MAKKAH: The Guests of King Salman for Hajj and Umrah program has hosted some 27,000 pilgrims from around the world since its inception in 1417 AH, the program’s executive director, Abdullah bin Madalj Al-Madalj, said Thursday.
He stressed the importance of providing high-level services to the guests, and of helping pilgrims perform Hajj easily via the program, which is implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.
He pointed to the great efforts exerted by the ministry to achieve the program’s objectives in accordance with the aspirations of King Salman.
Al-Madalj urged journalists to report on the program’s goals, the experiences of its guests, and the Kingdom’s contribution to serving Islam and Muslims. “The program is successful, and has the confidence of the rulers and the appreciation of the guests and participants,” he said.
“It’s fair enough to highlight these efforts to the world.”
Guests of King Salman program hosts 27,000 Hajj pilgrims since launch
Guests of King Salman program hosts 27,000 Hajj pilgrims since launch
SDAIA develops AI-powered Smart Makkah Operations Center to serve Hajj pilgrims
- The operations center uses the latest technologies based on AI techniques to do so
MAKKAH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has developed the Smart Makkah Operations Center (Smart Moc) to ensure the safety and comfort of Hajj pilgrims and facilitating their movement and the services provided to them, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The operations center uses the latest technologies based on AI techniques to do so, SPA added.
A team of experts in a variety of fields, including programming, data, and AI, are employed at Smart Moc on a round-the-clock basis to monitor the operational processes of the platforms and provide precise analyses of their progress.
This is in accordance with SDAIA's commitment to utilizing the most advanced technologies and AI to assist pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque.
Among the center's major achievements is the "Basier" platform, the first real-time computer vision system in Saudi Arabia and one of the largest crowd management systems in the Middle East, used to manage crowds in the Grand Mosque, regulate their movements, and facilitate the flow of vehicles.
Deputy governor of Makkah region hands over Kaaba Kiswa to gatekeeper
- The hand-over was signed off by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and the deputy chief gatekeeper Abdul Malik bin Taha Al-Shaibi
RIYADH: The deputy governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz handed over the Kaaba’s Kiswa to the gatekeeper of the holy site on Monday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The hand-over was signed off by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and the deputy chief gatekeeper Abdul Malik bin Taha Al-Shaibi.
The Kaaba will be adorned with its new Kiswa on Muharram 1, the stat of the new Islamic year.
Umm Al-Qura University volunteers extend support to pilgrims in Mina during Tashreeq
- Hajj Volunteer Program was established 12 years ago
MAKKAH: Volunteers from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah continued to provide field health services to pilgrims in Mina on the first day of Tashreeq on Monday, during the 2024 Hajj season.
Ahmad Hassan Mufti, the vice dean of the College of Medicine for Development and Entrepreneurship at the university, told Arab News that the training program, known as the Hajj Volunteer Program, was established 12 years ago.
He said: “It is part of the medicine and surgery bachelor’s program, enabling students to acquire various skills while offering primary health services during the Hajj season.”
Mufti said the medical volunteer program offered five different tracks, and added: “Students in the Makkah hospitals track collaborate with city hospitals to provide healthcare services.”
For the holy sites hospitals and centers track, students offer healthcare services in locations in Mina and Arafat.
Mufti said that students in the education track provide educational materials and awareness programs to pilgrims, helping them to understand health risks and preventive measures.
Meanwhile, the research and innovation track involves students conducting various research projects on health issues during the Hajj season and developing innovations to benefit pilgrims.
Field volunteers are located in sites such as the pedestrian corridor in Mina, as well as the majority of hospitals in the city and holy sites.
Mufti said: “Approximately 600 male and female students are taking part in all tracks this year, with the number increasing annually.”
When the program began 12 years ago, only 30 students participated.
The number of working hours and days varies according to each track. Field teams participate approximately six hours per day, while working hours at hospitals range from eight to 10 hours each day.
Mufti added: “Medical students constitute 90 percent of the participants, but participation is available to other health specialties as well.”
The program aims to assist pilgrims visiting the holy sites but also aims to develop medical professionals.
Students will be equipped with various skills to help with health issues during the Hajj season.
Mufti said: “The program also aims to enhance students’ leadership abilities, train them in handling disasters and emergencies, and teach them effective communication skills with patients from diverse backgrounds.”
The goal of the Hajj Volunteer Program is to enlist volunteer healthcare professionals from various health colleges at Umm Al-Qura University.
This enables them to serve visitors in Hajj and Umrah, as outlined in the principles of volunteering in Saudi Vision 2030. The program aims to inspire students, target future leaders, provide training in disaster management, and help administer emergency medical assistance.
King Salman pays sacrificial animal expenses for 3,322 pilgrims
- The pilgrims are all guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit and are from 88 countries
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has paid the expenses for the sacrificial animals of 3,322 Hajj pilgrims at his own expense, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The pilgrims are all guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit and are from 88 countries.
Most pilgrims are required to slaughter an animal as a reminder of the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim was prepared to offer — of his son, Ismail — as a mark of absolute submission to God.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh considered the gesture an extension of the king’s generosity toward all Muslims.
Saudi Arabia’s markets ready for annual surge in demand
- Souvenirs and gifts for loved ones are a cherished homecoming tradition for pilgrims
JEDDAH: Every year, markets in Saudi Arabia witness increased footfall as Hajj pilgrims look for souvenirs and gifts to commemorate the journey of a lifetime.
The gold market, especially in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, thrives with its showcase of intricate designs, from traditional to contemporary styles, catering to diverse jewelry tastes.
Speaking to Arab News, Mohammed Akbar, a trader in Jeddah said: “During the Hajj season, we make it a point to showcase designs that cater to all nationalities. Pilgrims from diverse countries have a penchant for various types of gold.
“Buying gold is viewed as an investment, particularly by many Asian and African pilgrims, as they often find gold jewelry to be more affordable and of superior quality compared to what is available in their home countries. We expect an increase in gold sales this year.”
The rising price of gold has emerged as a significant trend, indicating the increasing demand and investment appeal of this valuable metal among pilgrims. As per traders, the rates for 21-carat gold are expected to range between SR250 ($66.6) to SR254 per gram, and SR267 per gram for 22-carat gold during the Hajj season.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Handcrafted goods, such as calligraphy art, prayer beads, and intricately designed prayer rugs, serve as tangible reminders of the sacred journey undertaken by pilgrims.
• Buying gold is viewed as an investment by some pilgrims, as they find Kingdom’s gold jewelry to be more affordable and of superior quality, says Jeddah trader.
Beyond gold purchases, the market for Hajj souvenirs includes an array of items with Islamic motifs. Handcrafted goods, such as calligraphy art, prayer beads, and intricately designed prayer rugs, serve as tangible reminders of the sacred journey undertaken by pilgrims. These souvenirs not only hold sentimental value but also serve as meaningful gifts to loved ones back home.
Mohammed Dossary, an Egyptian pilgrim attending Hajj with his family, said: “This is my second Hajj pilgrimage, but the first with my family. During my previous visit, I only brought simple gifts such as sweets, prayer mats, nuts and toys for the children. However, this time I have noticed a significant change — every shop now offers unique items with a wider range of options.
“Near my hotel, there is a perfume store that personalizes perfumes in 50ml bottles by engraving names on them. We purchased two dozen of these customized perfumes for our family members.”
Waleed Jabir from Oman expressed his surprise at the changes in the markets and price increases. “I am taken aback by the increase in prices across the board. Miswak, previously priced at two riyals, now cost SR15 due to their organic nature and the introduction of modern packaging with a reusable safe case,” he said.
Jabir added that the variety of toys available has also expanded, noting that he purchased Islamic quiz flash cards, board games, and a toy laptop that contains the entire Qur’an recorded on it.
Saleh Mohammed, who owns a shop near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, said: “Every pilgrim desires distinctive souvenirs such as silverware, precious stones, intricately crafted jewelry, handwoven textiles, or dates. Selling just a single piece of silverware brings in a substantial amount.
“Additionally, engraving names on prayer mats is a service frequently requested by pilgrims. In a society where material goods can lose their significance, these souvenirs are often cherished as lasting memories.”
