More than 3,000 volunteers serve Hajj pilgrims

More than 100,000 bottles were distributed to pilgrims after their arrival at Namirah Mosque in Arafat to perform Dhuhr and Asr prayers. (SPA)
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Updated 08 July 2022
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More than 3,000 volunteers serve Hajj pilgrims

  • Ministry provided rehabilitation and development courses for volunteers

ARAFAT: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that it has reactivated the “Be a Helper” volunteering program again after its two-year hiatus, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and set the program’s operational plan for Hajj.

The ministry has identified several specialized tracks for volunteers that meet the needs of pilgrims, including hospitality, health and emergency services, water provision, translation and guidance, providing assistance to the elderly, reducing food waste and administrative support.

The ministry provided rehabilitation and development courses for volunteers by holding special camps for both genders with integrated services, including housing and transportation.

The number of volunteers of the “Be a Helper” program during this year’s Hajj season is more than 3,000. They are divided into groups that work around the clock to provide assistance to pilgrims in all areas of the holy sites.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance launched a voluntary initiative aimed at distributing 150,000 bottles of cold water to pilgrims.

More than 100,000 bottles were distributed to pilgrims after their arrival at Namirah Mosque in Arafat to perform Dhuhr and Asr prayers, in addition to 50,000 bottles given out in Muzdalifah, the pilgrims’ next station.

The voluntary initiative comes within the framework of the ministry’s aim provide the best services to pilgrims.


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.