Pilgrims commend Saudi Arabia’s care, organization

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Pilgrims praised the generous care they received from their arrival in Saudi Arabiba until reaching the holy sites. (SPA)
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Pilgrims praised the generous care they received from their arrival in Saudi Arabiba until reaching the holy sites. (SPA)
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Pilgrims praised the generous care they received from their arrival in Saudi Arabiba until reaching the holy sites. (SPA)
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Pilgrims praised the generous care they received from their arrival in Saudi Arabiba until reaching the holy sites. (SPA)
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Updated 05 June 2025
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Pilgrims commend Saudi Arabia’s care, organization

  • This year, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program is hosting in excess of 2,400 pilgrims from more than 100 countries

ARAFAT: Several guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah expressed deep emotions as they stood on the plains of Arafat, saying that chanting the Talbiyah and supplicating were among the most profound moments of their lives.

They praised the generous care they received from their arrival in the Kingdom until reaching the holy sites, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Pilgrim Mohammed Amer, from New Zealand, said: “Arafat Day is extraordinary in every detail; a moment of serenity and peace. I never imagined experiencing it with such honor, organization and care.”




Pilgrims praised the generous care they received from their arrival in Saudi Arabiba until reaching the holy sites. (SPA)

He commended the Kingdom and its leadership for facilitating the rituals and ensuring every pilgrim’s comfort, the SPA reported.

Pilgrim Sameh Abu Baker, from Palestine, appreciated the services and exceptional organization of pilgrim movement.

He said: “The emotions on this great day are indescribable. Joy fills our hearts as we see pilgrims responding in unison. These moments will remain etched in memory.”

This year, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program is hosting in excess of 2,400 pilgrims from more than 100 countries, reinforcing the Kingdom’s global mission to serve the two holy mosques and pilgrims.

 


Organization of Islamic Cooperation honors Palestinian news agency WAFA for its work

Updated 26 February 2026
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Organization of Islamic Cooperation honors Palestinian news agency WAFA for its work

  • Inaugural Media Professionalism Award presented during Ramadan Forum in Jeddah that highlights vital role of media in promotion of unity and equality in the Islamic world

RIYADH: The Palestinian News and Information Agency, also known as WAFA, received the inaugural Media Professionalism Award during a Ramadan Forum in Jeddah organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Union of News Agencies.

Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, and Mohammed Al-Yami, the union’s director general, presented the award to Ambassador Hadi Shibli, Palestine’s permanent representative to the OIC, who accepted it on behalf of WAFA.

The forum, which took place on Wednesday, underscored the vital role of the media in the promotion of unity and equality in the Islamic World. Attendees included representatives of media institutions, scholars and diplomats.

The event also highlighted the importance of the document “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects,” published by the Muslim World League in 2024, which addresses issues related to the representation in the media of the diversity of Islamic sects.

Al-Issa praised the Union of News Agencies for its recognition of the outstanding diversity in the scientific, intellectual and media fields.

Al-Yami said the “Building Bridges” document offers a road map for media discourse in efforts to address the issues facing the Islamic world, particularly engagement with sectarian diversity. It serves as a reference for the media on the promotion of solidarity, fostering of unity, and encouragement for moderation and rapprochement, he added.

The aim of the new award is to provide support and encouragement to news agencies in UNA member states, WAFA reported.