Saudi Arabia Prepares to Host Historic G20 Summit

A group photo of global leaders is projected on the walls of landmarks in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah. (AFP)
A group photo of global leaders is projected on the walls of landmarks in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Prepares to Host Historic G20 Summit

A group photo of global leaders is projected on the walls of landmarks in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah. (AFP)
A group photo of global leaders is projected on the walls of landmarks in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah. (AFP)

Riyadh will host on Saturday and Sunday a historic G20 Summit, the first ever to be held in the Arab world and amid Saudi anticipation for reaching international consensus on pressing economic issues.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz will chair the proceedings of the 15th G20 Summit, which will be held virtually due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

World leaders and the heads of international and regional agencies and organizations have been invited to participate.

The summit, the world’s premier economic event, reflects Saudi Arabia’s central role on the regional and international scenes where it is seeking to bolster cooperation with its member state partners to achieve the goals of the G20 in pursuit of global economic stability and prosperity.

The Kingdom’s hosting of the summit will be an opportunity to propose issues that concern the Middle East and North Africa.

The agenda will address economic, financial, social, energy, environment, climate, digital economy, trade, agriculture, health care and education. The summit aims to develop effective policies in order to achieve sustainable and balanced development and provide real job opportunities to raise living conditions throughout the world.

Riyadh has witnessed a flurry of activity ahead of the global event, with working groups holding a series of meetings to tackle pressing economic issues.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.