Pilgrims Observe Tarwiyah in Mina, Pray at Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches its Peak

Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
TT

Pilgrims Observe Tarwiyah in Mina, Pray at Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches its Peak

Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)

On Friday, Hajj pilgrims observed the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, following the prophetic tradition.
They enjoyed a peaceful and secure environment as they prepared for their journey to Arafat at dawn on Saturday, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, to perform the crucial ‘standing at Arafat’ ritual.
The movement of pilgrims to Mina was smooth, monitored by thousands of security personnel.
The Saudi government provided comprehensive care, mobilizing all resources to offer top-tier services, ensuring the pilgrims could perform their rituals with ease and comfort.
Thousands Gather at Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina
Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina was filled with several thousands of worshippers in a spiritual and secure atmosphere.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a major upgrade to the mosque’s air conditioning, adding over 780 new units and 73 air purification systems.
These improvements ensure a constant flow of fresh air and keep the temperature inside at a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius.
Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina has long been a focus for Muslim leaders. Expanded in 1987, it now features four minarets, advanced lighting, air conditioning, and carpeting. It also includes a restroom complex with over a thousand facilities.
Pilgrims traveling to Mount Arafat benefit from extensive services provided by various government sectors to ensure their comfort and ease during their spiritual journey.
At Namirah Mosque in Arafat, pilgrims will perform combined and shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers after listening to the Arafat sermon by Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, Imam of the Grand Mosque.
The sermon will be translated into 20 languages, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leadership, tolerance, moderation, and global peace.
At sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they perform Maghrib and Isha prayers.
They spend the night there until dawn on Sunday, the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
On Eid al-Adha, they will throw stones at the largest Jamarat pillar, perform the sacrificial slaughter, shave their heads, and then go to the Grand Mosque for Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
New Flexible Flooring Enhances Pilgrim Comfort
The Royal Commission for Makkah has installed flexible flooring at the holy sites using the latest technology. This project aims to make the pilgrimage more comfortable and safe by reducing the effort needed for walking and minimizing heat stress.
The flooring, made from recycled rubber, increases comfort, reduces injuries, improves the area's appearance, and lowers heat emissions.
Moreover, Makkah experienced a surge in electricity demand on Thursday, the eve of Tarwiyah, reaching 5,361 megawatts—a 20% rise from the previous year’s 4,451 megawatts.
The Saudi Electricity Company is actively managing power services across Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during Hajj.
Highly skilled teams ensure reliability, readiness for emergencies, and swift response to maintenance and reports via the unified security operations center and social media.



Saudi Arabia Signs Board of Peace Founding Charter

The Saudi side signing of the charter reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission - SPA
The Saudi side signing of the charter reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission - SPA
TT

Saudi Arabia Signs Board of Peace Founding Charter

The Saudi side signing of the charter reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission - SPA
The Saudi side signing of the charter reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah signed on Thursday the founding charter of the Board of Peace in the presence of US President Donald Trump and leaders and representatives of a number of countries, welcoming the establishment of the board.

The signing took place during the board’s launch ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, SPA reported.

The foreign minister's signing of the charter comes in welcome of the peace efforts led by the US president.

It reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission as a transitional body to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, as endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution No. 2803.

This also reflects support for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and efforts toward a just and lasting peace, paving the way for enhanced security and stability for the countries and peoples of the region.


MWL Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Afghanistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
TT

MWL Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Afghanistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned on Thursday the terrorist bombing at a restaurant in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul that left several killed and wounded, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement issued by the General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa reaffirmed the MWL’s firm stance rejecting violence and terrorism in all forms and under any pretext.

He expressed solidarity with Afghanistan in confronting all threats to its security, stability, and the safety of its people.

Al-Issa expressed the MWL’s sincere condolences to the Afghan people and the families of the victims.


Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with British, French Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with British, French Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate meetings with his counterparts from the UK and France on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday.

He met with Yvette Cooper, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs where they reviewed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, as well as joint efforts to address them.

The Saudi minister also held talks with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. Discussions highlighted the latest regional developments and joint efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.