Ministry of Islamic Affairs launches 24/7 toll-free helpline for pilgrims

The service provides religious guidance in 10 languages: Arabic, English, French, Turkish, Urdu, Indonesian, Bengali, Hausa, Amharic and Hindi. (Ministry of Islamic Affairs)
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Updated 28 May 2025
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Ministry of Islamic Affairs launches 24/7 toll-free helpline for pilgrims

  • Helpline will respond to pilgrims’ inquiries related to Hajj

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline (800 2451000) to respond to pilgrims’ inquiries and provide religious rulings (fatwas) related to the Hajj.

The service provides religious guidance in 10 languages: Arabic, English, French, Turkish, Urdu, Indonesian, Bengali, Hausa, Amharic and Hindi.

The toll-free helpline is part of the ministry’s initiatives aimed at facilitating the performance of Hajj rituals in accordance with Islamic rules.

Through direct communication with a select group of qualified scholars and professional translators, the helpline ensures pilgrims receive reliable religious support.

The ministry has urged all pilgrims to make full use of this complimentary service, underscoring the Kingdom’s intent to deliver the highest standard of care during the pilgrimage.

The minister of Islamic affairs has assigned 300 scholars and advocates to provide fatwas and lectures for domestic Hajj campaigns for this year’s Hajj season, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the ministry continues its efforts to serve pilgrims during Hajj by providing awareness and guidance services at the Aisha Mosque, one of the main stations frequented by pilgrims in Makkah.

The services include broadcasting awareness messages in several languages via electronic screens to enhance religious awareness and facilitate the performance of rituals. 

In addition, around-the-clock field-monitoring tours are being conducted by male and female inspection teams to ensure the quality of services and address observations immediately. 

The ministry also ensured the availability of Qur’ans and translations in several languages and organized the movement of crowds in the mosque and its courtyards to ensure smooth flow and comfort for visitors.


Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport

Updated 24 January 2026
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Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport

  • A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events

JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.

The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.

The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)

The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.

According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.

• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.

• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year. 

John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”

The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)

Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”

Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.

“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”

The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.

Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.

They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.