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Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Pilgrims from 100 Nations Welcomed in Makkah Under Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj Program
The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced on Tuesday the completion of the arrival of pilgrims under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation at their accommodation sites in Makkah, where they are receiving comprehensive services provided by the ministry. Upon arrival, 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries performed Umrah smoothly and with ease, grateful to be chosen this year to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, visit the Two Holy Mosques, and explore historical and archaeological sites, museums, and exhibitions designed to enrich their spiritual experience. The pilgrims expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for hosting them to perform the Hajj.
Gulf Business
27-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Business
Saudi Health Minister reports no epidemic threats during Hajj; see services in place
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, announced on Monday that no epidemic cases have been detected among pilgrims during the ongoing Hajj season, affirming that there is no risk of disease outbreaks. 'We are pleased to announce that no epidemic cases have been detected so far and there is no risk for outbreak of diseases. The health and safety of pilgrims remain our highest priority,' Al-Jalajel stated during a press conference in Riyadh. The kingdom's extensive preparedness for Hajj 2025 has been guided by the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, involving close cooperation across public, private, and non-governmental sectors. Health authorities began Hajj readiness months in advance, conducting global health risk assessments for diseases such as yellow fever, polio, and meningitis. These efforts led to the implementation of strict health entry requirements and the introduction of new 'health capability' criteria to ensure pilgrims are medically fit to perform the rituals safely. Medical services already in place to support Hajj pilgrims Since the arrival of the first flight under the To date, over 50,000 healthcare services have been delivered, including 140 surgeries, 65 cardiac catheterisations, and six open-heart procedures. To bolster emergency response capabilities, the Ministry of Health has activated 11 medical evacuation aircraft, 900 ambulances, and 71 new emergency points, with more than 7,500 paramedics deployed on the ground. In anticipation of extreme heat conditions, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has planted over 10,000 trees, expanded shaded walkways, and installed 400 water stations and mist fans. The ministry has also significantly enhanced health infrastructure at the holy sites. Bed capacity has increased by 60 per cent compared to last year, with a new emergency hospital featuring 200 beds inaugurated in Mina. Additionally, three field hospitals totalling more than 1,200 beds have been deployed in collaboration with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and National Guard. This year marks the highest-ever private sector involvement in Hajj healthcare, with three major private hospitals operating in the holy sites. Advanced digital solutions are being utilised, including smart monitoring devices for high-risk pilgrims connected to Seha Virtual Hospital — recognised as the world's largest virtual hospital — and telemedicine services for remote consultations. Over 50,000 healthcare and technical professionals are working with full readiness to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims. Al-Jalajel urged pilgrims to He emphasised that 'awareness, prevention, and responsibility are not only personal choices — but religious and humanitarian obligations to protect the health and safety of all pilgrims.'
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Saudi Arabia denies plans to relax alcohol laws for World Cup
Saudi Arabia has denied reports that it would lift its long-standing alcohol ban when it hosts the World Cup in 2034. A Saudi official said on Monday that no alcohol would be sold at the tournament in line with existing law. Several media outlets cited unnamed government sources as saying that beer and wine could be available at licensed venues, including luxury hotels, five-star resorts, and major tourist developments. The reports said the move was part of an effort to compete with other Gulf destinations, like Dubai and Bahrain, for tourists and help diversify its economy away from oil. However, while Saudi Arabia has relaxed some of its religious laws in recent years under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reform agenda – such as allowing women to drive – alcohol remains taboo. The country adheres to a strict interpretation of Islamic law called Shariah and makes alcohol illegal for Muslims and non-Muslims living in the kingdom. The speculation that an exemption would have been made for the football appears to have stemmed from a little-known wine blog and sparked widespread debate online inside the conservative kingdom. The issue is highly sensitive inside the desert monarchy, where the king holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina – Islam's most sacred sites. However, other Gulf monarchies have been easing some restrictions as they attempt to attract western tourists. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that still prohibit its sale, though in early 2024, Riyadh opened its first alcohol shop exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats. Previously, alcohol was accessible only via diplomatic mail or on the black market. Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Saudi ambassador to the UK, had already dashed hopes in February that football fans would be able to see the games with a drink in hand. 'Rather like our weather, it's a dry country,' he said. 'Everyone has their own culture, and we're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of ours, but we don't want to change our culture for someone else,' he said. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the hosts initially agreed to permit beer sales in stadiums but caused consternation among fans by reversing the decision shortly before the tournament began.
Entrepreneur
26-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Saudi Arabia Named Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in StartupBlink Ecosystem Index 2025
Saudi Arabia is the only country in the global top 100 to exceed 200% ecosystem growth, earning recognition as Country of the Year. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Saudi Arabia recorded the highest growth rate among the global top 100 countries in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 by global startup research platform StartupBlink. It was also named StartupBlink's first-ever Country of the Year. The report features rankings for 1,400 cities and 110 countries, highlighting the winners in the global innovation economy. It was built in cooperation with global data partners such as Crunchbase, Semrush, and more than 100 governments worldwide. This accomplishment reflects the support of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the strategic guidance of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, alongside the dedicated efforts of the National Program for Information Technology Development (NTDP) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). Insights on Saudi Arabia's Startup Ecosystem for 2025: Saudi Arabia is the only country in the global top 100 to achieve a growth rate above 200% in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025. Three Saudi cities are ranked in the global top 1,000, all showing upward movement. The top three Saudi cities recorded triple-digit ecosystem growth. Riyadh rises to 3rd place in the Middle East startup ecosystem rankings. Riyadh has shown consistent growth every year since 2022. Riyadh ranks 2nd in the Arab League, narrowing the gap with Dubai. The score gap between Riyadh and Dubai decreased from over 3x in 2024 to under 2x in 2025. Riyadh ranks 14th globally in Transportation. Riyadh ranks 23rd globally in Foodtech. Riyadh ranks 28th globally in both Edtech and Marketing. Riyadh has the highest growth rate—over 130%—among the global top 100 cities. Jeddah climbs four spots to enter the top 10 in the Middle East. Dammam rises to 12th place in the Middle East after two years of steady advancement. Within the Gulf Cooperation Council, Riyadh ranks 2nd, Jeddah 4th, and Dammam 6th. Medina debuts in the global top 1,000 for the first time.
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi King, Crown Prince Congratulate King of Jordan on Independence Day
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of congratulations to King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on his country's Independence Day. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished the king continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Jordan steady progress and prosperity. For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has sent also sent a cable of congratulations to King Abdullah and wished him continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Jordan steady progress and prosperity.
