Bassam Ghulman, deputy minister at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah Deputy Minister Bassam Ghulman
Updated 25 May 2019
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Bassam Ghulman, deputy minister at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

Bassam Ghulman has been deputy minister for transportation affairs at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah since February 2018.

Previously, he was general manager of the Haramain High-Speed Rail Project, which links the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

He was also a professor of contracts and construction project management at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah.

He first joined the university as an assistant lecturer in 1994, and held several positions there, including head of the civil engineering department.

Ghulman serves as vice chairman of the board of the Saudi Council of Engineers. He was an adviser to the secretary of Makkah, having first joined the municipality there as an assistant civil engineer in 1991.

Ghulman holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Umm Al-Qura University. He earned his master’s and Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Oklahoma in the US.

He has participated in local, regional and international events and conferences, and has published numerous academic papers and books.

Ghulman is a member of several government committees, including the advisory board for development in the Makkah region.

He recently met with members of the transport sector at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to discuss early preparations for this year’s season.

Ghulman said the meeting was in line with the ministry’s vision to improve and develop services to transport pilgrims to holy sites.


Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call

Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

The Saudi Press Agency said both ministers discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest.


Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers

Updated 11 min 54 sec ago
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Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers

  • The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period

RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the Ajeer Al-Hajj service for this year’s Hajj season.

The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period.

The ministry is encouraging Saudis and expatriate residents interested in working at the holy sites during the Hajj season to upload their CVs on the Ajeer portal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This integrated platform connects job seekers with available positions, facilitating workforce management and streamlining processes for both businesses and workers during the Hajj season.

The launch of Ajeer Al-Hajj aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance services for pilgrims and improve their experience during this sacred period.

Establishments are now required to issue Hajj permits for individuals employed on a seasonal basis, with strict penalties for non-compliance, the SPA reported.

This service enables businesses to issue work permits and recruit temporary staff, as well as advertise job vacancies specifically designed for the Hajj season. Job seekers can access these opportunities and apply directly through the platform.

The key goals of Ajeer Al-Hajj are to foster workforce flexibility, boost market efficiency, and reduce reliance on external recruitment sources, according to the SPA.

The service is accessible online in a streamlined manner for businesses and individuals through the following website: https://www.ajeer.com.sa.


King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week

Updated 07 May 2024
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King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week

RIYADH: King Khalid International Airport has announced the inauguration of a new air route that will connect Riyadh to the Chinese capital, Beijing.

The route will be serviced by three weekly flights operated by Air China, starting May 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, said the new route reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing direct air connectivity between the Kingdom and China.

The initiative is intended to allow more Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom, explore additional tourist destinations and discover existing investment opportunities, the RAC said.

The company also said that the collaboration with Air China is a result of a series of pioneering achievements by RAC, including obtaining the “Welcome Chinese” certification for King Khalid International Airport last July. The certification enhances the prospects of success in cooperation between the two parties, the company said.

The RAC said that the launch of the new route will contribute to achieving the targets of the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations and 29 airports.

The strategy includes developing airport infrastructure and establishing regulatory frameworks for operational processes at international and local level.


Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle into the Kingdom 27.6 kg of cocaine found hidden inside the air conditioner of a shipment of potatoes.

Authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port arrested two individuals who were set to receive the shipment.

In a statement ZATCA said it is “committed to stiffening customs control of the Kingdom’s imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to thwart smuggling attempts and ensure the protection of the society.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any drug-related crimes by calling 1910, via e-mail [email protected], or through the international number 00966114208417.


Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources

  • Move aligns with aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi signed a cooperation agreement on Monday aimed at achieving their respective goals.

The agreement will also work to develop human capital in the culture and arts sectors.

It is hoped the partnership will lead to the development of local cultural identity; the growth in local economic interaction; an increase in job opportunities and social development; and the creation of a legislative and regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation in the cultural sector.

It is expected this will lead to increased economic activity and new job opportunities, targets which form part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministries will study ways to encourage and motivate the participation of the private sector in developing the culture and arts sectors as part of the agreement.