Dhahran Summit to Condemn Turkish Infiltration in Syria, Iraq

A picture taken on April 12, 2018, shows a general view of the hall housing the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the Summit of the Arab League. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
A picture taken on April 12, 2018, shows a general view of the hall housing the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the Summit of the Arab League. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
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Dhahran Summit to Condemn Turkish Infiltration in Syria, Iraq

A picture taken on April 12, 2018, shows a general view of the hall housing the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the Summit of the Arab League. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
A picture taken on April 12, 2018, shows a general view of the hall housing the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the Summit of the Arab League. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP

The 29th Arab League summit will kick off in the Saudi city of Dhahran on Sunday amid several challenges facing the Arab world, mainly in Syria, Yemen and Palestine, in addition to Iranian and Turkish interference.

Asharq Al-Awsat received Friday a copy of the draft closing statement and draft resolutions agreed on by Arab foreign ministers following their preparatory meetings held last Thursday in Saudi Arabia ahead of the summit.

The interference of several countries, namely Iran and Turkey, in the internal affairs of some Arab countries is among those items.

Another item calls on the Arab League to reject the Turkish military operations in Syria’s Afrin and to condemn escalation in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta.

It also asserts respect to safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of Syrian territories.

The Arab foreign ministers confirmed their continuous support to the legitimacy of the internationally recognized government of Yemeni President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi against the Iran-supported Houthi militias, with an aim to end the conflict in Yemen and reject any interference in the internal affairs of the country.

The ministers also stressed the importance of building relations with Iran based on the principle of good neighborliness and the rejection of force or threat, condemning Iranian meddling in the internal affairs of Arab states.

The closing statement of the summit is expected to reflect Arab support for Palestinians.

The foreign ministers reiterated that the Palestinian cause remains a central issue for the Arab nation, rejecting the US decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem.

They also condemned Turkey’s incursion into Iraqi territories and called for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

Sunday’s meeting will be the first Arab League summit since Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut their diplomatic ties with Qatar 10 months ago and the first since President Donald Trump announced his decision to relocate the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.



Hajj Ministry: Umrah Performances Exceed 11.9 Million in Jumada Al Akhira

The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA
The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA
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Hajj Ministry: Umrah Performances Exceed 11.9 Million in Jumada Al Akhira

The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA
The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in partnership with the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, reported more than 11.9 million Umrah performances during the month of Jumada Al Akhira by pilgrims from inside and outside the Kingdom, according to official statistics.

This remarkable figure reflects the growing momentum of performing Umrah and highlights the exceptional efficiency of the services and facilities dedicated to serving the worshipers.

The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month. This influx underscores the positive impact of advanced digital platforms and integrated logistical services, which have streamlined arrival procedures and allowed Umrah performers to perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind, SPA reported.

The continued surge in the performance of Umrah rituals embodies the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to cultivating the Hajj, Umrah, and visitation ecosystem, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Through continuous innovation and care, the Kingdom is making access to the two holy mosques easier while delivering a comprehensive spiritual journey that prioritizes the comfort and safety of Umrah performers at every stage—from planning their visit to departing the Kingdom.


KSrelief Implements Volunteer General Surgery Medical Project in Gaza Strip

This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief - SPA
This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief - SPA
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KSrelief Implements Volunteer General Surgery Medical Project in Gaza Strip

This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief - SPA
This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) is implementing a volunteer general surgery medical project at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in the Gaza Strip, running from December 5 to 31.

Since the start of the campaign, the KSrelief volunteer medical team has performed 150 surgical operations, all of which were successful. In addition, 300 people benefited from medical examinations and outpatient clinic services, SPA reported.

This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to assist countries and communities in need, as well as those affected worldwide.


Over 68 Million Visitors to Two Holy Mosques during Jumada Al Akhira

The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances - SPA
The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances - SPA
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Over 68 Million Visitors to Two Holy Mosques during Jumada Al Akhira

The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances - SPA
The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances - SPA

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that the total number of worshippers and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques during Jumada Al Akhira 1447 AH reached 68,741,853.

The authority said that the number of worshippers at the Grand Mosque totaled 30,016,073, including 94,776 worshippers in Hijr Ismail (Al-Hateem), while the number of Umrah performers reached 11,863,477, SPA reported.

It noted that the number of worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque during the same month reached 23,116,271, including 1,319,653 worshippers in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa. Meanwhile, 2,331,603 visitors greeted the Prophet and his two companions.

The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

This step aims to enhance operational efficiency by monitoring flows and crowds, empowering relevant authorities to manage crowds in partnership with associated entities better.