عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

GCC Hails Saudi Evacuation Efforts from Sudan

Saudi citizens and nationals of other different countries arrive at Jeddah Sea Port after being evacuated from Sudan (SPA)
Saudi citizens and nationals of other different countries arrive at Jeddah Sea Port after being evacuated from Sudan (SPA)
TT
20
TT

GCC Hails Saudi Evacuation Efforts from Sudan

Saudi citizens and nationals of other different countries arrive at Jeddah Sea Port after being evacuated from Sudan (SPA)
Saudi citizens and nationals of other different countries arrive at Jeddah Sea Port after being evacuated from Sudan (SPA)

The Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday hailed Saudi Arabia and its role in evacuating nationals of different Gulf and foreign countries besides its own from the battle-scarred country of Sudan.

The GCC hailed the diplomatic and logistical Saudi role, evacuating a number of civilians, diplomats and senior international officials.

Jasem Albudaiwi, the GCC Secretary General, extended gratitude to the leadership of the Kingdom for the “smooth evacuation” process of people from Sudan, and the thorough follow-up making certain they reach Jeddah safely, and from there back to their homelands.

He also praised Saudi Arabia and the GCC’s “major diplomatic” efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan.

Albudaiwi renewed his calls on the conflicting parties in Sudan, the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, to halt all military actions, prioritizing instead the interest of the Sudanese people in what stability brings on.

Most Viewed

 
Gulf

Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years

The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
TT
20
TT

Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years

The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, through the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, officially started the annual ceremony to replace the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, a tradition that has been carried out for over a century.

As part of the carefully coordinated process, the complex began by removing the gilded curtain from the Kaaba door, which measures 6.35 meters in length and 3.33 meters in width, as well as dismantling the chandeliers and decorative ornaments, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

This marks the beginning of replacing the old Kiswa with a new one, crafted with exceptional precision and spiritual significance. The new Kiswa is currently en route to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support that follows the highest global standards.

A fully Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen, each scientifically and practically qualified, is overseeing the process. Their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements, and installing the new Kiswa, which comprises 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels featuring 68 Quranic verses stitched with 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms.

To create the new Kiswa, the team used 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pure silver, 825 kilograms of silk, and 410 kilograms of raw cotton. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines within the complex.

The ceremony is a profound expression of the Kingdom's dedication to serving Islam’s holiest sites. The continued renewal of the Kaaba's Kiswa stands as a majestic and enduring symbol of reverence, care, and spiritual legacy upheld by Saudi Arabia for over a century.