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.



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
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GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.