Bashar Assad Welcomes UAE FM in Damascus

Syria’s President Bashar Assad meets with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Damascus Syria, in this handout released by Syrian Presidency on November 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Syria’s President Bashar Assad meets with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Damascus Syria, in this handout released by Syrian Presidency on November 9, 2021. (Reuters)
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Bashar Assad Welcomes UAE FM in Damascus

Syria’s President Bashar Assad meets with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Damascus Syria, in this handout released by Syrian Presidency on November 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Syria’s President Bashar Assad meets with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Damascus Syria, in this handout released by Syrian Presidency on November 9, 2021. (Reuters)

Syrian President Bashar Assad received in Damascus on Tuesday Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A presidency statement said Sheikh Abdullah led a delegation of senior Emirati officials that discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in a meeting with Syrian counterparts.

The participants discussed exploring “new horizons for this cooperation, especially in vital sectors in order to strengthen investment partnerships in these sectors,” the statement said.

They tackled the developments in the region and Arab world. They agreed to continue consultations and coordination over various affairs and challenges facing the Arab world in order to achieve the aspirations of their people away from any foreign meddling.

Assad underscored the “close fraternal relations” that bind the UAE and Syria. He hailed the stances taken by the UAE, which has always stood by the Syrian people.

Sheikh Abdullah, for his part, stressed the UAE’s support for efforts aimed at achieving stability in Syria.

He said he had faith that Syria, through the leadership of Assad and efforts of its people, can overcome the challenges caused by the war.

The UAE is always ready to support the Syrian people, he added.

Sheikh Abdullah is the most senior Emirati dignitary to visit Syria in the decade since the eruption of the country’s war.



Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Kick off in Jeddah Next Week

Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Kick off in Jeddah Next Week
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Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Kick off in Jeddah Next Week

Hajj Conference and Exhibition to Kick off in Jeddah Next Week

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition will kick off in Jeddah on Monday, featuring 280 exhibitors showcasing their services and boosting competitiveness within the Hajj sector. It follows the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's successful conclusion of Hajj agreements with 80 Hajj affairs offices from around the world, marking a significant milestone in the preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.

The conference will highlight groundbreaking projects and showcase the latest technologies and services designed to streamline procedures and enhance the pilgrim experience.

The inaugural "health oasis" will be integrated into the conference, emphasizing the critical role of healthcare services within the Hajj journey. The platform will facilitate interaction between healthcare companies and Hajj service providers, fostering collaborations that meet the evolving needs of pilgrims under new regulations requiring contracts with Saudi healthcare institutions.

The conference will also feature the Humanizing the Holy Sites Hackathon, a competitive event that challenges engineers, designers, and specialists to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance the pilgrim experience while minimizing environmental impact.

The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, underscoring the importance of humanizing the holy sites and enriching the pilgrim experience.

A dedicated ministerial session will be held, bringing together key ministers and officials from relevant government entities. The session will provide a platform to discuss and showcase new and ongoing services, projects, and initiatives aimed at facilitating and enriching the pilgrim journey.