Saudi ministry prepares for Umrah return with safety plans

The ministry assigned 769 employees, workers, technicians, and observers at all miqats in Makkah and Madinah, to participate in awareness and guidance work. (AFP)
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Updated 02 October 2020
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Saudi ministry prepares for Umrah return with safety plans

MAKKAH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has completed arrangements to prepare miqats (pilgrim stations) in order to receive worshippers and visitors performing Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The measures included placing social distancing floor stickers to maintain 2-meter spacing between pilgrims, 24-hour disinfection of mattresses, entrances, surfaces, and bathrooms, and setting up signboards in different languages at miqat entrances.
The ministry assigned 769 employees, workers, technicians, and observers at all miqats in Makkah and Madinah, to participate in awareness and guidance work.


GCC secretary general receives China’s special envoy to Middle East

Updated 09 March 2026
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GCC secretary general receives China’s special envoy to Middle East

  • Jun praised the GCC states’ prudent domestic, regional, and international policies, which have established the council as a reliable and important partner for China

RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi received China’s special envoy for the Middle East Issue, Zhai Jun, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, Al-Budaiwi expressed appreciation for China’s condemnation of Iranian attacks on GCC states and for Beijing’s efforts with all parties to halt the conflict and end the escalation, according to a General Secretariat statement. 

Jun praised the GCC states’ prudent domestic, regional, and international policies, which have established the council as a reliable and important partner for China. He added that the GCC’s commitment to restraint during the crisis reflects these policies.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming China-GCC summit later this year and discussed progress in negotiations toward a free trade agreement between the two sides.