‘Media Oasis’ Spotlights Saudi Mega Projects at G20 Summit

“Media Oasis,” established by the Ministry of Media in a strategic partnership with the NEOM project, encompasses more than 20 projects (SPA)
“Media Oasis,” established by the Ministry of Media in a strategic partnership with the NEOM project, encompasses more than 20 projects (SPA)
TT

‘Media Oasis’ Spotlights Saudi Mega Projects at G20 Summit

“Media Oasis,” established by the Ministry of Media in a strategic partnership with the NEOM project, encompasses more than 20 projects (SPA)
“Media Oasis,” established by the Ministry of Media in a strategic partnership with the NEOM project, encompasses more than 20 projects (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Media has unveiled the third edition of the Media Oasis in New Delhi from Sept. 9 to 11, 2023, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's participation in the G20 Leaders' Summit and the official visit of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to India.

The third edition is considered the first international edition of the Media Oasis to be held outside the Kingdom. It is a testament to Saudi Arabia's leading role in media, culture, and tourism and the significant transformation taking place in the country under Vision 2030.

The Media Oasis is one of the new initiatives launched by the Ministry of Media with the aim of redefining media coverage, utilizing modern technology to achieve more creativity and innovation in covering national events, major occasions, and Saudi Arabia's international engagements.

The Media Oasis, organized in strategic partnership with the NEOM, showcases more than 20 projects in 12 pavilions, presenting the achievements of major transformative projects in Saudi Arabia.

The Ministries of Energy, Sports, Investment, and Culture, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the Red Sea Global, the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, the Future Investment Initiative, and the Government Communication Center are participating in the Media Oasis.

The Oasis features interactive models of Saudi Arabia's major projects, using advanced technologies that allow visitors to explore these initiatives in a unique way.

Visitors can also engage directly with experts to get accurate information and answers to their questions, contributing to a precise understanding of the projects.

It is expected that the Oasis will be visited by more than 2,000 visitors, including officials participating in the G20 Summit, businessmen, and journalists from various countries worldwide and from India.

The Oasis is also hosting more than 50 media outlets and 200 media professionals who have come to cover the G20 Leaders' Summit in India from Sept. 9 to 11, 2023.

Through the Media Oasis, the Ministry aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive experience, allowing them to pass through all the sections of the Oasis, engaging their minds, senses, and emotions, making them feel as if they are visiting these projects and initiatives in person.

It is worth noting that this international edition of the Oasis is the third after two local editions.

The first was held in conjunction with the 32nd Arab Summit in Jeddah on May 18 and 19, 2023, and the second was held in conjunction with the Grand Annual Hajj Symposium from June 20 to 22, 2023.



Penalties Imposed on Hajj Fraudsters

Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
TT

Penalties Imposed on Hajj Fraudsters

Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih

Several countries, whose citizens died during this year’s Hajj season, have revealed a joint effort with Saudi Arabia to tackle companies issuing unauthorized Hajj visas.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s extensive media campaigns warning against performing Hajj without proper permits and highlighting strict penalties, some pilgrims didn’t abide by the regulations which led to unfortunate outcomes.

Saudi Arabia on Monday commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas. These countries have taken steps to prevent future violations.

Meanwhile, Riyadh is treating both authorized and unauthorized pilgrims for heat exhaustion, with high temperatures causing the deaths of 1,301 pilgrims, most of whom were unauthorized.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan have accused tour companies of deceiving visitors by issuing unauthorized Hajj visas.

Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub said these companies encouraged visitors to break the rules by staying in Makkah two months before the Hajj season.

Jordanian government spokesman Muhannad Mubaideen confirmed that investigations found some citizens were deceived by unscrupulous individuals and certain offices, as reported by the Jordan News Agency (Petra).

On Tuesday, the Jordanian Judicial Council revealed the results of an investigation into unauthorized Hajj trips by Jordanians, which resulted in 99 deaths this year.

The council ordered the closure of companies that facilitated these illegal trips and seized their illegal earnings.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities have revoked the licenses of 16 tour companies for illegally organizing Hajj trips without providing services to pilgrims.

The officials of these companies have been referred to the public prosecutor, and the companies have been fined to compensate the families of deceased pilgrims, according to the Egyptian Cabinet.

Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farouk praised the excellent cooperation between Saudi and Egyptian authorities. He noted the high-level coordination on Hajj matters and other bilateral issues.

On his part, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Minister of Religious Affairs Brahim Chaibi following the deaths of 60 Tunisian pilgrims, as reported by the Tunisian Consulate in Jeddah.

Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas praised Saudi Arabia’s successful organization of this year’s Hajj. He thanked the Saudi leadership for ensuring a smooth Hajj experience and highlighted the efficiency of the “Makkah Route” initiative.

Saudi Arabia emphasized that Hajj permits are not just entry passes but crucial tools for locating and providing timely care and services to pilgrims.

The Saudi Interior Ministry explained that the absence of permits made it challenging to reach some unauthorized pilgrims and obstructed the delivery of necessary services and care.