Latest news with #Al-Shalhoub
Saudi Gazette
6 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Interior Ministry: Hajj success a shared responsibility as pilgrims arrive in Mina
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior emphasized on Wednesday that the success of the Hajj season is a shared responsibility, calling on all parties to adhere strictly to official regulations. Security and organizational preparations are in full effect to ensure smooth pilgrim movement between the holy sites. In a press briefing, Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub confirmed that pilgrims had been safely transported to Mina to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 'We are utilizing advanced technologies across all sectors to ensure the safety and service of pilgrims. There are no challenges we cannot overcome,' Al-Shalhoub said. 'Our efforts stem from the deep-rooted values of Saudi society—our security personnel serve without seeking reward except from God.' He underscored that the success of the Hajj pilgrimage is a collective responsibility, urging everyone to comply with safety instructions, adhere to scheduled group movement times, and respect approved transportation plans. He also warned of legal consequences for unauthorized transport of pilgrims. Al-Shalhoub revealed that authorities have issued 357 administrative decisions against 397 individuals involved in violating Hajj transport regulations. He added that anyone issuing visitor visas to those attempting to perform Hajj without permits would also be held accountable. Dr. Ghassan Al-Nouaimi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, reiterated Saudi Arabia's welcome to the pilgrims, noting the arrival of over 1.5 million pilgrims from abroad. He said more than 94,000 employees and 3,000 volunteers are serving the pilgrims this year. Al-Nouaimi projected that over one million pilgrims would arrive in Mina by the end of Wednesday, the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. He emphasized the importance of complying with the official pilgrim movement schedules and avoiding walking between the holy sites outside approved plans. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also launched an updated version of the 'Nusuk' card with enhanced security features, linked to the Nusuk and Tawakkalna apps. Carrying the card is mandatory for all pilgrims during their movements in the holy sites and the Grand Mosque. He also highlighted that 97% of service providers were found compliant following more than 62,000 inspection tours of pilgrim accommodations. In addition, the operational capacity of the Mataf (circumambulation area) has been raised to accommodate 107,000 pilgrims per hour.
Zawya
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
$132.9bln in Saudi humanitarian aid reaches 171 countries
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has contributed $132.9 billion in humanitarian aid to 171 countries, according to an official. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has implemented 3,361 projects in 106 countries at a cost of more than $7.3 billion since its establishment in 2015 by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, KSrelief's director of media and public relations, Shalhoub Al-Shalhoub, said the center continues to provide aid in challenging environments across more than 90 countries. The center collaborates with international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to strengthen its ability to respond quickly and effectively to crises. Despite its widespread impact, KSrelief faces some challenges in delivering aid, particularly in politically unstable regions. Al-Shalhoub outlined key obstacles, including looting and seizure of aid convoys by armed groups, attacks on humanitarian workers, and logistical difficulties such as customs duties and the black-market reselling of relief supplies. To overcome these challenges, KSrelief collaborates with more than 211 organizations worldwide and engages local groups and volunteers to ensure aid is delivered effectively. It also conducts needs assessments and implements training programs to enhance humanitarian response. 'These obstacles make it harder to reach those in need,' he said. Regarding Gaza, KSrelief first sends aid to El-Arish, Egypt, where it is then transported through the Rafah border crossing. In Syria, the center operates both land and air aid bridges, dispatching trucks and planes with relief supplies while working closely with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to distribute aid within the country. KSrelief also mobilizes volunteers for its humanitarian efforts. 'More than 3,000 Saudi volunteers have applied for the Amal Program to support Syrian relief efforts,' Al-Shalhoub said. 'Additionally, foreign residents in Saudi Arabia are welcomed to participate in our volunteer programs, and the center has special programs to engage with expatriate communities to involve them in humanitarian work.' KSrelief also supports refugees inside Saudi Arabia, who make up 5.5% of the population. 'Saudi Arabia treats refugees as guests and provides them with free healthcare, education, and social services,' Al-Shalhoub added. The organization continues to assist refugees outside the Kingdom, particularly in crisis-affected regions such as Syria, Yemen, and Palestine, through targeted relief programs. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
$132.9 billion in Saudi humanitarian aid reaches 171 countries
By Yassmin Jabri RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has contributed $132.9 billion in humanitarian aid to 171 countries, according to an official. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has implemented 3,361 projects in 106 countries at a cost of more than $7.3 billion since its establishment in 2015 by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, KSrelief's director of media and public relations, Shalhoub Al-Shalhoub, said the center continues to provide aid in challenging environments across more than 90 countries. The center collaborates with international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to strengthen its ability to respond quickly and effectively to crises. Despite its widespread impact, KSrelief faces some challenges in delivering aid, particularly in politically unstable regions. Al-Shalhoub outlined key obstacles, including looting and seizure of aid convoys by armed groups, attacks on humanitarian workers, and logistical difficulties such as customs duties and the black-market reselling of relief supplies. To overcome these challenges, KSrelief collaborates with more than 211 organizations worldwide and engages local groups and volunteers to ensure aid is delivered effectively. It also conducts needs assessments and implements training programs to enhance humanitarian response. 'These obstacles make it harder to reach those in need,' he said. Regarding Gaza, KSrelief first sends aid to El-Arish, Egypt, where it is then transported through the Rafah border crossing. In Syria, the center operates both land and air aid bridges, dispatching trucks and planes with relief supplies while working closely with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to distribute aid within the country. KSrelief also mobilizes volunteers for its humanitarian efforts. 'More than 3,000 Saudi volunteers have applied for the Amal Program to support Syrian relief efforts,' Al-Shalhoub said. 'Additionally, foreign residents in Saudi Arabia are welcomed to participate in our volunteer programs, and the center has special programs to engage with expatriate communities to involve them in humanitarian work.' KSrelief also supports refugees inside Saudi Arabia, who make up 5.5% of the population. 'Saudi Arabia treats refugees as guests and provides them with free healthcare, education, and social services,' Al-Shalhoub added. The organization continues to assist refugees outside the Kingdom, particularly in crisis-affected regions such as Syria, Yemen, and Palestine, through targeted relief programs.
