Deputy Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Number of Hajj Pilgrims Will Match Figures Reached 4 Years Ago

Worshippers pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah during the second Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan on March 31, 2023. (AFP)
Worshippers pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah during the second Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan on March 31, 2023. (AFP)
TT

Deputy Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Number of Hajj Pilgrims Will Match Figures Reached 4 Years Ago

Worshippers pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah during the second Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan on March 31, 2023. (AFP)
Worshippers pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah during the second Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan on March 31, 2023. (AFP)

Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah al-Mashat predicted that this year’s Hajj will attract the same number of pilgrims as four years ago.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said over 2.4 million pilgrims performed the Hajj four years ago.

Breaking down the figure, he revealed that 634,000 of them were pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia, including 211,000 Saudis and 423,000 residents.

Asian pilgrims made up the majority with 1.1 worshippers. From Europe, North and South America and Australia, the figure stood at 92,000 pilgrims, while over 414,000 came from Arab countries.

Given that there is a limit to how many people can perform the holy journey, the Hajj and Umrah Ministry has given would-be pilgrims months to apply, Mashat.

Saudi authorities have not yet closed the window for Hajj applications, he added.

He clarified that Saturday marked the end for submissions for first-time pilgrims, while another window has been opened for pilgrims who had previously performed the Hajj five years ago.

The opportunity was not available before for people who had performed the Hajj over six years ago, he added. Most of them are now allowed to apply.

The registration period was good, he went on to say.

Applicants can submit their information through the Nusuk Hajj government platform.

The platform reflects Saudi efforts to facilitate procedures for the arrival of pilgrims in 2023 and improve the quality of services provided to them to enrich their religious and cultural journey in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The Hajj and Umrah Ministry has lowered the cost of full insurance to the Umrah pilgrims from 235 to 87 riyals this year.

Pilgrims from Europe, the United States, Australia and over 58 countries can register and make reservations and payments online. A number of services are available to them on the platform, from accommodation, flights, tour guides and transportation.



Saudi, British FMs Discuss Means to Support Political Solution in Sudan

17 May 2023, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attends Arab league's foreign ministers meeting ahead of the Arab League summit on 19 May in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
17 May 2023, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attends Arab league's foreign ministers meeting ahead of the Arab League summit on 19 May in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT

Saudi, British FMs Discuss Means to Support Political Solution in Sudan

17 May 2023, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attends Arab league's foreign ministers meeting ahead of the Arab League summit on 19 May in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
17 May 2023, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attends Arab league's foreign ministers meeting ahead of the Arab League summit on 19 May in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Monday a telephone call from his British counterpart James Cleverly.

The officials discussed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support political solutions to the conflict in Sudan.

They tackled the Kingdom’s intense efforts to bridge the divide between the warring Sudanese parties, as demonstrated by its hosting of the Jeddah negotiations earlier this month.

The parties in Jeddah agreed to a temporary ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid.

Prince Faisal and Cleverly also discussed bilateral relations and coordination between Riyadh and London and means to bolster them.


Iran’s Khamenei Welcomes Better Ties with Egypt

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei meets with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Tehran, Iran May 29, 2023. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei meets with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Tehran, Iran May 29, 2023. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
TT

Iran’s Khamenei Welcomes Better Ties with Egypt

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei meets with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Tehran, Iran May 29, 2023. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei meets with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Tehran, Iran May 29, 2023. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said in a meeting with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq that Tehran welcomes better diplomatic relations with Egypt, Iranian state media reported on Monday.

Relations between Egypt and Iran have often been fraught in recent decades although the two countries have maintained diplomatic contacts.

Khamenei's comments came as Middle Eastern countries including Egypt are taking steps to ease regional tensions. In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic relations under a China-mediated deal.

Sultan Haitham had arrived in Iran on a two-day visit on Sunday.

He met with President Ebrahim Raisi upon his arrival.

Sultan Haitham headed a large delegation including the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, economy and investment.

Oman and Iran agreed to prepare a document on strategic cooperation that covers all fields, said a statement at the conclusion of the royal’s visit on Monday.

They also signed four economic cooperation and investment agreements.


KSrelief Provides New Health Care Services to Syrian Refugees, Host Communities in Lebanon's Akkar

KSrelief Provides New Health Care Services to Syrian Refugees, Host Communities in Lebanon's Akkar
TT

KSrelief Provides New Health Care Services to Syrian Refugees, Host Communities in Lebanon's Akkar

KSrelief Provides New Health Care Services to Syrian Refugees, Host Communities in Lebanon's Akkar

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued implementing a project to enhance health care services for Syrian refugees and the host communities in Akkar Governorate, Lebanon.

During April 2023, as many as 822 patients were received, and 1,464 services were provided in different clinics.

This aid comes within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's keenness, represented by the KSrelief, to provide humanitarian assistance to the needy and Syrian refugees in all fields to alleviate their suffering.


Ninth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

Ninth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan
TT

Ninth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

Ninth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

The ninth Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport on Sunday.

The aid included 30 tons of foodstuff and medical supplies, as part of the Saudi relief airlift operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to help the Sudanese people.

This comes 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 of Saudi Arabia.

Delivering aid is a reflection of the noble humanitarian role played by the Kingdom through KSrelief in all countries in need.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Erdogan on His Reelection as President of Türkiye

Turkish President and People's Alliance's presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures to supporters at the presidential palace, in Ankara, Türkiye, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (AP)
Turkish President and People's Alliance's presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures to supporters at the presidential palace, in Ankara, Türkiye, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (AP)
TT

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Erdogan on His Reelection as President of Türkiye

Turkish President and People's Alliance's presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures to supporters at the presidential palace, in Ankara, Türkiye, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (AP)
Turkish President and People's Alliance's presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures to supporters at the presidential palace, in Ankara, Türkiye, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (AP)

The Saudi leadership congratulated on Sunday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his reelection for a new tern.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent a cable of congratulations to the leader, wishing him and the brotherly Turkish people further progress and prosperity.

He hailed the “brotherly relations that bind our countries and peoples that we are seeking to bolster and develop in all fields.”

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, dispatched a similar cable to Erdogan.


Oman’s Sultan Arrives in Iran for Two-Day Visit, Meetings with Iranian President and Top Officials

In this photo released by the office of the Iranian Presidency, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, front right, is welcomed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, front left, during an official welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
In this photo released by the office of the Iranian Presidency, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, front right, is welcomed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, front left, during an official welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
TT

Oman’s Sultan Arrives in Iran for Two-Day Visit, Meetings with Iranian President and Top Officials

In this photo released by the office of the Iranian Presidency, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, front right, is welcomed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, front left, during an official welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
In this photo released by the office of the Iranian Presidency, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, front right, is welcomed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, front left, during an official welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)

Oman's ruler arrived Sunday in Tehran for talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other top officials, state television reported.

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq was officially welcomed by Raisi at the capital's Saadabad Palace, state media said.

The sultan's visit followed an official invitation by the Iranian president. It is his first visit to Iran since he ascended the throne.

Iranian television said Sultan Haitham headed a large delegation including the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, economy and investment.

State-run IRNA news agency said investment, oil and gas issues will be discussed during the Omani’s ruler's stay in the Iranian capital.


Pope, MWL Secretary-General Discuss Means to Confront Religious Extremism

Pope Francis and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meet at the Vatican. (MWL)
Pope Francis and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meet at the Vatican. (MWL)
TT

Pope, MWL Secretary-General Discuss Means to Confront Religious Extremism

Pope Francis and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meet at the Vatican. (MWL)
Pope Francis and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meet at the Vatican. (MWL)

Pope Francis received in the Vatican on Sunday Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.

The extraordinary meeting reflects the efforts carried out by the MWL in bolstering effective dialogue, understanding and positive cooperation between followers of different religions, faiths and cultures.

The meeting was held at the Pope’s private residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Pope Francis and Sheikh Al-Issa exchanged views on several international issues, most notably building bridges between civilizations and efforts to combat religious and ideological extremism, hatred, marginalization and discrimination.


Oman’s FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Sultan Haitham’s Visit to Iran Will Positively Impact Region

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Muscat. (ONA file photo)
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Muscat. (ONA file photo)
TT

Oman’s FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Sultan Haitham’s Visit to Iran Will Positively Impact Region

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Muscat. (ONA file photo)
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Muscat. (ONA file photo)

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq will kick off on Sunday an official two-day visit to Iran, his first since ascending the throne in 2020.

He is set to meet with President Ebrahim Raisi and a number of senior officials.

The Sultan is traveling at the head of a large delegation that includes the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, economy and investment.

The visit is taking place amid a wave of regional reconciliations, the most recent of which was the reinstatement of Syria’s membership in the Arab League and the announcement in March that Saudi Arabia and Iran were reestablishing diplomatic ties.

Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the region is embarking on a new positive phase in regional relations.

Cooperation and consultations must be deepened in several files and issues to consolidate the new phase, which will no doubt be at the heart of discussions between the leaders, he remarked.

He noted that Oman and Iran enjoy historic fraternal relations based on firm principles of trust and mutual respect. The visit stems from the importance the leaderships of both countries place on cooperation and consultations on various regional and international issues.

“In Oman, we are hoping that this historic visit will reflect positively on the stability and security of the region and on relations between the region’s neighbors,” the FM stressed.

“We will work on ensuring that its outcomes will be felt on the regional and international levels,” he went on to say.


EgyptAir Flight from Cairo Blows Tire during Landing in Saudi Arabia

Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (AFP file photo)
Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (AFP file photo)
TT

EgyptAir Flight from Cairo Blows Tire during Landing in Saudi Arabia

Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (AFP file photo)
Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (AFP file photo)

An EgyptAir jetliner blew out a tire but made a safe landing at its destination early Sunday in Saudi Arabia, Egypt’s national carrier said. No causalities were reported.

Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah, EgyptAir said in a statement.

The Boeing 738 made a safe landing on the runway and all passengers have disembarked the airplane with no injuries reported, the statement said.

The airline didn’t elaborate on what caused the problem, and said an examination and maintenance of the plane were underway.


Saudi Arabia, US Call on Sudanese Army, RSF to Continue Talks to Extend Ceasefire

Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
TT

Saudi Arabia, US Call on Sudanese Army, RSF to Continue Talks to Extend Ceasefire

Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia and the United States called on Saturday the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to continue discussions to reach agreement on extending the ceasefire that is set to expire on Monday evening.

As facilitators of the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements, the Kingdom and the US noted that “while imperfect, an extension nonetheless will facilitate the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people.”

“In the absence of an agreement to extend the current ceasefire, it remains incumbent on the parties to adhere to their obligations under the short-term ceasefire and the preceding Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan,” they stressed.