Madinah forum targets improved pilgrim experience

The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah is taking place from April 22-24. (SPA)
The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah is taking place from April 22-24. (SPA)
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Updated 23 April 2024
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Madinah forum targets improved pilgrim experience

Madinah forum targets improved pilgrim experience
  • The 3-day event explores new opportunities for Hajj and Umrah services

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program, organized the inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah.

The three-day event, taking place from April 22-24, is being held under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of the Madinah region.

Prince Salman said that the leadership has prioritized the enhancement of Hajj and Umrah services during the prosperous era of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He said: “The great honor bestowed by God on this country is a source of pride for all of us and motivates us to improve the level of services provided to the guests of God, to search for ideas, and to conduct studies that would advance the Umrah and visit sector.”




Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and Governor of Madinah region Prince Salman bin Sultan attend the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah. (SPA)

The forum is an opportunity for specialists to communicate and exchange experiences during dialogue sessions and discussion panels, and to develop recommendations that contribute to enriching visitors’ experience, he added.

He also expressed hope that the forum would yield positive outcomes and thanked the minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, as well as the ministry’s employees, for organizing the forum.

Prince Salman visited the exhibition held in parallel with the forum. It houses more than 100 pavilions showcasing the services offered by tourism and travel companies, Umrah agencies, academic and research institutions, small and medium enterprises and service developers, as well as companies from related sectors such as hospitality, catering, transportation, healthcare, technology, communications, artificial intelligence, banking and insurance.

A documentary about Madinah, an essential component of the Umrah experience, was screened at the forum.

A group of experts and specialists attended, with discussions focused on enriching the Umrah and Hajj experience and aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

Al-Rabiah also delivered a speech at the forum, highlighting the special attention given by the leadership to the Two Holy Mosques and visitors to the sites.

One of the most important factors in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Al-Rabiah said, is the Pilgrim Experience Program, as the Two Holy Mosques are expected to witness the influx of millions of worshippers and visitors, requiring management by security personnel from the Ministry of Interior, and from the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

One of the program’s primary goals, he added, is to enrich the visitors’ experience. The forum serves as a comprehensive platform where 180 speakers from the Kingdom and abroad can discuss strategies to improve the experience.

Al-Rabiah highlighted the involvement of 28 government entities and more than 3,000 local and international companies, with more than 1,500 agreements expected to be signed over the course of the event.




Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and Governor of Madinah region Prince Salman bin Sultan attend the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah. (SPA)

He noted that visits were made to 24 countries to address challenges faced by pilgrims and visitors, and to introduce them to the facilities provided by the Kingdom.

Al-Rabiah said that over the past two years, more than 19 million people have visited Al-Rawda Al-Sharifa, along with a significant number of unique historical sites connected to the life of the Prophet Muhammad in Makkah and Madinah, with many of the historical sites having been rehabilitated.

He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to providing quality services throughout pilgrim journeys, describing the Grand Mosque as a globally significant destination. Additionally, he announced the launch of the 1966 contact center in nine languages for pilgrim inquiries, catering to both domestic and international audiences.

Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to France and Monaco, and the permanent representative of the Kingdom to UNESCO, also gave a speech highlighting the role of historical and cultural sites in enriching the visitor experience.

During his address, Al-Ruwaili referenced remarks made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the previous Hajj season, emphasizing the Kingdom’s honor in serving the Two Holy Mosques and making it a top priority.

The crown prince’s comments demonstrate the Kingdom’s leadership goals toward serving pilgrims, enabling them to perform their worship rituals and achieve the purposes of Hajj, Umrah, or visitation with ease and peace of mind, he added.




The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah is taking place from April 22-24. (SPA)

Four significant agreements were signed during the opening ceremony.

The first, between the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque and Nusuk, aimed to establish and operate an awareness center for pilgrims.

The second, with the Prince Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Charitable Foundation, created a fund of SR100 million ($26 million) for water supply.

The third agreement, between the General Authority for Awqaf and the Madinah Region Development Authority, focused on repairing and renovating water facilities at the Meeqat of Dhul-Hulayfah.

The fourth agreement, between the General Authority for Awqaf and the Taybah Mosques Association, addressed support for the Quba Mosque’s needs.

The forum consists of six dialogue sessions and 24 workshops, in which 29 experts and specialists will take part. It also includes several competitions, including the Artificial Intelligence Competition in Umrah and a hackathon on historical sites related to the Prophet Muhammad’s life.


Cybersecurity postgraduate scholarship program launches

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Cybersecurity postgraduate scholarship program launches

Cybersecurity postgraduate scholarship program launches
  • Cybersecurity authority, Education Ministry oversees program
  • Scholarships to 30 leading international universities on offer

RIYADH: The National Cybersecurity Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has launched the second phase of their Cybersecurity Postgraduate Scholarship Program.

The application window opened on Thursday, Jan. 30, on the NCA’s website.

The program’s main objective is to enhance students’ academic skills in key cybersecurity domains, and to bolster the nation’s workforce with qualified professionals, according to a press announcement on the NCA website.

This initiative focuses on several cybersecurity priority areas, including cryptography, security of operational technology systems, public policies, and emerging technologies.

The benefits include scholarships to 30 prestigious international universities renowned for cybersecurity expertise and research grants.

The NCA is in charge of cybersecurity in the Kingdom and aims to safeguard the Kingdom’s critical infrastructure, high-priority sectors, and government services and activities.


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Updated 30 January 2025
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Health minister honors KFSHRC with innovation award

Health minister honors KFSHRC with innovation award

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel has honored King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center with the 2025 Model of Care Award for Innovation in the government sector, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

The award was presented during the Model of Care Forum 2025, where KFSHRC CEO Dr. Majid Al-Fayyadh received the accolade.

‏This recognition highlights KFSHRC’s efforts in pioneering innovative models of care that enhance service quality and improve patient outcomes, aligning with the Healthcare Sector Transformation Program, a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030. 

It also reaffirms the hospital’s leadership in medical innovation through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatment methodologies.

KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa, and 20th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for the second consecutive year. 

It has also been recognized as the most valuable health care brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. 

Additionally, KFSHRC was included in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025 list.


KSrelief delivers dates to Sudan and Burkina Faso

KSrelief delivers dates to Sudan and Burkina Faso
Updated 30 January 2025
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KSrelief delivers dates to Sudan and Burkina Faso

KSrelief delivers dates to Sudan and Burkina Faso

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed dates in Sudan and Burkina Faso, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

In Sudan 700 cartons of dates were distributed, benefiting 4,020 individuals living in Wad Madani.

The aid agency also gifted 50 tonnes of dates to Burkina Faso as a part of their relief programs.


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Saudi crown prince, European council president discuss cooperation
Updated 30 January 2025
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Saudi crown prince, European council president discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince, European council president discuss cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from European Council President Antonio Costa, the Saudi Press Agency said early Thursday.

The pair discussed enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom and European Union countries.

They also tackled a number of regional and international issues and the efforts made to achieve security and stability.


Interpol to establish regional office in Saudi Arabia

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Updated 30 January 2025
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Interpol to establish regional office in Saudi Arabia

Interpol to establish regional office in Saudi Arabia
  • The Kingdom and the international police organization sign host country agreement

RIYADH: Interpol is to establish an office in Saudi Arabia that will serve the Middle East and North Africa region.

Hisham Al-Faleh, undersecretary at the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior, and Jurgen Stock, secretary-general of the international police organization, signed a host country agreement on Wednesday.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, the Saudi Minister of Interior, and Maj. Gen. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, the president of Interpol, also attended the signing ceremony, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition, they discussed Interpol’s activities during a meeting that also included Nasser Al-Dawood, the deputy minister of interior; Brig. Gen. Abdulmalik Al-Saqeeh, the director general of Saudi Interpol; and other senior officials.