Saudi university achieves ISO quality management certification
Saudi university achieves ISO quality management certification/node/2412166/saudi-arabia
Saudi university achieves ISO quality management certification
The Saudi Electronic University has achieved the ISO for implementing a quality management system in the field of higher education and lifelong learning. (Twitter @Saudi_EUni)
Saudi university achieves ISO quality management certification
Saudi Electronic University successfully completes evaluation process
President thanks staff for their work in achieving goal
Updated 20 November 2023
SPA
JEDDAH: Saudi Electronic University has been recognized by the International Organization for Standardization for its quality management system.
The university achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its system covering e-learning and combined learning technologies, as well as courses in continuous learning and lifelong learning across all of its colleges, institutes and affiliated centers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ISO is a globally recognized organization that provides assessment and accreditation services to companies and entities around the world.
FASTFACTS
• Saudi Electronic University successfully completes evaluation process.
• President thanks staff for their work in achieving goal.
The university achieved certified status following a comprehensive evaluation of its procedures using the latest scientific methods. As part of that process it set up a quality control unit in each of its centers to carry out training, reviews and implementation.
President Mohammed bin Yahya bin Mardi expressed his gratitude to all staff and departments that contributed to the achievement.
Mai Salem Al-Nabahin, vice president for planning, development and quality, said that obtaining the ISO certificate was one of the university’s most significant achievements.
The reward was evidence of its commitment to meeting accreditation requirements and ensuring the application of global quality standards, she said.
Umm Al-Qura University volunteers extend support to pilgrims in Mina during Tashreeq
Hajj Volunteer Program was established 12 years ago
Updated 5 sec ago
Ghadi Joudah
MAKKAH: Volunteers from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah continued to provide field health services to pilgrims in Mina on the first day of Tashreeq on Monday, during the 2024 Hajj season.
Ahmad Hassan Mufti, the vice dean of the College of Medicine for Development and Entrepreneurship at the university, told Arab News that the training program, known as the Hajj Volunteer Program, was established 12 years ago.
He said: “It is part of the medicine and surgery bachelor’s program, enabling students to acquire various skills while offering primary health services during the Hajj season.”
Mufti said the medical volunteer program offered five different tracks, and added: “Students in the Makkah hospitals track collaborate with city hospitals to provide healthcare services.”
For the holy sites hospitals and centers track, students offer healthcare services in locations in Mina and Arafat.
Mufti said that students in the education track provide educational materials and awareness programs to pilgrims, helping them to understand health risks and preventive measures.
Meanwhile, the research and innovation track involves students conducting various research projects on health issues during the Hajj season and developing innovations to benefit pilgrims.
Field volunteers are located in sites such as the pedestrian corridor in Mina, as well as the majority of hospitals in the city and holy sites.
Mufti said: “Approximately 600 male and female students are taking part in all tracks this year, with the number increasing annually.”
When the program began 12 years ago, only 30 students participated.
The number of working hours and days varies according to each track. Field teams participate approximately six hours per day, while working hours at hospitals range from eight to 10 hours each day.
Mufti added: “Medical students constitute 90 percent of the participants, but participation is available to other health specialties as well.”
The program aims to assist pilgrims visiting the holy sites but also aims to develop medical professionals.
Students will be equipped with various skills to help with health issues during the Hajj season.
Mufti said: “The program also aims to enhance students’ leadership abilities, train them in handling disasters and emergencies, and teach them effective communication skills with patients from diverse backgrounds.”
The goal of the Hajj Volunteer Program is to enlist volunteer healthcare professionals from various health colleges at Umm Al-Qura University.
This enables them to serve visitors in Hajj and Umrah, as outlined in the principles of volunteering in Saudi Vision 2030. The program aims to inspire students, target future leaders, provide training in disaster management, and help administer emergency medical assistance.
King Salman pays sacrificial animal expenses for 3,322 pilgrims
The pilgrims are all guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit and are from 88 countries
Updated 4 min 51 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has paid the expenses for the sacrificial animals of 3,322 Hajj pilgrims at his own expense, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The pilgrims are all guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit and are from 88 countries.
Most pilgrims are required to slaughter an animal as a reminder of the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim was prepared to offer — of his son, Ismail — as a mark of absolute submission to God.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh considered the gesture an extension of the king’s generosity toward all Muslims.
Saudi Arabia’s markets ready for annual surge in demand
Souvenirs and gifts for loved ones are a cherished homecoming tradition for pilgrims
Updated 5 min 28 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Every year, markets in Saudi Arabia witness increased footfall as Hajj pilgrims look for souvenirs and gifts to commemorate the journey of a lifetime.
The gold market, especially in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, thrives with its showcase of intricate designs, from traditional to contemporary styles, catering to diverse jewelry tastes.
Speaking to Arab News, Mohammed Akbar, a trader in Jeddah said: “During the Hajj season, we make it a point to showcase designs that cater to all nationalities. Pilgrims from diverse countries have a penchant for various types of gold.
The Ministry of Commerce recently sent inspection teams across Madinah, which conducted over 12,765 visits to commercial establishments and centers as part of its Hajj season operational plan to ensure pilgrims a safe shopping experience. (SPA)
“Buying gold is viewed as an investment, particularly by many Asian and African pilgrims, as they often find gold jewelry to be more affordable and of superior quality compared to what is available in their home countries. We expect an increase in gold sales this year.”
The rising price of gold has emerged as a significant trend, indicating the increasing demand and investment appeal of this valuable metal among pilgrims. As per traders, the rates for 21-carat gold are expected to range between SR250 ($66.6) to SR254 per gram, and SR267 per gram for 22-carat gold during the Hajj season.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Handcrafted goods, such as calligraphy art, prayer beads, and intricately designed prayer rugs, serve as tangible reminders of the sacred journey undertaken by pilgrims.
• Buying gold is viewed as an investment by some pilgrims, as they find Kingdom’s gold jewelry to be more affordable and of superior quality, says Jeddah trader.
Beyond gold purchases, the market for Hajj souvenirs includes an array of items with Islamic motifs. Handcrafted goods, such as calligraphy art, prayer beads, and intricately designed prayer rugs, serve as tangible reminders of the sacred journey undertaken by pilgrims. These souvenirs not only hold sentimental value but also serve as meaningful gifts to loved ones back home.
The Ministry of Commerce recently sent inspection teams across Madinah, which conducted over 12,765 visits to commercial establishments and centers as part of its Hajj season operational plan to ensure pilgrims a safe shopping experience. (SPA)
Mohammed Dossary, an Egyptian pilgrim attending Hajj with his family, said: “This is my second Hajj pilgrimage, but the first with my family. During my previous visit, I only brought simple gifts such as sweets, prayer mats, nuts and toys for the children. However, this time I have noticed a significant change — every shop now offers unique items with a wider range of options.
“Near my hotel, there is a perfume store that personalizes perfumes in 50ml bottles by engraving names on them. We purchased two dozen of these customized perfumes for our family members.”
Waleed Jabir from Oman expressed his surprise at the changes in the markets and price increases. “I am taken aback by the increase in prices across the board. Miswak, previously priced at two riyals, now cost SR15 due to their organic nature and the introduction of modern packaging with a reusable safe case,” he said.
Jabir added that the variety of toys available has also expanded, noting that he purchased Islamic quiz flash cards, board games, and a toy laptop that contains the entire Qur’an recorded on it.
Saleh Mohammed, who owns a shop near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, said: “Every pilgrim desires distinctive souvenirs such as silverware, precious stones, intricately crafted jewelry, handwoven textiles, or dates. Selling just a single piece of silverware brings in a substantial amount.
“Additionally, engraving names on prayer mats is a service frequently requested by pilgrims. In a society where material goods can lose their significance, these souvenirs are often cherished as lasting memories.”
Nusuk card and wallet bring peace of mind to Hajj pilgrims
Zahra Aleid, a Saudi pilgrim, told Arab News: “It (Nusuk card) is a very important aspect of Hajj, especially with the crowds. It is very common for people to lose their family or the people they came with
Updated 25 min 34 sec ago
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: Two initiatives by Nusuk — the pilgrim card and wallet — are helping to improve the Hajj and Umrah experience for pilgrims.
Nusuk, the official booking platform authorized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for e-visa and planning, allows travelers to create pilgrimage itineraries for Makkah, Madinah and beyond.
Through the pilgrim card — an identity card worn around the neck — Hajj workers are able to verify the identity of each pilgrim, preventing unauthorized people from entering the holy sites.
The Nusuk wallet allows pilgrims to manage their money, while using encryption technology for security. (Supplied)
Zahra Aleid, a Saudi pilgrim, told Arab News: “It (Nusuk card) is a very important aspect of Hajj, especially with the crowds. It is very common for people to lose their family or the people they came with. So, with this card people or security guards can help find your family using the information on the card.”
Aleid's experience of Hajj was a success, she arrived with a group of pilgrims from the Municipality of Qatif with Masar Batool, a travel service company.
“I am very grateful to be here. I wanted to come to Makkah for a very long time, I love this place ... I wanted to come to Umrah, but I am here now. Thank God I am in Hajj,” she said.
FASTFACT
Through the Nusuk pilgrim card — an identity card worn around the neck — Hajj workers are able to verify the identity of each pilgrim, preventing unauthorized people from entering the holy sites.
A video that recently went viral on social media showed the effectiveness of the Nusuk card when a group of Saudi men were able to help a lost Nigerian pilgrim who was found wandering the streets of Makkah. After scanning his Nusuk card, the locals were able to identify the hotel he was staying at and drove him there in safety.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, reposted the video on his official X account to highlight Saudi “hospitality, generosity, solidarity, and cooperation.” The minister continued: “Thank you to these young people for their help … here the value of Nusuk appears, which contains detailed data for each pilgrim.”
The ministry also, in cooperation with the Saudi National Bank, launched an international digital wallet for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
The Nusuk wallet allows pilgrims to manage their money, while using encryption technology for security.
In a previous report by the Saudi Press Agency, Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Maiman, the director of digital experience at the ministry, said: “It is the first digital wallet and international bank card in the world, allowing Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers to manage their money during the period of their stay for performing rituals. Following this move, we have become closer to achieving our goal of developing a successful super-app that meets pilgrim’s needs.”
He said that the wallet addresses the needs of users and is integrated with the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, encryption and biometric identity verification, in addition to advanced technologies such as API (application programming interface) and integrated SDK (software development kit).
“It is also the first open loop digital wallet embedded within an application in the world, designed to enable Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers to manage their money,” he added.
Saleh Al-Furaih, CEO of SNB’s digital ventures and payments, said the service complies with Saudi Central Bank regulations, which guarantees financial security.
Saudi FM discusses Gaza, Yemen and Sudan with Blinken
Updated 49 min 26 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, the two officials discussed developments in the Gaza Strip, Yemen, and Sudan.
