Minister praises efforts of workers during Hajj 

Minister praises efforts of workers during Hajj 
A pilgrim is sprayed with cold water after he cast stones at a pillar in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo)
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Updated 18 June 2024
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Minister praises efforts of workers during Hajj 

Minister praises efforts of workers during Hajj 
  • Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi praised the efforts of workers and volunteers during Hajj, saying their work had ensured that pilgrims could perform their rituals with ease and in safety
  • Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched several services and initiatives as part of its efforts to serve pilgrims, workers, and establishments during the Hajj

MINA: The Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi has praised the efforts of workers and volunteers during Hajj, saying their work has ensured that pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and in safety.

He added that their efforts were in line with the directives of leadership, which call for providing support and facilitating many services for pilgrims, through integration and cooperation with all government and private sectors.

His comments came during his visit on Tuesday to the main operations center of the human resources and social development system for Hajj.

He was briefed on the progress of work and the efforts of the ministry’s inspection teams in enhancing the compliance of establishments operating during Hajj.

He also observed prominent initiatives, services, and tasks carried out by volunteer teams within the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the holy sites.

The ministry has launched several services and initiatives as part of its efforts to serve pilgrims, workers, and establishments during the Hajj season, including enabling seasonal work through the Hajj employee service and the seasonal visa service.

The ministry’s inspection committees, in partnership with the relevant authorities, carry out continuous monitoring of the work system provisions. The ministry has also launched an anti-begging initiative for the season in multiple languages, and supervised over 22 child hospitality centers in Makkah and the holy sites through another scheme, in addition to several other volunteer and service plans to serve pilgrims.

These efforts are a continuation of the work being done to enhance and improve the effectiveness of services, while increasing volunteer opportunities to facilitate Hajj rituals and serve pilgrims.


Australian deputy PM highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance during visit

Australian deputy PM highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance during visit
Updated 19 December 2024
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Australian deputy PM highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance during visit

Australian deputy PM highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance during visit

DUABI: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Donald Marles underlined the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key partner for Australia, highlighting its position as the country’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

In a statement issued by his office on Thursday, Marles said his visit to Saudi Arabia is focused on enhancing cooperation within the G20 framework and other multilateral institutions, as well as reaffirming Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order.

Marles described Saudi Arabia as a pivotal partner in addressing shared global challenges, emphasizing the significance of deepening economic and diplomatic ties. He added that the visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.


KSrelief’s humanitarian works benefit individuals from Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan

KSrelief’s humanitarian works benefit individuals from Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan
Updated 19 December 2024
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KSrelief’s humanitarian works benefit individuals from Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan

KSrelief’s humanitarian works benefit individuals from Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian projects in Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan continue to benefit individuals needing medical and therapeutic intervention.

In Yemen, KSrelief provided services through the Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Center in Aden to 562 patients in November as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector and help individuals who require prostheses.

The center also delivered 1,395 services, including the manufacturing, fitting, and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, along with physical therapy and specialized consultations.

Also in Aden, a team of medical volunteers undertook an adult urology surgery campaign from Dec. 15 to 22, with the nine specialists performing 15 procedures on patients. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen

In Rzeszow, Poland, KSrelief volunteers fitted prosthetic limbs for 32 Ukrainian refugees between Dec. 8 to 15.

In Sudan’s Port Sudan, volunteers from KSrelief ran a pediatric surgical program and has successfully examined 15 children and performed seven successful surgeries so far.


‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates Saudi Arabia and Iraq cultures

‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates Saudi Arabia and Iraq cultures
Updated 19 December 2024
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‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates Saudi Arabia and Iraq cultures

‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates Saudi Arabia and Iraq cultures
  • Art, music and folklore to feature at Riyadh event until Dec. 31
  • Over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists will be on display

RIYADH: The Kingdom launched the second “Common Ground” festival on Wednesday to celebrate the rich cultures of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Organized by the Culture Ministry, “Common Ground” features a variety of activities including art, music and folklore.

The ministry invited residents to “explore and celebrate Iraqi culture and the historical and cultural bonds between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq through art, music, storytelling and more.”

The festival, which runs until Dec. 31, is being held at Mega Studio in Riyadh’s Boulevard City.

The event includes a tribute to writer Kareem Al-Iraqi, who died last year, for his contribution to art and literature, which includes novels, plays, songs and screenplays.

The opening night featured songs by renowned Iraqi singer-songwriter Kadim Al-Sahir. And Thursday will have several seminars led by heritage experts.

There will also be over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists on display at the festival.

Meanwhile, in AlUla on Wednesday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudani was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for discussions on regional events.


Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan
Updated 19 December 2024
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan
  • Medical team assesses 15 children and carries out 7 successful operations during first few days of the project, which is staffed by volunteers

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief this week launched a volunteer pediatric surgical program in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan.

By Wednesday, the medical team had assessed 15 children and carried out seven successful surgeries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sudan is locked in a civil war between two rival factions of the country’s military government that began in April 2023. It has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced about 12 million people.

The conflict has also had a devastating effect on healthcare, with more than two-thirds of major hospitals in out of service, according to the World Health Organization.


Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy

Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy
Updated 18 December 2024
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Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy

Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palestine to the Kingdom Mazen Ghoneim in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, and Prince Faisal wished the ambassador success in his new duties, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Baha Gov. Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz met with Ambassaor of India to the Kingdom Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan to discuss topics of mutual interest.