boldly and intensely sour, a hallmark purists adore but some palates might find assertive.

The hotate aburi offered rich, creamy scallop perfection. The tiradito hotate, featuring luxurious Hokkaido scallops and truffle, delivered exquisite flavor, though a touch more textural contrast (perhaps a crisp element) would have elevated its otherwise soft composition. 

The Nikkei-style nigiri maintained excellence. The nakka truffle (salmon belly) was beautifully balanced and simple, while the wagyu a lo pobre with the quail egg added to the umami experience.

The niku karashi main course featured a succulent grilled ribeye, perfectly complemented by Nikkei chimichurri and Japanese sweet mustard atop smooth potato puree.

Dessert provided a satisfying finale. The Lima chocoreto combined moist chocolate cake with Peruvian manjar (dulce de leche), ganache, and honeycomb — rich yet not cloying.

The signature Aka sour cocktail proved a vibrant companion throughout but may have been overpowering on the palate, especially with the already sour element to the dishes I ordered. 

My verdict is that Kuuru offers a compelling, multisensory Nikkei experience within Riyadh’s upscale dining scene. While the ceviche’s sourness is authentic and the tiradito hotate could benefit from added texture, these are minor notes in an otherwise superb symphony. 

Backed by stellar service, a distinctive menu, and an elegant setting, Kuuru is a must-visit destination for adventurous food lovers seeking memorable fusion.
 


Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze
Updated 06 August 2025

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze
  • Ornate balconies symbolize Ƶ’s architectural heritage and climatic ingenuity

RIYADH: In the heart of Al-Wajh’s historic old town, the rawasheen — ornately carved wooden balconies — are enduring symbols of Ƶ’s architectural heritage and climatic ingenuity.

These elegant, protruding structures once lined the homes of coastal residents, offering more than aesthetic beauty, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.

Adorned with intricate arabesque patterns and interlocking geometric designs, the rawasheen served a vital function: cooling homes in the sweltering summer heat.

Their design allows outside air to circulate freely while shielding interiors from direct sunlight, functioning as a natural ventilation system long before modern air conditioning.

The ornate balconies in the heart of the historic Al-Wajh governorate symbolize the Kingdom’s architectural heritage. (SPA)

During the height of the summer, they transformed into protective barriers that welcomed Red Sea breezes and offered shade and comfort to residents, the SPA report explained.

The old town of Al-Wajh, with its preserved port, ancient walls, castles, and historic buildings, remains a testament to the region’s building techniques and rich heritage.

Once known as the port of Hegra (Madaen Saleh), Al-Wajh’s strategic location on the northern Red Sea coast played a key role in shaping its cultural and architectural legacy.
 

The ornate balconies in the heart of the historic Al-Wajh governorate symbolize the Kingdom’s architectural heritage. (SPA)

 


GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM
Updated 07 August 2025

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi was received by Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya at the ministry’s headquarters in Kuwait on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint efforts to advance the collaborative Gulf process as well as the latest regional and international developments, the general secretariat said in a report.

They also reviewed topics on the agenda for the upcoming 165th session of the GCC Ministerial Council of Foreign Ministers of the Cooperation Council states, scheduled for early September.