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Translators of 25 Languages to Assist 60,000 Pilgrims in Hajj 2021

Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi launched, via videoconference, on Wednesday the operational plan for Hajj season 1442 H (2021) -SPA.
Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi launched, via videoconference, on Wednesday the operational plan for Hajj season 1442 H (2021) -SPA.
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Translators of 25 Languages to Assist 60,000 Pilgrims in Hajj 2021

Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi launched, via videoconference, on Wednesday the operational plan for Hajj season 1442 H (2021) -SPA.
Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi launched, via videoconference, on Wednesday the operational plan for Hajj season 1442 H (2021) -SPA.

Preparing for yet another exceptional Hajj season under the coronavirus pandemic, the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry announced preparing a team of 40 official translators that speak 25 different languages to help guide this year’s 60,000 pilgrims.

With the coronavirus pandemic still affecting the world, the Kingdom had decided to limit the Hajj 2021 season to 60,000 pilgrims.

The pilgrims, both citizens and residents, were selected from within the Kingdom.

This move was taken to preserve the health and safety of pilgrims and ensure that the Hajj rituals are held in a safe and healthy environment with the application of preventive measures.

In a Wednesday press conference, the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced employing over 8,000 personnel to help execute this year’s extraordinary operational plan that focuses on preventive measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and ensure the safety of pilgrims.

The measures ordered by the Presidency include setting up thermal cameras at gates designated for pilgrims, establishing health centers inside the Grand Mosque in coordination with the Ministry of Health, and ensuring that all front-line employees are vaccinated.

More so, vaccines and masks will also be offered to pilgrims.

Additionally, the holy site will be washed and sterilized ten times daily, using approximately 60,000 liters of disinfectant materials per day. One hundred pieces of equipment will be designated for cleaning the site.

More than 4,000 cleaners and 11 robots will also be operating on hygiene maintenance.

The Presidency allocated 40 translators who speak 25 languages to help non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims. It also secured ten radio frequencies channels to broadcast in Mount Arafat and the Grand Mosque.

A live broadcast of the translations of the Quran and Sunnah channels will be played in both English and French.

The Presidency also took measures to distribute bottles of Zamzam water to pilgrims.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.