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250,000 Pilgrims Arrive in Jeddah ahead of Umrah

Muslim worshippers gather before the Kaaba, as they perform the Maghrib (sunset) prayer to mark the end of the first day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah on March 23, 2023. (AFP)
Muslim worshippers gather before the Kaaba, as they perform the Maghrib (sunset) prayer to mark the end of the first day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah on March 23, 2023. (AFP)
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250,000 Pilgrims Arrive in Jeddah ahead of Umrah

Muslim worshippers gather before the Kaaba, as they perform the Maghrib (sunset) prayer to mark the end of the first day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah on March 23, 2023. (AFP)
Muslim worshippers gather before the Kaaba, as they perform the Maghrib (sunset) prayer to mark the end of the first day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah on March 23, 2023. (AFP)

Some 250,000 pilgrims from around the world have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah.

They arrived at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport where they were provided with all the necessary services that would make their journey as smooth as possible.

Director of passports at the facility Suleiman Al-Yusuf told Asharq Al-Awsat that the worshippers have come from Europe, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, the United States and Arab countries.

He said the travelers began arriving five days before the start of Ramadan and their numbers would gradually increase.

Saudi Arabia expects to welcome over a million Umrah pilgrims during the holy month

The Kingdom has sought to provide all means at the disposal at the worshippers, whether at the airport or the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, Al-Yusuf added.

Moreover, he stressed that completing the passport procedures for the Umrah pilgrims takes no more than a minute at the Jeddah airport.

The Kingdom has employed all of its means and energy to serve the pilgrims. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, passport employees have been trained to learn different languages to facilitate communication with the arrivals.

The latest technologies are in place to provide electronic services that would speed up procedures.

Once they complete passport procedures, the pilgrims have several transportation options that would take them to Makkah. They can choose from buses, the Haramain train and other means.

The Haramain Highspeed Railway is one of the most important vital means of transport for pilgrims to and from Makkah.

Seeing as the number of pilgrims will increase, authorities have come up with crowd management plans at transportation hubs in Makkah.

As for the pilgrims’ stay in the Kingdom, they have several options based on their needs and means. Makkah alone boasts some 1,100 hotels, ranging from 1- to 5-star ratings, most of which are located around the Grand Mosque.

The hotels are regularly inspected for safety and other standards by the relevant authorities.

Hospitals and clinics are also prepared to receive pilgrims in case of any medical emergency. Ten hospitals and 82 health centers are ready to serve the pilgrims.

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Gulf

Iran to Reopen its Embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday, Source Says

People stand outside the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 12, 2023. REUTERS/Aziz El Yaakoubi
People stand outside the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 12, 2023. REUTERS/Aziz El Yaakoubi
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Iran to Reopen its Embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday, Source Says

People stand outside the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 12, 2023. REUTERS/Aziz El Yaakoubi
People stand outside the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 12, 2023. REUTERS/Aziz El Yaakoubi

Iran will reportedly reopen its embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital on Tuesday, a diplomat in Riyadh said, months after Tehran and Riyadh agreed to restore diplomatic ties.

Saudi Arabia severed relations with Iran in 2016, after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in the northwestern city of Mashhad were attacked.

"The opening of the Iranian embassy will take place Tuesday at 6:00 pm local time (1500 GMT) with the presence of the newly appointed Iranian ambassador" to Saudi Arabia, a diplomatic source in Riyadh told AFP on Monday.

Iran's diplomatic mission will return under the leadership of Alireza Enayati, who previously served as Iran's ambassador to Kuwait.

Iranian media had named Enayati as Iran’s Saudi envoy last month.

He had previously served as assistant to the foreign minister and director general of Gulf affairs at the foreign ministry, according to Iranian media reports.

After years of discord Saudi Arabia and Iran signed a surprise reconciliation agreement in China on March 10.

 

Gulf

Youths Lead Change in Kuwait Elections

Kuwaiti candidates arrive at the interior ministry's electoral affairs department to register for the upcoming parliamentary election in Kuwait City, on May 6, 2023. (AFP)
Kuwaiti candidates arrive at the interior ministry's electoral affairs department to register for the upcoming parliamentary election in Kuwait City, on May 6, 2023. (AFP)
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Youths Lead Change in Kuwait Elections

Kuwaiti candidates arrive at the interior ministry's electoral affairs department to register for the upcoming parliamentary election in Kuwait City, on May 6, 2023. (AFP)
Kuwaiti candidates arrive at the interior ministry's electoral affairs department to register for the upcoming parliamentary election in Kuwait City, on May 6, 2023. (AFP)

Kuwait has entered the crucial phase of electoral silence as it prepares for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The polls are scheduled for the 17th legislative term of the National Assembly and are slated to take place on Tuesday.

The elections will be held across 759 polling stations in five electoral districts, with a total of 793,646 registered voters who will elect 50 deputies.

As public electoral campaigns come to a halt, the focus now shifts to the mobilization efforts of representatives and key supporters, as they work tirelessly to rally behind candidates in the final hours before voting commences.

The last elections, held in 2022, led to a 54% change in the composition of the National Assembly.

The results revealed that about 60% of the winning candidates were classified as opposition deputies. Despite their significant involvement, women were only able to secure two seats. Alia Al-Khaled emerged victorious in the second district, while Janan Bushehri succeeded in the third.

As for the current elections, young candidates have made efforts to present programs aimed at convincing the largest demographic group, the youth, to actively participate in shaping change in Kuwait.

Youth programs have focused on breaking free from the influence of traditional forces that have long dominated the landscape.

Some of these programs have attempted to strongly challenge the narratives of traditional forces in society, including the business community, religious factions, and tribal affiliations.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, two youth candidates stressed that Kuwaiti society draws strong inspiration from the Saudi experience.

“Look at how the dominance of extremist currents, which were keen on exploiting religious sensitivities, has weakened. They have lost their power amid the sweeping changes taking place in the Kingdom,” said the candidates.

According to Dr. Abdullah Sahar, a professor of International Relations at Kuwait University, the political programs of the candidates are almost identical, despite some variation in the terminologies in political speeches and rallies.

Sahar, however, stressed that the core issues are similar, and they include “combating corruption, enhancing freedoms, achieving development, meeting the demands of citizens for a prosperous life, and reforming the country's infrastructure.”

Achieving development and combating corruption are the main concerns that bring the candidates together, emphasized Sahar.

“Kuwait possesses abundant financial and human resources, but they are not effectively utilized to propel the country towards genuine development that can provide us with a diversified and robust economy, sophisticated education, and sustainable growth that can ensure the well-being of our citizens,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Gulf

Saudia Airlines to Operate 148 Planes During Hajj to Transport 1.2 Mln Pilgrims

Saudia Airlines will fly in pilgrims from across the globe. (SPA)
Saudia Airlines will fly in pilgrims from across the globe. (SPA)
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Saudia Airlines to Operate 148 Planes During Hajj to Transport 1.2 Mln Pilgrims

Saudia Airlines will fly in pilgrims from across the globe. (SPA)
Saudia Airlines will fly in pilgrims from across the globe. (SPA)

Saudia Airlines had adopted its operational plan for the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage.

Amer Alkhushail, Chief Hajj and Umrah Officer at SAUDIA Group, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the airline will operate 148 planes during the Hajj to transport 1.2 million pilgrims from across the globe.

Flyadeal, an airline owned by Saudia, will also be used for the first time to transport the pilgrims to the holy sites, he revealed. It will dedicate eight planes to the pilgrims, flying 40,000 from around the world to the Kingdom.

Flights arriving in the Kingdom will land at the Jeddah, Madinah, Al-Dammam, Riyadh, Yanbu and Taif airports. Pilgrims are flying in from 114 countries. They are also arriving through land and marine crossings.

Alkhushail said the majority of pilgrims will arrive through airports.

He revealed that Saudia has introduced 14 new flights to countries with a high Muslim population, such as Indonesia and India.

In a first, the Kingdom will also receive flights transporting Hajj and Umrah pilgrims at the same time. Alkhushail explained that this step is in line with Vision 2030 and the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The move will allow for the greatest number of pilgrims to perform the Hajj and Umrah, he added.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, Alkhushail revealed that Saudia is leasing new modern planes, accounting to nearly ten percent of its fleet, in service of the Hajj. This will ensure that already scheduled flights and additional flights will not be affected by the Hajj and also provide the necessary air travel options to international pilgrims.

Onboard the flights, Saudia offers nearly 45,000 minutes of awareness and cultural programs for the pilgrims in 14 different languages.

Gulf

12th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

The aid is part of the Saudi relief airlift operated by KSrelief to help the Sudanese people. SPA
The aid is part of the Saudi relief airlift operated by KSrelief to help the Sudanese people. SPA
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12th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

The aid is part of the Saudi relief airlift operated by KSrelief to help the Sudanese people. SPA
The aid is part of the Saudi relief airlift operated by KSrelief to help the Sudanese people. SPA

The 12th Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport on Sunday carrying 30 tons of foodstuff and medical supplies.

The aid is part of the Saudi relief airlift operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to help the Sudanese people, in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia, US Call on Sudan Army and RSF to Agree on New Ceasefire

People board a bus to leave Khartoum, Sudan, Saturday, June 3, 2023, as fighting between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces intensified. (AP Photo)
People board a bus to leave Khartoum, Sudan, Saturday, June 3, 2023, as fighting between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces intensified. (AP Photo)
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Saudi Arabia, US Call on Sudan Army and RSF to Agree on New Ceasefire

People board a bus to leave Khartoum, Sudan, Saturday, June 3, 2023, as fighting between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces intensified. (AP Photo)
People board a bus to leave Khartoum, Sudan, Saturday, June 3, 2023, as fighting between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces intensified. (AP Photo)

The delegations from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remain in Jeddah despite the formal pause in the Jeddah talks and the expiration on June 3 of the five-day ceasefire agreement, Saudi Arabia and the US said in a joint statement on Sunday.

The facilitators “remain steadfast in their commitment to the people of Sudan and call upon the parties to agree to and effectively implement a new ceasefire, with the aim of arriving at a permanent cessation of hostilities,” said the statement.

The Kingdom and the United States continue to facilitate talks between the two parties daily, it said.
Those discussions are focused on facilitating humanitarian assistance and reaching an agreement on near-term steps the parties must take before the Jeddah talks resume, it added.

‏Saudi Arabia and the US expressed readiness to help resume formal talks between the warring Sudanese sides and reminded the parties that they must implement their obligations under the May 11 Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.

Gulf

Kuwaiti Women Account for About 52% of Voters, Less than 7% of Candidates

Female participation in previous elections in Kuwait (KUNA)
Female participation in previous elections in Kuwait (KUNA)
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Kuwaiti Women Account for About 52% of Voters, Less than 7% of Candidates

Female participation in previous elections in Kuwait (KUNA)
Female participation in previous elections in Kuwait (KUNA)

In the forthcoming parliamentary elections for the National Assembly, scheduled for June 6, Kuwaiti women assume a crucial role. With women accounting for around 52% of the overall electorate in Kuwait, their participation holds significant influence.

It is uncertain whether the female vote will exclusively favor female candidates, especially amidst fervent efforts by both men and women contenders to capitalize on the female vote.

Many women are often influenced by men in voting processes. In a country where tribal customs prevail, the religious aspect also exerts an influence.

After nearly 17 years since women first participated in National Assembly (parliament) elections following the establishment of political rights, the political journey for women remains fraught with risks.

According to the Central Statistics Bureau in Kuwait, the country’s population reached approximately 4.46 million people as of the beginning of 2020, with women accounting for around 51% of the total Kuwaiti citizens, which amounts to 1.365 million individuals.

The number of eligible voters in the upcoming elections is 793,646, including 386,751 men and 406,895 women, highlighting the increasing influence of the female vote in Kuwait.

Despite the significant electoral strength of women in Kuwait, their participation in political work has remained hindered.

Currently, 15 female candidates are running for parliamentary elections in 2023, out of a total of 207 candidates. In the previous elections in 2022, there were 27 female candidates out of 376 candidates.

The lack of participation is not limited to female candidates alone. Typically, the votes of female voters tend to favor male candidates in a country dominated by tribal and religious customs.

Despite the active participation of women in the 2022 elections, supported by laws that limit the influence of dominant tribal forces, prevent the impact of political money, and require voter registration based on civil ID cards, thus effectively discouraging vote-buying and vote-transfers, the results fell short of expectations.

Only two women, Aaliyah Al-Khaled and former minister Janan Boushahri, were able to achieve the desired success in reaching the parliamentary dome out of 27 female candidates.

“Kuwaiti women have reclaimed their long-denied political rights, but unfortunately, they have not achieved a representation befitting their status in the National Assembly for various reasons,” Kuwaiti academic Abdullah Sohar, Professor of International Relations at Kuwait University, told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The Kuwaiti academic listed “the dominance of men in social communication processes, and the traditional aspects associated with society” as reasons limiting female candidates from winning representation at the National Assembly.

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.