Iranian Pilgrim: Medical Staff Enabled Me To Perform Hajj, Achieve My Dream

Hajj Ahmed Niazi receiving health care
Hajj Ahmed Niazi receiving health care
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Iranian Pilgrim: Medical Staff Enabled Me To Perform Hajj, Achieve My Dream

Hajj Ahmed Niazi receiving health care
Hajj Ahmed Niazi receiving health care

Ahmed Niazi, 60, is a pilgrim from Iran who came to Saudi Arabia to perform the holy Hajj. But his dream of visiting the honored Kaaba was soon obstructed as he suddenly fell sick and was unable to complete his pilgrimage.

Saudi medical cadres immediately provided Niazi with advanced health services and medical care, in order to help him overcome his illness and perform the Hajj in the best possible conditions.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat: “I came from my country with full longing to complete the fifth pillar of Islam and perform the Hajj; but I fell ill upon my arrival in Makkah Al Mukarramah and was transferred to Al Noor Specialized Hospital.”

He added that the medical staff provided him with integrated health care and much kindness.

The 60-year-old pilgrim, who is visiting the Kingdom for the first time, noted that he was surprised by the great attention provided to the visitors and the system of integrated services that help them overcome their difficulties and secure all conditions of comfort.

Al-Noor Specialized Hospital received four Iranian patients in the past two days. Two of them were discharged, while Niazi and another patient are still receiving treatment and waiting to continue their Hajj journey after the completion of the necessary health procedures.

The Ministry of Health had earlier rescued an Iranian pilgrim from a stroke while he was on his way to the Great Mosque of Makkah to perform prayers.

According to the medical report, the emergency team of King Abdullah Medical City received the pilgrim, who was suffering from severe chest pain. An urgent diagnosis showed a blockage in the heart artery. The man was provided with the necessary treatment and health care.



Pakistani Military Force Arrives in Saudi Arabia Under Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement

The force aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani armed forces. (SPA)
The force aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani armed forces. (SPA)
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Pakistani Military Force Arrives in Saudi Arabia Under Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement

The force aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani armed forces. (SPA)
The force aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani armed forces. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday the arrival of a military force from Pakistan at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector, acting in accordance with the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed between the two countries.

The force, which includes fighter and support aircraft from the Pakistani Air Force, aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani militaries to further support regional and international security and stability.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Belgian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Belgian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call with Maxime Prévost, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.

During the call, they discussed recent regional developments and the efforts being made to address them.


Britain Stresses Importance of Gulf Participation in Consolidating the Ceasefire

This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
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Britain Stresses Importance of Gulf Participation in Consolidating the Ceasefire

This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer concluded a “productive” visit to the Gulf as part of a three-day tour aimed at consolidating the ceasefire to reach a permanent solution to the conflict.

He also underlined the need for Gulf countries to be part of the ceasefire, saying it was vital for its success.

Starmer was received in Doha by Emir of Qatar Shiekh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. They exchanged views on current issues, stressing the importance of continued coordination and consultations.

Sheikh Tamim expressed his gratitude for the United Kingdom's stance and praising the strong and close relations between the two countries, said Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

Starmer reiterated his condemnation of the Iranian attacks against Qatar, affirming his country's full solidarity and support for Qatar's measures aimed at preserving its sovereignty, security, and stability.

They welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, emphasizing its importance in de-escalating tensions and enhancing regional stability.

They also stressed the need for joint efforts with international parties to solidify and build upon the agreement, leading to a lasting peace accord that guarantees regional security, the stability of supply chains, and the continued flow of global energy through the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting was attended Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, along with and a number of senior officials.

Several members of the accompanying British delegation were also present.

Starmer’s tour of the Gulf also took him to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.