Hajj Expo 2023 is underway in Jeddah

Hajj Expo 2023 is underway in Jeddah
Tawfiq Al-Rabiah Minister of Hajj and Umrah, during the opening speech of the conference.(Supplied)
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Updated 10 January 2023
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Hajj Expo 2023 is underway in Jeddah

Hajj Expo 2023 is underway in Jeddah
  • Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Hajj Expo 2023 is held under the theme: Quality in the Services System

JEDDAH: The second edition of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition was launched on Monday by Makkah Gov.Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, as well as Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, which took place in Jeddah Superdome and will continue for four days.

Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Hajj Expo 2023 is held under the theme: Quality in the Services System.

The Expo gathered 81 speakers from the public and private sectors from inside and outside the Kingdom, including delegations of ministers of religious affairs, heads of Hajj missions, and higher authorities from more than 57 countries. 

Hajj Expo 2023 aims to build an integrated and sustainable system that contributes to developing the experience of pilgrims by benefiting from the ideas and visions of specialists, through anticipating future directions, developing opportunities for partnerships, and signing agreements between local and international initiatives, which will accordingly enrich the pilgrim's experience.

It also aims to involve innovators and entrepreneurs to enhance the quality of services provided in Hajj, and to enhance the sustainability and the development of services provided to the pilgrims.

During the opening speech of the conference, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah Minister of Hajj and Umrah said, "Serving the pilgrims from all countries of the world is a top priority, an authentic historical commitment, and a great honor that the Kingdom's government is proud of so that the pilgrims can perform their rituals with peace and ease within a rich digitized faith journey."

Al-Rabiah unleashed two exclusive news to the attendees during the conference, the first is that the number of pilgrims in the Hajj 2023 season will return to what it was before the pandemic without any conditions or age restrictions.

He also announced the reduction of the comprehensive insurance premium fee for Umrah performers from SR235 for a single Umrah pilgrim to SR88, with a reduced rate of 63 percent. As well as reducing pilgrims’ insurance from SR109 to SR29 with a reduced rate of 73 percent, which explains a lot about the Kingdom’s keenness to raise the quality of services provided to pilgrims.

He also said that there are several facilities provided to pilgrims, "Umrah visa holders can now visit any city across the Kingdom, and in return holders of all other visas are allowed to perform Umrah, in addition to extending the Umrah visa period from 30 days to 90 days, launching the Nusuk platform and making it available to issue a visa within less than 24 hours electronically"

He also mentioned that work has begun on more than 20 exhibitions and a100 historical sites that document the biography of the Prophet Mohammed PBUH, as these ancient sites are being prepared to host visitors of pilgrims in this Hajj season to enrich their journey.

Al-Rabiah pointed out that Hajj Expo is the largest of its kind, as it includes all stakeholders from inside and outside the Kingdom to facilitate the journey of the pilgrims under one roof. 

During the four days, experts and specialists participating in Hajj Expo will discuss ways to develop a road map to enhance and enrich the Hajj journey through 10 main sessions, 13 discussion panels, ‘Hajj Talk’ sessions, and 36 workshops, in addition to many accompanying events and activities such as The Islamic exhibition as well as the ‘Hajj and Umrah Challenge’

On the first day, the opening discussion panel after the conference was entitled ‘Quality and Competitiveness in pilgrim's serving: A Future Vision

The panel included Al-Rabiah, Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Bandar AlKhorayef Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Abdulrahman Al-Sudais General President of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Affairs and Saleh Al-Rasheed, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Cites.

The opening panel aimed to shed light on the Kingdom’s efforts in serving the pilgrims by discussing the Kingdom’s vision in developing the Hajj and Umrah sector and its aspiration to achieve the highest levels of quality and excellence in the services provided, and the pursuit of its continuity and sustainability.

Al-Jasser said, "Hajj season involves unique transportation and logistics services, as the process of transporting millions of individuals within a specific and short duration, as well as  transferring their requirements of luggage and other things is considered an exceptional process because it requires a great effort of planning, cooperation with various agencies and risk management.”

It is worth mentioning that the Kingdom's total investment of the Grand Mosque infrastructure expansion is at a cost of more than SR200 billion. It is the largest construction project in history, and the continuation of work on the expansion of the Prophet's Mosque, and the development of the holy sites. It has also worked on a major expansion of Quba Mosque, in addition to developing facilities and infrastructure according to the best international standards.

He added, “The road network serving pilgrims exceeds 8,800 kilometers, and it may not be available in major countries”

Two brands were launched during the conference by Makkah Governor and Madinah Governor, namely Made in Makkah and Made in Madinah, which are considered an extension of Saudi Made, with the aim of becoming an original source for providing quality products to pilgrims that carry them an unforgettable memory.

Saudi Made is a national initiative launched by the Saudi Export Development Authority and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, it promotes national goods and services to become the preferred option internationally.

Al-Khorayef said accordingly, “Makkah has about 2000 factories and Medina has more than 500 factories. These factories work to supply the markets where pilgrims and Umrah performers are provided with all their daily needs products such as food, grocery, and medicine, and in seasons the demand increases on these markets. Therefore, we are keen to consolidate the value of the local product, and through Made in Makkah and “Made in Madinah,” we aim to raise the value and quality of the products available to be worthy of this label, as they were previously used in an unregulated manner.”

During the first day of the Expo, Al-Rabiah signed 57 collaboration agreements with heads of delegations from countries taking part in the event.

The signed agreements aim to develop an integrated strategy for the growth of the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem by harnessing skills and capabilities to assist pilgrims and Umrah performers. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is exerting significant efforts to make the travel experience for pilgrims and Umrah performers better and easier.

Hajj agreement covers each country's Hajj quota, ports of entry and exit, and adherence to Hajj regulations.


Saudi Cultural Mission in Japan celebrates Kingdom’s 93rd National Day

Saudi Cultural Mission in Japan celebrates Kingdom’s 93rd National Day
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Saudi Cultural Mission in Japan celebrates Kingdom’s 93rd National Day

Saudi Cultural Mission in Japan celebrates Kingdom’s 93rd National Day
  • Officials, students laud leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Mission in Japan recently hosted a gathering to celebrate the Kingdom’s 93rd National Day, attended by officials and students from both nations.

Badr Al-Otaibi, director of the office of the Saudi cultural attache in Japan, extended his “sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and to His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and to the Saudi people” in his welcoming remarks at the event on Sept. 20.

“On this day, we remember the sublime principles upon which our beloved country was founded, based on the shariah of Islam and entrenching the values of justice, equality and tolerance,” Al-Otaibi said. “We also remember the heroic historical deeds of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, may God have mercy on him, along with the first founding fathers to establish this blessed country, unify it and extend its influence over wide areas of the Arabian Peninsula.”

“The subsequent phase of construction and development was led, after the founder, may God have mercy on him, by his sons, the kings, until reaching the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God protect him, who leads our country with a wise vision and sound steps in all fields. His highness the crown prince supports him in this regard through the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, through which our country seeks to occupy an advanced position among the developed countries in the world,” Al-Otaibi said.

The event included lectures by Dr. Kaoru Yamamoto, assistant professor at Keio University, titled “Arabic Literature in Japan,” and “Saudi National Day” presented by Faisal Sarbland, a master’s student at Tokai University.

A video was shown about Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz, followed by a lecture — “My Journey to Mecca” — presented by Aqeel Qureshi, a bachelor’s degree student at Keio University.

This was followed by the introduction of Takushoku University students, and the awarding of certificates of appreciation.

According to data from the cultural mission, there are 64 students from Saudi Arabia studying in Japan, majoring in nuclear, aerospace and information systems engineering, as well as dentistry, and speech and hearing therapy.


Saudi Arabia’s climate envoy meets ministers, officials at UN General Assembly

Saudi Arabia’s climate envoy meets ministers, officials at UN General Assembly
Updated 22 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s climate envoy meets ministers, officials at UN General Assembly

Saudi Arabia’s climate envoy meets ministers, officials at UN General Assembly
  • Discussions were held on how to deal with the effects of climate change

RIYADH: Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s minister of state for foreign affairs and climate affairs envoy, met this week with ministers and senior officials on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York.

In a meeting with Bahrain’s minister of oil and environment, Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, discussions were held on how to deal with the effects of climate change.

Talks were also held on the subject, and other issues, with the UN’s Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, and President of the 78th Session of the UN Dennis Francis.

 

 

Al-Jubeir held further meetings with Prince Jamie de Bourbon, climate envoy for the Netherlands, and Jennifer Lee Morgan, state secretary and special envoy for international climate action at the Federal Foreign Ministry of Germany.

He also reviewed ties, as well as international and regional developments, with Alvaro Leyva Duran, Albert Ramdin, and Ana Cecilia Gervasi Diaz, the foreign ministers of Colombia, Suriname and Peru respectively.

 


Drugs seized, arrests in Jeddah and Asir

Drugs seized, arrests in Jeddah and Asir
Updated 22 September 2023
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Drugs seized, arrests in Jeddah and Asir

Drugs seized, arrests in Jeddah and Asir
  • The Saudi government has urged anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline

JEDDAH: Saudi authorities seized a large cache of drugs in Jeddah and Asir on Friday. 

The Jeddah Traffic Department arrested two Yemeni nationals for selling 300 kg of qat, and border guards in Asir thwarted an attempt to smuggle 57,600 prescription pills into the Kingdom.

Qat leaves are chewed for their stimulatory effects.

The Saudi government has urged anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number 00 966 114208417, or email [email protected]. Reports notifying the authorities of suspected cases of drug smuggling are treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for tips leading to arrests.


Saudi FM takes part in OIC, Arab League meetings during UN General Assembly

Saudi FM takes part in OIC, Arab League meetings during UN General Assembly
Updated 22 September 2023
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Saudi FM takes part in OIC, Arab League meetings during UN General Assembly

Saudi FM takes part in OIC, Arab League meetings during UN General Assembly
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan calls for collective response to common challenges facing global community

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Thursday took part in a coordination meeting of the foreign ministers of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The minister expressed the Kingdom’s condolences, sympathy and solidarity with Morocco and its people in the aftermath of the earthquake that rocked the North African country, and to Libya and its people following the deadly flooding in Derna.

He praised the OIC and member states’ response to a call by the Kingdom for an extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers to address the desecration and burning of copies of the Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark.

Prince Faisal highlighted the Palestinian issue and the pursuit of a comprehensive solution, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He also chaired the Arab side of a high-level foreign ministerial informal interactive dialogue session between the Arab Summit Troika and the UN Security Council.

During the session, the Saudi foreign minister said the international community faces many common challenges that require collective action, but no progress will be achieved without a safe and stable regional and international environment that enables countries to work together.

The Arab Summit Troika is a group of three rotating countries that monitors the implementation of resolutions and commitments adopted by the Arab League, which consists of the outgoing, current, and incoming Arab Summit chairs — Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Other countries belonging to the Arab Group at the UN have been invited to participate in the meeting, along with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Prince Faisal said that since Arab issues make up a prominent share of the topics raised in the Security Council, strengthening cooperation and joint work between the Arab League and the Security Council to establish peace and security in the Arab world is of great importance.

The Kingdom is interested in improving this cooperation to achieve a common perspective for dealing with crises and developing peaceful solutions, he said.

Prince Faisal warned of the growing role of armed groups outside the framework of the state in creating these crises, which threaten international peace and security.

He said the ease with which these groups gain access to advanced technology and weapons enables them to undermine state institutions.

He called on the Security Council to take serious and strict measures against the groups.

Prince Faisal welcomed the results of discussions on a road map to support the peace process in Yemen, which brought together the Saudi communication and coordination team with the Sanaa delegation in Riyadh, with the participation of Oman.

He expressed the Kingdom’s hopes for dialogue between the Yemeni parties to pave the way for security and stability in the war-torn country, and ensure a future in which Yemen enjoys a comprehensive renaissance and sustainable development.


Saudi Arabia calls for reform of global cooperation frameworks ahead of Summit of the Future

Saudi Arabia calls for reform of global cooperation frameworks ahead of Summit of the Future
Updated 21 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia calls for reform of global cooperation frameworks ahead of Summit of the Future

Saudi Arabia calls for reform of global cooperation frameworks ahead of Summit of the Future
  • Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the UN needs to be part of the process, in particular the Security Council which ‘must be expanded and more representative in nature’
  • The UN describes the September 2024 Summit of the Future as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance global cooperation to tackle critical challenges

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia on Thursday called on the international community to reform multilateral cooperation frameworks to better take into account the concerns and needs of all states, including developing countries.

“We need more-influential and more-effective multilateral mechanisms … and international development that will be supported as we work toward a world that is more just and more peaceful,” said Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York, at a ministerial meeting to prepare for the Summit of the Future in September 2024. The UN describes the upcoming summit as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance global cooperation to tackle critical challenges, address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments, including to the UN’s charter and Sustainable Development Goals, and establish a multilateral system better positioned to positively affect people’s lives.

Prince Faisal said the summit aims to help overcome the challenges that undermine global hopes for a better future, and stressed the need to reaffirm shared principles and intensify consultations to agree a mutual vision that can “improve the world for our populations.”

UN bodies need to be included in the reforms process, he added, in particular the Security Council, which “must be expanded and more representative in nature,” and that implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through international partnerships must be high on the list of topics for discussion at the event next year.

“The Global Sustainable Development Report for 2022 noted the significant progress made by the Kingdom because we have prioritized sustainable development as a priority for the Saudi Vision 2030,” the prince told the meeting.

“The Kingdom is working tirelessly, through its membership in international organizations and blocs, to revitalize the path of development in relations between countries, to support better understanding and better cooperation.”

He said constructive relationships that rely on dialogue to resolve differences, and cooperation in establishing security and stability, offer a path toward achieving comprehensive development.

“International cooperation frameworks must be facilitating and supportive of partnership and cooperation, resistant to the pressures of competition and polarization, and discouraging any calls that spread hatred between peoples, disrespect for religions, and fuel extremism and terrorism,” said Prince Faisal.

The summit will also take into account the comprehensive nature and specificity of human rights concepts, he added, while also addressing inherent rights such as the rights to development and food, preservation of the pivotal role of the family, and reject of contempt for or belittlement of religions.

Thursday’s meeting provided an opportunity for ministers to set out their visions and priorities for the Summit of the Future, and to outline their expectations for the action-oriented outcomes that can be achieved when the heads of state and government meet next year.

The summit aims to build on a two-day Sustainable Development Goals summit that took place on Monday, and breathe new life into the multilateral system so that it can deliver on the promises of the UN Charter and the organization’s 2030 agenda for a sustainable future.

“The Summit of the Future is a unique opportunity to help rebuild trust and bring outdated multilateral institutions and frameworks into line with today’s world, based on equity and solidarity,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“But it is more than an opportunity; it is an essential means of reducing risks and creating a safer and more peaceful world.”

During the summit, UN member states are expected to adopt a Pact for the Future that covers five main issues: sustainable development and related financing; international peace and security; science, technology, innovation and digital cooperation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.