Hajj Ministry Announces More Details of its Innovation Competition

Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
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Hajj Ministry Announces More Details of its Innovation Competition

Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the launch of the challenge phases of its competition that is aimed at introducing innovative solutions to improving the pilgrimage experience.

The competition was announced through the Open Innovation Platform.

The top three finalists of the competition will receive prize money of up to 50,000 riyals.

The ministry has opened the competition to anyone who believes they have innovative and pioneering ideas that can improve the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Participants have until May 23 to submit their ideas.

The ministry had held a virtual training seminar on the impact and importance of open innovation.

The platform aims to create the largest innovation community in the Kingdom in cooperation was various sectors.

It will help facilitate communication with the sectors and propose solutions to problems with the aim of improving society and the national economy as a whole.

Participants in the competition will be able to develop their research skills and overcome challenges through several innovative paths.

The competition will also hold consultative and training sessions and provide the opportunity to develop pioneering projects and receive support from participating parties.

The Hajj challenge is divided into three paths: The main services path that focuses on the challenges encountered by pilgrims, the enrichment path that focuses on services that enrich their experience, and the virtual experience path that covers the digital platforms available to the pilgrims.



Saudi Arabia, China Hold Second Round of Political Consultations

Saudi Arabia, China hold second round of political consultations.
Saudi Arabia, China hold second round of political consultations.
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Saudi Arabia, China Hold Second Round of Political Consultations

Saudi Arabia, China hold second round of political consultations.
Saudi Arabia, China hold second round of political consultations.

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and China held their second round of political consultations in Riyadh on Monday, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The meeting was co-chaired by Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed El-Khereiji, and China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Li, representing their respective governments.
During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation to meet the shared aspirations of both nations. They also exchanged updates on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
In addition, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, and Nasser Al-Ghanoum, Director of the Asian Countries Department at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the consultations.

In September, a high-level Saudi-Chinese Committee meeting was held in Riyadh, focusing on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the political and security realms. Officials also explored opportunities for collaboration in key sectors, including trade, energy, investment, culture, and technology.