Saudi Govt Reiterates Kingdom's Firm Commitment to Combating Terrorism

King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Reiterates Kingdom's Firm Commitment to Combating Terrorism

King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom's firm commitment to combating terrorism.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in person in Riyadh.

The government highlighted the Kingdom's speech before the annual briefing of ambassadors of member states of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office and during which it stressed its commitment to working with the agency in fighting terror.

The ministers were briefed on the various talks and meetings Saudi officials held with their counterparts from around the world in the past week.

Acting Media Minister Dr. Majed al-Qasabi said the cabinet reviewed various developments and international efforts exerted towards them for the sake of preserving regional security and peace.

It highlighted the inaugural LEAP 2022 conference that was held in Riyadh last week. It reviewed the various initiatives and investments that were launched and that topped 6.4 billion dollars in value.

The conference is the embodiment of the Kingdom's constant efforts to push forward the digital economy and bolster prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa.



Pilgrims Converge at Mount Arafat for Daylong Worship

15 June 2024, Saudi Arabia, Makkah: Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: Saudi Press Agency
15 June 2024, Saudi Arabia, Makkah: Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: Saudi Press Agency
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Pilgrims Converge at Mount Arafat for Daylong Worship

15 June 2024, Saudi Arabia, Makkah: Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: Saudi Press Agency
15 June 2024, Saudi Arabia, Makkah: Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: Saudi Press Agency

Muslims from around the world congregated Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection.

The ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand together asking God for mercy, blessings, prosperity and good health. The hill is about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah.

Thousands of pilgrims walked there through the predawn darkness. On the slopes of the rocky hill and the surrounding area, many raised their hands in worship with tears streaming down their faces.

Most of the pilgrims at Mount Arafat carried umbrellas, while others sat in the shade. And, as at Mina and the Grand Mosque, cooling stations on the roads leading to the hill and in its surrounding areas sprayed pilgrims with water to help fight the heat, which had already climbed to 47C at Mount Arafat, according to Saudi metrological authorities.

Pilgrims will next travel nearby to a site known as Muzdalifa to collect pebbles that they will use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina. Many walk, while others use buses.

Pilgrims then return to Mina for three days, coinciding with the festive Eid al-Adha holiday. Afterward, they return to Makkah for a final circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf.