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Crown Prince Meets Saudi Astronauts Before their Mission's Launch to Space

The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. SPA
The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. SPA
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Crown Prince Meets Saudi Astronauts Before their Mission's Launch to Space

The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. SPA
The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and President of the Higher Council of Space, met in Jeddah on Sunday with the Saudi astronauts Rayana Bernawi, Ali Al-Qarni, Mariam Fardous and Ali Al-Ghamdi before the launch of the Kingdom’s scientific mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Crown Prince welcomed the crew of the scientific mission on board of which are Rayana Bernawi, the first Saudi, Muslim and Arab woman to fly to space, and the first Saudi astronaut, Ali Al-Qarni, to arrive to the ISS, and congratulated them for passing the qualifying program.

The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness, emphasizing at the same time the significance of space exploration in serving science and humanity.

Addressing the astronauts, he noted that they represent the abilities of the Saudi people and their ambitions to play a vital role in innovations and space research to find sustainable solutions for the welfare of humanity.

He also noted that the Saudi people are pinning great hopes on Bernawi and Al-Qarni as ambassadors and representatives of the Kingdom at the ISS in a mission that has noble objectives to empower mankind, protect the planet and open new horizons for research in health and sustainable environment.

The astronauts expressed pride for their meeting with the Crown Prince, extending their gratitude for his constant support.

The historic mission underlines the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting global space exploration efforts, encourage scientific research in the field and enhance the Saudis' knowledge and roles in space programs and technologies as per the Saudi Vision 2030.

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Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
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Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)

Pilgrims began streaming into the valley of Mina early Tuesday to mark the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage, spending the Day of Tarwiyah on Wednesday in line with the traditions of the Prophet Mohammed.

White tents have been prepared to receive the faithful, as Saudi authorities roll out a wide range of services to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals safely and smoothly.

Crowds will swell further on Thursday, when some 2.5 million worshippers are expected to converge on Mount Arafat – the pinnacle of the Hajj – for the most sacred rite of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will listen to the Day of Arafat sermon and perform shortened noon and afternoon prayers before departing at sunset.

Strict measures

The Ministry of Interior reminded the public that access to the holy sites is restricted to those with official Hajj permits. Security forces, backed by aerial surveillance, are deployed across main highways, mountain paths, and rural roads to intercept unauthorized entrants and enforce regulations.

Authorities warned that transporting pilgrims without permits is a punishable offense. Entry points into Makkah and the holy sites are tightly monitored to prevent violations, with penalties in place for anyone attempting to bypass security measures.

Safety protocols in place

Regulations also prohibit raising political or sectarian flags and chanting slogans within the holy sites. Pilgrims are instructed not to block walkways or sit along designated pedestrian routes.

Worshippers are urged to carry personal identification, wear face masks within the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and avoid bringing sharp objects, oversized luggage, or extra garments such as blankets and spare Ihram clothes into the Haram.

Saudi Arabia, which has ramped up preparations to host one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, says these measures are vital to ensure the safety, security, and spiritual focus of the Hajj.

Tightened regulations

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, underscored the importance of compliance with official guidelines for movement within the holy sites, stressing that such measures are crucial to safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience.

“This year, there will be strict enforcement to verify that every pilgrim holds a valid Hajj permit,” Al-Rabiah said, underscoring efforts to boost the overall quality and safety of the pilgrimage.

He also emphasized the significance of the Nusuk card, calling it a key tool in organizing pilgrim movements. “Anyone without the card will not be allowed entry into the Grand Mosque, the holy sites, or access to transportation,” he stressed.

Health conditions ‘reassuring’

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Eng. Khaled Al-Taleb announced that the overall health situation among pilgrims is stable and reassuring.

More than 50,000 medical and technical staff are deployed this season, supported by three mobile field hospitals and 71 emergency response stations. The ministry has also increased hospital bed capacity by 60% compared to last year, and has delivered over 98,000 healthcare services so far.