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Gulf

Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Bolsters Hajj Pilgrims’ Experience Through Technology

Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Bolsters Hajj Pilgrims’ Experience Through Technology

Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar stated that the technology utilized by Saudi Arabia enhances the Hajj pilgrimage experience and ensures the safety of pilgrims.

Mokhtar emphasized that Saudi Arabia is making significant efforts to support various sectors involved in the Hajj through an advanced system of digital solutions and updated data.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the minister clarified that the Kingdom’s preparations deserve praise after addressing all health-related matters.

He explained that approximately 31,600 pilgrims from his country have undergone a series of preparatory courses, including the “Basic Hajj Course,” the “Intensive Hajj Course,” and the “Main Hajj Course.”

“The commendable efforts and preparations undertaken by Saudi Arabia to reintroduce the Hajj with this capacity deserve recognition,” Mokhtar told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“They have taken decisive action in addressing all health-related concerns associated with the coronavirus since the last Hajj, including enforcing rigorous coronavirus vaccination requirements before departure and arrival, along with the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the pilgrims’ religious activities.”

Moreover, Mokhtar expressed his appreciation for Malaysia's involvement in the groundbreaking “Makkah Route” initiative led by Saudi Arabia since 2017.

He emphasized the initiative’s demonstrated effectiveness and seamless execution, highlighting the significant benefits it has brought to Malaysian pilgrims.

The minister underscored the crucial role played by different stakeholders, particularly the Saudi government, whose assistance has been indispensable in achieving these accomplishments.

Mokhtar further explained that the program enables pilgrims to meet all visa, customs, and health requirements at the airport, eliminating the need for long hours of waiting upon their arrival.

This streamlined process allows them to enter the Kingdom without delay, as they have already completed all necessary visa and customs procedures in their home country.

This convenience is greatly valued by these pilgrims, stressed Mokhtar, adding that all 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims this year have benefited from the “Makkah Route” initiative.

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Gulf

Saudi Hajj Minister Inspects Readiness of Mina Camps Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Hajj Minister Inspects Readiness of Mina Camps Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah inspected on Tuesday the readiness of the camps in Mina ahead of the Hajj, as part of field tours to assess service levels.

He noted that preparations began early, boosting camp readiness and operational efficiency through coordinated efforts among relevant entities.

New electronic systems have been introduced this year to monitor pilgrim movement and regulate entry and exit from the camps, alongside the installation of signage at entrances and exits indicating departure and return times and other instructions, he revealed.

The measures support crowd management and bolster pilgrim safety, aligning with the ministry’s efforts to ensure full readiness and advance the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque welcomed the first groups of pilgrims arriving to perform the Hajj.

The presidency emphasized on Tuesday its commitment to leveraging its religious and scholarly resources to serve pilgrims and provide guidance and instruction to help them perform the Hajj rituals in accordance with correct Prophetic teachings.

The presidency's staff, including scholars, preachers, and translators, welcomed pilgrims, guided them, and responded to their inquiries.

The services were delivered through various platforms, including interactive screens, printed materials, and direct guidance, reflecting the Two Holy Mosques’ scholarly and outreach mission to promote the values of moderation and tolerance and to foster intercultural dialogue among Muslims.

Gulf

Qatar Warns Against Internationalizing Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Qatar Warns Against Internationalizing Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Majed Al Ansari has said that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz would transform the regional crisis into a global one.

He stressed on Tuesday that the strait is connected to the energy sector, supply and logistics chains, export and re-export operations.

“The impact of closing the strait would be felt even at the household level and basic services in countries thousands of kilometers away from the region," Al Ansari warned.

He also stressed that ensuring that the strait remains open to navigation is a shared international responsibility, expressing Qatar's commitment to its international partners and its continued role as a reliable partner in the energy sector, while continuing coordination to ensure maritime security and market stability

“Reaching solutions to this crisis represents a priority for Qatar's national security and national interests and those of its partners,” he said.

Al Ansari affirmed that Qatar continues to maintain ongoing communication with various parties, including the United States, to follow developments and to support efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to end the crisis.

During the Ministry's weekly media briefing, Al Ansari stressed Qatar's full support for the efforts undertaken by Pakistan, which is mediating between Iran and the US.

Regarding Lebanon, Al Ansari affirmed Qatar's firm position in supporting the unity and sovereignty of Lebanon, condemning violations and attacks that resulted in casualties and large-scale displacement, and welcoming the ceasefire as an initial step toward de-escalation.

He also stressed the need for full adherence to the ceasefire.

“All regional crises can only be resolved through the negotiating table,” he added.

Gulf

Gulf Underscores Support for Lebanon’s Security, Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
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Gulf Underscores Support for Lebanon’s Security, Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed on Tuesday the council’s firm support for Lebanon and everything that can bolster its security, stability and sovereignty.

Albudaiwi sponsored a symposium on GCC relations with Lebanon, “Challenges and Drivers”, organized by the Political Affairs and Negotiations Sector at the General Secretariat in Riyadh. The event was attended by a number of ambassadors to Saudi Arabia, as well as officials and experts.

Albudaiwi said GCC countries “view Lebanon as an integral part of its Arab surroundings and an important pillar of regional stability.”

“Relations between the GCC countries and Lebanon are historic and robust, built and consolidated on many foundations and bonds, foremost among them the bond of brotherhood, which has remained unchanged despite all developments and circumstances,” he stressed.

The leaders of GCC countries have repeatedly underlined the need for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 in Lebanon. They have also repeatedly expressed their support for Lebanon’s state institutions, added Albudaiwi.

“The GCC welcomes the steps taken by the government to extend the state’s control over all Lebanese territory and ensure that arms are held exclusively by the state, as an indispensable foundation for restoring stability and building trust with the Arab and international communities,” he went on to say.

“During our visits to Beirut and our meetings with Lebanese leaders, we were keen to convey a clear message that the GCC countries will remain an active partner in supporting Lebanon and its recovery,” he remarked.

He acknowledged the complex challenges Lebanon is currently facing, which require concerted international efforts to support and assist it.

He noted that the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, which resulted in the displacement of more than a million people and left more than 2,000 dead, places Lebanon before a major humanitarian and security challenge.

Albudaiwi stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with the international community and regional organizations to support the capabilities of the Lebanese army, control borders, and combat smuggling and illicit activities, “to restore Lebanon’s position as a trusted partner within its Arab and international surroundings.”

“GCC countries will remain by Lebanon’s side,” he declared.

“Lebanon’s future begins from within, through the will of its people and their ability to build a strong and stable state,” he stressed.

He expressed confidence that Lebanon “is capable of overcoming its crises and returning to its natural role within its Arab surroundings, with the support of its brothers and friends, the determination of its people, and the wisdom of its leadership.”