Latest news with #Bernama-SPA

Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
Saudi Arabia Announces 30-Day Initiative To Extend All Types Of Expired Visit Visas
RIYADH, July 28 (Bernama-SPA) -- The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has announced an initiative to extend all types of expired visit visas for final departure. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the initiative provides a 30-day grace period effective from Safar 1, 1447 AH after payment of the prescribed fees and fines. The directorate stated that individuals can benefit from this initiative during the specified period by applying through the "Tawasul" service on the Ministry of Interior's electronic services platform, "Absher."

Barnama
6 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
GCC Secretary-General Warns Israeli Sovereignty Bid Threatens Regional Stability, Violates UN Resolutions
RIYADH, July 24 (Bernama-SPA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces' Knesset proposal to impose Israeli sovereignty by force over the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Albudaiwi said that this proposal, intending to impose sovereignty by force, confirms the dangerous annexation policies of the Israeli occupation forces, which now threaten the security of the region and constitute a flagrant violation of international and UN resolutions. He added that such an irresponsible step will only escalate tensions in the region and the world, and increase the suffering of the Palestinian people, calling on the international community to take a clear and firm stance to halt any unilateral measures that would threaten the prospects for a comprehensive and just peace.

Barnama
18-07-2025
- Barnama
Over 40 Million Worshippers Visit Prophet's Mosque During Hajj Season 1446h
MADINAH, July 18 (Bernama-SPA) -- A total of 40,103,344 worshippers have visited the Prophet's Mosque during Hajj season 1446H, according to the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Accroding to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the number of worshippers was recorded from Dhu Al-Qi'dah 1 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 29, reflecting achieving in the kingdom's ongoing efforts to facilitate visitor reception, enabling them to perform their rituals in a secure and tranquil environment. The authority emphasised its commitment to enhancing services within the Prophet's Mosque and its courtyards to meet the needs of worshippers and improve the overall religious experience for all visitors.

Barnama
28-06-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Saudi Urgent Care System Saves Life Of Malaysian Visitor After Heart Attack In Makkah
MAKKAH, June 28 (Bernama-SPA) -- The life of a Malaysian visitor was saved after he suffered a sudden heart attack, thanks to the swift intervention under the Urgent Care system—one of the systems of the Saudi Model of Care. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), a medical team at Ajyad Emergency Hospital, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, responded promptly and provided life-saving care. Ajyad Emergency Hospital is operating at full capacity, with a dedicated medical staff working around the clock to serve visitors and Umrah performers.

Barnama
26-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
Two Holy Mosques Authority Completes Replacement Of Holy Kaaba Kiswa
MAKKAH, June 26 (Bernama-SPA) -- The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has completed the annual replacement of the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, continuing a tradition of care that spans over 100 years, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. A specialised team of 154 Saudi professionals from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa carried out the replacement process. The team was strategically assigned to various sides and the roof of the Kaaba based on their areas of expertise. The process began with dismantling the old Kiswa and installing the new one, which was then secured at the corners and across the roof of the Kaaba. bootstrap slideshow The new Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms (kg) and stands 14 metres high. It consists of four separate panels along with the door curtain (sitara). Each panel was individually raised and aligned over the previous one, with the new Kiswa being gradually lowered as the old one was removed. This process was repeated for all four sides. Once in place, the decorative band (hizam) was aligned and stitched along a straight line around the Kaaba. Next, the corners were sewn vertically from top to bottom to ensure a seamless and secure finish. The sitara, which requires precision and considerable time, was then installed. A cut was made in the black silk fabric to fit the curtain—measuring 3.30 metres wide and 6.35 metres long—and three openings were created beneath the fabric to insert the curtain. It was then sewn into the Kiswa from both the inside and outside to ensure proper placement. The making of the Kiswa consumed approximately 825kg of raw silk, dyed black at the complex, 120kg of gold-plated silver thread, 60kg of pure silver thread, and 410kg of raw cotton. -- BERNAMA-SPA