UAE, Oman Discuss Boosting Relations

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
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UAE, Oman Discuss Boosting Relations

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the longstanding ties between UAE and Oman are characterized by a shared social and cultural fabric based on deep bonds of brotherly relations between the two nations.

Shiekh Mohammed arrived in Muscat Tuesday, marking the start of a two-day state visit to the Sultanate at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who welcomed the President upon his arrival at the Royal Private Airport in Muscat.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE and Oman benefit from diverse trade relations, which both leaders seek to expand through collaboration and investment.

He expressed his aspiration to work with Sultan Haitham to strengthen relations between the UAE and Oman in various fields and build solid foundations for the common future of their countries.

The President stressed that his country seeks to strengthen Gulf and Arab joint action and is keen to work with its brothers, starting with Oman.

He expressed his aspiration for more joint work with Sultanate during the coming period to strengthen peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed with official and cultural celebration upon his arrival at the al-Alam Palace in Muscat, accompanied by Sultan Haitham.

The talks between the leaders addressed the bilateral relations between their countries and ways to develop them to broader horizons of cooperation, coordination, and joint action in all fields to achieve their interests and promote development and prosperity for their peoples.

They addressed opportunities for building upon the growing economic ties between the UAE and Oman and areas where they can increase collaboration, including the investment, financial, industrial, and cultural sectors.

They also discussed the overall Gulf, Arab and international developments and issues of common concern.

After the official talks, Sheikh Mohamed and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq held closed-door talks.



Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced Monday fines on individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform the Hajj, as well as for those who facilitate such violations.

Starting from April 29 until the end of June 10, the following fines will apply:

First, a fine of up to SAR20,000 will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit, and on holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

Second, a fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period. The fine will multiply for each individual involved.

The same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites. This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

Third, illegal infiltrators attempting to perform the Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

Fourth, the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.