Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season
Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season/node/2504086/saudi-arabia
Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security said on Friday that it would issue instructions for residents wishing to obtain permission to enter Makkah ahead of Hajj season on Saturday. (AFP/File Photo)
Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season
General Directorate of Passports also said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah
Updated 03 May 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security said on Friday that it would issue instructions for residents wishing to obtain permission to enter Makkah ahead of Hajj season on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also said any Saudi residents wishing to obtain a permit must do so from the relevant authorities and that those who fail to get the necessary permits will be prevented from entering the holy city.
Also on Friday, in an attempt to streamline entry procedures for residents during the Hajj season, the General Directorate of Passports said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah.
The digital service, facilitated through the Ministry of Interior’s online platform Absher and the Muqeem portal, will remove the need for in-person visits to passport offices and will allow those seeking entry permits to submit documents online.
Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture
Updated 26 November 2024
Hajar AlQusayer
RIYADH: The Global Harmony initiative concludes its third edition with a week-long celebration of Egyptian music, art and tradition in Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season.
Running from Nov. 24-30 and organized by the Ministry of Media, the event invites visitors to experience Egypt’s rich heritage through a range of cultural activities.
Speaking to Arab News, Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Tarek El-Meligy highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. “The Egyptian community is the most harmonious, coexistent and understanding in a positive way within Saudi society,” he said.
“If you ask any Egyptian which country they would like to live in after Egypt, they will say Saudi Arabia.”
The Egyptian ambassador to Saudi Arabia visits the Egyptian festival at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, held as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Sarry Shaaban, an executive and consultant at the General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are talking about millions of visitors, both residents and Saudis, entering the park. Whether I’m a resident, a Saudi or from a country hosting the event, it provides an opportunity for residents to learn about your culture, colors, explore its arts, food, crafts, and traditional industries.”
Live music and dance performances displaying Egypt’s cultural traditions, with the rhythm of drums and flutes and performers in traditional costumes, have brought the life and spirit of Cairo’s streets to Riyadh.
A separate bazaar area has been set up featuring Egyptian cuisine, traditional clothing and handcrafted items.
Performers showcase traditional Egyptian folk costumes and dances during celebrations at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, part of the Global Harmony Initiative, on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
“An event like this carries positive messages and highlights something we strive to emphasize every day, that we are one people, united by love and affection,” said El-Meligy.
Egyptian Sameh Nabil emphasized the feel of unity: “This initiative brought us closer together as Egyptians, and with Saudis here, I feel like we are brothers. I always feel like we are not expatriates.”
And visitor Khaled Zahir said: “This event reflects the love, connection and affection between Egyptians living in the Kingdom and Saudis.”
Performers in Egyptian attire take part in a parade at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, celebrating Egyptian culture as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Egyptians make up 11 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population, according to the Saudi Census, meaning such exhibitions are important in promoting mutual respect and harmony.
El-Meligy said Saudi Arabia hosted the largest Egyptian expatriate community abroad, with remittances from those in the Kingdom forming a significant part of their home nation’s income.
“In recent months, remittances from Egyptians abroad have increased substantially, thanks to the facilities between the two countries and the confidence in both the Saudi and Egyptian economies,” he added.
Performers in Egyptian attire take part in a parade at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, celebrating Egyptian culture as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo/@RiyadhSeason)
Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture. In his October visit to Cairo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss investment opportunities and the establishment of a supreme coordination council to deepen bilateral relations.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw a 35.16 percent annual increase in the first half of 2024, according to the General Authority of Statistics. The increase was driven by a 73.44 percent surge in Saudi imports from Egypt, totaling $4.18 billion.
Egypt has also shown a growing interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, with a 71 percent rise in licenses granted to Egyptian firms in the second quarter of 2024.
The festival, which began in October, highlights the lives, contributions and cultural integration of its residents. So far, it has celebrated cultures including Indian heritage and moving through Philippine, Indonesian, Pakistani, Yemeni, Sudanese, Bangladeshi, Jordanian, Lebanese and Syrian traditions.
Riyadh Expo 2030 provides progress update to international exhibitions regulator BIE
Members of Riyadh Expo 2030 update Bureau International des Expositions on progress toward hosting the event
Updated 26 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: A Saudi delegation representing Riyadh Expo 2030 took part in a Bureau International des Expositions meeting on Tuesday to review the Kingdom’s readiness to host the global event.
In November 2023, Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the 2030 World Expo between October 2030 and March 2031 in the capital, Riyadh.
The Riyadh Expo 2030 delegation took part in the 175th general assembly meeting of the BIE, a Paris-based intergovernmental organization which oversees and regulates World Expos, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They updated senior officials of the BIE about the latest Saudi developments and preparations for hosting the event. They also discussed progress on work to accommodate an expected 246 exhibitors, including countries, organizations and companies, at a site north of Riyadh.
Under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” the event aims to be a unique platform for innovations and modern technologies which aim to find answers to challenges facing the planet in various fields, according to the Expo 2030 website.
Hospitality sector innovations, trends showcased at Riyadh exhibition
Event gathers local and international exhibitors, industry leaders, and visitors to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the sector
Exhibition features an array of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a barista competition, and workshops for aspiring culinary professionals
Updated 26 November 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: This year’s HORECA exhibition held in Riyadh is underscoring the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global hospitality market.
Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the three-day event concludes on Nov. 27 and gathers local and international exhibitors, industry leaders, and visitors to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the sector.
The event contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by fostering private-sector growth, promoting tourism, and enhancing the country’s food and beverage industries.
The exhibition features an array of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a barista competition, and workshops for aspiring culinary professionals.
Visitors can sample creative dishes, observe new techniques in food and beverage, and explore sustainable packaging solutions, among other highlights.
Prince Waleed bin Nasser, guest of honor and CEO of Mukatafa Co., highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Speaking at a session on public policies impacting the food and beverage sector, he said: “The vision today aspires for the private sector to play a significant role in the development of the economy. The private sector must take the initiative to have a voice. To achieve this, it needs to be organized and united in presenting a single perspective.”
He also emphasized the need for proactive engagement: “We must work as one, united with a common vision, and present this vision in a professional manner backed by facts, ensuring that the decisions made have a positive impact on the sector and the citizens.”
Culinary competitions are among the highlights celebrating creativity and technical skills at HORECA. Mohammed Naif, a participant representing Saudi Arabia’s Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, told Arab News: “The atmosphere was amazing, and the competition was all about passion and enjoyment. There was a panel of judges and organizers who were very supportive — if you made a mistake, they would help you, and if you had an incomplete idea, they would guide you.
“I encourage anyone with a passion for cooking to join, showcase their creativity, and learn while bringing out their best.”
The exhibition also provided a platform for networking, with exhibitors showcasing local innovations as well as international brands. From cutting-edge hospitality tech to Saudi-inspired culinary creations, the event highlighted the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a global hub for the sector.
Najm wins ‘Best Call Center’ award at Saudi CX Awards
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News
Najm for Insurance Services has been awarded the prestigious “Best Call Center” award in the category of companies with more than 1,000 employees, at the Saudi Customer Experience Awards ceremony, held on Nov. 13 in Riyadh. The event was attended by a group of business leaders, prominent figures, and professionals from across the Kingdom’s government, private, and nonprofit sectors.
This recognition is a testament to Najm’s ongoing efforts in enhancing its call center and elevating the level of service it provides for vehicle insurance beneficiaries across the Kingdom. Handling more than 3 million calls annually, Najm’s call center achieves record response times through a range of electronic channels, contributing to a high customer satisfaction rate of 85 percent. Overall, Najm provides more than 35 million services annually across all its channels with a service level of 99 percent.
Mohammed Y. Al-Shehri, CEO of Najm, said: “Winning the gold award and achieving first place for Best Call Center in the Kingdom not only validates our efforts but also motivates us to continue innovating and striving to enhance customer satisfaction.”
Al-Shehri highlighted Najm’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and the adoption of modern technologies to enrich the customer experience, streamline processes, and drive digital transformation across its operational processes and technical systems, ensuring fast response times and high-quality services for its customers.
“This accomplishment reflects the company’s strategic digital transformation, with all operations now managed through advanced AI-supported systems. Our automation rate for accident procedures has reached 95 percent, marking a qualitative leap in service efficiency,” he added.
At the Saudi Customer Experience Awards ceremony, organized by the Saudi Customer Experience Association and its partners, Ajil Al-Jarba, vice president of marketing and sales at Najm, made a presentation on digital transformation and customer experience.
Al-Jarba highlighted the growing importance of exceptional customer experiences, saying: “In today’s world, data-driven insights enable companies to create personalized, engaging experiences, making customer experience fundamental to economic and social development. Digital transformation is essential for companies seeking excellence and aiming to improve customer experiences by offering innovative and digital services.”
He added: “Digital transformation is a key element of Najm’s strategy, which has led to a significant advancement in how services are delivered, and customer experiences are improved on various levels, whether for individuals or partners. Our transformation aligns with Vision 2030 objectives, including the Quality of Life Program and the Financial Sector Development Program. Therefore, Najm has restructured its strategy, adopting the best-in-class professional and marketing standards, which have contributed to empowering the insurance sector and improving service quality for policyholders and beneficiaries, especially vehicle owners.”
The Saudi Customer Experience Awards is a platform that celebrates excellence in customer service across the Kingdom. This year, Najm competed in 27 different categories.
Saudi economy minister meets former Italian prime minister
They discussed areas of collaboration and other topics of mutual interest
Updated 48 min 10 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim met with Matteo Renzi, strategic counselor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and former prime minister of Italy, the Economy Ministry said on X on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed areas of collaboration and other topics of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi met with Zambian Minister of Trade and Industry Chibuka Mulenga.
“We discussed strengthening our trade relations and developing joint cooperation between our countries,” the Saudi minister wrote on X.
