Emir: Unity Key to Protecting Kuwait from Internal, External Conflicts

The Emir of Kuwait addresses the fourth ordinary session of the National Assembly's 15th legislative term. (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait addresses the fourth ordinary session of the National Assembly's 15th legislative term. (KUNA)
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Emir: Unity Key to Protecting Kuwait from Internal, External Conflicts

The Emir of Kuwait addresses the fourth ordinary session of the National Assembly's 15th legislative term. (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait addresses the fourth ordinary session of the National Assembly's 15th legislative term. (KUNA)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah urged on Tuesday unity among the people to protect the country from internal and external conflicts.

In his address to the fourth ordinary session of the National Assembly's 15th legislative term, he called on them to cast away their differences and work together for a better future, reported the Kuwait news agency (KUNA)

He said that the region was passing through an exceptional and unprecedented phase with conflicts and instability in nearby countries.

As a result, the people of Kuwait must take into consideration the importance of national unity and solidarity to overcome any obstacle that may bring harm to the country, he stressed.

On the Gulf Cooperation Council dispute and the situations in some parts of the Arab world, Sheikh Sabah said the Gulf countries and Arab world must overcome differences and prioritize the interest of the people otherwise they meet an “ill fate” that had befallen other countries.

Moreover, he warned against the use of social media and other outlets to create discord and promote sectarianism.

He called on the National Assembly to take proper steps focusing on the development of Kuwait and its people in cooperation with the government, stressing that the executive and legislative branches were both established to serve the interest of the public.

Sheikh Sabah renewed his confidence in National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim and Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, wishing them success in their duties.



Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced Monday fines on individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform the Hajj, as well as for those who facilitate such violations.

Starting from April 29 until the end of June 10, the following fines will apply:

First, a fine of up to SAR20,000 will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit, and on holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

Second, a fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period. The fine will multiply for each individual involved.

The same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites. This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

Third, illegal infiltrators attempting to perform the Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

Fourth, the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.