MADINAH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs branch in Madinah has implemented its plans for the 2017 Hajj season.
Sheikh Fahd Al-Tuwaijri, the director general of the branch, affirmed that preparations for welcoming pilgrims started early on, and involved meetings with officials, supervisors of mosques, and maintenance organizations.
Many field visits were reportedly conducted to mosques in Madinah, such as the Masjid Al-Qiblatayn, and actions were taken to improve the conditions and provide the best environment for visitors.
These concluded with a visit to Miqat Mosque with the ministry’s director general of maintenance, to ensure that the facilities are available to allow pilgrims to perform their rites with ease and comfort.
Al-Tuwaijri added that the Saudi government does its best to overcome any difficulties pilgrims may face in performing Hajj with peace and comfort, regardless of their nationality. Calls for politicizing and internationalizing Hajj will certainly fail, as with all other previous attempts, Al-Tuwaijri added.
Al-Tuwaijri prayed for the protection of Saudi Arabia and its leaders and for the safety and safe return of pilgrims to their home countries.
Madinah branch of Islamic Affairs Ministry implements 2017 Hajj plan
Madinah branch of Islamic Affairs Ministry implements 2017 Hajj plan
King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit
- Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.
One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.
The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.
The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader.
Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.
