Hajj Ministry Announces More Details of its Innovation Competition

Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
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Hajj Ministry Announces More Details of its Innovation Competition

Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the launch of the challenge phases of its competition that is aimed at introducing innovative solutions to improving the pilgrimage experience.

The competition was announced through the Open Innovation Platform.

The top three finalists of the competition will receive prize money of up to 50,000 riyals.

The ministry has opened the competition to anyone who believes they have innovative and pioneering ideas that can improve the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Participants have until May 23 to submit their ideas.

The ministry had held a virtual training seminar on the impact and importance of open innovation.

The platform aims to create the largest innovation community in the Kingdom in cooperation was various sectors.

It will help facilitate communication with the sectors and propose solutions to problems with the aim of improving society and the national economy as a whole.

Participants in the competition will be able to develop their research skills and overcome challenges through several innovative paths.

The competition will also hold consultative and training sessions and provide the opportunity to develop pioneering projects and receive support from participating parties.

The Hajj challenge is divided into three paths: The main services path that focuses on the challenges encountered by pilgrims, the enrichment path that focuses on services that enrich their experience, and the virtual experience path that covers the digital platforms available to the pilgrims.



Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
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Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.


Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martínez in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed developments of mutual interest.


Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
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Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed developments in Syria.