Saudi minister highlights tech, security, and record numbers ahead of Hajj season

A Saudi security officer watches as Muslim pilgrims perform the farewell circumambulation or "tawaf", circling seven times around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on June 18, 2024 at the end of the annual hajj pilgrimage. (File/AFP)
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Updated 27 May 2025
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Saudi minister highlights tech, security, and record numbers ahead of Hajj season

  • The minister revealed the Kingdom is using artificial intelligence and modern digital infrastructure to improve services

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Information, Abdullah Alswaha, outlined on Monday key preparations for this year’s Hajj season, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring a safe, organized, and technologically advanced pilgrimage.

The minister announced that more than 1.07 million pilgrims have arrived from abroad so far, including approximately 250,000 via the Makkah Road Initiative. He added that 177 accommodation halls have been prepared and an operations room activated to respond to pilgrims’ needs.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience, the minister revealed the Kingdom is using artificial intelligence and modern digital infrastructure to improve services. He also said daily water quality tests are being conducted and that 25,000 volunteers are being mobilized to assist.

“We will not accept any unauthorized pilgrim who affects the comfort of others,” he warned, stressing that violations will not be tolerated and urging all to adhere to official instructions.

The minister also said this year’s Hajj will reflect the integration of national efforts and the goals of Vision 2030, with the Supreme Hajj Committee coordinating services across sectors to deliver an exceptional and secure experience.


Saudi Arabia highlights expanding trade ties at Thailand International Mega Fair

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Saudi Arabia highlights expanding trade ties at Thailand International Mega Fair

  • Exhibition features more than 150 leading Thai brands across sectors including food and beverages, health and wellness, tourism, fragrances and oud, smart agriculture, automotive components, decor, construction materials, and business solutions
  • Fair also offers cultural performances, interactive displays, and new opportunities to deepen commercial ties between the Kingdom and Thailand

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia underscored its growing economic ties with Thailand as the Kingdom took part in the Thailand International Mega Fair 2025 in Riyadh this week.

Majid Al-Qasabi, representing minister of commerce and chairman of the board of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, and Abdulaziz bin Omar Al-Sakran, the authority’s deputy governor for international relations, attended the fair’s inauguration on Sunday.

The event brought together senior officials from both countries, including Kirida Bhaopichitr, vice minister for commerce of the Royal Thai Government; Darm Boontham, Thailand’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia; and Osama Qoqandi, chairman of the Saudi–Thai Business Council, alongside public and private sector representatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Visit Limlurcha, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, highlighted the significant progress in Thai-Saudi relations since the full restoration of diplomatic ties in 2022.

He said the fair serves as a key government-backed platform to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and emerging industries, supporting long-term economic collaboration between the two nations.

Al-Sakran said in a statement that years of joint efforts have strengthened partnerships between the Saudi and Thai private sectors, noting that bilateral trade over the past five years has reached nearly $40 billion, with an average annual growth rate of about 9 percent.

He added that the Saudi–Thai Joint Business Council has been restructured to provide an improved channel for communication, joint initiatives, and broader commercial and investment cooperation.

He said Saudi Arabia’s participation in the event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to creating new avenues for economic collaboration and supporting Saudi and Thai companies in exploring promising investment opportunities. 

The effort, he noted, aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the national economy and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional and global trade hub.

Organized in strategic partnership with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Thailand International Mega Fair 2025 is supported by the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh, the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the Saudi–Thai Business Council, and the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce.

The three-day exhibition features more than 150 leading Thai brands across sectors including food and beverages, health and wellness, tourism, fragrances and oud, smart agriculture, automotive components, decor, construction materials, and business solutions.

Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the fair also offers cultural performances, interactive displays, and new opportunities to deepen commercial ties between the Kingdom and Thailand.