Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Oman’s sultan, exchanges Eid greetings
Updated 19 July 2021
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, the sultan expressed his thanks and appreciation to the crown prince for the hospitality and warm reception he received during his visit to the Kingdom, congratulating Prince Mohammed on the advent of Eid Al-Adha.
The crown prince thanked him for his noble sentiments, and extended greetings on the upcoming Muslim holiday.
Sultan Haitham concluded a two -day visit to the Kingdom on Monday, his first official foreign visit since assuming his position and the first visit by an Omani leader in over a decade.
Hajj Ministry suspends Umrah firm, overseas agent for violations
Company fails to provide housing for Umrah pilgrims
Actions to ‘safeguard’ rights of visitors, says ministry
Updated 31 min 30 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Sunday announced the suspension of an Umrah company and its overseas agent for failing to provide contracted accommodation for pilgrims.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said the company violated regulations governing services for Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the two holy mosques.
It noted that several pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom without mandated accommodation. This prompted immediate action against the company and its overseas agent, the ministry stated.
Pilgrims circumambulate the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in this photo taken earlier this month. (SPA)
“The measures are intended to safeguard the rights of affected pilgrims, prevent a recurrence of such violations, and ensure the continued enhancement of service quality,” it added.
Last June, the ministry suspended seven Umrah companies due to deficiencies in providing transport services for pilgrims.
In an earlier report quoting the Hajj Ministry and the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the SPA said more than 1.7 million Muslims from all over the world arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah during the month of Jumada Al-Akhirah, corresponding to Nov. 22 to Dec. 20.
