Indian Cultural Society and Bazme-Osmania Jeddah have announced that like in the previous years they would make their voluntary contribution toward the Consulate General of India’s arrangements for the pilgrims coming for the annual Haj.
“Facilitating the pilgrims in making their Haj successful is uppermost for all of us and it is laudable that voluntary organizations are coming forward to make their contribution in the voluminous task of Haj arrangements,” one of the chief guests said at an Eid Milap meeting held to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. “An exclusive wing has been set up at the consulate for the welfare of the community, P.K. Jain, consul for labor and community welfare, said while speaking as the chief guest. Consul (Haj) Mohamad Noor Rahman attended the meeting as the guest of honor.
Arif Quraishi, who heads the two bodies, said both the organizations were involved in community welfare activities for more than three decades. “Making voluntary contribution to the welfare of both Haj and Umrah pilgrims is the main objective of the two organizations, aside from celebrating Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, as well as India’s Independence Day and Republic Day every year,” he said.
Speakers also lauded Quraishi for collecting thousands of used textbooks from the students of Indian international schools and distributing them among the poor and needy for the last 15 years.
Indian cultural bodies join consulate to streamline Haj arrangements
Indian cultural bodies join consulate to streamline Haj arrangements
‘Kingdom is on a path toward the light,’ says US Senator Graham after meeting Prince Khalid bin Salman
DUBAI: US Senator Lindsey Graham believes Saudi Arabia is on ‘a path toward the light’, in a statement he issued after meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who is on an official visit to Washington.
“My engagement with Saudi Arabia over the past two days has given me a sense of confidence that the Kingdom – while it has its own interests – is on a path toward the light, not the darkness,” the senator said in his statement.
The senator also said he was looking forward to visiting Saudi Arabia soon.
The thumbs up tour continues. Great meeting with the Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 29, 2026
Wow, these people are clever. pic.twitter.com/btT6OSmcSN
“Over the years, I have developed a strong working relationship with Saudi Arabia. I know President Trump is a strong admirer of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I have seen the changes the Crown Prince has embraced and I have been impressed,” Graham said.
The US senator added that after meeting with Prince Khalid, and Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan earlier, “I am convinced that Saudi Arabia believes the best thing for the region is economic growth and prosperity.”
“Saudi Arabia wants to be a destination of choice in the future, so that people around the world to come visit what I think is an incredible country. Saudi Arabia wants to be one of the dominant forces in Al, which means the best and brightest minds will come. I am convinced that this is still the goal of the Crown Prince and the Kingdom.”
Graham also expressed appreciation to what the Kingdom was trying to do in Syria.
“They have openly said they are the friend of both the Syrian government and the Kurdish people. The attitude of seeking compromise rather than destruction, hopefully, will win the day,” the senator said in his statement.
Prince Khalid is expected to discuss Saudi-US ties and ways to strengthen during his visit, and earlier met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
