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

Hajj Ahmed Niazi receiving health care
Hajj Ahmed Niazi receiving health care
TT
20

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.



Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
TT
20

Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has begun a tour of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, marking his second visit to the region and his first since most international sanctions on Syria were lifted.

The trip, which began in the United Arab Emirates, underscores Damascus’s push to reintegrate economically and diplomatically into the Arab world after more than a decade of isolation.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the tour aims to bolster economic cooperation and attract Gulf investments to support Syria’s national reconstruction and development plans.

Al-Sharaa arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where he was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders held official talks focusing on post-war recovery, economic partnership, and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the meeting, al-Sharaa said Syria has “turned the page on war and division” and is now focused on building “strategic partnerships” with its Gulf neighbors. He praised the UAE’s role in supporting regional stability and expressed interest in learning from the Emirati model in sustainable development, digital transformation, and clean energy.

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s full support for Syria’s efforts to restore stability and rebuild its war-torn economy. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, especially in key sectors such as infrastructure, investment, and technology.