Saudi Defense Minister Receives Newly Appointed and Promoted Military Officials

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives newly appointed and promoted military officials in Riyadh. (SPA)
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives newly appointed and promoted military officials in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Defense Minister Receives Newly Appointed and Promoted Military Officials

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives newly appointed and promoted military officials in Riyadh. (SPA)
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives newly appointed and promoted military officials in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman received in his office in Riyadh on Monday newly appointed and promoted military officials.

The appointments and promotions were decreed in a Royal Order by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Thursday.

Prince Khalid received Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Ghufaili, who was named Deputy Chief of the General Staff at the rank of lieutenant general, and Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Mutair, who was named Advisor at the Minister of Defense’s Office at the rank of lieutenant general.

He welcomed Major General Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed Commander of the Joint Forces, and Major General Fahd bin Saud Al-Juhani, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed Chief of Staff of the Land Forces.

Prince Khalid also received Naval Major General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Hamed Al-Gharibi, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces.

The minister bestowed upon the officials medals of their military ranks, wishing them success in serving their religion and nation.

In return, the officials expressed their appreciation to King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for entrusting them in their new duties and ranks. They also expressed their gratitude to Prince Khalid.

The medal ceremony was attended by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili and other senior officials.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.