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)
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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-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee Meets in Riyadh

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
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Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee Meets in Riyadh

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)

The second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee to follow up on the Beijing Agreement was held in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi.

The Saudi and Iranian sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement in all its provisions and their continued effort to consolidate neighborly relations between their countries by respecting the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international law. This includes respecting the sovereignty, independence, and security of states.

Saudi Arabia and Iran welcomed the continued positive role played by China and the importance of its support and follow-up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement that was signed in March 2023.

China underscored its readiness to continue to support and encourage the steps taken by Saudi Arabia and Iran to develop their relationship in various fields.

The three countries welcomed the continued progress in Saudi-Iranian relations and the opportunities it provides for direct communication between the two countries at all levels and sectors.

They noted the great importance of these contacts, meetings and mutual visits between high officials from the two countries, especially in light of the current regional tensions and escalation that threaten the security of the region and world.

The officials welcomed the progress of consular services between the two countries, which allowed more than 87,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform the Hajj and more than 52,000 Iranians to perform the Umrah with ease and security during the first ten months of 2024.

They welcomed the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian joint Media Committee and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Institute of Political and International Studies of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Saudi Arabia and Iran additionally expressed readiness to sign a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Along with China, they look forward to expanding cooperation among them in various fields including economic and political.

The three countries called for an immediate end to the Israeli assault against Palestine and Lebanon, condemning its attacks and violations of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They further called for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid and relief to Palestine and Lebanon, warning that the continuing cycle of violence and escalation is a serious threat to the security of the region and world.

The three countries reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution in Yemen in line with internationally recognized principles under the auspices of the United Nations.