Saudi Hajj Ministry Concludes Preparatory Meetings for 2026 Season with over 75 Countries

The sessions were held virtually in line with the ministry's digital transformation efforts, bringing together representatives from more than 75 countries. (SPA)
The sessions were held virtually in line with the ministry's digital transformation efforts, bringing together representatives from more than 75 countries. (SPA)
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Saudi Hajj Ministry Concludes Preparatory Meetings for 2026 Season with over 75 Countries

The sessions were held virtually in line with the ministry's digital transformation efforts, bringing together representatives from more than 75 countries. (SPA)
The sessions were held virtually in line with the ministry's digital transformation efforts, bringing together representatives from more than 75 countries. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah concluded on Tuesday a series of preparatory meetings with Hajj affairs offices from various countries ahead of next year’s annual pilgrimage.

The meetings are part of the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the highest levels of organization and coordination in serving pilgrims.

The meetings reviewed preparations for the next Hajj, outlined key regulations and guidelines to be applied, and addressed the requests and inquiries of Hajj offices to help provide ease and reassurance for pilgrims arriving from abroad.

The sessions were held virtually in line with the ministry's digital transformation efforts, bringing together representatives from more than 75 countries. They reflect the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing services and streamlining Hajj procedures as part of its broader mission of serving Islam and Muslims worldwide.

The ministry emphasized that the preparatory meetings form an essential part of early planning for the Hajj.

They fall within a set of organizational and service measures undertaken by Saudi Arabia to ensure a safe and seamless journey for pilgrims from the moment they leave their countries until their return.



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.