Saudi Arabia Adopts Measures to Ensure Pilgrims Perform Hajj without Discrimination

Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file photo)
Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file photo)
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Saudi Arabia Adopts Measures to Ensure Pilgrims Perform Hajj without Discrimination

Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file photo)
Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file photo)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah welcomes all pilgrims from all over the world without discrimination and aims to improve the quality of services, announced Deputy Minister Abdul Fattah Mashat.

Mashat welcomed Qatari pilgrims, saying the ministry has provided them with a practical solution to apply for Hajj through electronic platforms they can access from any location to complete their procedures before arriving to King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah.

Regarding the Qatari authorities’ blocking of websites that provide links to apply for Hajj, he said the ministry regularly monitors the sites and provides alternative platforms if they are blocked.

He asserted that all the services provided to the pilgrims are also available to Iranian pilgrims or any others, adding that they are undoubtedly welcome.

On the ministry's role in preventing fake pilgrimage campaigns, Mashat stressed that one of the most important measures it has carried out is raising pilgrims’ awareness on such scams, whether they are inside or outside Saudi Arabia.

He emphasized that any campaign not included on the ministry’s website is fake. He urged all pilgrims to accurately check information and ensure they are among the campaigns registered electronically with the ministry.

He also called on them to refrain from posting messages and texts that promote such campaigns.

Mashat said pilgrims can clearly see all the registered campaigns on the ministry website, revealing that authorities busted a number of fake campaigns last year.



Kuwait Foils Biggest Drug Operation in Its History

Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. (KUNA)
Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Foils Biggest Drug Operation in Its History

Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. (KUNA)
Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. (KUNA)

Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, announced on Wednesday the foiling of the largest drug bust in Kuwait's history, consisting of approximately 5 tons of raw "Lyrica" powder and nearly 4 million capsules ready for sale, worth around 150 million Kuwaiti dinars, or around $486.8 million US dollars.

Speaking as part of a national drug prevention campaign, he said that Tuesday's bust also included an integrated factory for producing the psychotropic substance Lyrica, alongside equipment for filling and distributing capsules.

The bust reflects the magnitude of the danger of drugs to society, he added.

"The quantity seized was ready to be sold, but the suspect did not act to distribute it out of fear of falling under the jurisdiction of the new law."

Al-Yousef stressed that the new drug law "has contributed to boosting deterrence, making drug dealers think twice before attempting to harm any citizen or resident on Kuwaiti soil."

"Combating drugs is at the forefront of the Ministry of Interior's priorities, which continues to crack down on smugglers and distributors, tighten surveillance and seizure measures, and dry up the sources of this scourge," he said.


Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences over Tragic PIMS Hospital Fire in Pakistan

People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
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Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences over Tragic PIMS Hospital Fire in Pakistan

People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of those who died, as well as to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, following the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad, which claimed the lives of several newborn babies, SPA reported.

In a statement, the ministry said Saudi Arabia stands in solidarity with the victims' families and the government and people of Pakistan following this tragic incident, wishing Pakistan and its people security and safety.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's welcome of the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian Arab Republic's military institutions, noting that the move would contribute to enhancing security and stability in Syria and for its brotherly people, SPA reported.

In a statement, the ministry said that the Kingdom reiterates its support for the steps taken by the Syrian government to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people and continue the path toward unity and development.

The Kingdom also wished the Syrian Arab Republic and its brotherly people security, peace, and prosperity.