Saudi Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Monitoring Developments in Syria, Hope Stability Will Be Restored

Saudi Arabia took in 3 million Syrians during the conflict. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabia took in 3 million Syrians during the conflict. (Reuters)
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Saudi Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Monitoring Developments in Syria, Hope Stability Will Be Restored

Saudi Arabia took in 3 million Syrians during the conflict. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabia took in 3 million Syrians during the conflict. (Reuters)

A Saudi official told Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday that the Kingdom was closely monitoring the developments in Syria in wake of the opposition’s ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.

Saudi Arabia is hoping that stability will be rapidly restored in the country and that state institutions will return to normal operations, he added.

Moreover, the Kingdom hopes that Syria’s unity, security and territorial integrity will be preserved and that the people prioritize national interests in building their state, he added.

Throughout the Syrian crisis, Saudi Arabia had always underscored the importance of the country’s unity and territorial integrity away from foreign meddling because it believes that the Syrians themselves have the right to determine their destiny to overcome the crisis, continued the official.

President of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces Hadi al-Bahra told Asharq Al-Awsat that generations of Syrians were born in Saudi during the past 13 years when the crisis erupted.

The Kingdom was like their second home, he stressed. Saudi Arabia has hosted 3 million Syrians since the conflict began.

Head of the National Renewal-Syria Movement Obeida Nahhas told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia had stood by the Syrian people, who have long suffered from war and instability.

Saudi Arabia took in 3 million Syrians and treated them as residents, not refugees, he remarked. They were offered free education and healthcare and were reintegrated in society.



Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
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Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed extensive preparations at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, ensuring it is fully ready to welcome Hajj pilgrims on the day of Arafat, which falls on Thursday. The mosque has been furnished with 125,000 square meters of luxurious carpets.

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims. The backyard now features 19 canopies that reduce heat stress by an average of 10 degrees Celsius, complemented by sun-reflecting floor paint. The surrounding courtyards are also prepared and cooled with 117 fog fans, lowering temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius.

A major ventilation and air conditioning upgrade includes a new control system that monitors carbon dioxide levels and operates air purification units, allowing for 100% air renewal every 30 minutes. This system also controls water pumps, boosting operational efficiency and providing a healthier environment for pilgrims.

For hydration, 70 water chillers have been installed, each capable of serving 2,000 pilgrims per hour, totaling a capacity of 140,000 pilgrims per hour.

An advanced audio system and security surveillance cameras have also been integrated to boost safety and security.

Furthermore, the mosque's 72 gates and entrances have been strategically organized to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims.

These extensive tasks were carried out by dedicated supervisory and service teams committed to providing the best services to pilgrims.