Pakistani biker group arrives in Makkah after 22-day ride from Lahore  

Special Pakistani biker group arrives in Makkah after 22-day ride from Lahore  
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25 Pakistani bikers have arrived in Makkah after a 14,000 km, 22-day journey, from Lahore through Pakistan, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. (AN Photo)
Special Pakistani biker group arrives in Makkah after 22-day ride from Lahore  
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25 Pakistani bikers have arrived in Makkah after a 14,000 km, 22-day journey, from Lahore through Pakistan, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. (AN Photo)
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Updated 01 February 2023

Pakistani biker group arrives in Makkah after 22-day ride from Lahore  

Pakistani biker group arrives in Makkah after 22-day ride from Lahore  
  • Cross Route Club started their journey in Lahore on Jan. 6 and arrived in the holy city on Jan. 28
  • Reception, held at the Ministry of Sports’ offices in Makkah, was attended by the Pakistani consul general and other local authorities and dignitaries

MAKKAH: A group of 25 Pakistani bikers arrived on their motorcycles in Makkah, after riding for 22 days and 14,000 km from Pakistan, via Iran and the UAE.

The group started their journey in Lahore on Jan. 6 and arrived in the holy city on Jan. 28. The group, called the Cross Route Club, is planning to stay in Saudi Arabia for 19 days.

The bikers decided to embark on the journey after the Saudi government announced that overseas visitors willing to perform Umrah can extend visa periods to three months, allowing them to use travel permits to visit cities other than Makkah.

Arab News met with the members of the club in Makkah during their special reception, held at the Ministry of Sports’ offices in the city, attended by Pakistani Press Counselor Syed Hamzah Gilani and other local authorities and dignitaries.

Aun Muhammed Khan, a lawyer and member of the Cross Route Club, told Arab News that while in Makkah to perform Umrah, the group aimed to promote peace, brotherhood and friendship, and to explore Saudi Arabia during their stay.

Khan said that the idea for the trip came from Mukaram Tareen, the chairman of the Cross Route Club. “We were supposed to perform Umrah by traveling to Makkah from Lahore on bikes in 2019, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, our plan was postponed,” he said. “As soon as we got the first opportunity, we came through.

“Culturally, Saudi Arabia is a very diversified and vast nation, and as Muslims, it is the most important place on Earth. Crown Prince (Mohammed bin Salman’s) vision for tourism is the key for us. We are responding to his request to come and explore Saudi Arabia.”

Khan said that as bikers, the trip was heavenly for them as they were able to pass through long roads and beautiful landscapes.

He thanked the people of Saudi Arabia for their generosity and warm hospitality. “We received a great reception here and whenever we go out with our motorcycles ... the support and love we are receiving right now is just incredible,” he said.

Mohammed Suhail Akhtar, who is specialized in training development back in Pakistan and an active member of the Cross Route Club, said: “This is a magnificent experience, and for me, it is one of the best adventures I have ever had on my bike because we had the chance to meet local people from different countries and at the same time explore local cities in Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE.”

Akhtar, who previously traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2009 by plane, expressed his happiness at the huge transformation the Kingdom has experienced since his last visit. “Things have really changed, and we noticed that since we arrived at the Saudi border,” he said.

The group plans to visit tourist sites in the Kingdom to promote tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia, a main pillar of the Saudi Vision 2030. 

After the 19-day stay in the Kingdom, the bikers’ convoy will depart for home via Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, and Iran.


Prince Khalid honors air cadets at ceremony in Riyadh

Prince Khalid honors air cadets at ceremony in Riyadh
Updated 23 March 2023

Prince Khalid honors air cadets at ceremony in Riyadh

Prince Khalid honors air cadets at ceremony in Riyadh
  • Several other senior officials attended the ceremony

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense Prince Khalid bin Salman attended the graduation ceremony of the 102nd batch of King Faisal Air Academy in Riyadh on Thursday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Khalid was received by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamid Al-Ruwaili, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, Lieutenant-General Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, as well as the Commander of the King Faisal Air Academy, Major General Pilot Hazim bin Abdulrahman bin Ghashyan.

Several other senior officials attended the ceremony, where Prince Khalid honored the cadets.


King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Arif Alvi on Pakistan national day

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Arif Alvi on Pakistan national day
Updated 23 March 2023

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Arif Alvi on Pakistan national day

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Arif Alvi on Pakistan national day

RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to President Arif Alvi of Pakistan on Thursday on the anniversary of his country’s National Day.

The king expressed his best wishes for the president’s good health and happiness, and for the government and people of Pakistan steady progress and prosperity.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also congratulated President Alvi on the Pakistani national day, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. 

During their phone call, they reviewed the strong relations between their countries and ways to support and enhance them to serve common interests.

 

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General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announces itikaf registration

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announces itikaf registration
Updated 23 March 2023

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announces itikaf registration

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announces itikaf registration
  • The registration is to be made through the Nusuk application

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has announced the registration of itikaf service, or secluded devotion for the last 10 days of Ramadan.
The registration is to be made through the Nusuk application, and it will end when the permitted number is completed, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The agency has prepared the sites to receive about 2,500 worshippers for itikaf service, according to its operational plan for Ramadan this year.
The plan includes all services and facilities for those who register for itikaf service, from their entry to their exit from the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.


Ithra to host sixth annual ‘Cultural Majlis’ this Ramadan

Ithra to host sixth annual ‘Cultural Majlis’ this Ramadan
Updated 23 March 2023

Ithra to host sixth annual ‘Cultural Majlis’ this Ramadan

Ithra to host sixth annual ‘Cultural Majlis’ this Ramadan

DHAHRAN: The Cultural Oasis at Ithra will host its sixth annual “Cultural Majlis” during Ramadan.

Three different panel discussions will be held on March 27, April 3 and April 10 under the theme of “Travel Literature.”

In a statement, Ithra said that it hopes to help modern travelers become acquainted with carvings and newly discovered monuments by hosting a group of specialists in panel discussions.

Talks will be in Arabic, and will target those interested in Arabic literature and over the age of 16.

Guest speakers will delve into classic and contemporary travel literature, showing how travelers have represented their adventures and discoveries through stories.

The first session will feature Syrian author and poet Nouri Al-Jarrah, superintendent of the Ibn Battuta Award for Travel Literature Abdullah Al-Khudayyer, and Moroccan novelist Shuaib Halifi.

This will be followed by the book signings of “The Stone Serpent” by Al-Jarrah, “Estrangement with the Taste of Karthala” by Al-Khudayyer, and “Travels That Don’t Fear Imagination” by Halifi.

The second panel discussion will feature travelers Thawab Alsubaie and Saud Al-Eidie, along with travel photographer Hussain Daghriri. The three will discuss different approaches to travel under the title “Memory of a Place.”

In the third session, author and historian Sulaiman Al-Theeb and researcher of history and civilization Mishari Al-Nashmi will be interviewed by author and journalist Ali Zaalah under the title “Tales of Cities: Legacy and Heritage.”

Visitors will also have a special guided tour of the Hijrah Exhibit, where they will see the migration journey of the Prophet Muhammad from a modern perspective. Entry will be free.

The Cultural Majlis is a complimentary event. Tickets are not required to attend the book signings, and signed books will be distributed free of charge. Also, tickets are not required to enter the panel discussion. A free photography event will also be hosted in conjunction with the talks.

Panel discussions run from 10 p.m. until midnight.


Saudi, Iranian FMs set meeting on reopening of embassies, consulates

Saudi, Iranian FMs set meeting on reopening of embassies, consulates
Updated 23 March 2023

Saudi, Iranian FMs set meeting on reopening of embassies, consulates

Saudi, Iranian FMs set meeting on reopening of embassies, consulates

RIYADH: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran will meet soon to pave the way for reopening embassies and consulates in the two countries, Saudi state media said early Thursday.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, arrived at the agreement during a phone call, the Saudi Press Agency and Al-Ekhbariyah said in separate reports.

The diplomats also exchanged greetings on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Kingdom and Iran agreed on March 10 to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies within two months following years of tensions.

Amirabdollahian said on Sunday that three locations have been proposed for the meeting.