Saudi minister inspects key healthcare facilities in Makkah

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Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel inspected several healthcare facilities in Makkah (SPA)
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Al-Jalajel visited Ajyad Emergency Hospital, which specializes in emergency and intensive care (SPA)
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The helipads will enable the rapid transport of critical patients to hospitals in Makkah and Jeddah (SPA)
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Updated 25 March 2025
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Saudi minister inspects key healthcare facilities in Makkah

  • Two helipads open in Grand Mosque for emergency medical evacuations of worshippers

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel inspected several healthcare facilities in Makkah to ensure they continue to provide high-quality medical care during the peak Umrah season in Ramadan.

Al-Jalajel visited Ajyad Emergency Hospital, which specializes in emergency and intensive care, Jiwar Medical Services Center, and the Al-Haram Emergency Centers.

He reviewed all services for the swift handling of urgent cases, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Al-Jalajel said a top priority of his ministry was to ensure comprehensive healthcare for pilgrims.

He highlighted the ministry’s continued efforts to ensure the readiness of medical facilities and the integration of healthcare services during the Ramadan and Hajj seasons.

This aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which focuses on enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to this sector, the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority has opened two helipads on the grounds of Makkah’s Grand Mosque for emergency medical evacuations.

The aim is to enhance healthcare services for those performing Umrah, and prepare for the Hajj season.

The helipads will enable the rapid transport of critical patients to hospitals in Makkah and Jeddah, the SPA reported.

The Grand Mosque’s emergency hospital is equipped with intensive care units, medical laboratories, radiology services, an in-house pharmacy, and isolation units for infectious diseases.

Al-Jalajel had previously conducted similar field visits to several healthcare facilities in Makkah, where he reviewed plans to enhance capacity during the Umrah season.

He had also assessed the readiness of emergency teams and the integration of services provided to pilgrims.


Saudi Arabia expresses concern over UAE pressure on STC, warns against threats to its security

Updated 30 December 2025
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Saudi Arabia expresses concern over UAE pressure on STC, warns against threats to its security

  • Saudi Arabia stressed that any threat to its national security constituted a “red line”
  • Riyadh further emphasized the importance of the UAE responding to Yemen’s request to withdraw its military forces within 24 hours

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed regret over what it described as pressure by the United Arab Emirates on Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces to carry out military operations in Yemen’s Hadramout and Al-Mahra governorates, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security and regional stability.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the reported moves were inconsistent with the principles of the Arab Coalition that supports the internationally recognised government of Yemen and undermined ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability in the country.

 

The ministry referred to earlier statements by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the coalition leadership concerning the movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from Fujairah port to Mukalla without official authorization.

Saudi Arabia stressed that any threat to its national security constituted a “red line,” adding that it would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to confront and neutralize such risks.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s security, stability, and sovereignty, as well as its full backing of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and its government. It also reiterated that the southern issue is a just cause that can only be addressed through dialogue as part of a comprehensive political solution involving all Yemeni parties, including the STC.

Riyadh further emphasized the importance of the UAE responding to Yemen’s request to withdraw its military forces within 24 hours and to halt military or financial support to any Yemeni faction.

The statement called for wisdom to prevail in order to preserve Gulf unity, bilateral relations, and the shared goal of regional stability and development.