JEDDAH: Photographers capture tens of thousands of images during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, but few are shared widely on social media — and even fewer occupy the coveted spot on the front page of Arab News.
Saudi photographer Saud Almusihij was looking for just such an image on Sunday, as he was keen to enter the Best Hajj Photo competition.
Scanning the throng of pilgrims, he spotted a police officer approaching an elderly man clearly suffering in the heat, with pain in his feet.
“The policeman spoke to the old man, poured water on his head to cool him down, then picked him up and carried him for almost 3 kilometers,” Almusihij told Arab News.
“He had to stop several times to catch his breath, but he kept going until he got the old man to where he wanted to be in Arafat.”
To ensure that his photos were natural and unposed, Almusihij made himself inconspicuous for 30 minutes as he watched the act of charity and kindness unfold. One of his images so perfectly captured the spirit of Hajj that Arab News editors selected it for our front page in Monday’s edition, and other media outlets also published it.
“The huge circulation of the photo has inspired me to work more at Hajj, and hopefully I will be participating in as many Hajj seasons as possible,” Almusihij said.
Meet the Saudi photographer behind Hajj 2019’s most iconic picture
Meet the Saudi photographer behind Hajj 2019’s most iconic picture
DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media
KUWAIT CITY: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the international Saudi newspaper Arab News have signed a Letter of Engagement aimed at strengthening knowledge and expertise exchange on the impact of artificial intelligence in the media sector, as well as leveraging expert insights to develop best practices to combat online misinformation amid accelerating technological advancements.
DCO said this step aligned with its efforts to strengthen collaboration with international media institutions to support responsible dialogue around digital transformation and contribute to building a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital media environment.
Commenting on the agreement, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, said: “At a moment when AI is reshaping how truth is produced, distributed, and trusted, partnership with credible media institutions is essential.”
She added that “working with Arab News allows us to bridge technology and journalism in a way that protects integrity, strengthens public trust, and elevates responsible innovation. This collaboration is about equipping media ecosystems with the tools, insight, and ethical grounding needed to navigate AI’s impact, while ensuring digital transformation serves people and their prosperity.”
Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, emphasized that the partnership enhances media institutions’ ability to keep pace with technological shifts, noting that engagement with representatives of DCO Member States enables deeper understanding of emerging technologies and regulatory developments in the digital space.
He added: “DCO’s commitment to initiatives addressing online content integrity reflects a clear dedication to supporting a responsible digital environment that serves societies and strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem.”
The Letter of agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Fifth DCO General Assembly held in Kuwait City under the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI”, alongside the second edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum, held from 4–5 February, which brought together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives from more than 60 countries to strengthen international cooperation toward a human-centric, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.
