Latest news with #AlMutairi
Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Spiritual ride: Four pilgrims arrive in Saudi on horses from Europe to perform Hajj
Gulf Today Report In a rare display of devotion and endurance, four Muslim pilgrims arrived at Saudi Arabia's Al Hadithah border crossing this week after travelling on horseback from Europe to perform this year Hajj, reviving centuries-old pilgrimage traditions. The group, comprising three Spanish nationals and one Moroccan citizen, was warmly received by Saudi officials and volunteers at the northern Al Qurayyat region crossing. The riders' choice to traverse deserts and mountains mirrors how pilgrims travelled for Hajj before modern transportation, drawing admiration from fellow worshipers. A video widely circulated online shows the riders—dusty and fatigued—being welcomed with applause and hospitality after weeks on the road. Mamdouh Al Mutairi, director of the Al Hadithah centre, personally greeted the pilgrims, commending their journey as 'a powerful symbol of faith and commitment.' 'This remarkable effort reflects the deep spiritual drive of pilgrims coming to Hajj, regardless of the challenges,' Al Mutairi said. 'We wish them a safe and accepted pilgrimage.' Saudi border authorities, alongside medical and support teams, conducted health checks and provided refreshments and guidance. The initiative is part of broader government efforts to ensure dignified and efficient services for all pilgrims entering the Kingdom. The local Development Association of Al Hadithah also hosted a small ceremony for the group. Volunteers presented the riders with hospitality kits, flowers, and traditional welcomes. Authorities across Al Qurayyat and at the border are coordinating under the national Hajj readiness plan, aiming to facilitate safe and smooth entry for pilgrims arriving from across the world. As over 1.8 million pilgrims prepare for Hajj 2025, this story stands out as a testament to enduring faith and perseverance.
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Pilgrims from Europe arrive in Saudi Arabia on horseback to perform Hajj
Listen to article In a rare display of devotion and endurance, four Muslim pilgrims arrived at Saudi Arabia's Al Hadithah border crossing this week after travelling on horseback from Europe to perform Hajj. The group, comprising three Spanish nationals and one Moroccan citizen, was warmly received by Saudi officials and volunteers at the northern Al Qurayyat region crossing. A video widely circulated online shows the riders—dusty and fatigued—being welcomed with applause and hospitality after weeks on the road. Mamdouh Al Mutairi, director of the Al Hadithah centre, personally greeted the pilgrims, commending their journey as 'a powerful symbol of faith and commitment.' 'This remarkable effort reflects the deep spiritual drive of pilgrims coming to Hajj, regardless of the challenges,' Al Mutairi said. 'We wish them a safe and accepted pilgrimage.' Saudi border authorities, alongside medical and support teams, conducted health checks and provided refreshments and guidance. The initiative is part of broader government efforts to ensure dignified and efficient services for all pilgrims entering the Kingdom. The local Development Association of Al Hadithah also hosted a small ceremony for the group. Volunteers presented the riders with hospitality kits, flowers, and traditional welcomes. Authorities across Al Qurayyat and at the border are coordinating under the national Hajj readiness plan, aiming to facilitate safe and smooth entry for pilgrims arriving from across the world.
Mid East Info
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Mid East Info
Fujairah Mountain Shooting Championship: A premier destination for world-class sporting clays shooters
Participants in the second edition of the Fujairah Mountain Shooting Championship unanimously agreed that the competition is one of a kind, boasting a wide range of factors that appeal to the best sporting clays shooters from around the world. The Championship is currently taking place in the Wadi Ghub area of Dibba in Fujairah and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, 8 February 2025. The Championship, set against the backdrop of stunning natural surroundings, offers picturesque vistas and breathtaking views of the mountains, complete with round-the-clock services and world-class facilities, as well as attractive cash rewards for the winners. Majed Al Mutairi, a Kuwaiti shooting champion, describes the championship as an enjoyable experience. He is particularly fascinated by Fujairah's natural beauty, one of the rarest and most beautiful terrains in the world, noting that the championship attracts the best shooters from around the world and boasts some of the most advanced performances in shooting sports globally. Al Mutairi feels that the championship has helped strengthen his shooting skills. He attributes this to the mountainous terrain where the championship takes place. 'The stunning backdrop and the world-class facilities that Fujairah offers to the participants are a positive influence and will surely help improve his performance in the upcoming competitions,' he adds. 'The organising committee chose the perfect location,' says Al Mutairi. 'The mountainous backdrop, he notes, helps shooters spot the targets and estimate the distances with precision. Al Mutairi says, 'This is a challenge, but it adds to the fun element of the championship. It is something that professional marksmen greatly enjoy.' This year, Al Mutairi is competing in the championship for the second time. He notes his excitement about future editions of the event, which has won worldwide acclaim, asserting that shooting champions from all around the globe highly regard this championship, calling it the best competition in the world. Meanwhile, Saeed Sultan Al Balooshi from the United Arab Emirates, stresses that the most distinctive feature of the championship is how it is organised atop a mountainous area, offering participants glorious views of nature. 'The competitors typically shoot in forests and green plains, which is very unlike Fujairah's terrain,' he says. Moreover, the prizes, including the USD400,000 grand prize, have attracted participants from the United States, Europe, and South America, he explains, hoping that the experience of the Fujairah Mountain Shooting Championship will be replicated in other competitions. Al Balooshi went on to explain that with more than 400 shooters participating, including some of the best in the world, the Championship has firmly established its reputation in the field. Given its high level of competitiveness and excitement, the Fujairah Mountain Shooting Championship is ranked among the top sporting events in the region and the main championship is set to officially begin on February 5. For his part, Simon Leibacher, who hails from Switzerland, attributes his decision to participate in the Championship for the first time to its good reputation and the success of its inaugural edition. He describes the location of the championship as wonderful and beautiful, noting that the mountainous terrain presents a significant challenge, especially since he is accustomed to shooting in green areas. 'This is my first visit to Fujairah, and I love the place and its beautiful natural surroundings,' says Leibacher. 'The way this event is organised is excellent, and I appreciate the arrangements made by the organisers. I hope to participate in the future editions of the championship.' Mubarak Al Mansoori from the United Arab Emirates is also participating for the first time and finds the experience to be highly enjoyable. 'The fun comes from the difficulty of the targets, the varied fields, the different elevations, and the fact that the Championship has managed to bring together the best shooters in the world,' he says, thanking the organisers for their efforts to ensure the success of the event before the official competitions begin.
