Sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Be Held in Jeddah in November

The sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition will be held in Jeddah from November 8 to 11. (SPA)
The sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition will be held in Jeddah from November 8 to 11. (SPA)
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Sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Be Held in Jeddah in November

The sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition will be held in Jeddah from November 8 to 11. (SPA)
The sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition will be held in Jeddah from November 8 to 11. (SPA)

Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030, will organize the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah from November 8 to 11.

The event will bring together more than 520 entities from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors at the local and international levels. It will also bring together decision-makers from the government, private, and third sectors.

The conference reflects the leadership's continued commitment to serving pilgrims and Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop the Hajj services ecosystem and improve its quality. It supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.

This year's event will serve as a key platform for early preparations for the next Hajj season. It will bring together relevant stakeholders to finalize contracts, discuss operational and regulatory matters, showcase solutions and initiatives, build partnerships, and enhance readiness for the upcoming season.

As a global platform for leaders, decision-makers, and specialists from around the world, the event will showcase solutions and practices and facilitate the exchange of expertise across three tracks.

The first track, Infrastructure and Operational Services, covers transportation and logistics, infrastructure and facilities management, housing and hospitality, and catering and nutrition. The second, Empowerment and Integration, focuses on safety and security, healthcare, media and communication, and technology and innovation. The third, Sustainable Development, covers the third sector, entrepreneurship, training and development, and enhancing the pilgrim experience.

Alongside the conference, an exhibition covering the Hajj services ecosystem will be held, bringing together entities and providers of services and solutions from more than 150 countries.

The exhibition will feature specialized communities comprising leaders, Hajj affairs offices, and service providers. It will include communities representing aviation, transportation, hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, innovation, the workforce, investment, and business development.

The previous edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition attracted more than 204,000 visitors and 270 exhibitors from more than 150 countries. It featured 134 specialized sessions and workshops, while more than 2,600 trainees from around the world participated in its training programs.



Saudi Arabia, Djibouti Sign Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement for Diplomatic, Special Passport Holders

Saudi Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Ambassador Abdulmajeed Al-Smari and Djibouti’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama at Monday's signing ceremony. (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Ambassador Abdulmajeed Al-Smari and Djibouti’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama at Monday's signing ceremony. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Djibouti Sign Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement for Diplomatic, Special Passport Holders

Saudi Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Ambassador Abdulmajeed Al-Smari and Djibouti’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama at Monday's signing ceremony. (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Ambassador Abdulmajeed Al-Smari and Djibouti’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama at Monday's signing ceremony. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Djibouti signed on Monday a mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and special passports between the governments of the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Saudi Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Ambassador Abdulmajeed Al-Smari, on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and by Djibouti’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama.

The agreement comes within the framework of the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries and will boost coordination and the development of joint cooperation across various fields.


Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, Oman Discuss Strategic Partnership, Maritime Security

Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi and Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi meet on Monday. (SPA)
Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi and Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi meet on Monday. (SPA)
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Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, Oman Discuss Strategic Partnership, Maritime Security

Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi and Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi meet on Monday. (SPA)
Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi and Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi meet on Monday. (SPA)

Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi received on Monday Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi for talks on strengthening cooperation and coordination with member states.

They reviewed areas of cooperation and ways to strengthen the partnership between the IMCTC and Oman, particularly in countering terrorism, building capacities, and exchanging expertise, in support of regional and international efforts to address extremist threats and promote security, stability, and peace.

Al-Moghedi outlined the coalition's key activities, initiatives, and programs across its four domains: intellectual, media, counter-terrorist financing, and military, as well as its efforts to support member states and develop their institutional and human capabilities.

He outlined the role of the IMCTC's Initiatives Fund, its objectives, and its main areas of operation. The fund supports strategic initiatives that member states identify as priorities, enabling them to implement specialized programs and sustainable projects across various fields of counter-terrorism.

The secretary-general and his delegation visited the Maritime Security Center in Oman, where they were briefed on the center's mandate and operational responsibilities, its mechanisms for monitoring and coordinating activities at sea, and its role in strengthening maritime security and safety and addressing potential risks and threats.


Riyadh to Host Fourth Saudi International Maritime Forum in November

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file)
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Riyadh to Host Fourth Saudi International Maritime Forum in November

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file)

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces will organize the fourth Saudi International Maritime Forum in Riyadh from November 23 to 25, under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The event will witness the participation of a distinguished group of naval commanders, decision-makers, experts, and representatives of the industrial and technology sectors.

Through its specialized sessions and activities, the forum will address key issues, including shifts in the global strategic environment and their impact on maritime supply chain security, as well as threats to energy supply chains.

The forum will examine seabed security and the protection of subsea infrastructure, address security challenges in the maritime transport sector, and explore solutions and technologies that protect maritime systems and enhance their operational efficiency.

It will highlight the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in strengthening maritime security.

International entities from more than 40 countries have confirmed their participation, reinforcing the forum’s position as an international platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, building partnerships, and developing shared perspectives on contemporary maritime challenges.

The forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening maritime security as a key pillar of regional and international stability.

It reinforces the Kingdom’s position as an active partner in supporting the security of seas and vital maritime routes and promoting international cooperation in the maritime sector.