Saudi leadership hails successful Hajj 2025 and praises efforts of all involved

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the authorities involved in organizing the 2025 Hajj season, praising the efforts that contributed to its success. (SPA)
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Updated 11 June 2025
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Saudi leadership hails successful Hajj 2025 and praises efforts of all involved

  • The king and crown prince sent separate cables to Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the authorities involved in organizing the 2025 Hajj season, praising the efforts that contributed to its success, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In separate cables sent to Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, both leaders thanked the minister, regional governors, committee members, and all security, civil, and government personnel who took part in delivering a smooth and safe pilgrimage for nearly 1.7 million worshippers.

King Salman described the season as a success by the grace of God and the coordinated execution of comprehensive security, health, organizational, and service plans.

He highlighted the pilgrims’ ability to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, in a secure and spiritual atmosphere.

“We followed with pride the great efforts made by all sectors in serving the pilgrims of the house of Allah,” the King said. “We were pleased with the dedication and excellence shown by everyone in attaining the honor of serving the guests of the most Gracious.”

The king also thanked all those involved for their Eid Al-Adha greetings, prayed for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj, and asked God to grant continued success in serving Islam and Muslims.

Prince Mohammed echoed the sentiments, expressing thanks for the congratulations and for the collective commitment shown throughout the season.

He attributed the successful management of the Hajj to divine support, the leadership of King Salman, and the tireless work of all entities involved in executing the wide-ranging plans.

He also praised the careful monitoring by relevant authorities to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims.

“We pray to God to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to sustain the blessings of security on our homeland, and to accept the Hajj of all pilgrims,” the crown prince said.

The Hajj season this year saw 1,673,230 pilgrims perform their rites.


Transport minister oversees operations as King Khalid Airport resumes service

Updated 21 December 2025
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Transport minister oversees operations as King Khalid Airport resumes service

  • Saleh Al-Jasser inspects facilities, assesses measures taken to restore passenger flow 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of transport oversaw operational procedures at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday after heavy rain reportedly brought it to a near standstill on Friday.

Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the airport’s facilities and assessed measures taken to restore smooth passenger flow, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He also received a technical briefing at the operations center from Raed Al-Idrissi, the CEO of Matarat Holding, on airport operations and flight punctuality, and the implementation of Passenger Rights Protection Regulations.

He ordered the necessary reviews to ensure sustained operational discipline under all conditions.

Al-Jasser was accompanied by the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej; Ayman AboAbah, the CEO of Riyadh Airports Company; and several senior officials from the airport.

Thousands of passengers traveling to and from the airport were left stranded on Friday due to a slew of cancellations and delays.

Saudia and flyadeal were among the aviation firms who faced difficulties, with the two airlines blaming temporary operational challenges for the issues.

A statement from the airport on its official X account had urged travelers to contact airlines directly before heading to the aviation hub to verify the updated status and timing of their flights.

The statement said: “King Khalid International Airport would like to inform you that, due to the concurrence of a number of operational factors over the past two days — including several flights diverting from other airports to King Khalid International Airport, in addition to scheduled maintenance works within the fuel supply system — this has resulted in an impact on the schedules of some flights, including the delay or cancellation of a number of flights operated by certain airlines.”

Airport sources told Arab News that the issue resulted from the heavy rain Riyadh experienced on Friday.

Water had reportedly got into the fuel tankers set to refuel jets, and several airlines then struggled to reschedule passengers.