Latest news with #Al-Murabba
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia drives 205,000 unauthorized pilgrims out of Makkah and busts 415 fake Hajj offices
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Director of Saudi Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami revealed that Public Security teams have driven out more than 205,000 people without Hajj permits from Makkah. Addressing a joint press conference of the Hajj security commanders in Makkah on Sunday, he said that the security forces have turned back more than 269,000 people without Hajj permits from entering Makkah. "The Public Security officials have arrested 1,239 people who attempted to transport illegal pilgrims, and imposed penalties on more than 75,000 violators of Hajj regulations. The security teams also busted more than 415 fake Hajj offices," he said while revealing the adoption of punitive measures to deal with violators during the Hajj season. During the press conference, the Hajj security commanders reviewed the security and organizational plans for this year's Hajj season, Al-Bassami said that Saudi Public Security was able to employ artificial intelligence to boost its security plans to crack down on violators of Hajj regulations. He stressed that security personnel will be on the lookout for anyone who violates the Hajj regulations. Al-Bassami said that Public Security has turned back 110,000 vehicles at the entry points to Makkah for transporting unauthorized pilgrims. It also impounded more than 5,000 vehicles that were planning to transport pilgrims without permits. Saudi Public Security has activated permanent security checkpoints at the entrances to Makkah to apprehend violators. Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba revealed that the number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has exceeded 1.47 million. The number of countries benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative has increased to eight countries with 12 embarkation points. Al-Murabba said that the Passports Department has worked to facilitate procedures for pilgrims in the countries benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative, indicating that they have equipped ports with the latest technology and provided multilingual staff to serve pilgrims. "We have field teams equipped with mobile bags that provide services at all locations and help identify unidentified persons," he said. Al-Murabba urged the pilgrims to depart quickly after the Hajj season ends to avoid exposing themselves to legal accountability. He revealed that the General Directorate of Passports has made the preparations to ensure the departure of the pilgrims after performing the rituals of Hajj. The Ministry of Interior affirmed its ability to deal firmly and effectively with anything that might undermine Hajj security. The State Security Presidency revealed the availability of robust security plans to manage crowds at the Jamarat facility during Hajj. "Pilgrims are in our eyes, and violators are in our grasp," the ministry said adding that it is providing protection to maintain order at vital Hajj sites. The ministry stated that Special Emergency Forces will carry out field missions to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent infiltrators and violators from accessing the holy sites without permission. On Saturday, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud reviewed the readiness of Hajj security forces to carry out their field missions to maintain the security and safety of pilgrims at the annual ceremony organized by the security forces participating in this year's Hajj. "Under the guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, I witnessed today the preparations of the Hajj Security Forces. I am proud of the complete readiness and advanced capabilities I saw, and I ask God to grant us all success in fulfilling our leadership's aspirations for a safe and successful Hajj on all levels," he said.
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Al Qabil Village: An oasis of ancient palms and historic mud homes in Najran
Saudi Gazette report NAJRAN — AlQabil Village in Najran embodies a vibrant story that highlights a rich history and culture. Its ancient palm trees embrace the sky, and its ancient mud houses express the essence of authenticity and ancient cultural identity. The village, with its rich heritage, is centered around ancient wells that once formed the arteries of life in the village, starting from its eastern borders with the "Al-Hussain" farms and extending to the borders of "Al-Jarba Village" on the western side. It is bordered to the south by the "Al-Ukhdood" archaeological site and extending to the banks of "Najran Valley" on the northern side, thus weaving an artistic canvas that embodies the depth of history and the authenticity of the place. The head of the Najran Society of Antiquities and History, Mohammed Al-Hatela, explained that the village of Al-Qabil is unique in its long history, as the construction of a number of its mud palaces dates back more than 350 years. It contains more than 200 mud houses, varying in height and design, revealing the time periods in which they were built, and highlighting the beauty of the ancient architecture of the Najran region. In addition, there are ancient folded wells surrounded by ancient palm trees, which add a distinctive architectural beauty and elegance, and contributed to the classification of its villages as archaeological sites, the most famous of which is the village of 'Al-Lijam,' which is considered one of the 34 heritage villages in the Najran region. Al-Hatela pointed out that the village of Al-Lijam is distinguished by its mud palaces, which date back hundreds of years. It contains more than 20 mud houses, varying in height and design between ancient and modern building styles. It also preserves a number of ancient houses, known as "Al-Duroob", towering with their historic domes on the banks of the Najran Valley, which enhance the urban identity and highlight the depth of the cultural heritage that abounds in the region and Saudi Arabia in general. Mohammed Balharith, a resident of Al-Qabil village, emphasized the residents' pride in, and keenness to preserve and restore their mud houses, given their great historical value. Balharith explained that the village of Al-Qabil embraces the famous architectural styles of mud buildings such as: 'Al-Murabba', 'Al-Mashulq', and 'Al-Muqaddam', which, along with the old palm farms, form a distinct identity, characterized by the diversity of their geometric shapes and different sizes. He reviewed the borders of the old Thursday market and the wells and surrounding villages such as: 'Al-Jadidah' and 'Bayhan', as well as the names of the villages and their old wells in the village of Al-Qabil, including 'Umm Al-Zawiya', 'Bahjah', 'Al-Saruf', 'Raqeebah', 'Al-Zujaj', 'Saeeda' and other famous wells whose names carry historical connotations and are known to this day.
Saudi Gazette
17-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Acting Passports Chief inspects administrative centers at entry points to Makkah
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Acting Director General of Passports and Commander of the Hajj Passport Forces Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba inspected on Friday the work of the seasonal administrative committee centers at the entry points to Makkah such as Baheeta, Taniem, Shumaisi, and Al-Karr. These centers operate around the clock during the Hajj season, issuing penalties for those transporting people who do not hold valid Hajj permits. Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba called on all citizens and residents to adhere to and comply with Hajj regulations and instructions, and to help facilitate the smooth and peaceful performance of Hajj rituals for the guests of God.
