Saudi minister of Hajj and Umrah concludes visit to Morocco

Saudi Arabia’s minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, has concluded an official visit to Morocco. (X: @MoHU_En)
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Updated 07 October 2023
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Saudi minister of Hajj and Umrah concludes visit to Morocco

  • His trip formed part of the Kingdom’s efforts to highlight the latest facilities it provides for pilgrims and other international visitors

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, has concluded an official visit to Morocco that formed part of the Kingdom’s efforts to highlight the latest facilities it provides for pilgrims and other international visitors.

He said the visit was in line with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reflected the desire of the Saudi government to provide all visitors with exceptional, high-quality facilities and services.

The minister’s delegation was present at the signing of an agreement between the Moroccan Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and Saudi Airlines for the transportation of pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia from Morocco, which officials said would help improve the level of services.

In addition, the “Tashir” center in Morocco was launched during the minister’s visit. It aims to reduce the time it takes for Moroccans to obtain a visa for visiting Saudi Arabia to just 48 hours, and enable holders of Umrah visas to remain in or move between Saudi cities for up to three months.

The minister was also present at the opening of the Nusak exhibition in Casablanca, which attracted representatives of a large number of organizations involved in providing Hajj and Umrah services, including more than 300 from the private sector.


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.