First of Iranian Hajj Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia

Muslim pilgrims pray near the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca. (AFP)
Muslim pilgrims pray near the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca. (AFP)
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First of Iranian Hajj Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia

Muslim pilgrims pray near the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca. (AFP)
Muslim pilgrims pray near the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca. (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammed Benten revealed on Sunday that the first Iranian pilgrims had started arriving in the Kingdom to perform the annual Hajj rites.

He stressed that the ministry has completed preparations of all Hajj services for the pilgrims, including Iranians, who started arriving in Saudi Arabia.

The Iranian pilgrims landed in Medina.

Preparations to receive pilgrims from Qatar are also complete, said Benten.

The minister had inspected the contract signed between the south Asia company and the pilgrims affairs office, as well as the contract signed between the company and the Qatar pilgrims affairs bureau.

In addition, he toured the civil institutions for non-Arab pilgrims from African countries and South Asia in order to present the operation plans for the 2017 Hajj season.

The presentation included several of the programs, goals, and execution, assessment and supervision mechanisms.

He also presented the food, transportation, awareness and accommodation services and efforts to improve them in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

At the end of his tour, Benten stressed the importance of providing quality services that reflect the hospitality of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques towards the pilgrims.

He highlighted the importance of Hajj organizers exerting efforts and bolstering cooperation to offer the best services and ensure the success of this year’s pilgrimage.



Barcelona Signs Goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Crosstown Rival Espanyol

Espanyol's Spanish goalkeeper #01 Joan Garcia catches the ball during the Spanish league football match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, on May 15, 2025. (AFP)
Espanyol's Spanish goalkeeper #01 Joan Garcia catches the ball during the Spanish league football match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, on May 15, 2025. (AFP)
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Barcelona Signs Goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Crosstown Rival Espanyol

Espanyol's Spanish goalkeeper #01 Joan Garcia catches the ball during the Spanish league football match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, on May 15, 2025. (AFP)
Espanyol's Spanish goalkeeper #01 Joan Garcia catches the ball during the Spanish league football match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, on May 15, 2025. (AFP)

Barcelona is signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, who was once linked to a move to Arsenal, to a six-year contract, the Spanish champion said Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Garcia recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga when he led all goalkeepers in saves with an average of almost four a game.

He will now join Espanyol’s main rival on a contract until June 2031.

Barcelona said it activated a release clause of 25 million euros ($28.5 million) and that Garcia is expected to sign the contract Friday in a “private ceremony” at the club's offices.

The fee could help Espanyol reinforce a squad after it only avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

Garcia had been close to a possible move to Arsenal last summer after he helped Spain win Olympic gold in Paris. He stayed put and was one of Espanyol’s best players.

Garcia has yet to debut for Spain’s senior side, but it's considered only a matter of time before he does if he continues to play well. He helped Spain win the Olympic gold medal in Paris last year.

“The time has come to part ways. Today I say goodbye to the club that has been my home since I was 15,” he said on social media. “I’ve given everything to help the team, to represent this badge with the utmost dedication, and to live up to what it means to wear this shirt."

Garcia said he would understand the backlash from Espanyol fans for him joining its rival.

“I know this decision won’t be easy for everyone to understand,” he said. “I’m not asking you to do so. But I do want you to know that it was a carefully considered decision, considering not only my career, but also what’s best for the club, my family, and me.”

Garcia's arrival to Barcelona puts in question the role of veteran Marc-André ter Stegen, who was injured most of the season. Ter Stegen is under contract through 2028.

Following Ter Stegen’s injury, Barcelona convinced Wojciech Szczęsny to come out of retirement and sign a contract for the remainder of last season. Barcelona’s other goalkeeper is Inaki Pena.

While several Barcelona players have joined Espanyol later in their careers, it is rare for an Espanyol player to move to Barcelona. Their derbies are heated affairs.

Barcelona won the Spanish league this year.