Saudi Arabia committed to supporting global efforts to revive tourism

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This old fortress in Saudi Arabia northern province of Hail is among the Kingdom's tourism attractions. (SPA)
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This old fortress in Saudi Arabia northern province of Hail is among the Kingdom's tourism attractions. (SPA)
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This old fortress in Saudi Arabia northern province of Hail is among the Kingdom's tourism attractions. (SPA)
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Updated 21 January 2021
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Saudi Arabia committed to supporting global efforts to revive tourism

  • Tourism in Saudi Arabia is a fundamental pillar in line with the Vision 2030 reform plan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia attended the opening session for the 113th UN World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Executive Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The meeting reviewed the organization’s efforts, in cooperation with member states, to serve the global tourism sector and sustain its recovery by standardizing protocols that help lift restrictions imposed on travelers and supporting tourism facilities in the private sector.

Haifa Al-Jedea, general supervisor of the international relations department at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, said that Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to cooperation with UNWTO, pointing out that the organization decided to open its first regional office in the world in Riyadh, which will start work this year.

Al-Jedea added that the regional office will be a supporting factor not only for the countries of the region but also for Africa and Asia, confirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cooperate with the international community to support the tourism sector at both regional and international levels.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia is a fundamental pillar in line with the Vision 2030 reform plan.

The Kingdom seeks to be a leading global tourism destination, with a goal to host 100 million visitors annually by 2030.

As a modern tourist destination, Saudi Arabia aims to focus on sustainability, as this added value represents one of the factors that will help to attract tourists from all over the world.


Saudi authorities arrest 16,161 illegals in one week

Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi authorities arrest 16,161 illegals in one week

  • A total of 10,575 people were arrested for violations of residency laws

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 16,161 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 10,575 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,726 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,860 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 967 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 57 percent were Ethiopian, 39 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities. A further 22 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.


Islamic ministry launches healing initiative at Senegal hospital

Updated 11 min 11 sec ago
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Islamic ministry launches healing initiative at Senegal hospital

  • The Saudi delegation visited patients and distributed gifts

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, represented by the religious attache at the Kingdom’s Embassy in Senegal, recently launched the “Your Healing Is Our Hope” program at Fann University Hospital in Dakar.

The event was attended by Sheikh Awad bin Sabti Al-Anazi, the ministry's acting undersecretary, and Saad bin Abdullah Al-Nifaie, Saudi ambassador to Senegal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Following the launch, the Saudi delegation visited patients and distributed gifts.

Dr. Khadija Sar, director of the Fann University Hospital, expressed gratitude for the initiative, and praised King Salman’s global humanitarian efforts.

The Saudi delegation also met with the board of trustees of the Islamic Higher Institute in Senegal.

During the meeting, Al-Anazi highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, including establishing the Higher Islamic Institute.

The board discussed agenda items and made recommendations.


Makkah police bust fake Hajj campaign promoters, warn public of online scams

Updated 13 min 30 sec ago
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Makkah police bust fake Hajj campaign promoters, warn public of online scams

  • The campaign falsely promised accommodation, transportation, and securing a sacrifice for pilgrims

RIYADH: Makkah police have arrested two Egyptian residents for promoting a fraudulent Hajj campaign through social media, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The campaign falsely promised accommodation, transportation, and securing a sacrifice for pilgrims.

Authorities apprehended the individuals, took legal action, and referred them to the Public Prosecution, SPA reported.

The Directorate of Public Security urges citizens and residents to remain vigilant and avoid responding to suspicious online advertisements.

These ads may offer services such as performing Hajj on behalf of others, securing and distributing sacrifices, selling Hajj bracelets, or providing transportation.

These scams often involve fictitious entities and individuals whose sole purpose is to deceive and defraud potential pilgrims, the SPA said.

Authorities warn that individuals caught engaging in such fraudulent activities will be penalized by the law.

To ensure a safe and legitimate Hajj experience, the Directorate of Public Security asks citizens and residents to comply with official Hajj regulations and instructions.

It also advises people to report suspected violations by calling the designated numbers: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, and 999 in all other regions of Saudi Arabia.


Saudi foreign minister discusses Gaza situation with US secretary of state

Updated 01 June 2024
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Saudi foreign minister discusses Gaza situation with US secretary of state

  • The two officials also discussed US president Joe Biden’s three-phase proposal to end the Gaza war

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday morning.

The two discussed the situation in Gaza and the exchange deal proposed by US president Joe Biden.

During the call, the minister expressed Saudi Arabia’s support for all efforts aimed at an immediate ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces and the provision of urgent aid to civilians.

The US president on Friday detailed a three-phase deal proposed by Israel to Hamas militants that he says would lead to the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza and could end the grinding, nearly 8-month-old Middle East war.

Biden said the first phase of the proposed deal would would last for six weeks and would include a “full and complete ceasefire,” a withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza and the release of a number of hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The second phase would include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.

The third phase calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which faces decades of rebuilding from devastation caused by the war.

with AP


Makkah Route Initiative provides services to pilgrims from Morocco and Pakistan

This initiative aims to provide services to pilgrims by assisting with their entry procedures into the Kingdom from the airports
Updated 01 June 2024
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Makkah Route Initiative provides services to pilgrims from Morocco and Pakistan

RIYADH: The Makkah Route initiative operating at airports in Morocco and Pakistan benefited many pilgrims preparing for Hajj this year, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

The stations are located in Casablanca Mohammed V International in Morocco and Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan.

The initiative aims to provide services to pilgrims by assisting with their entry procedures into the Kingdom from the airports of their respective countries.

Saudi Arabia in 2019 launched the Makkah Route Initiative to help Hajj pilgrims from seven countries — Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye and Ivory Coast — with their visa, customs and passport requirements.

The government program issues visas electronically and collects biometric data, carrying out all travel procedures at the airports of the countries of departure, including ensuring that pilgrims have a clean bill of health. Baggage is coded and sorted to meet the transport and accommodation arrangements while pilgrims are in the Kingdom.