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Iraqi PM Vows to Develop Relations with Saudi Arabia in All Fields

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (AFP)
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (AFP)
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Iraqi PM Vows to Develop Relations with Saudi Arabia in All Fields

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (AFP)
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (AFP)

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed on Monday Iraq's openness to developing partnerships with Saudi Arabia in various sectors.

Al-Sudani held talks with Saudi Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, in Baghdad.

According to the PM’s office, the meeting witnessed a review of the overall prospects for cooperation between their countries, and ways to develop bilateral relations, for the benefit of their people.

The PM underscored openness towards developing partnership with the Kingdom in various sectors, especially in the economic and energy fields and in investment. He also stressed coordination in confronting the effects of climate change, and efforts to limit its repercussions on the region.

For his part, Al-Qasabi conveyed to Sudani the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He underlined the continuation of work of the Iraqi-Saudi Coordination Council, which includes cooperation in the economic, investment, tourism, security fields and others.

Al-Qasabi, who is also the head of the Saudi side of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council, is visiting Iraq to strengthen economic relations and follow up on the outcomes of the Council meetings.

He also met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Dr. Muhammad Ali Tamim.

The tackled ways of consolidating the strategic partnership within the framework of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council as well as enhancing joint cooperation in important international and regional affairs, protecting common interests, and developing partnership between the private sectors.

The Coordination Council was established during the government of former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

It aims to bolster communication between the two countries and to elevate bilateral relations in various fields, including economics, development, security, investment, tourism, culture, and media.

The Saudi minister's visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq that took place on March 19, 2003.

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Gulf

Iran Lawmaker: Some Disagreements Should Not Hinder Diplomatic Path with Saudi Arabia

Iranian lawmaker Abbas Gurlu during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian (Iranian Foreign Ministry)
Iranian lawmaker Abbas Gurlu during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian (Iranian Foreign Ministry)
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Iran Lawmaker: Some Disagreements Should Not Hinder Diplomatic Path with Saudi Arabia

Iranian lawmaker Abbas Gurlu during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian (Iranian Foreign Ministry)
Iranian lawmaker Abbas Gurlu during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian (Iranian Foreign Ministry)

Iranian lawmaker Abbas Gurlu has said that "some differences" between Saudi Arabia and Iran on regional issues should not hinder the diplomatic path between the two countries.

He reiterated that improved bilateral relations would help reduce regional tension.

Gulru, also a parliamentary foreign and national security committee member, said that Saudi- Iranian relations are key to resolving regional problems.

The deputy asserted that differences between the two nations remain on some regional issues, but that should not lead to ending diplomatic tracks.

He reiterated the importance of cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh in reducing tensions in the Islamic world, preventing foreigners from exploiting them, and boosting the development and progress of the Islamic nation.

Earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan met his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, on the sidelines of a foreign ministerial BRICS summit and a 'Friends of BRICS' meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.

It is the second meeting between the two ministers since Saudi Arabia, and Iran agreed to resume diplomatic relations last March.

Gurlu revealed he met with the head of the Egyptian interest section office in Tehran, adding that the foreign relations committee is seeking low-level parliamentary consultations with countries with diplomatic relations with Iran.

He met ambassadors of Egypt and Jordan and invited their two parliamentary groups to visit Tehran, according to Tasnim news agency affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Gurlu addressed reports about the possibility of reviving relations between Tehran and Cairo, explaining that the two countries' direct foreign relations, and ties with Egypt have been defined at the level of interest.

He indicated that both sides had presented diplomatic representatives at the level of ambassadors, noting that developing relations with neighbors is one of the government's top priorities.

The resumption of relations between Iran and Egypt will be important in various fields, including security and economy, which can be the primary basis for relations between the two countries, said the lawmaker.

He indicated that it could also reduce regional tensions at the security level and develop tourism, oil, gas, and agriculture.

Gulf

Abdullah bin Zayed Holds Talks with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate

The meeting was attended by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and COP28 President-Designate. - WAM
The meeting was attended by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and COP28 President-Designate. - WAM
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Abdullah bin Zayed Holds Talks with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate

The meeting was attended by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and COP28 President-Designate. - WAM
The meeting was attended by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and COP28 President-Designate. - WAM

UAE's Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee Responsible for Overseeing Preparations for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP28 UAE), met with the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry.

The two sides reviewed the strategic relations between the two countries and the existing partnership on different levels, with a special emphasis on climate-related issues.

The talks touched on the details of the UAE's response to climate change as well as ways of enhancing global cooperation and multilateral action in this field, in light of the country's hosting of COP28 later this year in Expo City Dubai, state news agency SPA reported.

Sheikh Abdullah and Kerry reviewed the joint initiatives undertaken by the two countries in the field of climate action.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah emphasized on the UAE's firm approach to building bridges of communication and cooperation with the world and strengthening multilateral action in facing climate change-related challenges.

He added that the existing UAE-US climate action partnership, which includes a number of initiatives and projects, is a pioneering paradigm for collaborative action for a climate-safe future with sustainable development and economic prosperity..

“While hosting the COP28, the UAE is determined to lead global efforts in addressing climate change, and to transition these initiatives from the stage of making commitments to the stage of putting into practice specific actions in this area,” Sheikh Abdullah stressed.

Gulf

Saudi Leadership Sends Cables of Condolences to India, Kuwait

Saudi Arabia's King Salman - SPA
Saudi Arabia's King Salman - SPA
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Saudi Leadership Sends Cables of Condolences to India, Kuwait

Saudi Arabia's King Salman - SPA
Saudi Arabia's King Salman - SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of condolences to Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, on the death of Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Mohammad Sabah Al-Salman Al-Sabah.

In his cable, the King said: "We have been informed of the news of the death of Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Mohammad Sabah Al-Salman Al-Sabah and as we send to Your Highness and the family of the deceased our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, we pray to Allah the Almighty to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him".

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, also sent a cable of condolences to Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the death of Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Mohammed Sabah Al-Salman Al-Sabah.

Also, the Saudi leadership sent separate cables of condolences and sympathy to President Droupadi Murmu of the Republic of India following the tragic collision of multiple trains in the state of Odisha, located in the eastern part of India.

In their cables, the King and Crown Prince said: "We have received the news about a collision of several trains in the state of Odisha, and the resulting deaths and injuries, and as we share with your Excellency the pain of this affliction, we send you and the families of the deceased and your friendly people our warmest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing the injured a speedy recovery."

Gulf

Egypt, Qatar Cooperate over Humanitarian Relief in Sudan

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
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Egypt, Qatar Cooperate over Humanitarian Relief in Sudan

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held telephone talks on Friday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

They discussed bilateral relations between their countries and ways of boosting them. They also tackled the latest regional and international developments, most notably the conflict in Sudan, reported the Qatari state news agency (QNA).

The leaders underscored the need to facilitate the flow of aid to those affected by the fighting in Sudan, and spare civilians the impact of the war.

They agreed to intensify joint coordination to provide support and assistance to the Sudanese people and mitigate the impact of the crisis, especially on Sudanese refugees.

They urged the need for concerned teams and committees in Egypt and Qatar to start developing mechanisms and plans to ensure that assistance reaches the deserving people in Sudan.

Gulf

UAE FM Meets Russian, Iranian Counterparts on Sidelines of BRICS Meeting

The UAE and Russian FMs meet in Cape Town on Friday. (WAM)
The UAE and Russian FMs meet in Cape Town on Friday. (WAM)
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UAE FM Meets Russian, Iranian Counterparts on Sidelines of BRICS Meeting

The UAE and Russian FMs meet in Cape Town on Friday. (WAM)
The UAE and Russian FMs meet in Cape Town on Friday. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting in South Africa's city of Cape Town.

The top diplomats discussed ways of strengthening relations of friendship and strategic partnership between the UAE and Russia. They also reviewed an array of latest regional and international developments and exchanged views on them, reported the UAE’s state news agency (WAM).

Agenda items of the Friends of BRICS meeting were also covered during the meeting.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed that Emirati-Russian relations were based on solid foundations of mutual understanding and respect as well as on constructive cooperation.

The bilateral relations have been witnessing rapid growth, particularly following the signing of the strategic partnership agreement in 2018, he added.

The two countries were determined to take bilateral relations and cooperation to new heights in various fields to serve the mutual interests of their people, he stressed.

The UAE was looking forward to boosting cooperation with the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and support multilateral action to achieve development in communities and preserve international peace and security and build a promising future for next generations, he stated.

Sheikh Abdullah also met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Cape Town.

The discussed ways of driving UAE-Iran relations forward and boosting their cooperation to serve their common interests and support security, stability and prosperity in the region.

They exchanged views on a number of regional and global developments and issues of common concern, as well as the situation in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed that the UAE's is a firm believer in the importance of establishing constructive dialogue and cooperation with other countries in the region and promoting good neighborliness with the aim of achieving peace, maintaining stability and realizing further development and prosperity for the peoples of the region.

Gulf

Blinken to Visit Saudi Arabia from June 6 –8

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers his speech at the Helsinki City Hall, Finland Friday, June 2, 2023. (AP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers his speech at the Helsinki City Hall, Finland Friday, June 2, 2023. (AP)
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Blinken to Visit Saudi Arabia from June 6 –8

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers his speech at the Helsinki City Hall, Finland Friday, June 2, 2023. (AP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers his speech at the Helsinki City Hall, Finland Friday, June 2, 2023. (AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will pay a visit to Saudi Arabia from June 6 to 8.

He is scheduled to co-host a June 8 meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah on combating the ISIS militant group, said a US State Department Statement.

The trip will also include a June 7 US-Gulf Cooperation Council ministerial meeting on Middle East security and integration, it added.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arabian Peninsula Affairs Daniel Benaim told a press briefing that the US cooperates with the GCC on a range of issues to promote regional security, stability, de-escalation, and integration in the Gulf, Middle East, and beyond.

Blinken will also consult with Saudi leaders on a range of bilateral, regional, and global priorities.

“Blinken and others in our government have been engaged intensively of late with Saudi counterparts on Sudan, among other issues, because of Saudi Arabia’s important role in the diplomacy there and in humanitarian and evacuation efforts,” added Benaim.

“More broadly, Saudi Arabia has been our strategic partner for eight decades across US administrations. We continue to consult and collaborate on a wide range of issues. We have a great deal of work to do together. That includes ending the war in Yemen, where US and Saudi support for UN-led peace efforts have helped facilitate now 14 months of dramatically reduced violence, increased humanitarian access, and the quietest period since the conflict began more than eight years ago,” he remarked.

“That includes Saudi Arabia’s support for Ukraine, which has included $410 million in critical assistance and high-profile bilateral visits from leaders of both countries. We also have newer areas of cooperation like tech and telecom, including Open RAN, our cutting-edge collaboration on 5G/6G technologies, green energy cooperation, and space,” he went on to say.

“The presence of a female Saudi astronaut – the first Muslim woman to visit space – launched in partnership with the United States, speaks to our shared ambition to broaden our work together into new areas, all of which, if successful, can deliver benefits that extend beyond our two countries,” stressed Benaim.

“We’re redoubling our emphasis on regional integration and structure, as National Security Advisor Sullivan recently explained, and whether through the Negev process or the GCC Interconnector linking Iraq with the Gulf and the rest of the region, or otherwise. We’re looking for ways to capitalize on the current moment, which is full of dialogue, newfound ties, mended ties, to encourage our neighbors’ efforts to connect to each other and the region’s efforts to connect to the wider world in important new ways,” he continued.

“We’re working to deepen business partnerships that benefit hundreds of thousands of American workers. The Boeing deal with Saudi Arabia announced in March, valued at nearly $37 billion, will support over 140,000 jobs across the United States,” he said.

“Our defense cooperation remains strong; our security relationship with Saudi Arabia remains a bedrock of our approach to regional defense and security and protecting the more than 80,000 US citizens living and working in the Kingdom.”

“I would also note that hundreds of thousands of Saudis have studied in – at US universities over the past few decades. These educational and people-to-people ties are among the most important investments that we can make together in the future, and we will look to build on them.”

Gulf

Saudi, Iranian FMs Discuss Means to Boost Relations

The Saudi and Iranian FMs meet on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Iranian FMs meet on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. (SPA)
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Saudi, Iranian FMs Discuss Means to Boost Relations

The Saudi and Iranian FMs meet on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Iranian FMs meet on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday.

The officials discussed means to bolster bilateral relations in several fields.

They followed up on the China-brokered agreement that was signed between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations.

The FMs said they look forward to intensifying their consultative meetings and to looking into further cooperation to strengthen their ties to serve the interests of their countries and peoples.

Gulf

Moroccan Delegation Visits Abu Dhabi in Preparation for COP28

The Moroccan delegation in Abu Dhabi. (COP28 on Twitter)
The Moroccan delegation in Abu Dhabi. (COP28 on Twitter)
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Moroccan Delegation Visits Abu Dhabi in Preparation for COP28

The Moroccan delegation in Abu Dhabi. (COP28 on Twitter)
The Moroccan delegation in Abu Dhabi. (COP28 on Twitter)

A Moroccan delegation visited Abu Dhabi as part of preparations for the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be organized in the UAE in November.

Headed by the director of Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation, Ismail Chekkori, the delegation included Secretary General of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection Nazha Alaoui, Director of Partnerships at the Foundation Kenza Khalafi, Director of Partnership, Communication and Cooperation at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Rachid Feradi, and Director of Climate Change Biodiversity and Green Economy at the Ministry Razi Bouzkari.

The delegation held discussions with Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-Designate of the COP 28, Adnan Amin, CEO of the COP28, and Majid Al Suwaidi, the Conference director-general.

The visit was an opportunity to study practical ways to support the UAE's presidency of the COP28, and to prepare for Morocco's participation at the conference.

During the meetings, officials reviewed Morocco’s experience in organizing the COP22, the initiatives taken by the country in this context, as well as the partnerships it forged in the field of combating climate change.

Emirati officials expressed their praise and appreciation for Morocco’s involvement and commitment to international and regional efforts aimed at combating climate change, in accordance with the vision of King Mohammed VI.

Gulf

Kuwait’s Elections: Candidates Face Voter Reluctance

Electoral campaigns in the previous elections (Photo: Mirza Al-Khuwailidi)
Electoral campaigns in the previous elections (Photo: Mirza Al-Khuwailidi)
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Kuwait’s Elections: Candidates Face Voter Reluctance

Electoral campaigns in the previous elections (Photo: Mirza Al-Khuwailidi)
Electoral campaigns in the previous elections (Photo: Mirza Al-Khuwailidi)

With the start of the countdown for Kuwait’s legislative elections, 207 candidates, including 15 women, are in a race against time to persuade undecided voters to cast their ballots.

The elections to select members of the National Assembly are expected to be held on June 6.

Some observers and analysts noted that the lack of enthusiasm among the voters was due the political atmosphere in the country, which led to the formation of three legislative councils during the last four years, with the dissolution of parliament twice and the annulment of the elected National Assembly in 2022 based on a decision by the Constitutional Court.

On March 19, the Court issued a ruling annulling the elections of 2022, and the return of the speaker and all members of the former National Assembly (Majlis 2020), which was previously dissolved in August of the same year.

This was not the first time that the Constitutional Court in Kuwait had annulled an election and reinstated a council that was dissolved by decree. In 2012, the court issued a similar ruling to nullify the elections, dissolving the elected legislature, which was dominated by the opposition.

As the date of the upcoming elections is approaching, electoral campaigns have started, with candidates trying to persuade reluctant voters to cast their votes.

In this context, Kuwaiti writer Jassem Al-Hamar told Asharq Al-Awsat: “I do not see any reluctance to participate in the elections.”

He added: “So far, the people’s participation in electoral seminars and campaigns on social media show a desire to renew the blood and support highly qualified candidates.”

“We are expecting a change in the political class, and a new approach to political action,” he concluded.

The presence of prominent names such as former speakers Ahmed Al-Saadoun and Marzouq Al-Ghanim, along with a number of parliamentary blocs, constitutes a motive to mobilize the eligible voters to participate in the elections.

Gulf

General Presidency of Grand Mosque Launches Greatest Operational Plan for Hajj

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (SPA)
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (SPA)
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General Presidency of Grand Mosque Launches Greatest Operational Plan for Hajj

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (SPA)
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (SPA)

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the plan is designed to accommodate millions of pilgrims according to an integrated system of services prepared by the Saudi leadership.

President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais unveiled the plan to the media on Thursday.

The plan is based on main pillars connected to the Presidency’s 2024 strategic goals, which are inspired from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Al-Sudais said the plan is an extension of the great successes and achievements made possible under the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The leadership is closely monitoring all services offered to the pilgrims to ensure that they have a smooth journey.

Al-Sudais added that the plan seeks to enrich the experience of the pilgrims through various services.

He underlined the importance of volunteers and humanitarian work in ensuring the success of the plan, adding that the two mosques will attract the largest number of volunteers in the world during the Hajj. This reflects the Presidency’s faith in the abilities of the Kingdom’s youth in serving the pilgrims, he stressed.

The integrated services will cover six main areas at the two mosques: The outer courtyards, prayer areas, tawwaf area, Saudi portico, al-Masaa and the Rawdah at the Prophet’s Mosque. Services will also cover permanent and mobile exhibitions, libraries and others areas with the aim of enriching the spiritual experience of the pilgrims.

The plan boasts 185 programs and initiatives that will be provided at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque during the Hajj. They will employ AI technologies, and make use of digital programs and apps that would facilitate and enrich the experience of the pilgrims. Programs will be available in several languages.

Around 14,000 workers will implement the 2023 plan, while over 8,000 opportunities are available for volunteers, who collectively could dedicate a total of 200,000 hours during the Hajj.

The Presidency has sought to provide some 300,000 Qurans at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque. Lessons in teaching, reciting and memorizing the Quran will be available. Lectures and other lessons, spanning 300 hours, will be held in cooperation with the Council of Senior Scholars.

The lessons will also be available on the Manarat Al-Haramain platform. Users will have access to over a thousand hours of lessons that are available in ten languages.

On the ground, the Presidency offers guides and translation services in 51 languages at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque.

Al-Sudais added that the Presidency is seeking to distribute 40 million liters of Zamzam water during the Hajj. Over a million bottles of Zamzam water will be handed out daily.

A variety of electronic services, apps and social media platforms are available to the pilgrims throughout their holy journey, he stated.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah highlighted the cooperation between his ministry and the Presidency in implementing the Hajj plan, stressing their keenness on ensuring that the best services are provided to the pilgrims.