MAKKAH: The Kingdom has mobilized more than 300,000 civilians and military personnel to serve pilgrims, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal — Makkah governor, adviser to King Salman and chairman of the Central Hajj Committee — told a press conference in Mina.
He said 101 unlicensed Hajj companies were shut down, 490,785 individuals and 21,990 vehicles without Hajj permits were prevented from entering Makkah and the Mashaaer, and 9,599 people transporting pilgrims illegally were arrested.
The total number of pilgrims this Hajj season is expected to exceed 2 million. The number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom reached 1,752,014, and the number of domestic pilgrims reached 126,092 citizens and 102,936 residents, Prince Khalid said, adding that 1,564 Qatari pilgrims have come this year, up from 1,210 last year.
Al-Mashaaer Metro is ready to transport 365,000 pilgrims, and 21,000 buses are available to help more than 2 million pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat, he said.
The Health Ministry has mobilized 30,000 doctors and health practitioners to serve pilgrims, he added.
“The ministry furnished 5,000 beds in Makkah and the holy sites, and 550 intensive care units. It equipped 135 health centers and 17 hospitals to provide health services to pilgrims,” Prince Khalid said, adding that there are 100 field medical teams with the latest equipment.
The Finance Ministry has established accommodation centers in Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah that can host more than 51,000 people, he said.
“The Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs mobilized more than 23,000 people to ensure the cleanliness of Makkah and the holy places during Hajj,” he added.
“The National Water Co. is pumping more than 18 million cubic meters during the pilgrimage season.” He said 22 million meals and water bottles will be distributed during this Hajj season.
Over 300,000 people mobilized to serve Hajj pilgrims
Over 300,000 people mobilized to serve Hajj pilgrims
Saudi artist wins Japan manga contest
- Manga Arabia’s Samah Kamel recognized for ‘Taif’ which addresses issues surrounding autism
- Kamel’s win marks the first time a Saudi manga artist has triumphed in the Japan International Manga Award
RIYADH: The Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom Fumio Iwai awarded Saudi manga artist Samah Kamel with the 17th Japan International Manga Award’s Special Encouragement Award at a ceremony held at the Japanese Embassy in Riyadh.
Kamel, a regular creator for Manga Arabia, expressed her joy at winning the prize for her work “Taif” about the challenges facing parents of children on the autism spectrum, and the various ways autistic people can be accommodated and integrated into society.
“I was shocked to win because I had entered a few times before without ever winning. This taught me that persistence pays off, and my daughter, who is here with me today, inspired the manga. I would like to encourage any mother raising a child with a disability to know that she is a powerful and inspirational person,” Kamel told Arab News.
Issam Bukhari, editor-in-chief of Manga Arabia, said Kamel’s achievement is a historic milestone in exporting Saudi and Arab creativity to the world as the first Saudi work to win the Japan International Manga Award, presented by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Iwai told Arab News: “What Manga Arabia is doing is great. I’m very happy today to commend one of their talents for being awarded the International Manga Award, the 17th edition.
“Manga is one of the most popular cultural fields in Japan. So again, I’m very happy to see the spread of Manga culture, not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the Arab world, and what is quite impressive is that Manga Arabia produces so many companies and is providing Saudi kids, Saudi juniors, with their Arabic version of Japan.
“To use manga as well as their original works, and I know Saudi authorities are also trying to make use of manga … in various fields, teaching, like history … environmental protection, and so on,” he added.
“Taif” can be downloaded on the Manga Arabia for Kids app.
Saudi AI authority enhances Makkah route for 7 nations
RIYADH: The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence is participating in providing technical and digital services for the Makkah Route Initiative, a program under the Ministry of Interior’s Pilgrim Experience Program which aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives.
Engineers and technicians are operating across Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, and Ivory Coast, integrating them with the authority’s systems, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Its tasks include developing highly private technical systems that meet service requirements, such as border systems, Hajj systems, traveler registration systems, and mobile bags equipped with biometric registration devices, all aimed at streamlining procedures.
The efforts of the authority are part of the extensive support provided by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to enhance the fields of data and AI, stimulating their growth and maximizing their benefits.
Launched in 2019 in Muslim-majority countries, the scheme allows pilgrims to fulfill all visa, customs and health requirements at their airport of origin, saving hours of waiting before and on arrival in the Kingdom.
The process begins with the issue of electronic visas and individual information collection, followed by streamlined passport procedures before departure.
Stickers are placed on luggage and passports containing information on the flight data and place of residence of each pilgrim. The tagging service is carried out by a specialized team working under the supervision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Teams at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah receive the luggage, which is then delivered to accommodation of the pilgrims.
The Ministry of Interior is implementing the Makkah Route initiative with several agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and the General Directorate of Passports.
This year’s pilgrimage is expected to begin on or around June 14 and conclude on June 19.
Jeddah governor launches initiative for a more balanced life
- The campaign aims to raise parents’ awareness of the importance of work-family balance
- It also aims to honor employers from various sectors who adopt sustainable practices reflecting their interest in the family and society
RIYADH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi inaugurated the work-family balance initiative on Sunday, organized by the Al-Mawaddah Association for Family Development under the slogan “Balance Your Life.”
The initiative began in the presence of Mohammed Al-Radi, the association’s general manager, along with several of the organization’s members, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The campaign aims to raise parents’ awareness of the importance of work-family balance, and enhance interaction and cooperation among employers to promote family-supportive work environments.
It also aims to honor employers from various sectors who adopt sustainable practices reflecting their interest in the family and society, such as providing educational and welfare programs for children and the elderly.
The initiative also includes knowledge seminars to raise employees’ awareness of the importance of work-family balance and organizations’ awareness of creating a family-supportive work environment and adopting policies and programs that promote a balance between work and family life.
Al-Radi said: “This awareness initiative is one of several social initiatives and programs offered by the association to improve the quality of family life.”
Saudi forces participate in Eager Lion military drill in Jordan
RIYADH: Units from the Saudi Armed Forces are participating in the Eager Lion military drill, held in Jordan from May 12-23, with the involvement of the armies of 31 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The head of the Saudi Armed Forces Education and Training Authority, Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, explained that the exercise aims to exchange expertise and train on planning and implementing joint operations and missile air defense operations, as well as implementing counter-terrorism and maritime security operations to confront regional threats.
The Armed Forces, represented by the General Staff, the Joint Forces Command, and the land, air, sea, and air defense branches, are participating in the exercise.
Recently, the Royal Saudi Air Force concluded its participation in the mixed air exercise Desert Flag, conducted at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, alongside forces from several friendly countries.
The commander of the forces involved, Lt. Col. Adel bin Saeed Abu Malhah, said that the exercise, which lasts for three weeks, included the implementation of offensive and defensive air counter-operations and support for surface forces within new and complex scenarios under various threats.
He noted that the RSAF participated with six fighter jets from the F-15SA system with full air, technical, and support crews, conducting 80 daytime and night sorties and aerial refueling.
Botulism outbreak traced to mayonnaise at Riyadh restaurant
- Saudi food authority discovers clostridium botulinum in Bon Tum brand product; ministry implements strict measures
RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing announced on Saturday that a Saudi Food and Drug Authority laboratory test had found clostridium botulinum in a Bon Tum mayonnaise brand used by the Hamburgini food chain.
Since the bacterium was discovered in a Bon Tum factory, the ministry has collaborated with the SFDA and other authorities to enforce additional measures beyond those previously implemented.
These measures include suspending the distribution of the mayonnaise product and withdrawing it from markets and food facilities across all cities in the Kingdom. They also include halting operations at the factory in preparation for implementing statutory procedures.
Any remaining quantities of the product at the factory across all batches and expiration dates have also been withdrawn, and all factory clients, including restaurants and food establishments, have been notified to dispose of any quantities they own.
The ministry has also issued instructions to continue the monitoring, investigation, and inspection campaigns across all cities of the Kingdom by municipalities and relevant authorities, ensuring the safety of food products provided to consumers.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of obtaining information from official sources and not being swayed by rumors and misinformation.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The botulism outbreak was first brought to light on April 27 when Riyadh municipality received a report of food poisoning cases linked to the Hamburgini restaurant chain.
• New measures undertaken by authorities include suspending the distribution of the Bon Tum mayonnaise product and withdrawal from markets and food facilities in the Kingdom.
• Any remaining quantities of the product at the factory across all batches and expiration dates have also been withdrawn.
• Authorities have emphasized the importance of obtaining information from official sources and not being swayed by rumors and misinformation.
Dr. Nezar Bahabri, infectious diseases consultant at the International Medical Center in Jeddah and the director of the Saudi Society of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Jeddah, told Arab News that contracting illness through clostridium botulinum is very rare as it thrives in non-oxygenated (anaerobic) environments and is typically found in improperly preserved foods.
The bacterium produces a toxin that attacks the body’s nervous system, resulting in muscle weakness, blurred vision, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and eventually paralysis. Typically, the likelihood of exposure to this bacterium is low with modern food safety practices in place.
Bahabri said: “When this bacterium is ingested, and the toxin is released, symptoms will manifest within a few hours up to around two days.”
Mohammed Al-Awamy, a gastroenterologist, told Arab News: “Symptoms start in the face and then descend to involve the limbs and trunk. Respiratory failure ensues due to involvement of the respiratory system leading to cardiopulmonary collapse.”
The best measure to be taken is eating fresh and cooked food as the heat of cooking will kill the bacteria, and the toxin will become ineffective.
Dr. Nezar Bahabri, Infectious diseases consultant, International Medical Center
The symptoms of botulism, the illness caused by clostridium botulinum, are quite distinct and can be quickly recognized and treated with an antitoxin.
Bahabri explained: “If it was an injury, we will clean the wound and the infected tissue. If it is due to ingestion, we administer antitoxin, IV (intravenous) fluid, and painkillers as needed.”
Botulism is a life-threatening neurological disorder resulting in paralysis and death if not treated promptly.
Bahabri said that a patient must be admitted to hospital for observation, adding: “If the patient develops symptoms or weakness in the respiratory or lung muscles, we will transfer them to the ICU (intensive care unit) to put them in mechanical ventilation until the antitoxin works.”
Bahabri said that with proper treatment, the chance of a patient dying was less than 7 percent, adding: “The best measure to be taken is eating fresh and cooked food as the heat of cooking will kill the bacteria, and the toxin will become ineffective.”
The occurrence of clostridium botulinum infections is extremely uncommon due to the precautions taken in food preparation and handling. Therefore, it is important to stay informed about food safety guidelines and to be cautious when consuming canned or preserved foods.
The botulism outbreak was first brought to light on April 27 when Riyadh Municipality received a report of food poisoning cases linked to the Hamburgini restaurant chain.
The Ministry of Health said 75 people were affected in the outbreak, which included one death, and that no new cases had been recorded.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly, the Kingdom’s Health Ministry spokesperson, said on social media platform X: “The total number of recorded cases stands at 75, including 69 Saudi nationals and six non-Saudis.”
He also confirmed at the time that the only source of the contaminated food was from the local Hamburgini fast-food restaurant chain.
In response, health oversight teams promptly initiated an investigation and began monitoring the situation. By 10 p.m. on Thursday, all locations, branches, and the main catering factory of the restaurant chain in Riyadh were ordered to close.
Delivery services through the facility or via applications were suspended, and coordination efforts were initiated with key bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drug Authority, and the Public Health Authority.
People reacted on social media platforms after the announcement of the lab results.
McDonald’s Saudi Arabia wrote on X: “We, at McDonald’s Saudi Arabia, assure everyone that we do not use, nor have we ever used, Bon Tum mayonnaise … No case of poisoning was detected in any of our restaurants, thank God, and none of our branches were closed during this entire period.
“We wish and pray for all those injured to recover quickly. May God protect our country and our honorable people from all harm.”
@MohammedLegandry wrote on X: “This mayonnaise is officially the cause of the poisoning cases that occurred. I think it is positive news for the sector as long as the problem is identified, and it limits the messages of weak-minded people, the writing and spreading of circulating rumors, frightening people, and causing panic.”
“We are reassured that government agencies are keen on the public health of individuals,” posted @Nnalshriii.
@Abusayel54 commented on X: “I hope that the factory will be defamed, closed, and fined.”
@iiuxr8 said: “Is the mayonnaise the main cause of poisoning, or poor storage? (by Hamburgini).”
Another user @Hamoooo11 wrote: “Food quality and safety is the role of the restaurant itself to ensure its products, even if they are sourced externally. Otherwise, what is the point of a specialist and quality controller in their facilities?”
