MADINAH: Pilgrims have expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the great efforts exerted by King Salman and his government to serve Islam and Muslims. They also praised successive developments in Makkah and Madinah to serve pilgrims and facilitate Hajj for them.
“We have noticed a dramatic and profound difference regarding facilities and projects... in Madinah,” said Sudanese pilgrim Marzouq Abdullah.
Muhammad Kanow from Cameroon praised the cleanliness and tidiness of the Prophet’s Mosque and its adjacent areas, as well as the provision of cooled Zamzam water for pilgrims.
Magda Di’a from India lauded the hospitality and ease of procedures, saying: “This country, its people and officials strive to provide assistance and services, especially security personnel as they helped me when I got lost and panicked because I was alone. They made me feel assured thanks to their fair Islamic treatment.”
Fisal Fawzy from Iraq said: “My words fail to express my happiness. I thanked Allah a lot, and I am still grateful to him for honoring me by visiting the historical places in Madinah.”
Abdullah Mohammad Alif from Russia said: “The Kingdom, under the leadership of King Salman, is fully interested in Muslims and their matters all over the globe.”
Mubarak Mohammad Hussein from Egypt hailed the services he received since arriving in the Kingdom.
Khalid Bashir, an Egyptian who visited the Kingdom 20 years ago, said he observed the progress witnessed by the Prophet’s Mosque and the surrounding yards and roads. He said everything is prepared for the pilgrims’ comfort, easy flow of buses and movement of pedestrians to the mosque. He also expressed admiration over the mega-projects constructed for serving pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet’s Mosque.
Hajj pilgrims in Madinah express thanks to King Salman
Hajj pilgrims in Madinah express thanks to King Salman
Saudi Arabia expresses concern over UAE pressure on STC, warns against threats to its security
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed regret over what it described as pressure by the United Arab Emirates on Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces to carry out military operations in Yemen’s Hadramaut and Al-Mahra governorates, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security and regional stability.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the reported moves were inconsistent with the principles of the Arab Coalition that supports the internationally recognised government of Yemen and undermined ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability in the country.
#Statement | Pursuant to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25/12/2025 corresponding to 5/7/1447 regarding the Kingdom’s concerted efforts, working with the brotherly United Arab Emirates, to end and contain the escalatory steps taken by the Southern… pic.twitter.com/lTyU0gLgpf
— Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) December 30, 2025
The ministry referred to earlier statements by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the coalition leadership concerning the movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from Fujairah port to Mukalla without official authorization.
Saudi Arabia stressed that any threat to its national security constituted a “red line,” adding that it would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to confront and neutralize such risks.
The Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s security, stability, and sovereignty, as well as its full backing of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and its government. It also reiterated that the southern issue is a just cause that can only be addressed through dialogue as part of a comprehensive political solution involving all Yemeni parties, including the STC.
Riyadh further emphasized the importance of the UAE responding to Yemen’s request to withdraw its military forces within 24 hours and to halt military or financial support to any Yemeni faction. The statement called for wisdom to prevail in order to preserve Gulf unity, bilateral relations, and the shared goal of regional stability and development.
