Latest news with #Al-Rabiah
Saudi Gazette
19 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Ministers of Hajj and Health visit Arafat to review its preparedness for Hajj
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel visited Arafat on Wednesday to inspect the elaborate arrangements and preparations made to extend the best possible services and facilities for the Hajj pilgrims who head to the vast plains of Arafat on Thursday for performing the ritual of wuqoof Arafat, the climax of Hajj. Al-Rabiah carried out a field inspection tour of various locations within the holy sites, as part of the ongoing preparations for the Hajj 2025. He examined readiness of pilgrims' camps, facilities, and services before pilgrims commence their movement to Arafat for the most important ritual of Hajj. The tour included a detailed field visit to assess Arafat's readiness to receive pilgrims. The minister reviewed the efficiency of the camps, accommodation facilities, and logistical services, as well as the integrated health, technical, and service equipment—all to guarantee the smooth and safe performance of rituals. Al-Rabiah also closely followed the progress of the shading and cooling project for the courtyards surrounding the Namirah Mosque. This project stands as one of the unique initiatives dedicated to improving the environment in Arafat, covering an area of 85,000 square meters. It incorporates 320 canopies and 350 misting fans to provide a pleasant atmosphere, in addition to the planting of 2,000 trees in the eastern courtyards to expand vegetation cover. A comprehensive infrastructure, including water and electricity networks, has been prepared to ensure the project's sustainable operation. Al-Rabiah emphasized the crucial importance of integrating efforts among all participating entities and operating according to the highest standards of operational efficiency to serve the pilgrims. He stated that these actions are in direct implementation of the directives of the wise leadership, aspiring to achieve a model Hajj season that reflects the Kingdom's distinguished position and leadership in managing this grand ritual. Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel visited several field health units operated in collaboration with health associations in Arafat. This visit was part of his inspection tour to assess the readiness of health services for pilgrims during the Hajj season 2025. Al-Jalajel reviewed the medical units' equipment and the health teams' preparations to ensure the delivery of health services at the highest efficiency. This aligns with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a healthy and tranquil environment.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims urged to remain within their camps from 10 am to 4 pm to prevent heat exhaustion
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah urged pilgrims to remain within their designated camps from 10 am to 4 pm to prevent heat exhaustion, citing the high temperatures expected on the Day of Arafat. He warned that random group walking poses a significant threat to the flow of crowds and the safety of pilgrims. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with heads of Hajj missions from various countries, held on the sidelines of the 49th Grand Hajj Symposium, which concluded in Jeddah on Sunday. Al-Rabiah directed the Hajj affairs offices to strictly follow regulations with regard to the movement of pilgrims within the holy sites, emphasizing pilgrims' safety and optimal ritual performance. The minister emphasized the importance of using designated transportation from Arafat to Muzdalifah rather than walking. He stressed that dispatch and transport plans are essential for organizing crowd movement and guaranteeing safety, deeming adherence a collective responsibility. Al-Rabiah underscored the pivotal role of the Nusuk card, mandating its use for accessing the Grand Mosque, holy sites, or public transportation. He affirmed the card is now a key regulatory tool for performing rituals and preventing violations. The minister said that this year will see a significant intensification of Hajj permit verification to ensure pilgrim safety and a complete Hajj experience, all within meticulous organization befitting the sanctity and grandeur of the occasion.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business Recorder
Makkah Route Initiative to be expanded: minister
ISLAMABAD: Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, the minister for religious affairs, announced on Sunday that the Makkah Route Initiative, a key programme aimed at streamlining the Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims, will be expanded ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage season. The initiative, which was first launched in Islamabad in 2019, will now be extended to other major cities across the country, facilitating smoother travel for thousands of pilgrims ahead Hajj next year. Designed to simplify the immigration process, the Makkah Route Initiative allows pilgrims to complete their travel formalities before departing Pakistan, saving valuable time upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. 'Road to Mecca Project' set to commence on 9th Initially introduced in Islamabad and later expanded to Karachi, the programme has already benefited tens of thousands of travellers, significantly reducing waiting times at immigration points and allowing pilgrims to bypass additional checks upon arrival at their destination. Yousaf's announcement follows a recent meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, where both leaders discussed preparations for the upcoming 2025 Hajj season. According to the Ministry for Religious Affairs, the expanded Makkah Route Initiative will begin operations for the 2026 pilgrimage, covering a broader network of cities across Pakistan. In his statement, Yousaf also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Saudi government for its continuous efforts to enhance the Hajj experience, particularly for Pakistani pilgrims. He highlighted the provision of 'high-quality food, transport, and accommodations' underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to the comfort and welfare of pilgrims. Responding to Yousaf's remarks, Al-Rabiah reassured that Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to offering the best possible services to Pakistani pilgrims, particularly at key pilgrimage sites such as Mina and Arafah. 'A large number of pilgrims come from Pakistan, and it is an honour to serve them,' Al-Rabiah said. The announcement comes as preparations for the 2025 Hajj season continue. This year's pilgrimage is set to begin on June 4, with the Day of Arafah scheduled for June 5 and Eid al-Adha on June 6. Meanwhile, the Ministry for Religious Affairs reported the successful conclusion of its 33-day pre-Hajj flight operation, having transported over 115,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in preparation for the annual ritual. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Grand Hajj Symposium kicks off in Jeddah
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The 49th Grand Hajj Symposium kicked off in Jeddah on Sunday under the theme 'Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.' Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Council of Senior Scholars and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, the symposium brought together a distinguished group of scholars and researchers from across the Islamic world. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah inaugurated the event, describing the symposium as an Islamic intellectual platform that unites prominent thinkers and scholars to highlight the significance of this great pillar of Islam and to reinforce its religious and cultural dimensions. Dr. Al-Rabiah noted that this year has witnessed the launch of several programs and initiatives, including infrastructure projects sponsored by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites. These include 170,000 square meters of shaded areas, the planting of 20,000 trees, and the construction of rubber walkways to improve pilgrims' comfort and safety. Addressing healthcare readiness, the minister cited the establishment of a new emergency hospital, 15 ambulance units, 71 rapid intervention points, and 64 two-story health complexes. He also announced the inauguration of the General Transport Center as an institutional model for managing transportation in Makkah and the holy sites. The plan integrates buses and the Haraman High-Speed Railway into a flexible and efficient system. Dr. Al-Rabiah added that the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has finalized its preparations through an advanced operational package. This includes upgrades to audiovisual equipment, the development of childcare centers, and services designed to meet the diverse needs of pilgrims and ensure enhanced services. Special Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) Prince Faisal bin Salman also addressed the gathering. He emphasized the Kingdom's longstanding commitment to the Two Holy Mosques and Hajj since the unification of Saudi Arabia by the late King Abdul Aziz. He noted that serving the pilgrims has always been a sacred honor, a national duty, and a historical responsibility passed down through generations of Saudi leadership, with citizens proud to contribute to this mission. Prince Faisal highlighted the major infrastructure developments and humanitarian services now accompanying pilgrims from their arrival to their departure. He also announced the launch of the Hajj and Two Holy Mosques History Forum, organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The forum is designed to serve as a scientific and cultural platform that promotes the rich heritage of the Two Holy Mosques and encourages global scholarly exchange and research. Saudi Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and President of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh addressed the symposium through remarks delivered on his behalf by Secretary General of the Council of Senior Scholars Sheikh. Fahd Al-Majed. He noted that this blessed symposium, launched more than four decades ago, has explored vital topics concerning Hajj and broader Islamic affairs. Sheikh Abdul Aziz emphasized that this year's theme, focusing on the concept of 'Capability' in Islamic jurisprudence, addresses its practical and legal implications in light of contemporary developments. The discussions aimed to facilitate the performance of Hajj and uphold the objectives of Islamic law through scholarly dialogue and thoughtful interpretation.
Saudi Gazette
26-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Rabiah: Saudi Arabia receives over 1 million pilgrims from abroad
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said on Monday that Saudi Arabia has received more than one million pilgrims from various parts of the world through its ports. Among the pilgrims, 53 percent are male while the remaining 47 percent are females, he said while addressing the government Hajj press conference. The General Directorate of Passports announced on Monday that a total of 1,003,447 Hajj pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia from abroad through various air, land, and sea ports by the end of Sunday. Al-Rabiah said that 94 percent of pilgrims arrived from abroad by air, while 4.83 percent arrived by land ports, and approximately 0.5 percent arrived by sea. He noted that 249,400 pilgrims arrived through the "Makkah Route' Initiative. The minister said that pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom amidst an integrated system of care and services provided by the Kingdom, thanks to the unlimited support of the leadership. He emphasized that the ministry began preparations for the Hajj and Umrah season on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah 1445 AH, specifically at the end of the Hajj rituals last year. 'These preparations included submitting the preliminary arrangements document to various countries and organizing the largest Hajj conference and exhibition last January under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman with the participation of leaders from 87 countries around the world,' he said while noting that 78 extensive preparatory meetings were held with Hajj offices, which contributed to enhancing early preparedness. Al-Rabiah pointed out that the Hajj exhibition and conference contributed to documenting agreements and contracts between companies via the "Nusuk" platform, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for issuing visas. This would have a positive impact on the prices and quality of services provided to pilgrims. He noted that early preparations were conducted under the supervision of the Hajj Project Office (Hajj PMO), which is managed by the Doyof Al-Rahman program, one of the Vision 2030 programs. Al-Rabiah reviewed the efforts of the Hajj Project Office, confirming that it was able to complete 609 plans, including 6,200 tasks, in addition to organizing periodic meetings between all parties, the most recent of which was a meeting to enhance familiarity among Hajj field commanders last week. The minister also spoke about the digital transformation currently taking place in the Kingdom, particularly in Hajj and Umrah services. He reviewed several initiatives in this regard, including the "Nusuk Card," which provides advanced security and health features, ensuring pilgrims' easy movement and facilitating their entry into the Grand Mosque. The card also contains information about the pilgrim, their health status, and their housing. He emphasized that 1.4 million cards have been issued to date for pilgrims and Hajj system workers. Al-Rabiah aIso noted that this year will witness a comprehensive development of the Nusuk app, with the addition of 100 comprehensive services to enhance the Umrah and visitation experience. He explained that 30 new services have been added to the app specifically for the 2025 Hajj season, making it the best companion for pilgrims performing the rituals and obtaining various services. Regarding field preparations for the Hajj season, Al-Rabiah confirmed that the readiness of infrastructure and electricity networks has been verified, water pumping has been tested in camps, and extensive testing has been implemented in the areas of transportation and grouping. He also noted that housing has been inspected and equipped, and that the readiness of the staff working in the Hajj service system has been verified. The minister noted that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has conducted more than 37,000 inspections of various service providers, resulting in the identification of 3,400 observations that have been addressed. He emphasized that no shortcomings or negligence in Hajj service will be tolerated. He also emphasized the importance of the "No Hajj without a permit" initiative, which aims to ensure the safety of legal pilgrims, as using irregular routes to perform the Hajj pilgrimage puts the safety of those traveling through it at risk. He commended the roles played by various countries in combating fake Hajj campaigns.
