Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament
RIYADH: The speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, received his counterpart from the Arab Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, during the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.
During the meeting in Jakarta, the two reviewed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy carried out through active participation in regional and international conferences and forums.
They also discussed strengthening the mechanisms of joint Arab parliamentary action to serve Arab issues, as well as other topics of common interest.
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Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Pilgrims arrive in Mina as Saudi Arabia mobilizes services for Hajj peak
MINA: With the number of worshippers approaching two million, pilgrims on Wednesday arrived in Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah, preparing for the most important day of Hajj — the Day of Arafat — on June 5. These pilgrims are following the steps of Prophet Mohammed by spending Tarwiyah Day in Mina on Wednesday this year, making their final preparations for the Standing at Arafat, the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage, tomorrow. In compliance with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, various service sectors mobilized their capabilities to help the pilgrims perform Hajj rituals in tranquility and peace. With more than 1.4 million pilgrims confirmed to have arrived from outside the Kingdom, the pilgrims' movements into Mina proceeded smoothly in accordance with a comprehensive traffic plan. The plan covered all main routes and was supported by aerial security surveillance to ensure the orderly progression of this critical phase of the pilgrimage. In weather conditions of about 41°C, the ministry urged all pilgrims to familiarize themselves with its hospitals and medical centers should they require health assistance, wherever they are in the holy sites, emphasizing that everything is available to ensure their health and safety. On the first day in Mina, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims typically spend the night there in preparation for their journey to Arafat the next day. With their prayers shortened, they devote their time to supplicating Allah and chanting the Talbiyah — a proclamation of their intention to perform the pilgrimage solely for the sake of the Almighty. This is traditionally recited aloud and in groups upon entering the state of ihram. The relevant security and health authorities, alongside other government and private organisations, had earlier intensified their plans and preparations to ensure the smooth performance of Hajj rituals, all under the direct supervision and close monitoring of the Saudi leadership. Khalid Al-Tala, the spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Health, provided key updates during a press conference on June 3, highlighting several pioneering health initiatives launched for the current Hajj season. Among the most notable is the use of drone technology to accelerate the delivery of medical aid to remote areas — an innovative approach the ministry says is the first of its kind globally. Al-Tala said that the current health status of pilgrims was reassuring, with no recorded cases of epidemics or major health concerns reported to date. As of the seventh day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the ministry has delivered more than 98,000 health services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and intensive treatments. He further announced the establishment of three additional field hospitals, providing a combined capacity of 1,200 beds. The ministry has also set up 71 emergency response points, deployed 900 ambulances, and added 11 medical evacuation aircraft to support healthcare operations during the pilgrimage. Advanced medical services have also been activated, including the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology and virtual health consultations. The ministry's 937 call center operates round the clock in numerous languages to assist pilgrims. Since the beginning of the Hajj season, Al-Tala said, more than 1.4 million pilgrims have benefited from preventive health services at entry points, provided in coordination with various medical mission clinics. The spokesman said that their medical teams have successfully performed 16 open-heart surgeries, 148 cardiac catheterizations, and handled 62 cases of heat exhaustion. He added that, with the participation of more than 50,000 medical and technical personnel, bed capacity has been increased by 60 percent compared with last year. Speaking to Arab News, Fatima Al-Sayed, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that the organization and services provided by the Saudi authorities in Mina are truly commendable. 'From the moment we arrived, we have felt a strong sense of care and preparedness. The tents are well equipped, clean and air-conditioned, ensuring our comfort in the heat,' she said. Al-Sayed added that medical services are readily available, security personnel are visible and helpful, and food and water are distributed efficiently. 'The crowd management and transportation arrangements are smooth, especially given the large number of pilgrims. We are deeply grateful for the efforts made to ensure our safety and to help us perform our rituals with ease and peace of mind.' she said. Situated between Makkah and Muzdalifah, Mina lies about seven kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque. It is part of the Haram, or sacred boundary, and is encircled by mountains to the north and south. It is uninhabited throughout the year, except during the Hajj season, when it becomes a focal point of the pilgrimage. On the Makkah side, Mina is bordered by the Jamarat area, while on the opposite side it adjoins the Valley of Muhassir. Muhassir gets its name from a significant historical incident — it is believed to be where the elephant of Abraha the Abyssinian halted during his failed attempt to destroy the Kaaba around the year 570 — an event known in Islamic tradition as the Year of the Elephant, which coincides with the birth year of the Prophet Muhammad.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Minister of endowments thanks Saudi Arabia for caring for Syrian pilgrims
LONDON: Syrian Minister of Endowments Muhammad Abu Al-Khair Shukri praised Saudi Arabia's hospitality and care for pilgrims during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, in Makkah on Wednesday. An estimated 22,500 Syrians embarked on the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday, which ends on June 9. Shukri emphasized the importance of cooperation to help pilgrims perform their rituals smoothly during Hajj, reaffirming Syrian pilgrims' commitment to following Saudi instructions and regulations. The minister conveyed President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's greetings to the Saudi leadership. Al-Sharaa spoke this week with Syrian pilgrims in Makkah during a video call and asked them to act as 'messengers of Syria' and show a good example during the Hajj. Al-Rabiah expressed hope for stability and tranquility in Syria, according to the SANA news agency.
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Defense Ministry launches first mobile field hospital at holy sites
RIYADH: The Ministry of Defense has launched a mobile field hospital for the first time at the holy sites to boost healthcare services during the Hajj. The hospital will provide comprehensive and high-quality medical services, the ministry said on Wednesday. 'The Joint Forces Command has harnessed all facilities and health services to ensure that the guests of God perform the Hajj pilgrimage with ease (and) in good health,' the ministry added. The state-of-the-art facility comprises 29 trailers and 26 modules that house hospital components, including the main entrance, connecting corridors, emergency exits, and essential services. It includes inpatient wards with a 50-bed capacity, fully equipped pharmacy, radiology unit, medical laboratory, and specialized clinics. It also features a surgical operating room with a recovery and sterilization wing, intensive care and observation units, and an emergency department. The hospital reflects the vital role of the Ministry of Defense in serving pilgrims and boosting the health infrastructure at the holy sites, the ministry added. The ministry's General Directorate for Health Services said Tuesday it is ready to implement an integrated medical plan to support the Ministry of Health. This plan encompasses 36 health centers across the holy sites, with a combined capacity of more than 1,000 beds. There are 1,791 health and administrative personnel deployed at fixed and field hospitals, emergency centers, and specialized clinics in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
