Iranian Pilgrims Praise Hajj Services

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



Gulf Foreign Ministers Discuss Unifying Stance on Regional, International Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers after their meeting in Kuwait (KUNA)
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers after their meeting in Kuwait (KUNA)
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Gulf Foreign Ministers Discuss Unifying Stance on Regional, International Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers after their meeting in Kuwait (KUNA)
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers after their meeting in Kuwait (KUNA)

Gulf foreign ministers met on Thursday to discuss key regional and international issues, including the Palestinian conflict and ongoing violations in Palestinian territories.

They called for an immediate ceasefire and a fair, lasting solution to the conflict. The ministers also reviewed security developments in Lebanon and other regional matters.

The discussions aim to prepare a unified stance for the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Kuwait next Sunday, where it will be presented to the leaders.

Led by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, the foreign ministers met to discuss boosting Gulf cooperation across various areas. They aimed to build on past efforts and continue advancing progress in different sectors.

GCC leaders will gather on Sunday to discuss key regional and international issues and strengthen Gulf cooperation.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attended the 162nd preparatory meeting for the summit in Kuwait on Thursday.

The meeting focused on the Gulf's shared progress and ways to improve it, as well as the latest developments in Gaza and Lebanon. Ministers called for an immediate ceasefire and a fair, lasting solution to the Palestinian cause.

The meeting also reviewed reports on the implementation of decisions from the 44th GCC summit and discussed strategic relations with other countries and global groups.

The Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the GCC, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Owaishiq, stated that the upcoming GCC summit will address key regional issues, in addition to military, security, and economic matters that impact Gulf citizens.

Thursday’s meeting was chaired by Al-Yahya, with heads of delegations from GCC member states in attendance, along with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi.