Over 3,000 Agreements, Strategic Partnerships Signed during Hajj Conference

The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
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Over 3,000 Agreements, Strategic Partnerships Signed during Hajj Conference

The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah affirmed that the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has significantly contributed to the success of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition.

The event was organized by the ministry in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program.

Al-Rabiah expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his continuous keenness for the safety and service of pilgrims, as well as his interest in enhancing the ecosystem for Hajj, Umrah, and visitation, SPA reported.

In the concluding statement of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, he praised the participation of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) in highlighting the historical legacy of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques.

Al-Rabiah also acknowledged the efforts of Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Board Chairman of Board of Directors of Darah Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. He hailed the Cabinet's commendation of the "History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques Forum" and the foundation's role in documentation, museum displays, and digital presentations.

He further shared that the number of pilgrims whose contracts have been finalized so far has exceeded one million from various countries. This reflects the ecosystem's readiness and proactive preparations for this year's Hajj season.

The fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition achieved remarkable results, including receiving over 204,000 visitors, representing an increase of more than 70% compared to last year. Additionally, there were over 270 exhibitors and representation from more than 150 countries.

More than 3,000 agreements and strategic partnerships were signed between government and private entities, as well as between Hajj affairs offices and providers of catering, transportation, and accommodation services, which have strengthened the integration of efforts and enhanced the services provided to pilgrims.



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.


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.


Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Saturday the Kingdom’s deep regret over the damage sustained by the Qatari Embassy in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of recent shelling.

The ministry stressed the need to protect diplomatic missions and their personnel in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through peaceful means.