Saudi Arabia Warns of Fake Hajj Schemes

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirms that getting a Hajj visa is through official channels or via the “Nusuk Hajj” platform for those without local offices (Photo by Mohammed Al-Mana)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirms that getting a Hajj visa is through official channels or via the “Nusuk Hajj” platform for those without local offices (Photo by Mohammed Al-Mana)
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Saudi Arabia Warns of Fake Hajj Schemes

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirms that getting a Hajj visa is through official channels or via the “Nusuk Hajj” platform for those without local offices (Photo by Mohammed Al-Mana)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirms that getting a Hajj visa is through official channels or via the “Nusuk Hajj” platform for those without local offices (Photo by Mohammed Al-Mana)

Saudi Arabia cautioned potential Hajj pilgrims on Friday to beware of fraudulent schemes advertised on social media in various countries, urging everyone to follow the rules and laws.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explained that getting a Hajj visa is through official channels in Saudi Arabia or via the “Nusuk Hajj” platform for those without local offices.

The Ministry warned against fake ads promising cheap Hajj trips and praised Iraq’s efforts in arresting over 25 fake companies promoting “commercial Hajj.”

Only Hajj authorities can issue visas to Iraqi citizens, not any company or office claiming otherwise on social media, stressed the Ministry.

It reminded people that visas for Umrah, tourism, etc., don't allow Hajj pilgrimage, urging compliance with official rules and not to trust fake companies.

The Saudi Council of Senior Scholars explained that obtaining a Hajj permit aims to facilitate worship and ensure safety, emphasizing it’s obligatory for public benefit.

The Council advised pilgrims to follow rules, safeguard their Hajj, and perform it safely and smoothly.



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.