Worshippers pack out Makkah, Madinah Grand Mosques for Laylat Al-Qadr prayers

Muslim worshippers pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on April 17, 2023, on the night of 27 Ramadan, believed to be Laylat al-Qadr, one of the holiest nights during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. (Photo courtesy: AFP)
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Updated 18 April 2023
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Worshippers pack out Makkah, Madinah Grand Mosques for Laylat Al-Qadr prayers

  • Laylat Al-Qadr is considered one of the most blessed nights in the Islamic calendar
  • Ramadan one of busiest times of the year at Grand Mosque in Makkah and Prophet's Mosque in Madinah

RIYADH: Millions of worshippers filled the Grand Mosques in Makkah and Madinah on the 27th night of Ramadan, considered by many to be Laylat Al-Qadr, a blessed night on the Islamic calendar.

Saudi authorities have been managing the influx of pilgrims to the holy mosques during the month of Ramadan, one of the busiest times of the year.

More than a million visitors were present at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Sunday.

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque said there were 4,000 workers on hand at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and that the mosque was being clean around the clock by 70 field teams.

A new initiative was launched at the Grand Mosque in Makkah to improve the visitor experience for elderly and disabled pilgrims.

The project is part of the “It is an Honor to Serve Our Pilgrims” campaign which looks to ensure worshippers receive the best possible service from the moment of their arrival until they depart.

The head of the presidency, Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, led worshippers in emotional night prayers in Makkah.


Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat

Updated 23 December 2025
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Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat

MUSCAT: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi on Monday.

They reviewed bilateral relations between their nations and ways to enhance and develop them across various fields. Additionally, they discussed regional and international developments.

The ministers co-chaired the third meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of the heads of the Council’s subsidiary committees and the two heads of the Council’s General Secretariat teams.

The meeting comes as an affirmation of the keenness of Saudi and Omani leaders to strengthen ties and advance them toward greater prosperity for both nations.

In his remarks during the meeting, Prince Faisal affirmed that gathering builds on the previous council meeting, held last year in AlUla, and on its positive and fruitful outcomes within the framework of the approved recommendations and initiatives. 

He stressed the importance of continuing the work of the council’s subsidiary committees to complete the necessary procedures to implement the remaining initiatives, and of the General Secretariat’s role in follow-up and in addressing any challenges that may hinder implementation.

He also underscored the importance of developing and enhancing trade relations, stimulating investment, and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.

He also praised the ongoing work to establish and launch the Coordination Council’s electronic platform, which aims to connect all committee work and initiatives to facilitate follow-up on the Council’s progress. 

Al-Busaidi affirmed in his remarks the qualitative progress in relations between the two countries and the notable development witnessed across numerous sectors toward achieving economic integration and enhancing intra-trade and joint investments. 

The Omani foreign minister also highlighted deeper cooperation in the security and judicial fields, as well as the cultural and tourism sectors, noting the advanced and continuous political cooperation, consultation, and coordination on regional and international issues.