Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.



Foreign Ministers of UAE, Israel Discuss Gaza Ceasefire

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
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Foreign Ministers of UAE, Israel Discuss Gaza Ceasefire

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Gideon Saar, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi where the talks focused on bilateral relations between the two countries, WAM news agency said on Tuesday.
Discussions also addressed the latest developments in the region, particularly the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and the regional and international efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the urgent importance of advancing a serious political horizon to resume negotiations for achieving a comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, adding that this would contribute to establishing stability, achieving sustainable security in the region, and ending the escalating violence.
He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire and prevent the expansion of conflict in the region, noting that the priority is to end tension and violence, protect civilian lives, and make every effort to facilitate the flow of urgent humanitarian aid, added WAM.
Sheikh Abdullah stressed that the Middle East is experiencing unprecedented tension and instability, requiring enhanced collective international efforts to end extremism, tension, and escalating violence while adopting a path of peace, prosperity, and development for the benefit of its people.
He reiterated the UAE's support for the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to broker a prisoner exchange agreement that could lead to a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the safe and sustainable delivery of adequate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
He underlined that building peace in the region is the key to establishing lasting stability, sustainable security, and fulfilling the aspirations of its people for comprehensive development and a dignified life.
Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, highlighting the nation's longstanding solidarity with Palestinians over the decades.