11 months ago
Hajj pilgrims continued performing the ritual of stoning at Jamarat on the first day of the Tashreeq on Monday. They hurled pebbles at all three Jamarat or pillars symbolizing devil on the fourth day of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj and the second day of Eid Al-Adha. Pilgrims moved in batches in their allotted time for performing the ritual. Upon their arrival at the Jamarat, chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is the greatest), pilgrims stoned first at Jamarat Al-Sugra (small pillar), then at Jamarat Al-Wusta (medium pillar) and lastly at Jamarat Al-Aqaba (largest pillar), seven times each. Pilgrims moved in an orderly and smooth manner from one pillar to the next as they hurled pebbles at the pillars. Multiple lanes were allocated for the smooth movement of pilgrims to the multi-level Jamarat Bridge complex. They prayed after stoning the first two pillars and quit quickly after stoning at the third Jamarat, following the tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Multiple pathways were designated across various floors of the Jamarat facility to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims and manage the crowd. This innovative, multi-level structure was engineered to distribute pilgrims efficiently during the throwing ritual. Pedestrian bridges connect the Jamarat to the […]
11 months ago
As one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings wound down, authorities from multiple countries said at least 22 people had died, many of them from “extreme heat”, highlighting the acute physical toll of the annual rites which in recent years have fallen during summer in Saudi. Temperatures soared well above 40℃ each day and on Saturday hit 46℃ on Mount Arafat, where pilgrims performed hours of outdoor prayers. One treatment centre near Mount Arafat recorded 225 cases of heat stress and fatigue so far, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Jordan’s foreign ministry said on Sunday that 14 Jordanian pilgrims had died “after suffering sun stroke due to the extreme heat wave”, and that 17 others were “missing”. Iran reported the deaths of five pilgrims but did not specify the cause, while Senegal’s foreign ministry said that three others had died. Additionally, authorities are following up on the search for the 17 pilgrims who went missing. The Saudi health ministry issued an advisory on Thursday, warning of soaring temperatures and advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day between 11am and 3pm. Authorities in Saudi Arabia have also warned that pilgrims can expect […]
11 months ago
Saudi Arabia arrested more than 12,900 people in the past week as it looks to stop residency, labour and security breaches. The inspection campaigns carried out in all regions of the Kingdom from June 6 to June 12, 2024, to check compliance with residency, work and border security regulations, saw 12,950 violations recorded, including Some 817 individuals attempted to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally, of whom 40 per cent were Yemenis, 57 per cent Ethiopians, and 3 per cent of other nationalities. 104 people were arrested for attempting to illegally leave the Kingdom. 10 people involved in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators were arrested. A total of 30,131 expatriates (29,154 men and 977 women) are currently undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations. Among the people detained for violating laws, 22,461 were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper documentation for travel, 2,343 were told to complete booking arrangements for their departure, and 9,741 were repatriated. The Ministry of Interior has warned that any person who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into Saudi Arabia, transports them on its territory, provides them shelter or any other assistance or service may be penalized with up to 15 […]
11 months ago
Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, security spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, announced on Saturday that the first phase of the Hajj security plans had been completed, with all the pilgrims ascended at Arafat on time, thanks to the integrated traffic and organizational plans featuring flexibility, promptness and efficiency. Addressing daily press conference for this year’s Hajj at Arafat on Saturday, Col. Al-Shalhoub said that penalties were slapped on 25 violators of Hajj regulations and instructions on the night of Dhul Hijjah 9 for transporting 103 people who did not have a permit for Hajj. The spokesman said that the second phase of the Mashaer Train trips is currently being implemented to transport pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah to spend the night there before resuming their journey back to Mina to stay there on the day of Eid Al-Adha on Sunday and the succeeding days of Tashreeq. He said that the security personnel are deployed to manage and organize the smooth movement of vehicles on the roads leading to Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, and to follow and support pedestrian pilgrims who walk on the roads designated for them. He said that security personnel are working to support the organization of transporting pilgrims […]
11 months ago
NEOM has announced the first Capella Hotels and Resorts coastal destination in Saudi Arabia, set within NEOM at Elanan, one of Magna’s destinations. The boutique property is set against the backdrop of desert mountains and the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. The resort will open an exclusive wellness retreat as part of the sustainable development unfolding in northwest Saudi Arabia. NEOM announces Capella resort in Magna, Saudi Arabia Emerging from a lush oasis embracing the landscape’s ancient natural springs, the resort features 80 bespoke rooms and suites. Guests are enveloped in a world of tranquillity where contemporary design meets the beauty of the environment. Capella’s craft of hospitality is further enriched by a holistic wellness experience and innovation driven by Capella Wellness, creating a sanctuary for relaxation infused with innovative design. Paying homage to the region, Capella at Elanan incorporates interlocking geometric shapes that evoke a modern aesthetic reminiscent of nature. From the moment visitors set foot into Elanan, they embark on a journey enveloped in the soothing embrace of nature’s beauty. Guests can explore the expansive plazas, unwind amid the sun-kissed gardens, or marvel at the breathtaking views from the observation tower’s summit. From healing therapies to world-class facilities, Capella […]
11 months ago
The Ministry of Health has warned the Hajj pilgrims about the risks associated with sun exposure in Arafat, particularly during peak hours from 11 am to 4 pm. The ministry stressed the need to exercise caution, due to the prevailing high temperatures at the holy sites. During this year’s Hajj season temperatures at the Holy Sites are high, posing grave challenges for pilgrims. Pilgrims are strongly advised to take all the necessary precautions to protect their health and safety. These include using umbrellas to avoid direct sun exposure, staying hydrated by drinking water regularly even if not feeling thirsty, following all health instructions and advice, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to sun or contact with hot surfaces. The ministry’s advisory came in the midst of the forecast of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) about high temperatures. The center said that the Arafat area is expected to record temperatures reaching up to 47°C on Arafat Day, with humidity levels of up to 65 percent. “The wind is expected to be southwesterly to westerly during the day, at a speed of 25 km/hour, shifting from north westerly to north easterly at night, at speeds reaching up to 18 km/hour,” the center said […]
11 months ago
Saudi Arabia has officially received the Asian Physics Olympiad flag as it prepares to host the 2025 edition of one of the largest scientific events in Asia, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday. The symbolic flag was handed over to the Kingdom by Malaysia, which recently hosted the 2024 APhO edition in Kampar. Saudi Arabia’s team of 8 students won five awards in the 2024 competition, which featured 208 students from 27 countries from June 3-10, 2024. Some 27 countries are participating in the 25th APhO, which will be held in May 2025, organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity — also known as the Mawhiba Foundation— and the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, SPA said. Dr. Amal bint Abdullah Al-Hazza, Secretary-General of the Mawhiba Foundation, was quoted by SPA as saying hosting such international competition “reflects the great importance and international appreciation of the Kingdom’s position in the scientific and educational field.” It also “confirms the Kingdom’s strength globally, and the extent of its interest in creating a future to achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he said. “This hosting is an affirmation of […]