Majority of 1.6m pilgrims begin Tawaf Al-Ifadah as Eid Al-Adha starts

Majority of 1.6m pilgrims begin Tawaf Al-Ifadah as Eid Al-Adha starts
The Tawaf Al-Ifadah refers to the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba performed by pilgrims after returning from Mina. (SPA)
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Updated 06 June 2025
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Majority of 1.6m pilgrims begin Tawaf Al-Ifadah as Eid Al-Adha starts

Majority of 1.6m pilgrims begin Tawaf Al-Ifadah as Eid Al-Adha starts
  • Pilgrims reflect on successful Hajj season

MINA: Most of this year’s more than 1.6 million pilgrims had begun performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah by Friday in Makkah — the ritual that marks the final days of Hajj and the beginning of Eid Al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.

Eid day began with masses of pilgrims performing the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina under moderate temperatures nearing 30 C, with the National Center for Meteorology forecasting a high of up to 40 C. The stoning ritual is among the final rites of Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

The Tawaf Al-Ifadah — derived from the Arabic word meaning “to pour forth” — refers to the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba performed by pilgrims after returning from Mina.

It is one of the essential and obligatory rites of Hajj. It involves walking around the Kaaba seven times within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, following the pilgrims’ return from Mina where they perform the symbolic stoning of the devil.

The ritual reflects spiritual submission, physical devotion, and the culmination of the core rites of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Ali bin Faraj Al-Marri, a Qatari pilgrim, told Arab News that the tawaf was smooth and well-organized, saying: “This is my first time performing Hajj, and I had heard that the Grand Mosque used to be extremely crowded. This has been one of the most successful Hajj seasons.”

Saeed Al-Nabit, the head of Al-Marri’s Hajj campaign group, echoed the sentiment, saying everything went as planned, and adding: “This year has been one of the best Hajj seasons ever.”

Leaving the Jamarat Bridge after performing the stoning ritual, Yasmeen Ahmed, a Libyan pilgrim, said with tears in her eyes that she was on the verge of completing one of the pillars of Islam — a lifelong dream she had always prayed to Allah to fulfill.

She said: “This is a moment I will never forget. I never imagined I would live to experience it, but I have always prayed for it. I thank Allah for making it possible, and I would also like to express my gratitude to Saudi Arabia for the beautiful organization of Hajj. There must have been tremendous efforts behind such a successful arrangement.”

The Jamrat Al-Aqaba site, the largest and most prominent of the three stoning structures within the Jamarat facility, stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent development projects at the holy sites, marking a transformative leap in crowd management aligned with the highest international engineering and organizational standards.

With the capacity to accommodate over 300,000 pilgrims per hour, the facility ensures a smooth and safe flow of pilgrims during the peak days of stoning rituals in Mina.

Every year on this day, the Jamarat area in Mina witnesses the arrival of throngs of pilgrims performing this critical Hajj rite  — a solemn act of worship that embodies obedience and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

The stoning ritual is among the most spiritually significant and logistically complex components of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Jamarat area in the past consisted of small stone pillars surrounded by narrow spaces and limited roads, leading to severe congestion and difficulties, particularly with the growing number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

According to the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, a bridge was constructed over the three Jamarat pillars in 1975 to create a second level for the stoning ritual.

Over the years the structure underwent multiple phases of expansion and enhancement.

The current Jamarat Bridge was inaugurated in its first phase in 2006, with full completion achieved in 2010.

The bridge comprises five levels, each 12 meters high, extending 950 meters in length and 80 meters in width. It includes 11 entrances, 12 exits, and can accommodate up to 300,000 pilgrims per hour. The facility also features a range of support services, including emergency helicopter landing pads, 3,289 escalators, advanced surveillance systems, and four tunnels for vehicles and buses.

The facility operates under a sophisticated management system involving specialized field teams working round the clock to ensure safety and provide medical and guidance services, in cooperation with various security and service agencies.

The site is also equipped with multilingual guidance screens and modern surveillance cameras to enhance flow and ensure pilgrim safety.

As part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience, Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, has implemented several key projects this year.

Notable among them is the installation of 200 mist fans in the facility’s eastern square to reduce heat stress from direct sunlight.

In addition, the Towards Mina initiative has been implemented to improve spatial orientation, helping to reduce the number of lost pilgrims and facilitating easier access to camps.

The initiative relies on a color-coded signage system aligned with camp divisions and facility levels.


Sports Ministry organizes hiking event in Baha

Sports Ministry organizes hiking event in Baha
Updated 12 July 2025
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Sports Ministry organizes hiking event in Baha

Sports Ministry organizes hiking event in Baha
  • Bandar Al-Ghamdi, director of the ministry’s branch in Baha, said the program included 120 people

RIYADH: The Baha branch of the Ministry of Sports, together with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation, organized a hiking program as part of the “Color Your Summer with Sports” campaign.

The event was held in cooperation with the region’s municipality and health cluster as part of the Baha Summer Season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Bandar Al-Ghamdi, director of the ministry’s branch in Baha, said the program included 120 people. The event took place in natural locations that reflect the region’s landscape, he added.

Baha’s mountains, valleys and dams offer suitable areas for various sports, including mountain and water activities, he said. These features support the region’s role in sports tourism in the Kingdom.

Al-Ghamdi added that the program is part of a plan to develop the sports sector in Baha and build partnerships with sports federations.

The initiative aims to support the local economy and attract sports and tourism visitors, from the Kingdom and beyond, Al-Ghamdi said.


Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition

Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition
Updated 12 July 2025
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Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition

Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition
  • Event highlights smart projects, training initiatives, and global partnerships in the sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Transport General Authority, held an international exhibition in London to showcase its key initiatives and achievements in supporting the maritime transport industry.

The event was attended by senior officials and saw broad participation from International Maritime Organization member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar and Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, along with government officials, embassy representatives, and maritime attaches.

The event highlighted the Kingdom’s role as an active partner in the international maritime system and a key contributor to developing global maritime regulations and practices, the SPA added.

It also reflected Saudi Arabia’s continued influence within the International Maritime Organization and its efforts to promote sustainability and improve the efficiency of maritime supply chains.

The exhibition showcased the academies and specialized centers established by the Kingdom, as well as initiatives to localize talent and train seafarers, officers, and marine engineers.

It also featured smart projects that support automation in the sector, enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, according to the SPA.

Prince Khalid said that the exhibition reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation, highlighting the Kingdom’s hospitality and pursuit of sustainable, collaborative maritime partnerships.

Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom is steadily moving toward leadership in maritime transport, driven by Vision 2030 and investments in talent and technology to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub.

In recent years, the Saudi maritime sector has grown rapidly, with the number of Saudi-flagged vessels reaching 409, totaling more than 100,000 gross tons and more than 16.5 million deadweight tons.

The number of registered Saudi seafarers has risen to 3,000, supported by specialized programs and regulatory initiatives that empower national maritime capabilities, the SPA reported.

These efforts build on Saudi Arabia’s active role in the International Maritime Organization, advancing the maritime transport industry through a vision that goes beyond fleet development or regulatory modernization.

It includes creating an advanced global maritime system based on operational excellence, human capital investment, and cutting-edge technology for a promising, sustainable future.


Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors
Updated 12 July 2025
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Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail has attracted more than 27,000 visitors from the city, across the Kingdom, and from Gulf and international destinations.

Running from 6 p.m. till 1 a.m. each evening, the 30-day Beit Hail Festival offers a rich blend of cultural, artistic, and heritage experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of live performances and interactive heritage displays, recreating scenes from the past and presented by skilled male and female artisans.

Exhibits give younger generations a glimpse of how their ancestors transformed natural materials into functional items, showcasing the ingenuity and authenticity of Saudi heritage.

More than 40 activities allow visitors to explore traditional crafts such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and distinctive Najdi and Hail door making.

Other highlights include traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making, the SPA added.

Visitors can also savor a variety of traditional folk foods. At the heart of the festival, an artistic theater hosts performances, including the Hail Samri and Saudi Ardah.

The festival also provides a platform for local craftspeople to showcase their work directly to the public.


Kingdom arrests 21,058 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 21,058 illegals in one week
Updated 12 July 2025
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Kingdom arrests 21,058 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 21,058 illegals in one week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 21,058 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,558 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,500 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,000 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 2072 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 52 percent were Ethiopian, 47 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 28 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 37 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer

Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
Updated 12 July 2025
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Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer

Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
  • Shopping festival, water sports, live music light up coastal city for 90 days of fun

JEDDAH: As part of this year’s Jeddah Season, summer events under the theme “Jeddah is Different” launched on Friday night at Jeddah Art Promenade, coinciding with the opening of several new zones for the summer vacation.

The program offers entertainment, culture and tourism across several main destinations, including the city’s iconic landmarks and key facilities.

The opening night featured drone shows, roaming performances and interactive characters, creating an engaging experience for families and visitors.

Throughout the summer, the season includes cultural experiences, entertainment shows, water activities, live music, shopping and other attractions, providing residents and visitors with diverse activities over 90 days.

It supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by diversifying entertainment options and enhancing quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors.

Among the main attractions is the Jeddah Shopping Festival, combining traditional and modern markets, along with promotions and discounts at malls, hotels, airlines, car rentals and restaurants. The festival will run until Aug. 31.

This year’s season also features the West Coast zone in Obhur, offering entertainment on Jeddah’s coast, women-only beaches, and both day- and night-time activities.

Visitors can enjoy water sports and games at public and private beaches, relax at retreats like Kashta Beach and attend musical performances by the sea.

The Perfume Exhibition showcases a wide range of local and international perfumes, specialized workshops and exclusive launches, with experts and celebrities taking part.

The enclosed, air-conditioned Forest Wonders area offers interactive experiences, including live animal encounters, theatrical and roaming performances, and jungle-themed restaurants until Aug. 30.

Art enthusiasts can attend concerts and art events featuring Arab and Gulf stars, adding a creative dimension to the season.

Events remain open past midnight to avoid the summer heat. More events are expected to be announced later this year, spanning the cultural, artistic and tourism fields.