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Hajj Conference in Jeddah Highlights Integration between Public, Private Sectors in Developing Services to Pilgrims 

Officials are seen at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition main session in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition main session in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
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Hajj Conference in Jeddah Highlights Integration between Public, Private Sectors in Developing Services to Pilgrims 

Officials are seen at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition main session in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition main session in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition held its main session in Jeddah on Monday under the title “From Vision to Reality: Integrated Sectors in Serving Pilgrims,” with the participation of Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program Committee Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel, and Director General of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami.

The officials reviewed the integration among various public and private sectors and the role of institutional collaboration in developing the Hajj and Umrah service ecosystem, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to streamline procedures and enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims from around the world.

Al-Rabiah highlighted the extensive care, services, and efforts provided by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to pilgrims from across the globe, emphasizing the successes achieved by the conference in its previous editions.

He noted that the current edition, held under the theme “From Makkah to the World,” reflects the wise leadership’s continuous support for developing the Hajj system and achieving Vision 2030 goals to facilitate pilgrims’ journey while enriching their spiritual and human experience.

The Kingdom is witnessing a qualitative transformation in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem through the adoption of modern technologies and digital solutions to boost service efficiency and ease pilgrims’ experience from arrival to departure, added the minister.

Al-Rabiah also underlined that integration among government entities is the cornerstone for achieving the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the key Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives.

The session concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining intersectoral coordination under Vision 2030 to ensure a unique and seamless experience for pilgrims, reflecting the leadership's unwavering dedication to serving pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques Forum, launched by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) kicked off on Monday on the sidelines of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition.

Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the event featured a panel discussion “Digital and Research Projects and the Media Dimension in Serving the Two Holy Mosques.” The talks focused on the pivotal role of digital transformation in boosting and supporting the Hajj and Umrah system.

Assistant Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Planning and Digital Transformation and General Supervisor of the Hajj and Umrah Information Center Eng. Fahad Al-Dosri highlighted the unprecedented digital revolution the world is witnessing, fueled by emerging technologies, smart analytics, and big data applications.

He underscored the importance of digital transformation in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, underlining its role in driving digitization, improving the pilgrim experience, and maximizing the economic and social impact of the sector. He noted that adopting advanced digital solutions helps ensure that the Hajj and Umrah journey remains exceptional, spiritual, smooth, and safe.

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Gulf

Somali Foreign Minister: Any Unilateral Recognition of Breakaway Regions Is Unviable

Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Somali Foreign Ministry)
Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Somali Foreign Ministry)
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Somali Foreign Minister: Any Unilateral Recognition of Breakaway Regions Is Unviable

Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Somali Foreign Ministry)
Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Somali Foreign Ministry)

At a highly sensitive regional juncture, Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali issued a clear warning against any unilateral recognition of breakaway regions, describing such moves as unviable and politically irresponsible, with negative repercussions for bilateral relations and regional stability.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ali stressed the alignment between Mogadishu and Riyadh on the need to shield the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden from militarization, illicit activities and geopolitical rivalries.

He said his second visit to Saudi Arabia within two weeks reflects the depth of coordination with the Kingdom amid rapidly evolving regional developments, particularly those related to maritime security and the Horn of Africa.

Objectives of the Saudi visit

Ali said the primary aim of his visit was close consultation with Saudi Arabia on accelerating regional developments, notably those affecting the Red Sea, the Horn of Africa and maritime navigation security.

He added that discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, security and development fields, while ensuring full coordination on issues touching on Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and stability.

He noted that the visit — his second to Riyadh in less than two weeks — underscored the intensity of engagement with the Kingdom at a delicate moment, saying that his previous meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan featured frank and constructive talks aimed at preventing escalation, maintaining regional balance and upholding international law.

Ali also highlighted the convening of an emergency meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address what he described as the “illegal violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” calling it further evidence of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in supporting regional stability.

Historic relations

The foreign minister described relations between Somalia and Saudi Arabia as “strong, historic and strategic,” grounded in shared faith, longstanding people-to-people ties and converging regional interests.

He said Somalia views the Kingdom as a key partner in national recovery, security-sector reform, economic stabilization and regional diplomacy, adding that current discussions are focused on translating this partnership into tangible outcomes that benefit both countries and reinforce wider regional stability.

Firm rejection of recognition of “Somaliland”

Ali stressed that the Somali federal government “categorically rejects” any declaration or action aimed at recognizing any part of Somalia as a separate entity. Such steps, he said, lack any legal basis, violate Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and contravene international law, the UN Charter, the OIC charter and African Union principles.

He expressed Somalia’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s principled stance in support of Somali unity, as well as for regional and international partners that have voiced solidarity with Mogadishu.

He warned that unilateral recognition would not merely be a political position but a “destabilizing precedent” threatening the regional order. He added that Somalia is addressing the issue through balanced diplomacy and close coordination with regional and international partners.

A pivotal and constructive Saudi role

Ali said Saudi Arabia plays a “pivotal and constructive” role in promoting stability and security in the Arab world, the Red Sea region and the Horn of Africa, noting that its leadership in diplomacy, de-escalation and maritime security is widely recognized and appreciated.

Potential repercussions

The foreign minister warned that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland would be “legally and practically null and void,” further exacerbating fragility in a region already facing serious security, humanitarian and climate challenges. He said that such moves encourage fragmentation, fuel proxy conflicts and open the door to external interference, undermining the security of the Horn of Africa and international maritime navigation.

Militarization of the Red Sea

Ali said Mogadishu and Riyadh share a vital interest in protecting one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors, stressing the need to keep the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden free from militarization and illegal activities.

“We agree on the necessity of keeping the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden away from militarization, illicit activities and geopolitical brinkmanship,” he underlined.

 

 

Gulf

New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
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New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)

A new humanitarian aid convoy from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) crossed the Rafah border into Gaza on Friday with essential food baskets for Palestinians affected by the ongoing crisis, as part of the Saudi fundraising campaign to aid the Palestinian people.

The Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s implementing partner, has established several new camps in Al-Qarara area of southern Gaza and Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in preparation for winter.

Through these efforts, KSrelief aims to alleviate the severe suffering caused by the dire living conditions in Gaza, ensuring that vital food and shelter reach those in the most vulnerable areas.

Gulf

Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
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Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)

The joint military "Gulf Shield Exercise 2026" concluded in Saudi Arabia on Friday, with the participation of the air forces and air-defense forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, alongside the GCC Unified Military Command, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exercise was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional defense cooperation and enhance combat readiness.

Its maneuvers included advanced operational scenarios featuring simulations of multidimensional air and missile threats, joint air maneuvers, and integrated field exercises, with a focus on improving operational integration, strengthening command-and-control systems, and enhancing operational efficiency within a joint operational environment.
The exercise seeks to develop qualitative military capabilities, bolster combat readiness to confront current, emerging, and future threats, and entrench the concepts of collective defense and flexible deterrence, thereby contributing to the region's security and stability.

Gulf Shield Exercise 2026 is regarded as one of the key pillars of military cooperation among GCC countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance defense integration and strengthen the capacity to respond to regional and international challenges.

At the conclusion of the exercise, the participating forces carried out a joint aerial display that demonstrated a high level of harmony and operational integration, as well as their ability to plan and execute in accordance with unified operational concepts and advanced professional standards.