萝莉视频

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
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Minister of Hajj Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announces 1.4M+ Nusuk cards issued and 30+ new digital services launched for Hajj 1446 鈥 with over 120 guidance points on the ground. (Supplied/@media_ksa)
Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom
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Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari: 鈥淲e鈥檝e launched awareness campaigns in 50 languages and hosted global media from 25+ countries to share the true spirit of Hajj.鈥 (Supplied/@media_ksa)
Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom
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Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser presents the 1446H Hajj mobility plan, including smart trains, drones for crowd monitoring, and expanded cooled roads for safer pilgrim movement. (Supplied/@media_ksa)
Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom
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Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel: 鈥50,000+ medical services delivered, 140 surgeries performed, and no epidemic cases recorded among pilgrims so far.鈥 (Supplied/@media_ksa)
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Updated 27 May 2025

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
  • 鈥極ur goal is a safe, efficient pilgrimage for all,鈥 Hajj and Umrah minister says
  • Health, media, transport ministers outline preparations for seamless experience

RIYADH: 萝莉视频 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鈥檚 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.

鈥淲e began preparing for this season immediately after the last one ended,鈥 he said. 鈥淔rom digital permits to onsite inspections, our goal is a safe, efficient pilgrimage for all.鈥

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 鈥淎sk Me鈥 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.

鈥淥ur focus is prevention first, followed by rapid response,鈥 Al-Jalajel said. 鈥淲e are committed to protecting every pilgrim from harm.鈥

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.

鈥淪erving pilgrims is a duty we inherit and honor,鈥 he said. 鈥淓very detail matters and this year, every tool of technology and collaboration is in place to ensure a successful Hajj.


Makkah mobile stroke unit saves Ugandan pilgrim

Makkah mobile stroke unit saves Ugandan pilgrim
Updated 02 June 2025

Makkah mobile stroke unit saves Ugandan pilgrim

Makkah mobile stroke unit saves Ugandan pilgrim
  • Pilgrim lost consciousness due to severe cerebral hemorrhage
  • He was given critical treatment by the mobile stroke unit聽

MAKKAH: A medical team stationed at the Grand Mosque in Makkah saved the life of a Ugandan male pilgrim who suffered a severe cerebral hemorrhage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The pilgrim reportedly lost consciousness inside the Grand Mosque due to the hemorrhage, prompting an immediate response from the specialized unit.

鈥淭he Ugandan pilgrim received critical treatment within an impressive 16 minutes 鈥 one-sixth of the internationally accepted standard time of 60 minutes for such cases,鈥 said the report, quoting the Makkah Health Cluster.

After getting emergency care, the patient was transferred to King Abdulaziz Hospital for comprehensive treatment. He is now undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to be discharged to complete his pilgrimage.

The Medical Stroke Unit's ambulance on standby within the Grand Mosque compound. (SPA)

As a part of the nation鈥檚 Hajj preparations, a mobile stroke unit with advanced diagnostic devices, affiliated with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, is stationed at the Grand Mosque.

The team comprises a neurologist, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, emergency nurse, radiologist, and paramedic.

Every year, tens of thousands of Hajj pilgrims benefit from services provided by health centers and hospitals at the holy sites.

萝莉视频 deploys around 50,000 healthcare and other professionals to work 24 hours daily during Islam鈥檚 most important gathering.

Last week, a medical team at the Eye Health Center of King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah saved the sight of an Egyptian pilgrim who experienced sudden vision loss.

 


Firefighting and rescue drone to be used during Hajj for first time

A firefighting drone called 鈥淔alcon鈥 will be deployed during this year鈥檚 Hajj for the first time. (SPA)
A firefighting drone called 鈥淔alcon鈥 will be deployed during this year鈥檚 Hajj for the first time. (SPA)
Updated 02 June 2025

Firefighting and rescue drone to be used during Hajj for first time

A firefighting drone called 鈥淔alcon鈥 will be deployed during this year鈥檚 Hajj for the first time. (SPA)
  • The drone, enhanced with AI, is specifically designed for firefighting and rescue operations in high-altitude or otherwise challenging-to-access locations

RIYADH: A firefighting drone called 鈥淔alcon鈥 will be deployed during this year鈥檚 Hajj for the first time, the General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense announced on Sunday.

The drone, enhanced with artificial intelligence, is specifically designed for firefighting and rescue operations in high-altitude or otherwise challenging-to-access locations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It boasts an operational flight time of up to 12 hours at high altitudes and can carry a payload of approximately 40 kilograms, SPA added.

It is equipped with a versatile multi-purpose firefighting system, along with integrated rescue, control, and safety systems. Its capabilities include thermal cameras and the ability to broadcast live footage from the site, which can be directly linked to the command and control center.

The drone offers diverse applications for high-rise buildings, industrial sites, areas containing hazardous materials, crowded environments, and forest fires. Its key advantages include rapid response speed, reduced risk to personnel, and enhanced decision-making capabilities through real-time imaging, SPA said.

Director General of Civil Defense, Major General Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, made the announcement at the Press Conference of the Hajj Security Forces Commanders.Al-Faraj emphasized the importance of preventive measures through pre-inspection tours of pilgrims鈥 residences, conducting safety patrols, and implementing a number of joint scenarios and exercises with the relevant authorities a the holy sites.

These efforts aim to enhance coordination and optimal response to emergency situations, with support from rapid intervention teams deployed around the clock, he said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Security Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami said 269,678 non-residents of Makkah without permits were stopped from entering the holy city, 252 fake Hajj campaigns were apprehended, 1,239 people transporting others in violation of Hajj regulations were arrested, and 109,632 vehicles violating Hajj rules were sent back.

 


A dream fulfilled: Saudis accompany parents to Hajj for the first time

A dream fulfilled: Saudis accompany parents to Hajj for the first time
Updated 02 June 2025

A dream fulfilled: Saudis accompany parents to Hajj for the first time

A dream fulfilled: Saudis accompany parents to Hajj for the first time
  • Young Saudis reflect on experiencing the pilgrimage of a lifetime with their parents

RIYADH: Hajj is often described as the journey of a lifetime. For many Saudis, it is even more meaningful when it is shared with their parents.

Young pilgrims accompany their mothers and fathers to Hajj as a way of renewing their commitment to family and to create a deeper sense of spiritual responsibility, especially among first-time pilgrims.

The experience becomes an intergenerational bond built through shared rituals, resilience and reflection.

Many young pilgrims accompany their parents to Hajj as a way of renewing their commitment to family and to create a deeper sense of spiritual responsibility. (SPA)

鈥淵ou need someone to guide you 鈥 and who better than your mother?鈥 said 22-year-old Ethar Abdulrahman.

For her, the idea of going to Hajj alone felt overwhelming: 鈥淚t鈥檚 not easy for someone my age to go through Hajj alone. You need someone to guide and support you, and emotionally you need someone to ease the loneliness of being away from family. Having that person be your parent is just beyond amazing.鈥

While accompanying her mother, Abdulrahman鈥檚 role quickly shifted from daughter to caregiver 鈥 one who packed thoughtfully, walked attentively and remained emotionally present through every stage of the pilgrimage.

I wasn鈥檛 just performing rituals. I was also caring for someone I love 鈥 holding her hand in Tawaf, supporting her through heat and crowds. I鈥檒l never forget those moments.

Rania Al-Mutairi

鈥淚 packed medications and creams in case she got tired or needed anything,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he most meaningful moment was after we finished the stoning ritual and returned to the camp. She would tell me stories about the Prophet and how difficult Hajj used to be before all the services and facilitation. It brought a sense of history to the present.鈥

One of the most moving aspects of these journeys is the storytelling, with older pilgrims recalling their first Hajj decades ago under vastly different conditions. (Supplied)

Spending days and nights side by side, praying, walking and resting, had a profound effect on their relationship.

鈥淚t brought me much closer to my mother,鈥 said Abdulrahman. 鈥淚 realized how wise and spiritually grounded she is.鈥

For Rania Al-Mutairi, 24, the decision to accompany her mother held deep intentions.

At first I was anxious about the time and logistics, but soon I realized Hajj isn鈥檛 a race. Slowing down with (my father) gave me more time to reflect and be present. It was a spiritual recalibration.

Hamad Al-Qahtani

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 just performing rituals,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 was also caring for someone I love 鈥 holding her hand in Tawaf, supporting her through heat and crowds. I鈥檒l never forget those moments.鈥

She described the journey as a spiritual and emotional balancing act: 鈥淲hen your focus is on someone else, it can be easy to forget your own needs. But somehow Hajj makes you grow into both roles 鈥 servant and seeker.鈥

Many young pilgrims accompany their parents to Hajj as a way of renewing their commitment to family and to create a deeper sense of spiritual responsibility. (SPA)

The role of a caregiver during Hajj is not limited to carrying bags or fetching water. It is about constant emotional attentiveness 鈥 watching for signs of exhaustion, navigating crowds carefully, and offering reassurance when the heat or pressure becomes overwhelming.

Hamad Al-Qahtani, 26, accompanied his elderly father and said the experience transformed his understanding of patience.

鈥淢y dad walks slower and needs frequent breaks,鈥 he said. 鈥淎t first I was anxious about the time and logistics, but soon I realized Hajj isn鈥檛 a race. Slowing down with him gave me more time to reflect and be present. It was a spiritual recalibration.鈥

Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, 萝莉视频. (AFP file photo)

One of the most moving aspects of these journeys is the storytelling, with older pilgrims recalling their first Hajj decades ago under vastly different conditions.

鈥淓very time we sat down to rest, my mother would tell me how she did this 30 years ago,鈥 Abdulrahman recalled. 鈥淏ack then, it was tents with barely any cooling, long walks with no shade, and limited access to health services.

鈥淭oday I watched her marvel at the buses, the apps, the water stations. It reminded me of how far we鈥檝e come as a country 鈥 and how much easier it is now, thanks to the efforts of the Saudi authorities.鈥

You need someone to guide you 鈥 and who better than your mother?

Ethar Abdulrahman

While many young pilgrims embark on Hajj focused on their own internal transformation, those who accompany parents often find their biggest growth comes from the act of service.

One of the most moving aspects of these journeys is the storytelling, with older pilgrims recalling their first Hajj decades ago under vastly different conditions. (Supplied)

Serving a parent during Hajj is, for many, a form of worship 鈥 one that aligns with Islamic values of honoring one鈥檚 mother and father, especially in moments of vulnerability and need.

Al-Mutairi said: 鈥淚 think I learned more from serving my mother than I did from any book. Hajj gave me the space to observe her strength, her patience and her unwavering faith. It taught me what submission really looks like.鈥

The young Saudis feel there is something profoundly symbolic about guiding a parent through the same rituals they once performed for their own elders. The circular nature of the experience 鈥 care being returned, support offered back 鈥 creates a spiritual loop that extends across time and generations.

While every pilgrim walks their own path, those who share it with a parent carry more than just ihram and water bottles. They carry legacy, love and a living reminder that faith is not only inherited but also nurtured.

 


49th Hajj symposium highlights pilgrimage in a changing world

This year鈥檚 symposium was held under the theme 鈥楥apability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.鈥 (AN photo)
This year鈥檚 symposium was held under the theme 鈥楥apability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.鈥 (AN photo)
Updated 01 June 2025

49th Hajj symposium highlights pilgrimage in a changing world

This year鈥檚 symposium was held under the theme 鈥楥apability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.鈥 (AN photo)
  • Authorities, experts discuss strategies to enhance safety, experience

JEDDAH: The 49th Grand Hajj Symposium was held in Jeddah on Sunday and gathered scholars, intellectuals and officials from across the Islamic world to reflect on the evolving significance of Hajj in the context of current global challenges.

Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), this year鈥檚 symposium was held under the theme 鈥淐apability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.鈥

The event underscored how Hajj remains a deeply spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian ritual that has adapted to today鈥檚 logistical and societal challenges.

Prince Faisal bin Salman, the special adviser to King Salman and chairman of Darah, noted 萝莉视频鈥檚 long-standing commitment to pilgrims. (AN photo)

It sought to align the foundations of Islamic teachings with the practical realities of modern Hajj, from technological and health developments to logistical transformations affecting every step of the pilgrimage.

The Grand Hajj Symposium has served as a platform for scholarly exchange for over four decades, fostering dialogue on Hajj among academics and religious leaders.

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: 鈥淭his year鈥檚 preparations for Hajj are the result of integrated efforts aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Guests of Allah Service Program.鈥

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: 鈥淲hat we witness today in terms of harmony and readiness among various sectors reflects the leadership鈥檚 care for the pilgrims and its commitment to enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and seamless environment. (AN photo)

He noted that the efforts of the Saudi authorities had significantly improved pilgrim satisfaction from 74 percent in 2022 to 81 percent in 2024. The readiness level for Hajj this year, as of Saturday, had reached more than 97 percent, compared to 81 percent last year.

He added: 鈥淲e have focused on enhancing the digital Hajj experience and leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate the pilgrim鈥檚 journey, ensure their safety, and enhance their comfort.鈥

Key initiatives include infrastructure upgrades led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, including 170,000 sq. meters of shaded areas, 20,000 newly planted trees, and the construction of rubberized pedestrian walkways at the holy sites.

Healthcare provisions have also been expanded with a new emergency hospital, 15 ambulance units, 71 rapid response stations, and 64 two-story health complexes.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has implemented an advanced operational package encompassing enhanced mobility systems, improved spatial guidance, upgraded audio systems, children鈥檚 hospitality centers, and an enriched itikaf (spiritual retreat) experience.

Al-Rabiah said: 鈥淲hat we witness today in terms of harmony and readiness among various sectors reflects the leadership鈥檚 care for the pilgrims and its commitment to enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and seamless environment.

鈥淲e strive and hope that these efforts will contribute to the continual development of the Hajj system and the elevation of the pilgrim鈥檚 experience year after year.鈥

Saleh Al-Rasheed, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said that the commission was established to deliver integrated services in line with Vision 2030.

He added that a newly launched general transport center had brought together more than 10 entities to streamline the transportation of pilgrims.

With over 23,000 buses and the Al-Mashaaer train system in place, the transportation network provides safe and efficient mobility for pilgrims.

Enhancements to Makkah鈥檚 central area and the completion of ring roads have further improved access.

Al-Rasheed also stressed that projects managed by the Kidana Development Company 鈥 including upgrades in signage, shading and pedestrian facilities as part of a broader strategy 鈥 had helped to elevate the overall experience of Hajj.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Grand Mufti, said that those unable to obtain a Hajj permit fell under the ruling of lacking istita鈥檃h (capability), even if they were physically and financially able.

Educating pilgrims on the jurisprudence of istita鈥檃h was among the key duties, as it served to facilitate the rituals and protect lives, he explained.

Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami emphasized the importance of complying with Hajj permit regulations to ensure public health and safety.

He said that performing Hajj without a permit 鈥渃auses significant harm to law-abiding pilgrims and every visitor to the holy sites.鈥

The Ministry of Interior, alongside other agencies, has led a campaign to curb violations to help contribute to smoother crowd control and reduce risk of overcrowding.

Prince Faisal bin Salman, the special adviser to King Salman and chairman of Darah, noted the Kingdom鈥檚 long-standing commitment to pilgrims.

He said: 鈥淪erving the pilgrims has been regarded as a sacred honor, a duty, and a historic responsibility entrusted to the leadership of this nation 鈥 generation after generation.

鈥淭heir diligent efforts (King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) have led to the implementation of major infrastructure projects and comprehensive services 鈥 both logistical and humanitarian 鈥 that accompany the pilgrims from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom until their safe departure to their destinations.鈥

Darah also announced a new knowledge-based project to expand research and documentation to reinforce the cultural and scholarly role of the Two Holy Mosques and facilitate scientific and scholarly exchange among researchers and experts from across the Islamic world.

The symposium鈥檚 program also featured a series of insightful sessions and workshops focused on enhancing the Hajj experience.

鈥淔acilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims鈥 highlighted 萝莉视频鈥檚 strategic approach to improving pilgrimage services, while another session explored the religious and practical dimensions of a pilgrim鈥檚 ability to perform Hajj.

Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, the deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, delivered a keynote address on enhancing service quality and leveraging capabilities to care for pilgrims.

The symposium also included two specialized workshops: one focused on health services, and the other on media and awareness to support and inform pilgrims.

 


Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha

Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha
Updated 01 June 2025

Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha

Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha
  • 鈥楻ibbons of giving鈥 festival features concerts, movies, games for all ages
  • Highlights include performance by oud maestro Islam Al-Qasabgy

DHAHRAN:  The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is celebrating Eid Al-Adha with three days of activities.

From June 7-9, visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 31 events, including music, storytelling, games and workshops, under the theme 鈥渞ibbons of giving.鈥

Many of the activities will be in Arabic but are open to all.

Among the highlights will be a concert at Ithra Theater by Egyptian oud virtuoso Islam Al-Qasabgy, who is renowned for blending classical Arabic music with modern styles.

Ithra Cinema, meanwhile, will showcase the Japanese manga character Chibi Maruko-chan and also screen the Japanese animated fantasy movie 鈥淜iki鈥檚 Delivery Service鈥 with Arabic subtitles.

Another screening will be 鈥淪aleeq,鈥 a short animated film about a lonely grandmother who faces a flood after a pot of rice boils over.

Among the other festive offerings are a 96 km trek along the historic Hajj trail that revives stories of persistence and generosity echoing across generations.

Entry to the center is free but some events are ticketed. The center will be open from 4-11 p.m. during the Eid celebrations.