RIYADH: The Kingdom is set to start a new chapter in its overall relations with Russia, and herald a new era of Saudi-Russian economic cooperation following the high-profile visit of King Salman, which begins on Thursday.
Russia, no doubt, will be a new addition to the list of Saudi Arabia’s most-favored nations, with which it will enter into a strong strategic economic alliance within the days to come.
Saudi-Russian relations, which took off during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Russia in May within the framework of Vision 2030, will be further consolidated during the visit of King Salman.
Several agreements including memoranda of understanding (MoU), predominantly in the fields of energy, economy and commerce, have been lined up for signing between the two countries during the royal trip.
No doubt, Saudi Arabia is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to start a new era on the commercial front. During the visit to Russia of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi side expressed a desire to develop strong cooperation with Russia in investment, space exploration, residential construction and other areas.
Back in June, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an agreement was signed on long-term bilateral cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The two countries also identified that the most promising areas of cooperation are energy, geological exploration, mining, petrochemicals, tanker construction, investment cooperation, and training of personnel.
This is apart from the interest evinced by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and the Saudi agencies to cooperate.
On the trade front, the two countries have forged closer ties. Total trade exceeds $1 billion, but these are the figures of the past. In fact, the commercial landscape between Riyadh and Russia will rapidly and substantially change following the visit of King Salman.
Referring to the agreements to be signed by Riyadh and Moscow during King Salman’s visit to Russia, a Reuters report said that Saudi Arabia is expected to sign several memoranda with Russian companies during the royal visit. State oil giant Saudi Aramco and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) will sign a memorandum with Russia’s biggest petrochemical company Sibur to look for opportunities to build petrochemical plants in both countries.
The agreement is one of several due to be signed during King Salman’s visit to Russia this week, his first trip to Moscow since becoming king in 2015. Other agreements expected to be signed include a memorandum between Saudi Aramco and Novatek, Russia’s biggest non-state gas producer, to look for investment opportunities in the gas sector, said the Reuters report. Local Saudi Aramco and SABIC officials declined to comment on the possible deals.
Regarding other agreements to be signed by the two sides, Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sovereign RDIF, on Tuesday said that “the fund was in the final stage of negotiations with Saudi partners about major Russian projects in the Kingdom,” without giving specifics. He said, however, that the fund and its Saudi partners would announce the creation of a new investment platform in energy sectors, as well as investments in industry and infrastructure.
Moreover, the Russian side has also expressed interest in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector, where the Kingdom was looking for major investments to help it produce 10 percent of its power from renewable sources. Also, Saudi Arabia is looking at nuclear energy to meet rising domestic power demand so more of its crude oil can be exported or converted into petrochemicals, rather than being used to generate electricity.
Dmitriev said that significant results have been achieved in the area of investment cooperation under a joint $10 billion framework created by the RDIF and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Dmitriev told Reuters in June after the RDIF agreed to buy a stake in Russian oil services company Eurasia Drilling, that the fund would also welcome Saudi investment in the company.
He said Saudi investors were already involved in a number of highly profitable projects in Russia, in sectors such as petrochemicals, infrastructure, logistics and hydropower, among others. Russia and Saudi Arabia will also unveil a “large” deal in the infrastructure sector later this week with Riyadh investing in toll roads in Russia including in Moscow, Dmitriev, said on Monday.
Russia’s interest in Saudi Arabia is multidimensional. Economically, Russian-Saudi understandings on oil production and oil exports can significantly affect global markets, Russia’s economy and the Russian government’s federal budget, which still depends heavily on oil-related tax receipts despite declining energy prices.
“Moscow also sees Saudi Arabia as a potential source of investment, something of growing importance,” said Hanif A. Amin, a local banker.
Amin said that “the visit of King Salman to Russia will herald a new era of commercial cooperation, which will go a long way in changing the economic landscape of the two countries, besides political discourses on the key regional issues.” Moreover, economic conditions in Russia in turn shape Russia’s domestic political environment as well as economic conditions in the country.
King Salman’s visit will herald new era of Saudi-Russian economic cooperation
King Salman’s visit will herald new era of Saudi-Russian economic cooperation
Pilgrims perform final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Adha
- More than 850,000 pilgrims had performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah by Sunday night in Makkah
- The stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam
MINA: More than 850,000 pilgrims had performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah by Sunday night in Makkah, the ritual marking the final days of the Hajj and the start of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.
The long day started with masses of pilgrims embarking on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Muzdalifah under the soaring summer heat. The stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
It came a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims congregated at a sacred hill, known as Mount Arafat, outside the holy city of Makkah, which Muslim pilgrims visit to perform the annual five-day rituals of Hajj. The Tawaf Al Ifadah is performed by Hajj pilgrims after the returning from Mina.
In a press conference on Sunday night, Col. Talal bin Abdulmohsen Al-Shalhoub, spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, said that all pilgrims safely returned to their tents in Mina after departing from Muzdalifah.
He emphasized that security forces are continuing their operations to ensure the security and safety of the Guests of Allah throughout their stay in Mina, including their rituals at the Jamarat Bridge and within the Grand Mosque.“These services encompass crowd control and management on all routes connecting their accommodations in tents, the bridge, and the Grand Mosque, as well as during their tawaf. I urge all guests to adhere strictly to the instructions governing their ritual performances,” he stated.
The spokesperson also advised pilgrims not to carry personal belongings when heading to the Jamarat Bridge or the Holy Mosque.
“Furthermore, I urge those intending to leave Mina on the second day of Tashreeq to follow the specified guidelines,” he added.
The days of Tashreeq are the three days that follow the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, Eid al-Adha, and are known for the ritual of stoning the three pillars in Mina, symbolizing the rejection of temptation and evil.
However, it is permissible for pilgrims to leave Makkah before sunset on the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah.Al-Shalhoub further reported that the 911 center in the Makkah region had received a total of 78,872 calls on the 10th of Thul Hijjah, covering security reports and service inquiries, all of which were promptly addressed.
He highlighted the close monitoring by Saudi leadership of all security sectors, noting continuous enhancements in their performance each year.“Our security personnel serve as exemplary role models in fulfilling their duties and facilitating the Hajj journey for pilgrims,” he concluded.
For his part, Ayedh Al-Ghuwainem, deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj affairs said that the organizational plans and efforts were implemented in harmony with all the participating Hajj agencies.
“The stoning process occurred safely and tranquilly within just ten hours, achieving a compliance rate of 95 percent with the instructions,” he said.
He further added that the plans were designed to accommodate the diverse jurisprudential preferences of pilgrims using modern technology and preplanned schedules for grouping the pilgrims.Al-Ghuwainem stated that more than 800,000 pilgrims had arrived in Mina before dawn on Sunday, and by 8 a.m., all pilgrims had reached Mina.
On their arrival at the Jamarat Bridge, some 70 percent of the pilgrims used the first and fourth floors, while the rest of them went through the second and third floors, according to the deputy minister.
“Moreover, more than 850,000 worshippers have so far performed the Ifadah tawaf since midnight using shuttle bus services from and to the Grand Mosque,” he said.
The deputy minister added that the challenge they faced along with the concerned authorities was that most of the pilgrims preferred to go on foot, despite all the awareness campaigns and the availability of all means of transportation. He also urged the pilgrims to follow the instructions.
Saudi crown prince receives phone call from president of European Council
- They reviewed Saudi-EU cooperation and ways to strengthen in various areas
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received telephone call from the president of the European Council Charles Michel on Sunday.
During the conversation, they reviewed Saudi-EU cooperation and ways to strengthen in various areas.
A number of regional and international issues were also discussed as well as efforts made to achieve security and stability in the region, SPA reported.
Saudi king, crown prince congratulate South African president on re-election
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent separate cables of congratulations on Sunday to South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election for a new term.
King Salman expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes for success to Ramaphosa and for the progress and prosperity of his country, SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia has enjoyed excellent relations with South Africa, which have been strengthened and developed in every aspect.
Pilgrims perform final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Adha
MINA: More than 850,000 pilgrims had performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah by Sunday night in Makkah, the ritual marking the final days of the Hajj and the start of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.
The long day started with masses of pilgrims embarking on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Muzdalifah under the soaring summer heat. The stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
It came a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims congregated at a sacred hill, known as Mount Arafat, outside the holy city of Makkah, which Muslim pilgrims visit to perform the annual five-day rituals of Hajj. The Tawaf Al Ifadah is performed by Hajj pilgrims after the returning from Mina.
In a press conference on Sunday night, Col. Talal bin Abdulmohsen Al-Shalhoub, spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, said that all pilgrims safely returned to their tents in Mina after departing from Muzdalifah.
He emphasized that security forces are continuing their operations to ensure the security and safety of the Guests of Allah throughout their stay in Mina, including their rituals at the Jamarat Bridge and within the Grand Mosque.“These services encompass crowd control and management on all routes connecting their accommodations in tents, the bridge, and the Grand Mosque, as well as during their tawaf. I urge all guests to adhere strictly to the instructions governing their ritual performances,” he stated.
The spokesperson also advised pilgrims not to carry personal belongings when heading to the Jamarat Bridge or the Holy Mosque.
“Furthermore, I urge those intending to leave Mina on the second day of Tashreeq to follow the specified guidelines,” he added.
The days of Tashreeq are the three days that follow the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, Eid al-Adha, and are known for the ritual of stoning the three pillars in Mina, symbolizing the rejection of temptation and evil.
However, it is permissible for pilgrims to leave Makkah before sunset on the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah.Al-Shalhoub further reported that the 911 center in the Makkah region had received a total of 78,872 calls on the 10th of Thul Hijjah, covering security reports and service inquiries, all of which were promptly addressed.
He highlighted the close monitoring by Saudi leadership of all security sectors, noting continuous enhancements in their performance each year.“Our security personnel serve as exemplary role models in fulfilling their duties and facilitating the Hajj journey for pilgrims,” he concluded.
For his part, Ayedh Al-Ghuwainem, deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj affairs said that the organizational plans and efforts were implemented in harmony with all the participating Hajj agencies.
“The stoning process occurred safely and tranquilly within just ten hours, achieving a compliance rate of 95 percent with the instructions,” he said.
He further added that the plans were designed to accommodate the diverse jurisprudential preferences of pilgrims using modern technology and preplanned schedules for grouping the pilgrims.Al-Ghuwainem stated that more than 800,000 pilgrims had arrived in Mina before dawn on Sunday, and by 8 a.m., all pilgrims had reached Mina.
On their arrival at the Jamarat Bridge, some 70 percent of the pilgrims used the first and fourth floors, while the rest of them went through the second and third floors, according to the deputy minister.
“Moreover, more than 850,000 worshippers have so far performed the Ifadah tawaf since midnight using shuttle bus services from and to the Grand Mosque,” he said.
The deputy minister added that the challenge they faced along with the concerned authorities was that most of the pilgrims preferred to go on foot, despite all the awareness campaigns and the availability of all means of transportation. He also urged the pilgrims to follow the instructions.
Hajj pilgrims innovate for comfort amid Saudi Arabia’s efforts to beat the heat
- Portable fans, personal water sprinklers among useful aids in scorching conditions
ARAFAT: Pilgrims have remained inventive in their quest for comfort, despite Saudi Arabia’s diligent efforts to mitigate the sweltering heat at the holy sites.
Alongside the Kingdom’s measures — which include extensive cooling systems — pilgrims are using rechargeable and battery-powered neck and handheld fans in their determination to offset the challenging conditions brought by the summer.
The portable fans provide much-needed relief by offering personal cooling in crowded areas where air circulation may be limited. They allow pilgrims to maintain comfort and focus on their religious duties without being overly affected by the extreme temperatures, thereby enhancing their overall pilgrimage experience.
According to online retail websites, the hands-free fans range from $4 to $8, while neck fans are between $32 to $60. However, some portable waist clip fans may cost from $30 to more than $110.
NUMBER
230k
Managed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the sprinkler system at the holy sites disperses 230,000 cubic meters of water through a pipe network spanning over 190,000 meters.
In accordance with the Health Ministry’s warnings and instructions, many pilgrims are also being observed using small water sprinklers to cool themselves amid the high temperatures.
A report by the National Center for Meteorology noted that temperatures reached 46 C in Arafat on Saturday. In anticipation of such conditions, a massive water sprinkler system had been installed to reduce heat and refresh the air for pilgrims.
Saleh Al-Sufiyani, a Saudi pilgrim from Taif, said that he was aware of the weather conditions in Makkah and purchased a cooling gadget for SR150 (approximately $40).
He added: “The device provides direct airflow to my neck and face, which are sensitive areas for cooling the body. It helps me feel more comfortable as it reduces the sensation of heat.”
Maryam Jadallah, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that she had bought her portable battery-powered fan from Jeddah after learning about the high temperatures in Makkah.
She added: “The fan operates quietly, allowing me to hear everything around me without disturbing my supplications.”
She stressed that cooling the body during hot weather can help prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
She said that despite having her fan with her, she often kept it off as fans and water sprinklers were installed everywhere to help the pilgrims stay cool.
According to Kidana Development Company, a substantial sprinkler system comprising more than 8,000 water posts has been installed at the holy sites to mitigate the high temperatures.
Managed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the system disperses 230,000 cubic meters of water through a pipe network spanning over 190,000 meters. It will operate for 15 hours daily across a span of 13 days.
A recent study published by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre revealed that heat-related deaths and strokes during Hajj have fallen by 47.6 and 74.6 percent respectively over a 40-year period because of the interventions by the Kingdom’s government.
