Saudi, British Defense Ministers Sign Agreement on Riyadh’s Participation in FCAS

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace sign the agreement in Riyadh. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on Twitter)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace sign the agreement in Riyadh. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on Twitter)
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Saudi, British Defense Ministers Sign Agreement on Riyadh’s Participation in FCAS

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace sign the agreement in Riyadh. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on Twitter)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace sign the agreement in Riyadh. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on Twitter)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks in Riyadh on Wednesday with UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace.

In a series of tweets, Prince Khalid said they reviewed “the strategic relations between our two countries. We discussed our military and defense cooperation and ways to strengthen it.”

“We also exchanged thoughts on regional and international developments and our efforts towards them,” he added.

The officials signed a declaration of Saudi Arabia’s intent to participate in the Future Combat Air System program (FCAS), which will strengthen the Kingdom’s defensive capabilities through a comprehensive partnership that includes joint production and research and development projects for future air systems.

FCAS, first announced in 2017 by French President Emmanuel Macron and then German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is designed to replace the Eurofighter and the Dassault Rafale with a combination of manned and unmanned aircraft from 2040.



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.