Latest news with #GeneralAuthorityfortheCareoftheAffairs
Leaders
6 days ago
- General
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia to Broadcast Arafat Sermon Live in 34 Global Languages
Saudi Arabia will broadcast its Arafat Sermon in real-time in 34 languages this year, aiming to reach all Muslims worldwide. This initiative marks the first time Saudi authorities have undertaken such an effort to ensure that pilgrims worldwide can understand the Arafat Sermon, traditionally delivered in Arabic. The Arafat Sermon, delivered on the Day of Arafat, represents a key ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage. Millions of Muslims worldwide follow this significant event. On 5 June, more than two million pilgrims from around the globe will gather on the plains of Mount Arafat to perform the Day of Arafat, engaging in supplication and prayer. Comprehensive Translation Project In an official announcement, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque confirmed the completion of preparations for the Arafat sermon translation project. This year, the Grand Imam of the Holy Mosques, Sheikh Saleh al Humaid, will deliver the sermon from Masjid Namirah. The project aims to convey Islam's message of tolerance to a global audience in their native languages. This initiative fosters better communication between Muslims and non-Muslims, highlighting the Kingdom's pivotal role in serving the two holy mosques. The project will provide real-time translation of the Arafat sermon in over 34 languages, making it one of the largest initiatives of the Hajj season. The authority emphasized that this effort underscores Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting pilgrims worldwide. A key feature of the project includes the integration of Quick Response (QR) codes. These codes will offer easy access to both textual and audio translations, enhancing the experience for pilgrims. Languages Available for Broadcast The Arafat Sermon will be broadcast in the following 34 languages: Arabic, Urdu, English, French, Indonesian, Persian (Farsi), Hausa, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Malay (Bahasa Melayu), Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Filipino (Tagalog), Amharic (Ethiopia), Bosnian, Hindi, Dutch, Thai, Malayalam, Swahili, Pashto, Tamil, Azerbaijani, Swedish, Uzbek, Albanian, Fulani (Fula), Somali, Rohingya, and Yoruba. This extensive range enables pilgrims to listen to the sermon in their respective languages, regardless of their location. To expand the reach and amplify the impact of this service, authorities will display QR codes on screens in key facilities, buses, and pilgrim accommodations. Additionally, the government has promoted the service through various media platforms and shared it with international media in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Media. This initiative represents a significant milestone in Hajj history, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to leveraging technology for religious services. By providing real-time translations, the Kingdom ensures that the spiritual experience of Hajj is accessible to all pilgrims, regardless of their linguistic background. This effort not only facilitates better understanding but also promotes unity and tolerance among Muslims worldwide. Short link :
The Star
7 days ago
- General
- The Star
Saudi's Arafat Sermon to be broadcast in real-time in 34 languages
MECCA: Saudi Arabia will broadcast its Arafat Sermon in real-time in 34 languages this year in an effort to reach all pilgrims. This marks the first time Saudi authorities have undertaken such an effort to ensure that pilgrims from around the world can understand the Arafat Sermon, which is delivered in Arabic. The Arafat Sermon, delivered on the Day of Arafah, is a key ritual of the haj and is widely followed by Muslims worldwide. More than two million pilgrims from all over the world will be on the plains of Mount Arafat on June 5, to perform Day of Arafah, supplicating and praying. In an announcement, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque said it has completed preparations for the Arafat sermon translation project. The Arafat Sermon this year will be delivered by the Grand Imam of the Holy Mosques Sheikh Saleh al Humaid from Masjid Namirah. 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 Arafah sermon in more than 34 languages, making it one of the largest initiatives of the haj season," said the authority. A key feature of the project is the integration of Quick Response (QR) codes, which offer easy access to both textual and audio translations. The 34 languages in which the Arafat Sermon will be broadcast in are: Arabic, Urdu, English, French, Indonesian, Persian (Farsi), Hausa, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Malay (Bahasa Melayu), Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Filipino (Tagalog), Amharic (Ethiopia), Bosnian, Hindi, Dutch, Thai, Malayalam, Swahili, Pashto, Tamil, Azerbaijani, Swedish, Uzbek, Albanian, Fulani (Fula), Somali, Rohingya and Yoruba. This will enable pilgrims to listen to the sermon in their respective languages, regardless of their location, from anywhere in the world. "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," it added. Additionally, the service has been promoted through various government media platforms and shared with international media in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Media. The Saudi Royal Court had earlier announced that Youm ul Hajj or Arafat Day this year will be observed on Thursday (June 5). As of May 31, more than 1.3 million foreigners are in Mecca to perform the haj.
Gulf Insider
7 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Hajj 2025 Goes Hi-tech: 6 Innovations Transforming The Pilgrimage
In preparation for the Hajj season of 1446 AH, Saudi authorities have rolled out a series of innovative services and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, comfort, and convenience for millions of pilgrims expected to perform the annual pilgrimage. From advanced cooling technologies at the Grand Mosque to AI-powered smart tents and streamlined logistics, Saudi is combining tradition with innovation to ensure a spiritually enriching and smooth experience for all. To maintain a comfortable environment amid high summer temperatures, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system, boasting a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tons. The system will serve the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al Haram), ensuring optimal conditions for pilgrims during the physically demanding rituals of Hajj. The cooling infrastructure is supported by two main stations: the Shamiya Station with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad Station with 35,000 tons. These stations regulate indoor temperatures to a pleasant range between 22°C and 24°C, aided by air purification systems that eliminate 95 per cent of airborne impurities. In a significant technological leap, stc Group has deployed Internet of Things (IoT) systems and Smart Tents to enhance safety, monitoring, and response times during Hajj. The Smart Tents are fitted with sensors and cameras that track environmental metrics such as temperature, humidity, and smoke, offering real-time insight into internal and external conditions. These systems can detect emerging issues and automatically relay alerts to relevant authorities. With access to live data, authorities can respond rapidly to medical, security, or logistical needs, ensuring both safety and efficient crowd management. To reduce the physical burden on pilgrims, Saudi Post (SPL) has introduced the 'Hajj Without Luggage' service. This initiative allows for the seamless transfer of luggage from a pilgrim's home or local SPL branch directly to their accommodation at the holy sites—or even to destinations outside Saudi Arabia. The service enhances convenience by removing the need for pilgrims to carry their belongings between sites. After Hajj, luggage can be collected from a pilgrim's residence and delivered to their registered National Address, with tracking available via the SPL app or website. To meet the high demand for transportation during the pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is operating hourly trips on the Haramain High Speed Railway between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Makkah. These fast, electric trains reach speeds up to 300 km/h, enabling rapid and efficient transit for arriving pilgrims. SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips for the Hajj period, marking one of the largest operations in the railway's history and significantly reducing travel time and logistical strain. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a large-scale water supply project at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, aimed at reducing heat stress and ensuring easy access to drinking water. The initiative includes the deployment of 70 cooling units, each capable of producing 1,000 liters of cool water per hour. These units are integrated with a new water distribution and sewage network, ensuring hygienic and continuous operation. Collectively, they can serve up to 140,000 pilgrims per hour, making it one of the largest hydration efforts undertaken at a single Hajj site. In another digital upgrade, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has introduced a multi-language interactive map designed to help pilgrims navigate the sprawling Grand Mosque complex. The map helps locate key services such as Zamzam water stations, lost and found offices, medical facilities, cart distribution points, and centers for assisting lost individuals. It's part of a wider push to streamline access to resources and simplify rituals for pilgrims of all backgrounds.
New Straits Times
02-06-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Grand Mosque's 155,000 tonnes cooling system ready for haj pilgrims
MAKKAH: The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system, with a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the cooling system aims to provide a comfortable and spiritually uplifting environment for millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world as part of its intensive preparations for the 1446 AH Hajj season. The Grand Mosque is served by two main cooling stations: the Shamiya station, with a capacity of 120,000 tonnes, and the Ajyad station, with 35,000 tonnes, both covering the extensive expansions and vast areas within the Grand Mosque. These systems maintain moderate temperatures ranging from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, utilising advanced air purification technologies that remove 95 per cent of impurities to ensure ideal air quality for pilgrims. The authority also conducts proactive and continuous maintenance operations, including spare parts replacement, worksite safety assurance, and efficient resource management to meet the high operational demands during the Hajj season and support the sustainability of services within the Grand Mosque. The authority emphasises that these efforts are part of a comprehensive vision aimed at elevating the pilgrim experience and providing the highest levels of comfort and tranquillity during ritual performance, especially given the potentially harsh weather conditions at certain times of the season.
Al Etihad
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Al Etihad
Hajj pilgrims gather in Makkah, world's largest cooling system to provide comfort
2 June 2025 13:50 YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI) More than a million Muslim pilgrims poured into the holy city of Makkah ahead of the annual Hajj, with authorities vowing to hold a safer pilgrimage amid searing desert heat and a massive crackdown on illegal have beefed up heat mitigation were forecast to exceed 40°C this week as one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings starts on Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the of Friday, more than 1.3 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the multi-day pilgrimage, according to year, authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials, doubling their efforts against heat-related illness following the lethal heatwave of areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands more medics will be on standby, and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, Saudi Arabia's Hajj minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP last Monday, with temperatures topping 40° latest artificial intelligence technology will also help monitor the flood of data and footage, including video from a new fleet of drones, from across Makkah to better manage the mammoth the punishing heat, pilgrims were overjoyed as they arrived in the holy city. World's Largest Cooling System The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system, with a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tons, to provide a comfortable and spiritually uplifting environment for millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world as part of its intensive preparations for the 1446 AH Hajj season. The Grand Mosque is served by two main cooling stations: the Shamiya station, with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad station, with 35,000 tons, both covering the extensive expansions and vast areas within the Grand systems maintain moderate temperatures ranging from 22 to 24°C, utilising advanced air purification technologies that remove 95% of impurities to ensure ideal air quality for pilgrims. Safety Guidelines The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also issued safety guidelines in light of high temperatures at the holy sites, urging pilgrims to remain in their tents on Arafah Day from 10 am to 4 pm and advising against venturing to Jabal Al-Rahmah or Namirah Mosque to avoid exposure to extreme ministry emphasised the importance of adhering to the authorisation schedules set by the relevant authorities and ensuring compliance at all stages of movement between the holy sites. It also stressed the necessity of using the approved means of transport, as outlined in the official transportation plan, and refraining from walking between locations during the designated times. 'Blessing from Allah' "This is really a blessing from Allah," Abdul Majid Ati, a Filipino lawyer and Sharia counsellor, told AFP near the Grand Mosque."We feel so peaceful and safe in this place."The rites in the holy city and its surroundings, which follow a lunar calendar, fall again this year during the hot month of June. Crackdown on illegals In the run-up to this year's Hajj, Saudi authorities launched a widespread crackdown on unregistered worshippers, using frequent raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text permits are allocated to countries on a quota system and distributed to individuals by with hefty fines, those found illegally entering Makkah during the Hajj face a potential 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia. (with inputs from AFP and SPA)
