JEDDAH: A team of volunteers from the Council of British Hajjis is working in Saudi Arabia to help and support pilgrims from the UK. In addition to general assistance, they can arrange medical treatment and are offering general health advice.
Rashid Mogradia, the CEO and founder of the council, which is Britain’s national Hajj charity, praised the improvements made by Saudi authorities this year.
“It is an absolute honor once again to be here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve the guests of Almighty Allah,” he said. “There have been some significant developments by the Saudi authorities, from air-conditioned tents in Mina to mobile-phone apps, which all helped pilgrims achieve a positive and memorable Hajj experience."
Mogradia said that there had been no problems among the British pilgrims.
“Despite the heavy sandstorm on Sunday night, the stay in Mina and the day of Arafat have gone smoothly, and as pilgrims continue their rituals over the coming days, I would like to wish Muslims in the UK and across the world Eid Mubarak,” he added.
Pakistani-born British MP Yasmin Qureshi, the chairwoman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hajj & Umrah, said that the council is also exploring ways to improve the services offered to pilgrims.
“They will ... be carrying out out field research that will help the cross-party group understand the needs of the pilgrims and any support afforded to British nationals, and how it can be further improved for a memorable Hajj experience. I wish all pilgrims a Hajj Mabroor — an accepted Hajj.”
The council’s team arrived in Saudi Arabia on Aug. 14 and will remain there until Aug. 28. Representatives from the British Consulate in Jeddah are also visiting camps hosting British citizens to offer assistance.
British charity chief praises improved Hajj services
British charity chief praises improved Hajj services
- Council of British Hajjis volunteers will continue to offer assistance to UK citizens until Aug. 28
- Nearly 2.4 million people have attended the Hajj pilgrimage this year
Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy
- The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16
ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.
The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.
It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.
The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.
The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.
It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.
The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.
