Over 3,000 Agreements, Strategic Partnerships Signed during Hajj Conference

The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
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Over 3,000 Agreements, Strategic Partnerships Signed during Hajj Conference

The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah affirmed that the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has significantly contributed to the success of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition.

The event was organized by the ministry in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program.

Al-Rabiah expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his continuous keenness for the safety and service of pilgrims, as well as his interest in enhancing the ecosystem for Hajj, Umrah, and visitation, SPA reported.

In the concluding statement of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, he praised the participation of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) in highlighting the historical legacy of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques.

Al-Rabiah also acknowledged the efforts of Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Board Chairman of Board of Directors of Darah Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. He hailed the Cabinet's commendation of the "History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques Forum" and the foundation's role in documentation, museum displays, and digital presentations.

He further shared that the number of pilgrims whose contracts have been finalized so far has exceeded one million from various countries. This reflects the ecosystem's readiness and proactive preparations for this year's Hajj season.

The fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition achieved remarkable results, including receiving over 204,000 visitors, representing an increase of more than 70% compared to last year. Additionally, there were over 270 exhibitors and representation from more than 150 countries.

More than 3,000 agreements and strategic partnerships were signed between government and private entities, as well as between Hajj affairs offices and providers of catering, transportation, and accommodation services, which have strengthened the integration of efforts and enhanced the services provided to pilgrims.



2 Dead, 3 Wounded as Missile Intercepted in Abu Dhabi

People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
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2 Dead, 3 Wounded as Missile Intercepted in Abu Dhabi

People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)

Two people were killed and three were wounded by falling debris after air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the government media office said on Thursday.

"The incident resulted in the deaths of two unidentified individuals, three injuries, and damage to a number of cars," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a post on X.


Crown Prince, UK PM Address Global Economic Crisis; Starmer Condemns Iran’s Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet in Riyadh in December 2024. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet in Riyadh in December 2024. (SPA)
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Crown Prince, UK PM Address Global Economic Crisis; Starmer Condemns Iran’s Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet in Riyadh in December 2024. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet in Riyadh in December 2024. (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a phone call on Wednesday from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who condemned Iran’s continued assaults against Saudi Arabia.

Starmer expressed his country’s strong condemnation of Iran’s attacks highlighting their threat to security and stability, during the phone call with the Crown Prince.

The two leaders discussed regional security amid the ongoing military escalation, its impact on regional and global stability, and the associated risks to international maritime security and the global economy.


UN Rights Council Slams ‘Egregious’ Iran Strikes on Gulf, Demands Reparation

Smoke rises from Kuwait international airport after a drone strike on fuel storage in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Friday, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo)
Smoke rises from Kuwait international airport after a drone strike on fuel storage in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Friday, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo)
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UN Rights Council Slams ‘Egregious’ Iran Strikes on Gulf, Demands Reparation

Smoke rises from Kuwait international airport after a drone strike on fuel storage in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Friday, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo)
Smoke rises from Kuwait international airport after a drone strike on fuel storage in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Friday, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo)

The UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday condemned Iran's "egregious attacks" on Gulf countries and demanded full "reparation" for all victims of its strikes.

The 47-member council backed a resolution brought by the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan demanding Iran immediately "cease all unprovoked attacks.”

The resolution was adopted by consensus.

The resolution "condemns in the strongest terms the egregious attacks" by Iran, condemns Tehran's actions aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz and voices "grave concerns at the Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure.”

It demands Iran "immediately and unconditionally cease all unprovoked attacks" against the GCC states and Jordan and "provide full, effective and prompt reparation to all victims for the damage and injury caused by its attacks.”

Saudi Arabia welcomed the UN Human Rights Council’s unanimous adoption of the resolution, which reflects the international community’s rejection of Iranian attacks and its condemnation of these brutal acts as grave violations of human rights.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and other countries in the region “constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and a clear breach of international conventions and international law.”

“Targeting countries that are not party to the conflict is a blatant act of aggression that cannot be justified or accepted,” it added.