Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Kick off in Jeddah Next Week

Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Kick off in Jeddah Next Week
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Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Kick off in Jeddah Next Week

Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Kick off in Jeddah Next Week

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition will kick off in Jeddah on Monday, featuring 280 exhibitors showcasing their services and boosting competitiveness within the Hajj sector. It follows the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's successful conclusion of Hajj agreements with 80 Hajj affairs offices from around the world, marking a significant milestone in the preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.

The conference will highlight groundbreaking projects and showcase the latest technologies and services designed to streamline procedures and enhance the pilgrim experience.

The inaugural "health oasis" will be integrated into the conference, emphasizing the critical role of healthcare services within the Hajj journey. The platform will facilitate interaction between healthcare companies and Hajj service providers, fostering collaborations that meet the evolving needs of pilgrims under new regulations requiring contracts with Saudi healthcare institutions.

The conference will also feature the Humanizing the Holy Sites Hackathon, a competitive event that challenges engineers, designers, and specialists to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance the pilgrim experience while minimizing environmental impact.

The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, underscoring the importance of humanizing the holy sites and enriching the pilgrim experience.

A dedicated ministerial session will be held, bringing together key ministers and officials from relevant government entities. The session will provide a platform to discuss and showcase new and ongoing services, projects, and initiatives aimed at facilitating and enriching the pilgrim journey.



Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
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Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has begun a tour of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, marking his second visit to the region and his first since most international sanctions on Syria were lifted.

The trip, which began in the United Arab Emirates, underscores Damascus’s push to reintegrate economically and diplomatically into the Arab world after more than a decade of isolation.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the tour aims to bolster economic cooperation and attract Gulf investments to support Syria’s national reconstruction and development plans.

Al-Sharaa arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where he was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders held official talks focusing on post-war recovery, economic partnership, and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the meeting, al-Sharaa said Syria has “turned the page on war and division” and is now focused on building “strategic partnerships” with its Gulf neighbors. He praised the UAE’s role in supporting regional stability and expressed interest in learning from the Emirati model in sustainable development, digital transformation, and clean energy.

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s full support for Syria’s efforts to restore stability and rebuild its war-torn economy. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, especially in key sectors such as infrastructure, investment, and technology.