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Saudi Arabia Launches Unified Electronic Platform to Facilitate Visitor Procedures at Two Holy Mosques

Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) ritual and pray at the Grand Mosque as seen from atop the Makkah Clock Tower, in preparation of the start of the Hajj 2022 pilgrimage, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 06 July 2022. (EPA)
Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) ritual and pray at the Grand Mosque as seen from atop the Makkah Clock Tower, in preparation of the start of the Hajj 2022 pilgrimage, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 06 July 2022. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Unified Electronic Platform to Facilitate Visitor Procedures at Two Holy Mosques

Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) ritual and pray at the Grand Mosque as seen from atop the Makkah Clock Tower, in preparation of the start of the Hajj 2022 pilgrimage, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 06 July 2022. (EPA)
Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) ritual and pray at the Grand Mosque as seen from atop the Makkah Clock Tower, in preparation of the start of the Hajj 2022 pilgrimage, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 06 July 2022. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched on Monday a unified government platform, "nusuk.sa", that will serve the new Saudi gateway to Makkah and Madinah, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The platform is aimed at developing the experience of pilgrims, and facilitating the procedures for their arrival from all over the world, as part of the initiatives of the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs.

"Nusuk.sa" was launched in cooperation and partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority. It is linked to the services provided on the "Visit Saudi Arabia" to enrich the journey of the pilgrims and facilitate reservation and communication procedures to provide various packages and programs to improve their experience in Makkah and Madinah.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah said the new platform aims to improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims using the latest technologies, and in integration with several government agencies to facilitate procedures, and allow pilgrims and visitors to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.

Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib underlined the importance of "Nusuk.sa" as it comes within the framework of cooperation and integration between the Authority and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the umbrella of the Pilgrim Experience Program to serve the pilgrims and the visitors, and realize the objectives of Vision 2030.

"Nusuk.sa" enables those wishing to perform the Umrah or visit to issue the necessary visas and permits, and book packages and programs electronically.

A range of other services will be provided at a later stage, including interactive maps, a calendar dedicated to offers and activities, a digital guide for all instructions in several languages, and health information.

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France’s Ubisoft Full-Year Net Bookings Fall 20.5%

A man passes by the main entrance of Ubisoft video firm company where a strike call is planned on February 14, 2024, in Montpellier, south of France, on February 13, 2024. (AFP)
A man passes by the main entrance of Ubisoft video firm company where a strike call is planned on February 14, 2024, in Montpellier, south of France, on February 13, 2024. (AFP)
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France’s Ubisoft Full-Year Net Bookings Fall 20.5%

A man passes by the main entrance of Ubisoft video firm company where a strike call is planned on February 14, 2024, in Montpellier, south of France, on February 13, 2024. (AFP)
A man passes by the main entrance of Ubisoft video firm company where a strike call is planned on February 14, 2024, in Montpellier, south of France, on February 13, 2024. (AFP)

France's largest video game maker Ubisoft on Wednesday posted a 20.5% fall in full-year net bookings as the company has faced issues with delayed releases and the underperformance of some of its leading titles.

The maker of the blockbuster franchise "Assassin's Creed" reported net bookings of 1.85 billion euros ($2.07 billion) for the year to March 31, slightly below its guidance of around 1.9 billion euros.

Ubisoft plans to announce a new overall group organization by the end of the year, with the objective to best serve player needs, deliver superior game quality and drive disciplined capital allocation, it said in a statement.

It expects full-year 2025-2026 stable net bookings year-on-year and roughly break-even non-IFRS operating income. Net bookings for the first quarter are forecast at 310 million euros.

Ubisoft also expects to return to positive non-IFRS operating income and free cash flow generation in 2026-2027, it said.

"After a review of our pipeline, we have decided to provide additional development time to some of our biggest productions to create the best conditions for success," CEO Yves Guillemot said in the statement.

As a result, he said, the next two years would see "significant content coming from our largest brands."

In March, the company faced a make-or-break moment with the launch of the newest instalment in "Assassin's Creed" franchise as the company grappled with falling revenue, a sinking stock price and takeover speculation.

"Aware of the challenges ahead, we took decisive steps to continue strengthening the company's future. The launch of 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' was a defining moment," Guillemot said.

The release had reaffirmed the power of the brand, he added, and had received a "highly favorable community response".

Ubisoft said that the game delivered the second-highest Day 1 sales revenue in franchise history and set a new record for Ubisoft's Day 1 performance on the PlayStation digital store.