Thousands of health, security workers on call to ensure smooth journey for visitors
70,000 worshippers have already benefited from medical services, ministry says
Updated 15 June 2024
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI Sulafa Al-Khunaizi
MINA: More than 2 million pilgrims from around the world spent Tarwiyah Day in Mina on Friday as they prepare for the most important day of Hajj.
The pilgrims followed in the footsteps of Prophet Mohammed as they made their final preparations for Waqfah at Arafat, the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage, on Saturday.
Efficient traffic and security planning by the relevant authorities allowed the worshippers to make smooth progress, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Ministry of Health has mobilized more than 34,000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists and administrative staff to ensure the well-being of the pilgrims. There are also 730 ambulances and seven air ambulances available to provide medical assistance and transport people to any one of the 189 dedicated hospitals, medical centers and mobile clinics.
The ministry said that since June 7, its medical centers had performed 180 heart operations on pilgrims and that more than 470 worshippers had undergone dialysis.
As of Tuesday, more than 70,000 pilgrims had benefited from medical services provided by the ministry, it said.
With the temperature rising to 43 degrees Celsius in some areas, the ministry urged all pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the heat of the sun and drink plenty of water.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili said the Kingdom’s armed forces were playing a key role in keeping visitors safe. He recently made an inspection tour of those units involved in this year’s Hajj to ensure their readiness to serve.
Speaking on social media, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: “With the holy sites fully prepared, we extend a warm welcome to all pilgrims embarking on their Hajj journey.”
He also announced the introduction of the Nusuk Card, which helps to identify authorized pilgrims by providing their personal details and information about their accommodation at the holy sites. Carrying the card is mandatory for all visitors throughout the Hajj period.
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing is also helping to ensure this year’s pilgrimage goes well by providing 22,000 workers and 88,000 waste containers at the holy sites.
Pilgrims started Hajj by praying Fajr in the Grand Mosque in Makkah. (SPA)
Mohammad Asim Khan is a software engineer from India whose childhood wish was to come to Hajj and perform the religious rituals.
“It’s a very amazing experience. All the atmosphere and everything, all the arrangements are very good here. I am really liking it … The kind of arrangement that Saudi people are doing here, and the volunteers are helping each other. Everybody is doing great work here.”
Youssef Bendib, a pilgrim from Morocco, is performing Hajj for the first time and is preparing for Arafat, which is described as the pinnacle for Hajj and Muslims around the world. It reflect the actions of pilgrims by asking for forgiveness and praying for their deepest wishes.
“This is my first time, and this is really something amazing. And this is something that we cannot even explain by words. So, we are here with our guest of Allah … This is really something that I would like every Muslim to do in at least one thing in their life.”
Faisal Jariwala, a pilgrim from India, is also performing Hajj for the first time. He highlights the Kingdom’s initiatives to stay cool during the high temperatures of the Hajj season.
“It’s a very good feeling because it’s a very important pilgrimage for Muslims … The management is very good. Despite the temperature outside, although it’s 45 to 46 degrees Celsius, inside here we don’t feel it.”
Princess Sara announces launch of Misk heritage museum ‘Asaan’ in Diriyah
The goal of the museum is to become a global cultural hub celebrating Saudi Arabia’s heritage.
The museum will cover more than 40,000 sq. meters
Updated 7 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Princess Sara bint Mashhour bin Abdulaziz, the wife of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, announced the launch of Misk Heritage Museum program “Asaan,” a cultural institution expected to open in the coming years in Diriyah.
The goal of the museum, backed by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk,” is to become a global cultural hub celebrating Saudi Arabia’s heritage.
It will play a key role in cultural sustainability through various exhibitions and educational programs.
“Asaan will showcase the Kingdom’s rich legacy, including artifacts, customs, and societal values,” Princess Sara, chairperson of Asaan, said in a statement.
“Our goal is to cultivate a generation that takes pride in its heritage and actively works to preserve and revitalize it.”
The museum will cover more than 40,000 sq. meters and will feature Zaha Hadid Architects’ designs, and blend traditional Najdi architecture with contemporary creativity.
Exhibits will include thousands of heritage artifacts that illustrate Saudi history and cultural evolution.
The site will also feature permanent exhibitions, art galleries, an arts courtyard, and the “Asaan’s Majlis,” a dedicated space for dialogue, workshops, and cultural discussions.
The museum will also house conservation laboratories and interactive learning programs, providing visitors with immersive experiences that bring Saudi history and traditions to life.
Princess Sara is a strong advocate for cultural preservation and empowerment, particularly in supporting young people and individuals with disabilities through educational and professional initiatives. Her efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on heritage conservation and national identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Asaan is expected to become a major cultural landmark, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in heritage preservation and its commitment to celebrating its historical legacy on a global stage.
RIYADH: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday on his first tour of the Middle East as Washington’s top diplomat.
Rubio’s plane earlier took off from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, bound for Riyadh, where he is set to meet Saudi leaders including his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Rubio is leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia in preparation for direct talks between US and Russian officials in the coming days to seek an end to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The trip follows last week’s telephone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Trump said they “agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.”
SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible
Updated 17 February 2025
Jasmine Bager
ALKHOBAR: If you were in the right place at the right time, you might have caught a glimpse of something unexpected — a vehicle led by eight art experts, transformed into a roving exhibition, rolling across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.
This year’s edition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!,” is a mobile exhibition that challenges the traditional idea of gallery spaces. The collective modified an existing vehicle with a custom extension, allowing the team to exhibit, collect and connect with creative communities throughout the journey. They started in Jeddah, their home base, and made stops in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Bahrain before returning to Jeddah for a final showcase.
Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (Supplied)
The journey began with a pre-launch event in Jeddah on Feb. 5, featuring an open mic and pickup event at Wasl Art Space.
The road trip officially kicked off on Feb. 6, as the SINDBAD team set out for Riyadh. A car meet took place on Feb. 7, followed by a pickup and open mic at Lamaat and Beast House in JAX district on Feb. 8.
In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle wouldn’t fit for logistical reasons, so people had to climb the stairs to witness — and submit — art.
HIGHLIGHTS
• From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.
• In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day.
• The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.
The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.
Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats. (Supplied)
The adventure will return to Jeddah, where on Feb. 20 Naqsh Art Studio will host a final exhibition showcasing the collected works and research from the entirety of the trip.
But the journey won’t stop there. SINDBAD will also participate at the N.E.S.T. Book Launch in AlUla on March 13.
This year, the structure itself was a modular three-panel system, designed to collapse, adapt and cross boundaries — literally and figuratively. The journey wasn’t just about moving art; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. Each city hosted a mix of guerrilla-style pop-ups and community activations.
Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (AN photo)
This year, the team introduced SINDBAD Radio, an online platform featuring open-mic performances, artist submissions and curated music playlists to accompany the journey.
“Whenever somebody submits a work, they come and record a voice note explaining it,” Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a co-founder of the collective, told Arab News. “We put it on SINDBAD Radio, so when you tune in, you hear their story.” The radio station also broadcast live updates from the road, allowing audiences to follow along as the team made their way across the Kingdom.
SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform.
The SINDBAD has been collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities since Feb. 6. (Supplied)
Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats.
“The space of SINDBAD is a space of discovery. It’s a space for learning. It’s a space to make mistakes,” said his sister Ahaad Al-Amoudi, a founding member of the collective. “We take most of the works that are submitted. We never say no to any work.”
Ahaad is an accomplished artist whose work addresses history and representation. She earned degrees in visual communication from Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah and a master’s degree in print from the Royal College of Art, London.
Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker. (Supplied)
In her research about Saudi Arabia’s ethnography, Ahaad’s photography, video and print installations are meant to reinterpret historical renditions of a reforming culture.
Ahaad and Abdullah’s mother, Effat Fadag, is an associate professor of fine arts at the University of Jeddah and a multidisciplinary artist — and the biggest champion of the group.
Abdullah is a designer and artist trained in film and landscape architecture, and the co-founder of THIRD SPACE* Studio. Together, they form the core of the collective.
They chose the name SINDBAD because of its deep cultural resonance. “Everybody has a different memory of who Sindbad is, but he’s always journeying,” Ahaad explained. “That’s why we thought he fit really well. He’s young, he’s fresh, he’s journeying.”
For the SINDBAD team, this year was all about community-building. “There’s so much happening in Riyadh, in Bahrain, in Jeddah,” Ahaad said. “We wanted to create a bond where we’re coming to you in Alkhobar, but you’re also coming to us.”
The idea of an open, evolving exhibition resonated deeply with people.
“We got to Alkhobar, and we thought — Bahrain is close enough, right?” Ahaad recalled. “We can cross the border. We can take this even further.”
As they traveled, something unexpected happened: Artists started pulling out artworks from their pockets. “They would see the truck open, see the artworks inside, and then literally take pieces out of their pockets and hand them to us,” Abdullah said. “They were ready for it. Some would even go back home, grab their artworks, and return.” The trip became a testament to artistic spontaneity and inclusivity.
“A lot of young artists feel like they have to apply to an open call, that they have to be at a certain level,” the siblings said. “We’re trying to break that barrier. We want them to feel safe, to feel like they can showcase their work, even if it’s a work in progress or something they made years ago. It’s time for them to take that step.”
Since Feb. 6, the SINDBAD team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities.
Abdullah, who drove the entire 15-hour stretch from Riyadh to Alkhobar, described it as part of the fun. “I enjoy it a lot,” he said. “We have a radio station this year with SINDBAD Radio. It’s curated, and we go live on Instagram. People can tune in and listen as we drive — ‘We’re coming, we’re passing through this city, we’re on our way to that city.’”
With each stop, SINDBAD brought new voices into the fold, proving that art isn’t confined to galleries — it’s everywhere.
Beyond the Al-Amoudi family, SINDBAD Collective includes a diverse group of artists and researchers.
Mohsin Ali is an architectural researcher and curator exploring post-colonial migration and decolonial processes through architecture. He is currently an assistant curator at Art Jameel.
Damon James Owen is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working in printmaking, publishing, and experimental media.
Manar Eissa is a graphic designer and illustrator whose nature-inspired art reflects her passion for storytelling.
Yasser Al-Zahrani is a production manager and art director specializing in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.
Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker.
Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible. And if you missed them this time, keep your eyes on the road. You never know when SINDBAD might roll through your city next.
Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia
The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation
Updated 16 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, as well as other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of New Zealand to the Kingdom Charles Kingston on Sunday in Riyadh, where they engaged in cordial talks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN
Updated 16 February 2025
Arab News
MUNICH: The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir took part in a key dialogue session on land reclamation and security at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.
The session, organized in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the Adelphi Research Foundation, addressed the link between land preservation and global stability.
Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership at COP16, which focused on the negative repercussions of land degradation and the need for sustainable solutions.
Al-Jubeir outlined Saudi Arabia’s local, regional, and international initiatives aimed at protecting land and addressing desertification.
He also called for strong international cooperation to tackle the cross-border challenges posed by land degradation and urged global policymakers to implement effective strategies to safeguard both the environment and security.
