Iranian Pilgrims Praise Hajj Services

Iranian pilgrim Tahereh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Iranian pilgrim Tahereh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Iranian Pilgrims Praise Hajj Services

Iranian pilgrim Tahereh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Iranian pilgrim Tahereh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Iranian pilgrims have praised the services provided during this year’s Hajj season as they participated in the stoning of the devil ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

Following their prayers on the plains of Arafat, they experienced an atmosphere of faith and spirituality, supported by efficient services that made their rituals easy to perform.

Zahra, a 41-year-old pilgrim, praised the excellent organization, highlighting the ease of movement within the holy sites.

“Despite the large crowd of people from different cultures and ethnicities, everything was well managed, and the services were wonderful,” she said.

“This is my first time performing Hajj,” she revealed.

“It’s a new experience, and I hope to come again. I loved the city’s atmosphere, and it wasn’t far from Makkah. Everything was good,” she added.

Zahra also appreciated the friendly and welcoming interactions during the Hajj journey, describing the environment as “warm and hospitable.”

She also expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for organizing the Hajj, highlighting the challenge of managing pilgrims from various countries.

Shamima, 43, shared her happiness with Asharq Al-Awsat after performing the Hajj. She praised the numerous services that made the movements of pilgrims in holy sites comfortable and easy.

Speaking from the Jamarat site, she said: “The place and atmosphere are beautiful.”

“Everyone is throwing the stones without difficulty, thanks to excellent organization. I thank the Saudi government for the great services provided,” she added.

Tahereh, from Qom, Iran, expressed her indescribable joy at being in the holy sites. She noted the special feeling of seeing Muslims from around the world.

“The organization is exceptional,” she said.

“Groups are organized efficiently at the Jamarat site, with no crowding, making the stoning ritual easy and smooth. It is wonderful,” she added.

The movement of pilgrims between holy sites was smooth, with direct oversight from various security sectors managing vehicle and pedestrian routes according to plans.

This year’s Hajj season saw over 1.8 million pilgrims, according to Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.

More than 1.61 million pilgrims came from abroad, while over 221,000 were from within the Kingdom.



Saudi Arabia Condemns Cowardly Terrorist Attack on Military Base in Chad

Saudi Arabia Condemns Cowardly Terrorist Attack on Military Base in Chad
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns Cowardly Terrorist Attack on Military Base in Chad

Saudi Arabia Condemns Cowardly Terrorist Attack on Military Base in Chad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and denunciation of the cowardly terrorist attack on a military base in the Republic of Chad, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of several security personnel.

In a statement, the ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s firm rejection of terrorist and extremist acts that attempt to undermine the security and stability of Chad and its brotherly people.

The statement said: “The Kingdom affirms its solidarity with and support for the government and people of the Republic of Chad in the wake of this painful tragedy, extending its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Chad, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.


Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with Portuguese Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
TT

Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with Portuguese Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel.

During the call, they discussed the latest developments in the region and efforts to maintain security and stability.


GCC Secretary-General Meets with UK Foreign Secretary in London

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
TT

GCC Secretary-General Meets with UK Foreign Secretary in London

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi has met with UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper in London.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the two sides reviewed Gulf-British relations. They affirmed that the signing of the joint statement concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations embodies a new, deeply rooted era for Gulf-British relations.

They also exchanged views on the latest regional developments, stressing the imporance of intensifying international and regional efforts to enhance security and stability.