عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Hajj Conference in Jeddah Highlights Integration between Public, Private Sectors in Developing Services to Pilgrims 

Officials are seen at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition main session in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition main session in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
TT
TT

Hajj Conference in Jeddah Highlights Integration between Public, Private Sectors in Developing Services to Pilgrims 

Officials are seen at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition main session in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition main session in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition held its main session in Jeddah on Monday under the title “From Vision to Reality: Integrated Sectors in Serving Pilgrims,” with the participation of Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program Committee Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel, and Director General of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami.

The officials reviewed the integration among various public and private sectors and the role of institutional collaboration in developing the Hajj and Umrah service ecosystem, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to streamline procedures and enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims from around the world.

Al-Rabiah highlighted the extensive care, services, and efforts provided by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to pilgrims from across the globe, emphasizing the successes achieved by the conference in its previous editions.

He noted that the current edition, held under the theme “From Makkah to the World,” reflects the wise leadership’s continuous support for developing the Hajj system and achieving Vision 2030 goals to facilitate pilgrims’ journey while enriching their spiritual and human experience.

The Kingdom is witnessing a qualitative transformation in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem through the adoption of modern technologies and digital solutions to boost service efficiency and ease pilgrims’ experience from arrival to departure, added the minister.

Al-Rabiah also underlined that integration among government entities is the cornerstone for achieving the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the key Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives.

The session concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining intersectoral coordination under Vision 2030 to ensure a unique and seamless experience for pilgrims, reflecting the leadership's unwavering dedication to serving pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques Forum, launched by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) kicked off on Monday on the sidelines of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition.

Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the event featured a panel discussion “Digital and Research Projects and the Media Dimension in Serving the Two Holy Mosques.” The talks focused on the pivotal role of digital transformation in boosting and supporting the Hajj and Umrah system.

Assistant Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Planning and Digital Transformation and General Supervisor of the Hajj and Umrah Information Center Eng. Fahad Al-Dosri highlighted the unprecedented digital revolution the world is witnessing, fueled by emerging technologies, smart analytics, and big data applications.

He underscored the importance of digital transformation in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, underlining its role in driving digitization, improving the pilgrim experience, and maximizing the economic and social impact of the sector. He noted that adopting advanced digital solutions helps ensure that the Hajj and Umrah journey remains exceptional, spiritual, smooth, and safe.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Arab, Muslim States Alarmed by Israeli Plan to Move Gazans to Egypt

Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
TT
TT

Arab, Muslim States Alarmed by Israeli Plan to Move Gazans to Egypt

Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Qatar said on Friday they were deeply concerned over Israeli statements about opening the Rafah crossing in one direction to push Gaza residents into Egypt.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight countries underlined their total rejection of any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from their land.

They said full adherence was needed to US President Donald Trump’s plan, which called for opening the Rafah crossing in both directions, safeguarding freedom of movement and preventing any resident of the enclave from being forced to leave.

The ministers said conditions must be created for Palestinians to remain on their land and to take part in rebuilding their homeland within an integrated vision to restore stability and improve humanitarian conditions.

The ministers reiterated their appreciation for Trump’s commitment to establishing peace in the region, saying it was important to move forward with the plan and carry out all its requirements without delay or obstruction in order to achieve security and peace and to strengthen the foundations of regional stability.

They called for a full and lasting ceasefire, an end to civilian suffering, and unrestricted humanitarian access into Gaza. They also urged the start of early recovery and reconstruction efforts and the creation of conditions that would allow the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in the territory, paving the way for a new phase of security and stability in the region.

The ministers affirmed their countries’ readiness to continue working and coordinating with the United States and all relevant regional and international parties to ensure full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803 and all related resolutions.

They said the objective was to provide an environment conducive to achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with international legitimacy and the two state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, including the occupied territories in Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gulf

Saudi FM, Qatari PM Co-Chair Coordination Council Executive Committee Meeting

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
TT
TT

Saudi FM, Qatari PM Co-Chair Coordination Council Executive Committee Meeting

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Thursday with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Riyadh.

The meeting reviewed bilateral relations, aspects of cooperation, and ways to develop them in a manner that meets the aspirations of the leaderships and peoples of the two countries.

Following the meeting, Prince Faisal and Sheikh Mohammed co-chaired the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

They reviewed the strong fraternal relations and ways to enhance them at bilateral and multilateral levels. They also discussed strengthening cooperation through several initiatives that would elevate relations to broader prospects.

Both sides praised the cooperation and coordination among the committees and working groups formed under the coordination council, stressing the importance of maintaining this level of progress to serve the mutual interests of both nations and their peoples.

The Executive Committee Secretariat presented an overview of the council’s activities and its committees over the past period, along with the latest updates and preparatory work for the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

At the end of the meeting, the two ministers signed the minutes of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

Gulf

Albudaiwi: GCC is a Global Investment Magnet, Driven by Stability and Economic Strength

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
TT
TT

Albudaiwi: GCC is a Global Investment Magnet, Driven by Stability and Economic Strength

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the strategic geographical location, political stability, and strong economic foundations of the Gulf states, coupled with the acceleration of Gulf integration projects, make the GCC a global destination attractive for investment and a key platform for international partnerships.

These factors, he added, enhance the status of the council states as a major player in shaping the future of the global economy, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The secretary-general's remarks were made during his participation in the opening session of the seventh Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Reviewing global economic transformations, Albudaiwi emphasized that the Gulf economy is undergoing a strong and sustainable phase, reflecting the success of economic reforms and strategic investments in future sectors.

He said that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the GCC states reached approximately $2.3 trillion in 2024, positioning the council states in ninth place globally and accounting for 63% of the total Arab economy. He added that the contribution of non-oil sectors exceeded 76% of the GDP, an indicator reflecting the success of economic diversification policies.

Albudaiwi also pointed to the strength and stability of the GCC financial sector, which boasts a market value exceeding $4.2 trillion, banking assets amounting to $3.5 trillion, and reserves approaching $800 billion. This is in addition to sovereign wealth funds exceeding $4.8 trillion, a fact that solidifies the council states' position as a key player in enhancing global economic stability, he stressed.

The secretary-general revealed that the GCC states are negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with numerous international partners, including the United Kingdom, China, Türkiye, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Korea. These negotiations aim to enhance trade and investment flows, diversify income sources, and open new markets for Gulf products, thereby elevating competitiveness and reducing consumer prices within the GCC states.

Regarding artificial intelligence, he confirmed that the GCC states treat AI as a fundamental pillar for economic and social transformation.

The General Secretariat has adopted several regulatory frameworks and guiding principles, including the Guiding Framework for AI Ethics (2024), the General Framework for AI Applications in Public Services (October 2025), and the General Framework for Climate Forecasting and Disaster Management using AI (October 2025). Furthermore, the comprehensive Gulf Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is set to be adopted in December 2025.