Al-Alimi Heads to Doha to Garner Political, Economic Support

The head of Yemen's new presidential council Rashad al-Alimi attends a session of the Yemeni parliament in Aden, Yemen April 19, 2022. (Reuters)
The head of Yemen's new presidential council Rashad al-Alimi attends a session of the Yemeni parliament in Aden, Yemen April 19, 2022. (Reuters)
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Al-Alimi Heads to Doha to Garner Political, Economic Support

The head of Yemen's new presidential council Rashad al-Alimi attends a session of the Yemeni parliament in Aden, Yemen April 19, 2022. (Reuters)
The head of Yemen's new presidential council Rashad al-Alimi attends a session of the Yemeni parliament in Aden, Yemen April 19, 2022. (Reuters)

Head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi is expected to arrive in the Qatari capital Doha on Wednesday to hold official talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and senior officials to garner political and economic support for his country.

This is the first visit by a high-ranking Yemeni official in years. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations and garnering support for several major vital projects in Yemen.

Yemeni Ambassador to Doha Rajeh al-Badi told Asharq Al-Awsat that al-Alimi's visit is part of his regional tour that has so far taken him to Kuwait, Bahrain and Egypt.

The tour is aimed at gathering regional support for the new presidential council and bolstering relations.

Badi noted that Qatar and Yemen enjoy historic relation in all fields and the Gulf country is home to a large Yemeni expatriate community.

Moreover, the visit demonstrates that the world stands by the legitimate authority in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthi coup.

"We are keen on clarifying our position to our brothers in Gulf Cooperation Council and the world," he stressed.

"We extend our hands to peace and reject wars and their disastrous consequences," declared the envoy. "As you know, however, the Houthis do not listen to the voice of reason."

"Everyone is looking forward to this visit and its results that will boost our ties with the Gulf," he remarked.



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.