Mina, the City of Tents

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Aerial view of Mina area ahead of the annual Haj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia July 18, 2021. (Reuters)
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Pilgrims walk in an alley of their camp in Mina, which sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains near Makkah, and is transformed each year into a vast encampment for Hajj pilgrims, on July 18, 2021. (AFP)
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Muslim pilgrims arrive at their tent camp in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP)
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A picture shows pilgrim tents in Mina, which sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains near Makkah, and is transformed each year into a vast encampment for Hajj pilgrims, on July 18, 2021. (AFP)
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Pilgrims walk in an alley of their camp in Mina on July 18, 2021. (AFP)
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A Muslim pilgrim prays at his tent camp in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP)
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Updated 19 July 2021
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Mina, the City of Tents

MINA: Mina’s Hajj tent development, known as the City of Tents, is one of the biggest projects executed by the Saudi government to serve pilgrims during the Hajj season to ensure their comfort and security, extending over 2.5 million square meters with a capacity of 2.6 million people.


Pilgrimages in the past used to suffer from regular tent fires in Mina, largely as a result of pilgrims not adhering to safety guidelines. Despite exhaustive efforts to counter this, over the years fires claimed many lives, injured hundreds and resulted in pilgrims losing their property.
These tragedies led to the development of flame retardant tents made of fiberglass tissues covered with Teflon, which are resistant to high heat and ignition, and which prevent the emission of toxic gases.


The tents are linked to each other via paved, illuminated and signposted corridors, and each group of tents is surrounded by metal fences for security, with main gates and emergency exits.
They provide communal areas, toilets and bathrooms, kitchens and electrical outlets, and are equipped with air-conditioning systems, are shaped in accordance with Islamic norms, and are made of flexible parts to ease storage and installation.


The tents are either 8 square meters in size, 6 by 8 meters or 12 by 8 meters, and fire extinguishers and hoses are distributed across the corridors at approximately one every 100 meters.
Water sprinklers, that operate automatically upon sensing heat, are installed in each tent to extinguish fires, and the moment water is emitted from one, an alarm rings to alert security staff to the danger.
Special water tanks have been installed in tunnels on top of the mountains near Mina, with a capacity of 200,000 cubic meters to be used to extinguish fires.


Hajj 2025 planning meeting eyes new level of standards

Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz attends the first planning meeting for the 2025 Hajj season in Jeddah.
Updated 14 sec ago
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Hajj 2025 planning meeting eyes new level of standards

  • The meeting invited 60 organizations from the Hajj sector, along with various princes, ministers and officials
  • Prince Saud announced the timeline for the 2025 Hajj season, adding that it will meet a new level of standards

RIYADH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz attended the first planning meeting for the 2025 Hajj season in Jeddah on Sunday.

The meeting, held under the auspices of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah and head of the Central Hajj Committee, invited 60 organizations from the Hajj sector, along with various princes, ministers and officials.

Prince Saud announced the timeline for the 2025 Hajj season, adding that it will meet a new level of standards, including updated regulations, enhanced worker training and solutions to address challenges.

He conveyed the governor’s appreciation to organizations serving pilgrims and praised their efforts and the leadership’s support in providing high-quality services.

Prince Saud highlighted the need to build on the achievements of the 2024 Hajj season and ensure early preparation for this year’s pilgrimage. He urged the importance of increased cooperation to improve services and facilities.

He said that the meeting should result in clear, high-quality plans that positively impact the pilgrimage experience.

The meeting reviewed the 2024 Hajj season’s achievements, which included 300 plans for improved readiness. Notable accomplishments were the launch of the Nusuk card, experimental Hajj trips from Taif International Airport, expansion of the Makkah Route initiative, a 51-km extension of the Jeddah-Makkah highway, increased transportation from Mina to the Grand Mosque and the application of anti-heat paint near the Al-Namirah Mosque.

The meeting also covered the 2025 planning model, focusing on readiness, service quality standards and operational performance indicators.

A workshop titled “Harmonization of key services, roles and milestones” was held to review and initiate plans for this year’s Hajj season.


Medident signs MoU with Web Arabia for Healthcare Development in Saudi Arabia

Updated 2 min 5 sec ago
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Medident signs MoU with Web Arabia for Healthcare Development in Saudi Arabia

  • Areas such as preventive health measures, elderly care and public health initiatives will also prioritized

TOKYO: Tokyo-based Medident has entered a strategic partnership with Web Arabia, an IT company headquartered in Riyadh. The agreement, formalized through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to integrate Japanese healthcare standards with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.

The MoU, guided by CEO Dr. TOMITA Daisuke, focuses on leveraging advanced medical technologies and improving healthcare management in Saudi hospitals. It particularly emphasizes digital training for healthcare professionals.

Areas such as preventive health measures, elderly care and public health initiatives will also be prioritized.

Web Arabia, an IT company, and part of the Al Sabhan conglomerate, is one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent companies. Based in Riyadh, Web Arabia specializes in smart city solutions and is a subsidiary of Metscco Heavy Steel Industries, a leading general engineering company responsible for major infrastructure construction projects in Saudi Arabia.

Through this partnership, Web Arabia will play a key role in promoting digital healthcare transformation. This transformation is not just a goal, but a means to achieve the ambitious healthcare goals set by Saudi Vision 2030.

The aim is to revolutionize the healthcare sector through innovations in telemedicine, electronic health records, health monitoring technologies, and other advanced medical technologies.

Dr. Mohamed Abdelhakim, Medident’s Tokyo-based Overseas Business Director, has been a key figure in facilitating this collaboration. His extensive experience and education from Nippon Medical School’s Plastic Surgery Department and Cairo University School of Medicine, combined with his role in promoting advanced healthcare solutions and patient-centered care globally, make him an invaluable asset to this partnership.

The agreement between Medident and Web Arabia is not just about driving healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes. It’s about contributing to the overall well-being of Saudi Arabia’s population, aligning with the nation’s ambitious healthcare goals. This partnership promises a healthier, more prosperous future for the people of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Tomita, President of the Japan Oral Health Association and Representative Director of Mirise Well Medical Group, is a highly respected figure in the healthcare industry. His extensive education and experience, including a Leading Digital Healthcare Transformation degree from Harvard Medical School and specialization in orthodontics, make him a trusted leader in this partnership.


New partnership to enhance museum accessibility for people with disabilities

Updated 08 September 2024
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New partnership to enhance museum accessibility for people with disabilities

  • MoU aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields

RIYADH: The Museums Commission and the Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities signed a memorandum of understanding at the National Museum in Riyadh on Sunday.

The memorandum, which was signed by Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the commission, and Hisham Al-Haidary, CEO of the authority, aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields.

The memorandum underscores the commitment of both entities to provide a safe, inclusive environment that upholds the rights of people with disabilities and enhances their participation in society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and historic identity while addressing the physical and emotional needs of people with disabilities to ensure their full access to museums and cultural programs.

Al-Haidary explained that the partnership aimed to achieve key objectives for empowering people with disabilities. He said: “We seek to provide comprehensive accessibility in museums and train staff on interacting with this group, including training tour guides in sign language for visitors with hearing impairments.”

Regarding visitor experience evaluation, Al-Haidary spoke of a clear mechanism agreed with the commission, including tracking visitors with disabilities, collecting data via surveys, and analyzing feedback on social media. Periodic reports will be prepared and shared with relevant entities to ensure continuous improvement.

Al-Sanousi said that the commission was evaluating all its museums to meet the highest safety and comfort standards for people with disabilities.

He said: “Efforts will include modifying infrastructure, providing safe pathways, immediate support services, and designated areas within museums.”

He also highlighted plans to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and the nonprofit sector to increase participation in cultural activities. Policies would include organizing special visits and interactive educational programs to engage people with disabilities and promote access to cultural resources.

The initiative is part of the ongoing development of the museum environment in the Kingdom, ensuring accessibility for everyone and promoting the involvement of people with disabilities in cultural and heritage activities.


Saudi project clears 766 Houthi mines in Yemen

Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 766 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. (Supplied)
Updated 08 September 2024
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Saudi project clears 766 Houthi mines in Yemen

  • Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 458,477 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 766 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 12 anti-personnel mines, 41 anti-tank mines, 702 unexploded ordnances and 11 explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 458,477 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026

Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh. (@Stats_Saudi)
Updated 08 September 2024
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Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026

  • Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global statistical advancement recognized

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh.

It was recently announced by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The decision followed a majority vote after a review of proposals from competing countries, highlighting their ability to host the global event.

Fahad Al-Dossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics, presented Saudi Arabia’s bid during the group’s meeting. His presentation outlined the authority’s advancements in statistical work, the Kingdom’s experience hosting international events and its capacity to provide logistical support for such gatherings.

The proposal also introduced a suggested theme for the forum: “Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development.”

Al-Dossari said: “Hosting this event reflects the Kingdom’s prominent status, affirming King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to supporting the statistical sector, recognizing the crucial role of statistical data in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.”

He added: “Winning the bid to host the 2026 UN World Data Forum highlights the progress made in the statistical field, driven by initiatives from the General Authority for Statistics, which aim to produce accurate and updated data through improved data management and governance.”

The forum, targeting 193 UN member states, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting high-quality statistical data and indicators. It will invite participants from international organizations, UN member states’ statistical offices and data scientist groups.