Riyadh governor meets with US ambassador to Saudi Arabia

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Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Sunday received US Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Ratney. (SPA)
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Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Sunday received US Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Ratney. (SPA)
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Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Sunday received US Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Ratney. (SPA)
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Updated 09 July 2023
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Riyadh governor meets with US ambassador to Saudi Arabia

  • The US envoy also met Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Sunday received US Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Ratney. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged cordial discussions.

Last week, the US envoy held talks with the secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, in Riyadh. They discussed several areas of interest in the international arena.

The US envoy also met Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission. During the meeting, they discussed the many partnerships between both countries and the future of international cooperation to protect and promote human rights.

On April 27, the newly appointed US ambassador officially presented his credentials to Saudi Undersecretary for Protocol Affairs Abdulmajeed Al-Smari.

Ratney was nominated by US President Joe Biden, and the US Senate confirmed him as the ambassador to the Kingdom in a voice vote on March 14.


Digital Umrah guide enhances pilgrim experience

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Digital Umrah guide enhances pilgrim experience

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released the “Umrah and Ziyarah Guide” in 16 languages to provide pilgrims with guidance and regulatory information in their native languages.

The initiative aims to raise awareness and help pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The guide serves as an interactive reference covering all stages of the Umrah and visitation journey — from pre-travel preparations and visa procedures to performing rituals, navigating the Two Holy Mosques, and completing departure formalities.

Organized chronologically, it allows pilgrims to quickly access stage-specific information and is enhanced with visuals and digital links to maps, instructional videos, and supporting services.

Topics include ihram, tawaf, and sa’i, etiquette within the Two Holy Mosques, and key services at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, along with organizational and behavioral guidelines to ensure smooth operations.

The ministry said the guide’s launch is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience, strengthen procedural awareness, and support digital transformation, ultimately improving service quality and facilitating the journey. It is available at haj.gov.sa/Guides.