Saudi-UAE Joint Security Committee Discusses Means to Boost Security Cooperation

The Saudi and Emirati delegations meet in the UAE. (WAM)
The Saudi and Emirati delegations meet in the UAE. (WAM)
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Saudi-UAE Joint Security Committee Discusses Means to Boost Security Cooperation

The Saudi and Emirati delegations meet in the UAE. (WAM)
The Saudi and Emirati delegations meet in the UAE. (WAM)

The joint security committee between the Saudi and United Arab Emirates Ministries of Interior held its sixth meeting in Abu Dhabi on Monday, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Held at the Ministry of Interior, the meeting focused on boosting cooperation in all security fields between the two countries.

The Saudi delegation was headed by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Dr. Hisham Al-Falih, while the UAE delegation was headed by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Khalifah Al-Khaili. Several Saudi and Emirati security officials were present at the talks.

The meeting discussed several subjects, projects and initiatives and the best practices in various security fields that were tackled by technical teams under the joint higher security committee. Issues included developing the data and information system, electronic connection among operations rooms in the two ministries, the electronic connection for traffic fines, network connection, and predicting the security future of the two countries.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the two parties signed a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the protection of data and information shared during joint security projects and ways of bolstering their cooperation in launching joint projects and initiatives while ensuring the protection of shared data and information.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.