Yemen's Al-Alimi Heads to Saudi Arabia, UAE

Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi. (AFP/Getty Images)
Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi. (AFP/Getty Images)
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Yemen's Al-Alimi Heads to Saudi Arabia, UAE

Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi. (AFP/Getty Images)
Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi. (AFP/Getty Images)

Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi departed the interim capital Aden on Monday for an unofficial visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Al-Alimi is seeking to accelerate the economic support and aid provided to his country, whether towards the Central Bank or in carrying out vital projects in liberated regions.

He will also seek support to the PLC’s position on reforms that aim to rebuild the state.

A presidency statement said his visit, which is set to last several days, “embodies the firm historic relations between Yemen and the UAE and Saudi Arabia.”

It reflects their “effective role as part of the coalition to support legitimacy and their humanitarian and economic support aimed at easing the suffering of the Yemeni people.”

The visit also aims to bolster the reforms spearheaded by the PLC on various levels.

Al-Alimi hailed the “unique bilateral relations with the UAE that were established by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,” reported the state news agency Saba.

He also hailed the role played by UAE now under the “brave leadership” of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support the Yemeni people and its political leadership in recovering the state and ending the coup by the Iran-backed Houthi militias.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.