Sultan of Oman Concludes Bahrain Visit, Stresses Development of Bilateral Ties

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa bids farewell to Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq at the conclusion of his visit to Bahrain. (BNA)
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa bids farewell to Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq at the conclusion of his visit to Bahrain. (BNA)
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Sultan of Oman Concludes Bahrain Visit, Stresses Development of Bilateral Ties

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa bids farewell to Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq at the conclusion of his visit to Bahrain. (BNA)
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa bids farewell to Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq at the conclusion of his visit to Bahrain. (BNA)

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq concluded on Tuesday an official two-day visit to Bahrain.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa saw him off at the airport.

The two monarchs had witnessed the signing of a number of agreements between their countries tackling security and investment.

The leaders also held talks on bilateral relations and regional and international developments.

On Tuesday, they held a meeting at the Al Sakhir Palace to discuss the “unique historic ties” between their countries and various aspects of brotherly cooperation and ways to support and bolster it.

They underscored their keenness to develop their relations and to constantly hold consultations and maintain coordination for the benefit of their countries and peoples.

Sultan Haitham also met with Bahrain’s Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Crown Prince Salman stressed Manama’s keenness on bolstering cooperation and coordination with Oman in all fields to achieve desired goals.

He highlighted the development of relations between Manama and Muscat, citing the signing of agreements and mutual visits between the two parties.

The Omani Royal Court had stated that Sultan Haitham’s visit to Manama came “to consolidate the existing solid historical ties between Oman and Bahrain, and to affirm their keenness to strengthen relations and take them to broader horizons.”



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.