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King Salman orders hosting of 1,300 pilgrims from 100 nations for Hajj this year

King Salman orders hosting of 1,300 pilgrims from 100 nations for Hajj this year
A comprehensive implementation plan has been prepared, encompassing faith-based, cultural and educational programs. (FILE/AFP)
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Updated 23 May 2025

King Salman orders hosting of 1,300 pilgrims from 100 nations for Hajj this year

King Salman orders hosting of 1,300 pilgrims from 100 nations for Hajj this year
  • The program is overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance

RIYADH: King Salman has issued a royal directive to host 1,300 male and female pilgrims from 100 countries to perform Hajj this year under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation.

The program is overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, who is general supervisor of the program, expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and praised the directive as a testament to the leadership’s dedication to serving the causes of the Islamic nation and a reaffirmation of the Kingdom’s position in the Islamic world.

Al-Alsheikh said that following the royal directive, the ministry mobilized all of its resources and capabilities to deliver the highest quality services to guests. 

A comprehensive implementation plan has been prepared, encompassing faith-based, cultural and educational programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

These include organized visits to key Islamic and historical landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, as well as meetings with prominent scholars and imams of the Two Holy Mosques, all aimed at enriching the pilgrims’ spiritual and intellectual experience.

Al-Alsheikh said that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation was designed to strengthen bonds with religious, scholarly and intellectual leaders across the Islamic world, while fostering cultural exchange and advocacy. 

Since its inception in 1996, the program has hosted about 65,000 pilgrims from 140 countries. 

The ministry has provided these guests with a range of logistical, religious, health and cultural services, from their nomination through to their return to their home countries after completing the Hajj rituals.

Al-Alsheikh said that this hosting initiative showed the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims. 

The program aligns with the Kingdom’s vision to deepen its ties with Islamic nations and enhance its positive presence on the global stage, contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030’s Islamic and humanitarian goals.


Saudi FM meets with chairperson of African Union Commission

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Updated 9 sec ago

Saudi FM meets with chairperson of African Union Commission

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
  • During the meeting, the two officials reviewed aspects of relations between the Kingdom and the union

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the meeting, the two officials reviewed aspects of relations between the Kingdom and the union and ways to strengthen them in various fields. Topics of common interest were also discussed.


Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue
Updated 4 min 10 sec ago

Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission recorded 53 violations related to antiquities and urban heritage across several regions of the Kingdom during March and April 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

It comes as part of the commission’s efforts to protect Ƶ’s cultural heritage and address irregular practices that threaten its preservation, SPA added.

In March, 29 violations were identified, including the unauthorized sale of antiquities and the carrying out of archaeological survey and excavation activities without the required permits.

Several violations were also detected via social media platforms.

Two cases were referred to the Public Prosecution, seven were sent to the Violations Review Committee, and 20 were passed on to the relevant security authorities.

In April, the commission monitored 24 violations, including encroachments on archaeological sites in Madinah, the Eastern Province, Tabuk, Hail, the Northern Borders Region and Al-Jouf.

These included unauthorized entry into sites, tampering with fencing or signage, and the unlicensed use of metal detectors. Additional violations were uncovered through digital platforms, involving the possession and display of manuscripts, coins and historical replicas intended for illegal trade.

The commission has initiated legal action in several cases, referring some to the Public Prosecution and others to Public Security. The Violations Review Committee has issued financial penalties ranging from SR5,000 ($1,332) to SR50,000.

The Heritage Commission stressed that monitoring and enforcement efforts are part of a broader strategy to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Kingdom’s antiquities and preventing actions that could damage their historical or cultural significance.

It also emphasized the vital role of community members and institutions in safeguarding the nation’s heritage.

Citizens and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity or attempts to trade antiquities through official channels, including the “Archaeological Report” service, the Commission’s social media accounts, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

The commission reiterated that preserving national heritage was a shared responsibility that requires collective action.


Kingdom’s higher education gaining global prominence

Kingdom’s higher education gaining global prominence
Updated 12 min 16 sec ago

Kingdom’s higher education gaining global prominence

Kingdom’s higher education gaining global prominence
  • Taaref bin Yusuf Al-Aama: Higher education in the Kingdom is experiencing a qualitative renaissance and gaining a prominent position within the global academic landscape

WASHINGTON: Taaref bin Yusuf Al-Aama, president of King Abdulaziz University, said that Saudi higher education is gaining prominence around the world.

“Higher education in the Kingdom is experiencing a qualitative renaissance and gaining a prominent position within the global academic landscape,” he said.

“This success is attributed to the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s wise leadership and the strategic vision led by the Ministry of Education in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.”

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency during the university’s participation in the NAFSA 2025 International Education Expo in San Diego, US, Al-Aama said: “Saudi universities, including King Abdulaziz University, have made substantial progress in education, research and innovation.”

He also highlighted achievements in pioneering research and patents. This helps build a robust knowledge economy, he said. Through the expo, the university seeks to exchange expertise with international universities and promote its advanced academic programs, Al-Aama added.

Higher education institutions in the Kingdom now offer study programs that operate in line with top international standards, he said.


Graduation of logistics academy trainees celebrated

Graduation of logistics academy trainees celebrated
Updated 49 min 37 sec ago

Graduation of logistics academy trainees celebrated

Graduation of logistics academy trainees celebrated
  • Ceremony, held under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, also featured the inauguration of two new branches of the academy

RIYADH: The Saudi Logistics Academy in Riyadh recently celebrated the graduation of more than 490 trainees from various programs.

The ceremony, held under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, also featured the inauguration of two new branches of the academy in Jeddah and the Eastern Province, and the signing of five agreements with the private sector for training and rehabilitation in the academy.

Moreover, the academy received the final institutional accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, in the presence of ministers, deputies and representatives of logistics companies.

The academy clarified that it granted the entry-level employment associate diploma to 435 trainees in eight training specialities.

This includes supply chain and logistics management, marketing and customer service, shipping brokerage, warehouse management, customs clearance, port operations, procurement, e-commerce, and last-mile delivery.


Deputy governor of Qassim launches ‘World No Smoking Day’ events

Deputy governor of Qassim launches ‘World No Smoking Day’ events
Updated 29 May 2025

Deputy governor of Qassim launches ‘World No Smoking Day’ events

Deputy governor of Qassim launches ‘World No Smoking Day’ events
  • Events were organized by the anti-smoking association Tadarak

BURAIDAH: Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Faisal bin Saad, deputy governor of the Al-Qassim region, launched the “World No Smoking Day” events on Thursday.

Organized by Tadarak, an anti-smoking association, the events were launched during a visit by Ayman Al-Raqiba, director general at the Health Ministry in Qassim, to the deputy governor’s office.

During the meeting, Prince Fahd was briefed on the association’s awareness efforts in collaboration with health authorities. These efforts include high-quality programs focused on smoking prevention, treatment and education, aimed at enhancing quality of life and aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.