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Saudi Arabia Inaugurates National Defense University

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is seen at the inauguration ceremony. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is seen at the inauguration ceremony. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Saudi Arabia Inaugurates National Defense University

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is seen at the inauguration ceremony. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is seen at the inauguration ceremony. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurated on Monday the National Defense University, formerly the Saudi Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, who said the university was the crowning achievement of the process of developing the Defense Ministry.

The university will help support the capabilities of the national security system through professional military education.

The Defense Ministry will continue to forge ahead in implementing the directives of the Saudi leadership in line with Saudi Vision 2030, added Al-Ruwaili.

It will continue to modernize military education institutions and invest in human capital, which are the cornerstones of the Defense Ministry to achieve cohesion with the other national forces, he went on to say.

The inauguration of the university will "pave the way for a new phase and professional military education in the Kingdom."

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the inauguration ceremony. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

It will work as a research hub to support decisions and resolve problems and provide high level services to society according to the best standards, stressed Al-Ruwaili.

The National Defense University aims to achieve academic and professional excellence, qualify professional national security cadres and carry out scientific research in national defense and security. It will also organize cultural and awareness events related to national security.

The Saudi Armed Forces Command and Staff College boasts a rich history dating back to 1958, when it was established as "the institute of great officers". Its mission was to train and qualify Saudi Arabian Army officers for command and staff duties.

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is seen at the inauguration ceremony. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Over the years, the institute underwent several name changes: "the institute of senior officers" and "the Saudi command and staff college", reflecting its evolving role and expanding scope.

For over six decades, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College played a pivotal role in shaping military thought in Saudi Arabia, under the slogan "Science, Thought, Planning". It has provided military education and training to a distinguished group of officers from the Saudi Armed Forces, other military and security sectors, and from other nations.

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Pilgrims Prepare to Depart Holy Sites after Completing Main Hajj Rituals

Pilgrims stone the three pillars representing the devil on the first day of Tashreeq. (SPA)
Pilgrims stone the three pillars representing the devil on the first day of Tashreeq. (SPA)
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Pilgrims Prepare to Depart Holy Sites after Completing Main Hajj Rituals

Pilgrims stone the three pillars representing the devil on the first day of Tashreeq. (SPA)
Pilgrims stone the three pillars representing the devil on the first day of Tashreeq. (SPA)

The majority of Hajj pilgrims are packing their belongings in preparation to leave the holy sites on Tuesday, known as the “Day of Hastening.”

This comes after they have completed the essential rites of Hajj, which include standing at Mount Arafat, the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat, and performing the Tawaf al-Ifadah.

The Saudi Arabian government has provided a comprehensive range of services to ensure the smooth conduct of Hajj for all pilgrims.

This year’s pilgrimage has been marked by a well-coordinated system to facilitate the rituals for the millions of Muslims.

Pilgrims are arriving in Madinah as the city prepares itself to host them after the completion of their Hajj rituals.

The Madinah branch of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has prepared major mosques, including Khandaq, Sayyid al-Shuhada, and Qiblatain, ensuring they are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with air conditioning and water coolers.

Crowd management systems are in place, and educational materials and Qurans are being distributed.

Sheikh Osama Madkhali, the ministry’s local director, stated that all preparations are complete.

Over 900,000 copies of the Quran, provided by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran, are ready to be given to pilgrims in Madinah and Yanbu airports as they depart.

Comprehensive health services

Saudi Arabia has deployed a comprehensive healthcare system to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

Over 35,000 medical staff and 5,500 volunteers are on hand to provide around-the-clock care at 183 hospitals and health centers, as well as six mobile clinics equipped with the latest technology.

These facilities boast over 6,400 beds, including specialized units for intensive care, emergency treatment, and heat-related illnesses.

Virtual services are being offered through an online hospital and mobile app, providing medical consultations and information.

Additionally, the “937” call center secured urgent medical advice in seven languages for pilgrims.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, reported 2,764 cases of heat exhaustion on the first day of Eid, all promptly treated by healthcare teams.

The private health sector has also expanded its role, contributing over 62 facilities and emergency points, and providing services on the Holy Sites train at 18 locations.

Private providers operate two of the 25 Ministry of Health centers, marking a 400% increase in private sector involvement compared to last year.

The Ministry of Commerce has distributed over 37 million provisions to Hajj pilgrims in Mina on the first day of Tashreeq. The ministry’s field teams are actively monitoring the supply situation across the holy sites, ensuring that essential goods and products are readily available.

Moreover, the ministry oversees the supply chain according to its mandate, and its teams are also responsible for inspecting commercial establishments and sales outlets in the holy sites and Makkah.

These inspections ensure compliance with consumer protection regulations and identify any commercial violations.

The Saudi Water Authority announced the distribution of over 3 billion liters of fresh water in Makkah and the holy sites of Mina, and Arafat.

This effort is part of its operational plan to ensure seamless supply across production, transportation, storage, and distribution components of the system, catering to the comfort and service of pilgrims and all beneficiaries during pilgrimage.

Through coordinated efforts and meticulous planning, the authority and its operational arm, the National Water Company and its private sector partners, achieved this exceptional milestone.

The water production capacity was significantly increased, facilitated by the desalination arm of the Saudi Water Authority, enhancing the integrated efforts of the water system to deliver and distribute the water to Makkah and the holy sites.