Latest news with #Arafat
CTV News
13 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj permits from entering Mecca
Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they gather outside Nimrah Mosque to offer the noon prayers in Arafat, on the second day of the annual hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool, File) MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city. The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorized participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat. The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorized pilgrimages — as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Mecca officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come. There are fines of up to US$5,000 and other punitive measures, like deportation, for anyone performing the Hajj without a permit. The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency. At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city. According to the rules, only those with permits are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round. Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies. Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Omari told the media: 'The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.' The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and involves a series of religious rituals. It's a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it. But it has been marred in recent years by concerns about extreme temperatures, with pilgrims performing their rituals outdoors in peak daylight hours. Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over two million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. It has also seen fatal stampedes and other accidents. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense said Sunday that drones were being used for the first time at the Hajj. These can be used for surveillance and monitoring, as well as extinguishing fires. Baraa Anwer, The Associated Press
Saudi Gazette
15 hours ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Arafat sermon to disseminate among global audience in 34 languages
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has completed preparations for the Arafat sermon translation project. The project aims to convey Islam's message of tolerance to a global audience in their native languages, fostering better communication between Muslims and non-Muslims. It also underscores the Kingdom's pivotal role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and its unwavering commitment to supporting pilgrims worldwide. The project aims to provide real-time translation of the Arafat sermon in more than 34 languages, making it one of the largest initiatives of the Hajj season. A key feature of the project is the integration of Quick Response (QR) codes, which offer easy access to both textual and audio translations. This allows pilgrims to listen to the sermon in their respective languages, regardless of their location, whether within the holy sites or beyond. To expand the reach and amplify the impact of the service, QR codes have been displayed on screens in key facilities, buses, and pilgrim accommodations. Additionally, the service has been promoted through various government media platforms and shared with international media in coordination with the Ministry of Media.
Arab News
15 hours ago
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi interior minister reviews Hajj infrastructure, honors security forces
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has opened a field hospital in Arafat, which is operated by the ministry's General Administration of Medical Services. The 100-bed facility is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by specialized teams to deliver rapid emergency care for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Abdulaziz has also launched a smart health bracelet system for security personnel, enabling real-time monitoring of vital signs and giving automatic alerts to command centers to enhance medical readiness. The minister also attended a ceremony honoring Hajj Security Forces and was briefed on operational readiness during field exercises featuring specialized vehicles, aviation units, and crowd control systems. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the director of public security, said the Saudi leadership had mobilized all resources to ensure the safety of pilgrims, noting strong coordination had led to outstanding results. The minister also reviewed infrastructure upgrades at the holy sites, including phase two of the Mashaer pathway which boasts eco-friendly rubber flooring to ease movement and reduce heat. He inspected new shading and cooling systems at Namirah Mosque designed to improve comfort during prayers. His tour concluded at Mina's new emergency hospital, which has expanded urgent care capacity, with its services meeting global standards. Prince Abdulaziz also visited the Hajj Media Operations Center with Salman Al-Dossary, the minister of media, and received briefings on unified media coverage. He viewed the Hajj media hub's Hajj Window and Transformation Exhibition, which showcases the services of 11 public and private entities.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha in UAE: Ajman announces 4-day holiday for public sector
Authorities in Ajman have announced a four-day public holiday for Eid Al Adha on Friday. The holiday will begin on the Day of Arafat, which will fall on June 5, and will continue till June 8, the emirate's Department of Human Resources said. Official working hours will resume on Monday, June 9. Sharjah authorities have made a similar announcement regarding the upcoming long break.
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi minister of Islamic affairs inspects new projects at holy sites ahead of Hajj
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs inspected holy sites on Thursday to ensure preparations were complete to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh inaugurated eight development projects worth more than $9 million (SR33.7 million) as part of the tour. The development projects include upgrades at Namira Mosque in Arafat. These feature the installation of 19 structural umbrellas, similar to those at the Prophet's Mosque, and heat-reflective coatings applied to floor surfaces in the mosque's courtyard, reducing temperatures by up to 10 C in shaded areas. The tour also marked the second phase of the courtyard cooling project, including the installation of 98 misting fans in and around Namira Mosque. In Mina, 57 misting fans were installed as part of improvements at Al-Khaif Mosque and public restrooms. A total of 70 cold water production units, each with a capacity of 1,000 liters, were installed to supply as many as 140,000 pilgrims per hour. Other upgrades include the installation of an integrated audio, surveillance and lighting control system managed via a centralized electronic unit. Carbon dioxide monitoring devices have also been installed for the first time to ensure indoor air quality for worshippers. Additional upgrades included the modernization of air conditioning and ventilation systems at Namira and Al-Khaif mosques; restoration of Namira Mosque, including improved insulation and operational efficiency; and the renovation of Hajjaj Al-Barr Mosque in Mina. The total value of these projects exceeds $9 million. Following the tour and projects inauguration, Al-Sheikh praised the generous support of the country's leadership for pilgrims attending Hajj. He highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to ensuring that pilgrims can perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility. The minister said that continuous support has empowered the ministry to fulfill its responsibilities in preparing the sites of worship, developing infrastructure and delivering services.
