Hajj Ministry: Umrah Performances Exceed 11.9 Million in Jumada Al Akhirahttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5223159-hajj-ministry-umrah-performances-exceed-119-million-jumada-al-akhira
Hajj Ministry: Umrah Performances Exceed 11.9 Million in Jumada Al Akhira
The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in partnership with the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, reported more than 11.9 million Umrah performances during the month of Jumada Al Akhira by pilgrims from inside and outside the Kingdom, according to official statistics.
This remarkable figure reflects the growing momentum of performing Umrah and highlights the exceptional efficiency of the services and facilities dedicated to serving the worshipers.
The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month. This influx underscores the positive impact of advanced digital platforms and integrated logistical services, which have streamlined arrival procedures and allowed Umrah performers to perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind, SPA reported.
The continued surge in the performance of Umrah rituals embodies the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to cultivating the Hajj, Umrah, and visitation ecosystem, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Through continuous innovation and care, the Kingdom is making access to the two holy mosques easier while delivering a comprehensive spiritual journey that prioritizes the comfort and safety of Umrah performers at every stage—from planning their visit to departing the Kingdom.
How Did the Jeddah Summit Support Joint Gulf Action?
The flags of Gulf countries are raised in Jeddah ahead of the summit (SPA)
Gulf leaders meeting in Jeddah this week urged faster progress on joint projects and deeper military integration, seeking to reinforce collective security and economic coordination amid heightened regional tensions.
In a statement after the consultative summit on Tuesday, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said leaders called for accelerating completion of requirements to link all shared Gulf projects, including transport and logistics. They stressed speeding up implementation of the Gulf railway, advancing electricity interconnection, and taking prompt steps toward oil and gas pipeline and water-link projects.
The statement also pointed to studying strategic Gulf stockpiles, while emphasizing intensified military integration and faster completion of a joint early warning system against ballistic missiles.
The direct wording - repeating terms such as “accelerate” and “urgency” - reflected a push for concrete outcomes and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s initiative in convening the summit amid complex regional conditions.
28 April 2026, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Bahrain's King, Hamad bin Isa bin Salman, on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council Consultative Summit. Photo: Saudi Press Agency/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said the meeting reflected Gulf unity. “Our consultative summit today in Jeddah embodies a unified Gulf position toward current developments and the need to intensify coordination and consultation,” he stated, adding that this would strengthen diplomatic efforts, safeguard regional security and stability, and support development and prosperity.
Extending Gulf leadership efforts
Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the summit was convened in response to conditions facing the Gulf region following the US-Israeli-Iranian war, aiming to coordinate GCC positions and contain its repercussions.
The goal is to enhance efforts to address this crisis and its consequences - security, economic and otherwise - to stabilize the region, safeguard GCC interests and strengthen collective security, he underlined.
Sager added that the summit builds on efforts led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Gulf leaders, within the broader vision of King Salman bin Abdulaziz to strengthen joint Gulf action, deepen economic unity, and develop defense and security systems toward more sustainable integration.
He revealed that these discussions also addressed reinforcing Gulf unity to better manage current challenges and anticipate future crises.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives the Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah ahead of an exceptional meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
Toward independent Gulf decision-making
Sager said the summit is expected to build on the GCC success in confronting Iranian missile and drone attacks, using that experience to develop a comprehensive defense strategy, which would focus on modern armament suited to evolving warfare, training, and external defense partnerships, while reinforcing self-reliance.
Leaders reaffirmed the right of GCC states to self-defense, individually or collectively, under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and to take all measures to protect sovereignty, security and stability. They stressed full solidarity among member states and that their security is indivisible, with any attack on one considered an attack on all, in line with the joint defense agreement.
Albudaiwi said leaders praised the “courage and high readiness” of GCC armed forces in defending against Iranian attacks, noting their ability to intercept missiles and drones with professionalism and efficiency while safeguarding national assets.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ahead of an exceptional meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
Alternative routes on the agenda
Sager noted that developing alternative corridors to secure energy supply chains will likely be a key focus in the coming period, reflected in leaders’ directives to move ahead with pipeline projects and transport infrastructure.
Political analyst Ahmed Alibrahim agreed, saying the summit statement underscored Saudi Arabia’s role in securing supply chains during the crisis and working on alternative energy routes, including through the East-West pipeline, as part of addressing risks linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
He described the statement as unusually direct. “This is one of the rare times we see a clear and explicit communiqué with firm directives, especially regarding future requirements and open-ended scenarios,” he said, citing uncertainties including potential setbacks in US-Iran negotiations or other serious developments.
For his part, political analyst Mohammed Al-Dossary believes that the importance of the GCC lies in its ability to navigate many crises, including the Iraq-Iran War and Iraq's occupation of Kuwait.
He stressed that the collective consciousness of Gulf citizens recognizes the importance of unifying the Gulf stance to overcome crises, including the current one and the implications of the Strait of Hormuz closure.
Saudi Crown Prince Receives Written Messages from Rwanda’s President, Japanese PMhttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5268062-saudi-crown-prince-receives-written-messages-rwanda%E2%80%99s-president-japanese-pm
Saudi Crown Prince Receives Written Messages from Rwanda’s President, Japanese PM
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a written message from Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, expressing his country's solidarity with the Kingdom in light of the current situation in the region.
The message was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and reviewed a number of issues of common interest.
The Crown Prince also received a written message from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, concerning relations between the two countries.
The message was received by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with the Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom Yasunari Morino.
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan and discussed various topics of common interest.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Receives Written Message from Zimbabwe’s Presidenthttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5268058-custodian-two-holy-mosques-receives-written-message-zimbabwe%E2%80%99s-president
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Receives Written Message from Zimbabwe’s President
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a written message from Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, concerning relations between the two countries.
The message was received by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jonathan Wutawunashe.
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed bilateral relations, explored ways to develop them in various fields and discussed issues of common interest.
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