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.



Saudi Royal Order Promotes and Appoints 34 Board of Grievances Judges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
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Saudi Royal Order Promotes and Appoints 34 Board of Grievances Judges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued on Friday a royal order promoting and appointing 34 judges at the Board of Grievances.

President of the Board of Grievances and Chairman of the Administrative Judiciary Council Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Ohaydib said the administrative judiciary enjoys the support of King Salman and the attention and follow-up of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

This is reflected in the royal order, which supports the Board of Grievances, motivates its judges and personnel, and advances the administrative judiciary, he added.


Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
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Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)

Saudi Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Brigadier General Talal bin Shalhoub stated that intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to Malaysian authorities enabled the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Anti-Narcotics Unit to thwart an attempt to smuggle 505.6 kilograms of ketamine.

Bin Shalhoub praised the ongoing operational coordination between the two nations in intercepting illicit drugs, emphasizing that this joint success reflects tight security integration to counter transnational organized crime networks, SPA reported on Friday.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia remains vigilant in tracking and dismantling criminal syndicates that target national security and youth with narcotics, continuing coordinated global efforts to protect societies from the illicit drug trade, SPA added.


UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
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UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a pardon on Friday for Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who was convicted by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on 27th August 2026 of the offences with which he was charged and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and a fine of AED200,000.

The ruling was first issued on August 27, 2026, after finding Al-Qaradawi guilty of the charges against him.

According to Friday's announcement, the necessary procedures have been taken to implement the presidential pardon.