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Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims start flocking to Mina from Makkah early on Wednesday
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — Pilgrims started flocking to Mina from their residences in Makkah early on Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 8, to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they are reciting talbiyah and glorifying God while heading to the Tent City. Hundreds of thousands of domestic pilgrims join more than 1.47 million foreign pilgrims who came from all over the world to perform Hajj this year. Dr. Mohammed Al-Qarni, director general of Hajj and Umrah at the General Transportation Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, said that international pilgrims have completed their arrival in Makkah, while domestic pilgrims reached Makkah and performed Tawaf Al-Qudum before heading to Mina tonight in preparation for performing the Hajj rituals. "The arrival phase of international pilgrims has been completed, with travel between Makkah and Madinah occurring over the past 36 days. No incidents have been recorded that would impede the movement of pilgrims during this phase. We are now receiving domestic pilgrims, who started arriving in Makkah on Monday night and Tuesday and performed tawaf,' he said. Dr. Al-Qarni said that pilgrims' movement will begin from 8:00 pm on Tuesday until 10 am on Wednesday. The Tarwiyah phase of the ascent from Mina to Arafat will begin via three modes of transportation. 'The Mashair train will carry 316,000 pilgrims, while multi-modal and traditional transportation will transport approximately 720,000 pilgrims. These numbers include their arrival and ascending on Arafat on the morning of Thursday, Dhul Hijjah 9, the Day of Arafat,' he said. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has completed preparations at Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina to receive pilgrims with spreading prayer rugs on an area covering more than 27,000 square meters as part of an integrated operational and technical service system designed to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the pilgrims. This year, Al-Khayf Mosque underwent several major upgrades, including a comprehensive overhaul of its air-conditioning and ventilation systems. The enhancements feature the installation of advanced cooling units connected to smart control systems, as well as monitoring systems that detect carbon dioxide levels and automatically activate fans and cooling devices, thereby improving operational efficiency and maximizing comfort for the pilgrims. In the wake of the forecast of sweltering summer temperatures, the Saud authorities have made elaborate arrangements and preparations to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Dr. Abdullah Asir, deputy minister of health, said that the ministry has mobilized a total of 50,000 healthcare workers and administrative staff for the Hajj, far exceeding previous years' numbers. More than 700 hospital beds are ready, equipped with fans to treat severe cases of heat illnesses. "Capacity this year has been expanded by more than 60 percent compared to last year," he said. Eng. Khaled Al-Tala'a, spokesman of the Ministry of Health, revealed that the health status of pilgrims is stable. He announced the launch of three field hospitals and the operation of 71 emergency points. Al-Tala'a also noted that the bed capacity has increased by 60 percent compared to the previous year, and that more than 98,000 health services have been provided to date.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Makkah completes major upgrades around Grand Mosque to ease pilgrim flow
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Royal Commission for Makkah City has completed a broad range of infrastructure and urban development projects in the central area surrounding the Grand Mosque, in preparation for the 2025 Hajj season. The upgrades aim to enhance pedestrian flow, improve crowd distribution, and raise the operational readiness of high-density zones around the mosque. As part of the project, pedestrian sidewalks and walkways were expanded across more than 235,000 square meters, creating easier and safer access to the Grand Mosque from key transportation routes and surrounding facilities. Over 30,000 square meters of shaded areas have been installed to protect pilgrims and worshippers from intense heat, enhancing comfort while walking or waiting. Prayer areas were also extended, increasing capacity by more than 60,000 worshippers. This expansion is designed to reduce congestion in high-traffic areas, especially during peak prayer counter extreme temperatures, a specialized heat-mitigating surface coating was applied across six major sites — including Ajyad Street, Ibrahim Al Khalil Street, and the Clock Towers Plaza — lowering surface temperatures by up to 15°C across more than 50,000 square commission also introduced a unified visual guidance system throughout the central zone, supported by new signage and wayfinding golf carts were deployed to support the mobility of elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities via dedicated storefronts were organized for a consistent urban appearance, and additional barber shops were equipped to meet pilgrim enhancements are part of a broader urban strategy focused not only on seasonal pilgrimage readiness but also on year-round service integrating with Makkah's public transport systems and improving the area's visual and functional coherence, the Royal Commission aims to establish a safer and more efficient environment for all worshippers.
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Winners of Saudi Coastal Rowing Championships crowned
JUBAIL: Mu'ayyad Al-Rashidi won the men's singles and Haya Al-Mami won the women's singles at the Saudi Coastal Rowing Championships at Darin Beach in Jubail, which ended on Tuesday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The event, organized by the Saudi Rowing Federation, attracted 46 male and female competitors, competing in nine different categories. The two days of action were aimed at promoting the sport and discovering athletes with championship caliber. In other results, Israa Qadri and Turki Al-Arif took first place in the mixed doubles. Rad'an Al-Dosari triumphed in the under 23 youth singles, while Abdullah Al-Mami won the under 19 junior singles title. Al-Jazi Al-Ibrahim took first place in the under 19 girls' singles and Shams Abu Al-Ainain won the under 17 girls' singles. Ahmed Al-Qahtani and Dhari Al-Enezi snatched victory in the under 17 junior doubles. Ali Husain Alireza, chairman of the board of the Saudi Rowing Federation, and Dha'ar bin Shuja'a Al-Mutairi, director-general of support services at the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, attended the event. Alireza praised the outstanding technical level of the championship and congratulated the winners on their achievements. He said that the championship represented an important step in promoting rowing, expanding the base of practitioners in the Kingdom and contributing to the discovery of promising champions.
Arab News
02-04-2025
- Arab News
Riyadh's beauty spots come to life with Eid festivities
Riyadh: Riyadh takes on a magical charm during Eid Al-Fitr, becoming a hub of festive picnic spots. One popular destination is Wadi Hanifa, a serene valley in the heart of the capital. With lush greenery, man-made lakes, water channels and diverse wildlife, it offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Mohammed Abdul Jaleel, a Lebanese visitor, said: 'We are here with friends and family, enjoying a barbecue and celebrating this special occasion with joy. The weather is perfect, kids are playing, and families are making the most of this time before summer sets in.' He added: 'Whether hiking, cycling, or picnicking by the water, Wadi Hanifa offers a refreshing retreat in nature.' Riyadh resident Baddiuzz Zaman Sheikh, celebrating Eid with friends, said: 'It is a great picnic spot. I come here often for barbecues. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, it is a popular getaway.' Anyone familiar with the area likely knows Wadi Hanifa — once a dumping ground but now a lush desert oasis, transformed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City with gardens, wetlands and thousands of trees. As well as evening strolls and picnics, Wadi Hanifa offers an array of exciting activities — and many people are unaware it is a global destination for runners. The Great Runs website highlights the 'groomed trails' near the Diplomatic Quarter, which feature an 8 km loop through desert scenery. South of the valley, Stone Dam Park challenges athletes with a 210-step staircase. Jamal Hassan, a Yemeni expat who was enjoying a card game with friends, said: 'This beautiful valley on Riyadh's outskirts offers water channels, green corridors, walkways and picnic spots amid orchards and farms, making it a top attraction for residents and visitors. 'Riyadh needed a place like this — an escape into nature away from the city's hustle. It is a perfect spot to relax.' Another popular Eid picnic spot is Wadi Namar, south of the capital. Its dam, lake and scenic waterfall draws people all year round. Tabinda Qamar, there with her family, said: 'On Eid's first day, it was so crowded that security asked us to return early the next day. We did — and had a wonderful time. The park is spacious, with play areas for kids, making it ideal for families and friends. It is a perfect holiday spot, and we truly enjoyed it.' Many people also visit Salam Park, which features a large, illuminated lake with fountains, playgrounds, green spaces and recreational areas. Once a private farm with date palms, a residential estate and a 70-year-old mosque, it was later transformed due to its strategic location and the city's need for open spaces. Rumana Ambar, who visited with her family, said: 'It is a natural retreat in the busy city — perfect for holidays with family and friends. With well-maintained facilities, it stands out as one of Riyadh's top attractions.'
Gulf Business
02-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Major real estate reform: Will Saudi Arabia implement a rent cap?
Saudi Arabia is considering implementing caps on the rents of both residential and commercial properties. Read- This initiative is part of an effort led by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to rebalance the real estate market in Riyadh, Al Hammad emphasized while speaking to Al Arabiya. 'The Crown Prince's directives focus on increasing supply by lifting development restrictions in the northern parts of the capital, releasing new plots, regulating lease agreements, and maintaining regular market oversight,' Al Hammad said. The initiative also includes the finalisation of the new White Land Tax law, which aims to boost housing supply and curb the rise in property and rental prices. Saudi authorities have also lifted the ban on transactions related to sales, purchases, subdivisions, and permits for 81 million square meters of land in northern Riyadh. This move is designed to ease supply constraints and encourage new residential development. Increase in provision of residential plots The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has also been tasked with providing between 10,000 and 40,000 planned and developed residential plots annually over the next five years, depending on demand. Prices of the plots The prices of these plots are capped at SR1,500 per square meter for eligible Saudi citizens, including married individuals and those over the age of 25, with specific conditions prohibiting resale or transfer for 10 years unless for financing construction. Other reforms to be introduced include new regulations to govern landlord-tenant relations and ensure fair terms for both parties. REGA and the Royal Commission will also be responsible for monitoring property prices and submitting regular reports to the concerned authorities.
