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Pilgrims Observe Tarwiyah in Mina, Pray at Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches its Peak

Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Pilgrims Observe Tarwiyah in Mina, Pray at Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches its Peak

Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)

On Friday, Hajj pilgrims observed the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, following the prophetic tradition.
They enjoyed a peaceful and secure environment as they prepared for their journey to Arafat at dawn on Saturday, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, to perform the crucial ‘standing at Arafat’ ritual.
The movement of pilgrims to Mina was smooth, monitored by thousands of security personnel.
The Saudi government provided comprehensive care, mobilizing all resources to offer top-tier services, ensuring the pilgrims could perform their rituals with ease and comfort.
Thousands Gather at Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina
Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina was filled with several thousands of worshippers in a spiritual and secure atmosphere.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a major upgrade to the mosque’s air conditioning, adding over 780 new units and 73 air purification systems.
These improvements ensure a constant flow of fresh air and keep the temperature inside at a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius.
Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina has long been a focus for Muslim leaders. Expanded in 1987, it now features four minarets, advanced lighting, air conditioning, and carpeting. It also includes a restroom complex with over a thousand facilities.
Pilgrims traveling to Mount Arafat benefit from extensive services provided by various government sectors to ensure their comfort and ease during their spiritual journey.
At Namirah Mosque in Arafat, pilgrims will perform combined and shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers after listening to the Arafat sermon by Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, Imam of the Grand Mosque.
The sermon will be translated into 20 languages, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leadership, tolerance, moderation, and global peace.
At sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they perform Maghrib and Isha prayers.
They spend the night there until dawn on Sunday, the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
On Eid al-Adha, they will throw stones at the largest Jamarat pillar, perform the sacrificial slaughter, shave their heads, and then go to the Grand Mosque for Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
New Flexible Flooring Enhances Pilgrim Comfort
The Royal Commission for Makkah has installed flexible flooring at the holy sites using the latest technology. This project aims to make the pilgrimage more comfortable and safe by reducing the effort needed for walking and minimizing heat stress.
The flooring, made from recycled rubber, increases comfort, reduces injuries, improves the area's appearance, and lowers heat emissions.
Moreover, Makkah experienced a surge in electricity demand on Thursday, the eve of Tarwiyah, reaching 5,361 megawatts—a 20% rise from the previous year’s 4,451 megawatts.
The Saudi Electricity Company is actively managing power services across Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during Hajj.
Highly skilled teams ensure reliability, readiness for emergencies, and swift response to maintenance and reports via the unified security operations center and social media.

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Gulf

Iranian Attacks Target Energy Facilities in Kuwait, UAE

Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait (KUNA) 
Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait (KUNA) 
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Iranian Attacks Target Energy Facilities in Kuwait, UAE

Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait (KUNA) 
Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait (KUNA) 

Iranian attacks struck key energy infrastructure in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Friday, prompting air defense responses across the Gulf and causing casualties and material damage, authorities said.

In Kuwait, drones targeted the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery as well as a power generation and water desalination plant. In Abu Dhabi, operations were suspended at the Habshan gas facilities after debris fell following a successful interception, officials said. The incident killed an Egyptian resident and injured four others from Egypt and Pakistan, and sparked two fires.

Emirates Global Aluminium said it shut down its Al Taweelah site — one of the world’s largest aluminum production complexes — after it sustained severe damage in what it described as Iranian missile and drone attacks.

The incidents come amid Gulf efforts to repel Iranian strikes targeting energy installations and vital infrastructure, which have caused injuries and limited material damage.

Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed 14 drones on Friday, according to defense ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s defense ministry spokesman Colonel Saud al-Atwan said seven ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 26 hostile drones were detected in the country’s airspace over a 24-hour period.

Interior ministry spokesman Brigadier Nasser Bousleib said nine reports of falling debris were recorded in the same period, bringing the total since the start of the Iranian attacks to 649. Warning sirens were activated five times in 24 hours, for a total of 164 activations since the attacks began.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by drones early Friday, causing fires in several operational units. Emergency and firefighting teams were deployed immediately and were working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading. No casualties were reported, the company underlined.

It added that precautionary measures were taken to ensure worker safety and protect facilities, and that coordination was ongoing with environmental authorities to monitor air quality. No negative environmental impact had been recorded so far.

The electricity and water ministry said one of its power generation and water desalination plants sustained material damage, according to spokeswoman Fatima Hayat, adding that technical teams were working to maintain operations.

Meanwhile, National Guard spokesman Brigadier Jadaan Fadhel denied reports circulating on social media of a possible radiation leak, saying readings in the country’s airspace and territorial waters remained within normal levels. He told state news agency KUNA that monitoring systems were operating around the clock.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE said its air defenses intercepted 18 ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and 47 drones launched from Iran on Friday, bringing the totals since the start of the attacks to 475 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles and 2,085 drones.

The defense ministry said the attacks had killed two members of the armed forces and a Moroccan civilian contractor, as well as eight others of various nationalities.

A total of 203 people have been injured since the attacks began, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office said authorities dealt with debris falling at the Habshan gas facilities after a successful interception, prompting a temporary suspension of operations and a fire at the site.

It later said an Egyptian resident was killed during the evacuation, while four others — two Egyptians and two Pakistanis — were injured. Two fires broke out but were brought under control by emergency response teams. The office said the incident caused significant damage to facilities, with assessments ongoing.

In a separate incident, debris fell in the Ajban area, injuring six Nepalese residents and five Indians, with one Nepalese sustaining serious injuries.

Emirates Global Aluminium said its Al Taweelah complex in Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) suffered severe damage, triggering a full emergency shutdown of operations, including the aluminum smelter, casting facilities, power plant, alumina refinery and recycling plant.

The company said restoring full primary aluminum production could take up to 12 months, depending on damage assessments, while some operations at the alumina refinery and recycling plant may resume earlier.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s National Communication Center said 16 drones targeting the country were intercepted and destroyed over 24 hours, bringing the total since the start of Iranian attacks to 188 missiles and 445 drones.

The Bahrain Defense Force said targeting civilian sites and private property with ballistic missiles and drones constituted a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, warning the attacks posed a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Authorities urged residents to remain indoors except when necessary, avoid damaged areas and suspicious objects, refrain from filming military operations or debris sites, and rely on official sources for information.

The interior ministry said four Bahraini citizens sustained minor injuries and homes were damaged in the Sitra area due to falling debris from an intercepted Iranian drone. Civil defense and ambulance services were responding at the scene.

Qatar

Qatar’s defense ministry said the country was targeted by several Iranian drones, all of which were successfully intercepted.

The environment and climate change ministry said air quality remained within normal and safe limits and was being continuously monitored through a nationwide network.

In a post on platform X, the ministry advised precautionary measures during periods of increased fine particulate matter, including staying indoors — especially for vulnerable groups — keeping windows closed, wearing masks when outside and avoiding outdoor activities.

 

 

 

Gulf

Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Review Relations, Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Review Relations, Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held phone talks on Friday with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the two sides reviewed the brotherly relations between the two countries, discussed the latest developments, and affirmed continued coordination and consultation in this regard.

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince, Italian PM Discuss Fallout of Military Escalation in the Region

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Italian PM Discuss Fallout of Military Escalation in the Region

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah on Friday to review bilateral ties and explore ways to strengthen cooperation.

The two officials also discussed regional developments, including the risks of ongoing military escalation to global trade, energy security, and the world economy, while stressing coordination to support Middle East stability.

Meloni’s visit marks the first by a European Union leader to the region since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, according to Reuters.

In an interview with Italian state television, Meloni said her country stands with Gulf states against Iranian attacks, describing them as “friends and strategic partners,” and calling her visit “a gesture of solidarity.”

Speaking from Jeddah, she stated that her trip is primarily focused on oil, noting that Gulf countries supply about 15% of Italy’s needs. She stressed the importance of securing stable energy supplies.

Meloni arrived in Jeddah Friday and was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and other Saudi figures.