Makkah Deputy Governor Carries Out Field Inspection of Grand Mosque Readiness for Ramadan 

Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz is seen during his inspection tour at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz is seen during his inspection tour at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
TT

Makkah Deputy Governor Carries Out Field Inspection of Grand Mosque Readiness for Ramadan 

Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz is seen during his inspection tour at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz is seen during his inspection tour at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz inspected the readiness of the Grand Mosque and its facilities, conducting a field tour to review operational and service preparations for receiving worshippers and Umrah performers during the holy month of Ramadan, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

Prince Saud was briefed on the operational plans implemented by the relevant authorities, including crowd management mechanisms, service enhancements, and facility preparations aimed at ensuring smooth movement and enhancing comfort and safety levels for visitors to the Grand Mosque, particularly during peak times.

He reviewed developmental initiatives and smart services supporting the operational system, notably electric mobility carts for transporting the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those in need of assistance within the Grand Mosque.

The tour also included an overview of the efforts of guidance teams deployed across the corridors and courtyards of the Grand Mosque, providing multilingual assistance and direction.

Prince Saud reviewed the interactive map and digital mobility platform, which allows visitors to plan their routes in advance and identify service locations, entrances and exits, and less crowded pathways.

He was briefed on crowd management systems, including the visitor density sensor platform that measures human density in real time, and the Tawaf and Sa’i crowd status display service, which allows worshippers to select appropriate times to perform rituals with ease. Models of the modern multilingual guidance system were also reviewed.

Prince Saud also visited the Smart Engineering Command and Control Center, which serves as an advanced central platform linking operational systems and monitoring performance in real time, boosting operational efficiency and raising readiness levels during Ramadan.



GCC: Attacks on Makkah a Serious Escalation Threatening Regional Stability

Parts of the intercepted missiles fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah. (SPA)
Parts of the intercepted missiles fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah. (SPA)
TT

GCC: Attacks on Makkah a Serious Escalation Threatening Regional Stability

Parts of the intercepted missiles fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah. (SPA)
Parts of the intercepted missiles fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah. (SPA)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi on Sunday strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing any threat to Makkah as a serious escalation that jeopardizes regional security and stability.

His remarks followed the interception of two ballistic missiles, debris from which fell in Wadi al-Mughammas in the Makkah region. Shrapnel from the interceptions also fell in parts of Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh, according to the report.

Albudaiwi said the attacks demonstrated disregard for civilian lives and safety, stressing that Saudi Arabia’s security was integral to the security of all GCC member states.

He added that GCC member states stand united with Saudi Arabia in confronting the attacks and supported measures taken by the kingdom to protect its territory and safeguard the security of citizens and residents.

He praised the efficiency and vigilance of Saudi air defenses in intercepting the Houthi attacks and called on the international community to take a firm stance and effective measures to put an end to them.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Greek Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister, Greek Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, during which they discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.

The call also addressed efforts to enhance cooperation between the two countries and reviewed issues of mutual interest.


Coalition: Air Defenses Destroy Ballistic Missile Launched by Houthis Toward Riyadh

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Coalition: Air Defenses Destroy Ballistic Missile Launched by Houthis Toward Riyadh

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said on Sunday that air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh.

A drone was also intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh Region, he added.

The interceptions were preceded by an early warning from the Saudi Civil Defense.