Serve Hajj pilgrims with a smile: Acting Madinah governor

Acting Madinah Gov. Prince Saud bin Khaled Al-Faisal looks at the systems of the Passport Department at Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. (SPA)
Updated 10 August 2017
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Serve Hajj pilgrims with a smile: Acting Madinah governor

RIYADH: Acting Madinah Gov. Prince Saud bin Khaled Al-Faisal has told officials to serve Hajj pilgrims with a smile and be proud of the opportunity to serve them.
Following his inspection of facilities providing services to Hajj pilgrims, he urged officials to redouble their efforts to offer them satisfactory services.
He was received by government officials at Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport, where he was briefed on procedures at its immigration and airline counters.
During his visit to the National Guides Establishment, the prince launched a new service to track missing pilgrims.
He also visited the operations control room that monitors pilgrims’ movement in Madinah.
He was accompanied by the district police chief, Maj. Gen. Abdul Hadi Al-Shahrani; the undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj branch in Madinah, Mohammed Al-Bejawi; and the director general of the Hajj and Umrah General Administration, Sami Issawi.

Health Ministry increases efforts against heat, sunstroke during Hajj
The Health Ministry has intensified efforts to prevent heat and sunstroke, and treat patients, during the Hajj season.
Prior to the season, the ministry conducted training courses for its health officials on how to treat sun- and heat-affected pilgrims.
Health facilities in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are fully equipped to treat patients suffering heat-related symptoms.
The ministry is carrying out awareness programs among arriving pilgrims on how to avoid sun and heatstroke.
Brochures are being distributed in several languages, telling pilgrims to avoid direct sun exposure, use an umbrella or stay in the shade, drink plenty of liquids, and go out during evenings and at night rather than during the day.
Diabetics are advised to carry sweets and biscuits, and ensure they take their medicines at the correct times and eat proper meals.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.