Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah sends text messages to 20 percent of registered pilgrims

Cancellations must be done through the pilgrim’s e-portal. (SPA)
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Updated 27 June 2021
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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah sends text messages to 20 percent of registered pilgrims

  • Electronic nomination will be canceled if they fail to complete the procedures

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will start sending text messages to registered recipients between the ages of 41 and 50 to acquire a Hajj permit.

The total number of registered pilgrims reached 558,270 with recipients aged 41-50 making up 20 percent of those approved. The electronic nomination will be canceled if they fail to complete the procedures within the hours specified for each group. The Hajj Ministry’s website will then electronically nominate one of the pre-registered 550,000 people.
The process will continue respectively to cover the remaining age groups, including those younger than 20 years old, who make up less than 3 percent of the total number of registered people.
The ministry selected Friday midnight as the deadline for the completion of the registration procedures for people aged between 51 and 65 years old. People of this age group received text messages asking them to finalize the procedures, choose the desired package, review the terms and conditions and pay for the package within the 10 hours set by the ministry for the issuance of Hajj permits after they meet all requirements.
The terms of the agreement between the two parties, pilgrim and agency, include issuing an identification card for the pilgrims, providing pilgrims with a green wristband with their information, addresses and phone numbers in the holy sites, in addition to the provision of a male doctor and a mini-clinic dedicated to men, along with a female doctor and a mini-clinic dedicated to women.

HIGHLIGHT

The ministry selected Friday midnight as the deadline for the completion of the registration procedures for people aged between 51 and 65 years old. People of this age group received text messages asking them to finalize the procedures, choose the desired package, review the terms and conditions and pay for the package within the 10 hours set by the ministry for the issuance of Hajj permits after they meet all requirements.

The institution will provide a guide certified by the authorities and another guide for the Jamarat Bridge to accompany pilgrims during the periods specified in the schedule. It will also provide the workforce necessary for cleaning, services and security in the housing area reserved for Hajj. It will do so provided that the pilgrim is made aware of the package’s details, which clarify all the steps necessary for them to perform their duties along with departure times and housing locations and addresses.
The authorities will adopt a shuttle bus transportation system that will take the pilgrims from the welcome stations at the holy sites, passing by the Grand Mosque to perform the tawaf of arrival, Mount Arafat, Muzdalifah, the three days of Eid in Mina to conclude with Tawaf Al-Ifada.
Among the most significant terms concerning the pilgrims is their commitment to fully pay for the desired package, their adherence to the time slot designated by the agency for the stoning of the Jamarat.
Children will not be allowed to accompany pilgrims, nor those not included in the service package.
Cancellations must be done through the pilgrim’s e-portal. However, per the cancellation policy, they will be subjected to a deduction of up to 100 percent if the cancellation takes place after July 10, 2021, which coincides with the end of the 11th Hijri month; 40 percent of the total price will be deducted if the applicant cancels before July 3.
If a pilgrim tests positive for coronavirus they are entitled to a full refund excluding bank transfer fees.


Quality of Life Program, UN-Habitat officials hold talks

Updated 5 sec ago
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Quality of Life Program, UN-Habitat officials hold talks

RIYADH: The Quality of Life Program’s CEO Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr recently received in Riyadh the UN-Habitat’s Deputy Executive Director Michal Mlynar.

The officials discussed the program’s mission to achieve the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan.

Al-Bakr and Mlynar also focused on boosting cooperation in developing quality of life indicators globally, and shared experiences in sustainable urban development.
 


Syrian artist Emar Hmeid hosts first solo show in Saudi Arabia

Updated 13 min 24 sec ago
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Syrian artist Emar Hmeid hosts first solo show in Saudi Arabia

  • Artist’s work draws inspiration from Fauvism 

DAMMAM: Syrian artist Emar Nedal Hmeidi has opened her first solo exhibition, “Nook,” at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam.

“I am a lively person who loves life — and you can peek into my world over the last three years here,” Hmeidi, who is based in Saudi Arabia, shared with Arab News on the opening night.

Featuring 53 paintings of various sizes, the exhibition reflects Hmeidi’s deeply personal exploration of her space and its transformation — and translation — into works of art.

Hmeidi’s vibrant, melancholic yet playful works depict intimate interior scenes, capturing how her personal nook— a modest corner a short drive away from SASCA — served as her creative sanctuary. It is her place to rest, create and be the most authentic version of herself. 

These paintings, created entirely within that space during the past three years, represent a fusion of reality and imagination, with her use of color serving as an emotional language to convey her inner world.

Reflecting on her move from Syria to Saudi Arabia, she added: “Coming from Syria to Saudi Arabia, I live in a perpetual and permanent state of discovery. Art is an ongoing search for unity in contrasts.”

Her work draws inspiration from Fauvism, evident in the bold and instinctive use of vibrant colors. Hmeidi describes her creative process as one where colors resonate with her emotions, evolving instinctively to match her state of mind. This approach allows her to create uniquely emotive shades that are nearly impossible to replicate.

The paintings showcase her ability to transform static spaces into dynamic sanctuaries through light, mood and creativity. They often depict solitary, reflective moments, such as a woman reading or sipping tea, surrounded by plants and shifting light.

Hmeidi’s journey from Syria to Saudi Arabia brought a profound change to her art and life. Having endured the hardships of life in Syria, where basic needs often overshadowed artistic endeavors, she found stability and peace in Saudi Arabia. This shift in location allowed her to focus on introspection and creativity, channeling her experiences into deeply personal art.

Color plays a central role in Hmeidi’s artistic expression, serving as a medium to communicate her emotions.

“I’m a person who prefers to communicate with colors rather than with words. I love color deeply. For me, it’s not just about putting together shades and tones, but about how colors resonate with me in the moment. I enjoy mixing them instinctively, following the natural flow of my feelings,” she said.

“Sometimes, when people ask how I achieve a specific shade, I could tell them the combination, but it won’t ever come out the same. The color can feel. It always comes from the heart and it has my own personal touch,” she said.

Through her paintings, Hmeidi creates a dialogue between reality and imagination. “It’s about how these elements come together — walls, plants, furniture and light — interacting to form a space where reality and imagination converge. It’s almost as if the corner, the nook, becomes a meeting point for these worlds,” she said.

Hmeidi’s journey to Saudi Arabia profoundly influenced her creativity.

“It wasn’t my choice to come here to Saudi Arabia at first, but over time, I realized that it was the best decision. It empowered me,” she said. “This place gave me more than I ever had before — notably, stability, comfort and peace of mind,” she said.

Reflecting on her past, she said: “Back in Syria, I had to worry about basic needs — electricity, water, safety. Life there was exhausting, and it was hard to focus on creating art with so many external pressures. But here, in Saudi Arabia, I feel an inner peace that I never had before. This change in my surroundings has also brought a change in me and my work.”

Isolation, for Hmeidi, became a source of inspiration. “That solitude can also be a positive state for an artist. It allows immersion into oneself and opens a window for others to explore their own dimensions through art. It’s a journey of documenting personal experiences while discovering the relationship between place and self, color and light, and isolation and creativity,” she said.

Commenting on the recent news from Syria, Hmeidi offered a note of optimism. “This recent burst of joy in Syria was so brief— only about 12 hours. But during that time, we felt a heightened sense of belonging to our homeland, a deep connection. It was a sense of ‘Syria for the Syrians,’ just as Saudi Arabia is for the Saudis.”

She hopes to pick up a paintbrush soon and dedicate the next nine months to creating an entirely fresh set of paintings inspired by the ever-morphing and evolving journey she is experiencing.

For now, Saudi Arabia is home. Visitors to the Dammam exhibition are encouraged to purchase the for-sale paintings, and perhaps hang pieces of Hmeidi’s Nook in their own nooks.

The exhibition will remain on display until at least Dec. 20.


Man arrested in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan for transporting 9 illegals

Updated 27 min 35 sec ago
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Man arrested in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan for transporting 9 illegals

JAZAN: Border patrols in Al-Aridah, Jazan, arrested a man for transporting nine people from Ethiopia and Yemen who illegally crossed the Saudi border in his vehicle.

After preliminary legal procedures, the violators have been referred to the relevant authorities and, subsequently, to the Public Prosecution.

Saudi authorities have warned that anyone facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, including providing transportation, shelter or other assistance, could face 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000). Their vehicles and property could also be confiscated and they could face public defamation.

Meanwhile, authorities in the same region arrested a resident for selling qat. Legal procedures have been completed and the person referred to the competent authorities.

Members of the public with information on drug smuggling or selling are urged to call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. They can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email [email protected].


Saudi FM congratulates new EU high representative

Updated 36 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi FM congratulates new EU high representative

  • Two leaders also discussed recent regional developments and ongoing efforts to address key issues

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday spoke on the phone with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

During the call, Prince Faisal extended his congratulations to Kallas on her new appointment, which she took up on Dec. 1, and expressed his best wishes for her success in her role, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders also discussed recent regional developments and ongoing efforts to address key issues.

The exchange underscored the importance of Saudi-EU collaboration in promoting stability and addressing shared challenges.


Saudi Arabia, UNESCO to mark Arabic Language Day in Paris

Updated 12 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia, UNESCO to mark Arabic Language Day in Paris

  • Saudi-UNESCO event will focus on artificial intelligence’s role in supporting Arabic
  • Experts will discuss language learning methods for non-native speakers

RIYADH: UNESCO and Saudi Arabia’s Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Charity Foundation are cooperating to celebrate and mark the UN Arabic Language Day next week.

The UNESCO headquarters in the French capital will host an event on Dec. 18 to highlight the cultural and civilizational importance of the Arabic language, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi-UNESCO event will focus on the role of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence in supporting Arabic and promoting its global spread.

It will also include discussions on using AI to enhance Arabic teaching methods, the application of machine learning in translation, and efforts to preserve cultural and linguistic heritage through digitization.

A group of international scholars, researchers and experts will discuss the syndication of Arabic content on the web and how to facilitate the language-learning experience for non-native speakers, SPA reported.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language hosted the World Arabic Language Day celebration program at the UN headquarters in New York.

Saudi Arabia launched the Arabic Intelligence Center in May, the first of its kind specializing in AI-powered Arabic language processing.