Latest news with #SaudiPressAgency
Leaders
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Saudi Film Commission Takes Part in Annecy International Animation Film Festival
The Saudi Film Commission is currently taking part in the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 in Annecy, France, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Set to run from June 8 to 14, the festival stands out as one of the most prominent events in the animation all over the world. Through this event, the commission seeks to promote the presence of Saudi animation in European forums and keep a close eye on the latest trends. That is why the Saudi delegation included members from the commission as well as a group of Saudi animation filmmakers, who were selected based on their animated works produced during 2024. Importantly, the event offered an exclusive opportunity for Saudi delegation to foster communication with animation creators from various backgrounds and leverage from the accompanying training programs. Furthermore, the festival serves as a prestigious platform for creative collaboration, co-production opportunities, and professional dialogue. This participation plays a pivotal role in strengthening distribution and exhibition channels and flourishing the animation sector at a local level. Therefore, it stands as a testament to the Kingdom's pursuit of being a pioneering voice in the global cinema and animation industries. Related Topics: In Photos: Highlights from 1st Week of Cannes Film Festival Saudi Arabia Takes Part in Malmö Arab Film Festival Saudi Film Commission Participates at Beijing International Film Festival Short link : Post Views: 8 Related Stories
Yemen Online
15 hours ago
- Yemen Online
Thousands of pilgrims continue spiritual journey to Madinah
As pilgrims bid farewell to Makkah on Monday after completing Hajj — the fifth pillar of Islam — many departed for Madinah with cherished memories. Hajj authorities in Madinah have begun implementing their operational plans for the second season, expecting thousands of pilgrims in the coming days. The Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security have completed preparations to receive the pilgrims, as part of a comprehensive plan to ensure their safe and smooth arrival, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The field plan focuses on regulating pilgrim movement, facilitating entry and exit from Madinah, maintaining traffic flow, and reducing congestion. Preparations include increased security presence on major routes, providing assistance and guidance, and ensuring emergency teams are ready to respond to health cases and other situations. Government and volunteer bodies have raised readiness levels to support reception centers, entry points, and historical sites, while enhancing efforts in transport, guidance, hospitality, and healthcare through an integrated, 24/7 system. These efforts reflect the leadership's commitment to serving pilgrims and ensuring their safety during their journey between the holy sites and Madinah, the SPA reported. Meanwhile, 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, also traveled to Madinah after completing Hajj. During their stay, they will pray at the Prophet's Mosque, visit Quba Mosque, and explore significant historical landmarks. The pilgrims expressed gratitude for the services provided by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which met their needs and facilitated smooth movement between sites. They shared their joy at completing the Hajj rituals, including standing at Mount Arafat, staying in Muzdalifah, the days of Tashreeq in Mina, stoning the Jamarat, and concluding with the farewell Tawaf. A coordinated program is in place to transfer pilgrims from their accommodations to Madinah airport, overseen by the Hajj and Visit Committee and relevant authorities to ensure timely flight departures. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport recorded a successful pre-Hajj phase, receiving pilgrims smoothly and efficiently. During the arrival period, the airport handled 719,400 pilgrims — 49 percent of all air-arriving pilgrims this Hajj season — via 1,910 flights from 196 cities in 53 countries. The General Directorate of Passports confirmed its readiness to finalize departure procedures at the Kingdom's international air, land, and sea ports, supported by modern security systems and trained personnel. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser also inspected King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to assess its readiness for pilgrim departures. He reviewed procedures for receiving and dispatching pilgrims, including departure hall operations, service performance, and overall efficiency, aiming to ensure a smooth travel experience that meets international standards.
Yemen Online
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs' families during Hajj
The Ministry of Interior, through the Agency for Military Affairs, is supporting the families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with a humanitarian program reflecting the leadership's commitment to citizens. A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry's expense, along with providing psychological, medical and social care throughout the year. One beneficiary speaking from Mina, Ibrahim bin Abdulkarim Al-Zahrani — injured in the line of duty and brother to two martyrs — expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom's support. He said such care reassures families that the Kingdom stands by them and gives them strength to continue serving, a Saudi Press Agency report said. Al-Zahrani added that the ministry's efforts, under Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, represent the state's respect for the sacrifices of martyrs and its commitment to their families. Chief Sgt. Salem Al-Qahtani of the General Department for the Care of Martyrs and Injured Families shared his 14-year experience serving the group, highlighting the department's close, familial bond with their families. 'We have followed the children of the martyrs since their early years, watching them grow — some are now our colleagues, while others are performing Hajj through this program under the leadership's close supervision,' he said. The department develops support programs for beneficiaries, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to honoring those who gave their lives for the nation and continuing support for their families. It also reflects the leadership's approach to supporting citizens and honoring the sacrifices of martyrs.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi city of Mecca draws to a close
The annual Hajj pilgrimage drew to a close on Monday without major incident, despite a number of deaths. A total of 1.6 million Muslims from all over the world participated in this year's pilgrimage to the Saudi city of Mecca. The event was successful and passed without major incidents, said Prince Saud bin Mishaal, vice chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, adding that it had been free of health or service-related incidents. There were nonetheless reports of deaths from Iran's IRNA state news agency, which said 13 Iranian pilgrims had died in temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius. Last year, more than 1,300 died in temperatures that reached up to 50 degrees. This year, the Saudi authorities took measures to avoid a repeat of the disaster, taking stricter measures against pilgrims without an official permit, who have in the past received less care. The Hajj, which moves with the lunar calendar, will take place in cooler months over the years ahead, the Saudi weather service said. It will be 25 years before it is again held in the hottest summer months. The large crowds present the authorities with problems every year. On Sunday, more than 100,000 people were entering the Great Mosque of Mecca every hour, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime is one of the five religious duties for Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so. During the record year of 2012, more than 3 million people are estimated to have taken part.
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs
MAKKAH: Throughout their profound journey of faith, especially as Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts. They flock to the malls and markets of Makkah, particularly those around the Grand Mosque. This tradition expresses their spiritual fulfillment and prepares them for their return home, blessed by Allah for having performed the sacred rites, according to a Saudi Press Agency report. Gift buying represents joy at Hajj's successful conclusion and strengthens social bonds between relatives, SPA added. Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance. Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur'an. Pilgrims also frequently buy perfumes like incense and musk, along with various types of dates — ajwa dates being especially sought after. The markets of Makkah and Madinah see a significant boom after Hajj, bustling with pilgrims of diverse nationalities. These vibrant markets include modern malls in the Haram area, the traditional Aziziyah Market, the Hijaz Market, and bazaars near the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. Merchants actively meet this demand, offering a wide range of products, special offers for pilgrims, and often discounts on bulk purchases.
