India envoy praises Saudi Arabia for Hajj services

Special India envoy praises Saudi Arabia for Hajj services
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Indian ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan in ihram for Hajj. (X/@SuhelAKhanIFS)
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Updated 26 June 2024
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India envoy praises Saudi Arabia for Hajj services

India envoy praises Saudi Arabia for Hajj services
  • Suhel Ajaz Khan says support also provided by Indian doctors, paramedics
  • Death numbers ‘exaggerated’ but several died from illness, natural causes

RIYADH: India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, has praised Saudi Arabia for the services provided for pilgrims during this year’s Hajj.

Khan, who performed Hajj this year and helped his nation’s pilgrims, told Arab News: “We work very closely with the Saudi Health Ministry and other authorities in providing best medical services to our pilgrims.”

“We are thankful to all the cooperation we receive from the Saudi authorities in this regard. Saudi authorities are also deploying huge resources in helping the pilgrims of all nationalities with medical emergencies and other medical issues,” he added.

Khan said 175,000 Indian Muslims performed the pilgrimage this year, with officials assisting them from May 9. The operation ends on July 22 when the last group will leave the Kingdom.

Khan said the Indian Haj mission made extensive arrangements for the health and wellbeing of the country’s pilgrims.

“In coordination with the Ministry of Minority Affairs, a contingent of about 350 doctors and paramedics and sufficient quantities of medicines and medical equipment were deployed during the Hajj.

“Two medical camps were set up in Mina while one camp was set up in Arafat. In addition, doctors and paramedics were also deployed in each service center and camps in Mina.”

Commenting on the reported deaths of Indian pilgrims during the Hajj, Khan said: “This is the summertime and temperatures go quite high during the day. However, the reports of death among the Indian pilgrims due to heat wave have been exaggerated.”

“A total of six deaths were reported during the Day of Arafat, as against a much higher number being quoted in some media reports,” he said.

Four people died due to accidents, while others succumbed because of illness and natural causes, he added.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said last Friday that 98 nationals died while performing the Hajj due to high temperatures, natural causes, chronic illness and old age.


Lavender thrives in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

Lavender thrives in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region
Updated 51 min 33 sec ago
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Lavender thrives in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

Lavender thrives in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region
  • The plant has been observed to grow on the edge of the Nafud Desert, an indication that it could be propagated to fight desertification, says environmentalist

ARAR: The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, a vast area spanning approximately 104,000 square kilometers, boasts a richly aromatic, seasonal, and annual plant biodiversity. 

These plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover, stabilizing soil, and fostering ecotourism. Lavender has recently emerged as a prominent species among the region's diverse flora.

Lavender, characterized by its fragrant scent and vibrant purple hue, has been observed on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region. This emergence highlights the region's ecological significance and capacity to support diverse plant life.

Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told SPA that the lavender species is Horwoodia dicksoniae. This annual herbaceous plant features branching stems, typically reaching about 30 centimeters in height, and large, lobed leaves. Its dark lilac flowers, gathered in spike inflorescences, release a distinctive fragrance.

The plant thrives in shallow sandy loam and is valued for its ornamental qualities, making it suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens. Its smooth brown seeds further contribute to its propagation.

Al-Majlad emphasized the positive impact of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative on the region's ecology. These initiatives have facilitated afforestation, land reclamation, and the protection of wild areas, contributing to the resurgence of numerous trees and plants, including lavender, within the environmental landscape.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.


Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Updated 16 January 2025
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Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.

Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.


International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture

International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture
Updated 16 January 2025
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International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture

International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture
  • Scholars highlight the camel’s role in Arab history and the Arabic language
  • Experts from Saudi Arabia and abroad gather in Riyadh

RIYADH: Scholars at a Riyadh conference this week underscored the fundamental role the camel has played in shaping Arab heritage, emphasizing the profound link between camels and the Arabic language.

King Saud University, in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, is hosting the Fifth International Conference, titled “Camels in Arab Culture,” which ends on Thursday.

Prominent scholars and specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad are participating in the conference, which is exploring key topics related to camels, including heritage, history and geography, and archaeological findings.

Hajed Al-Harbi, conference chairman, said: “Honoring camels is a tribute to our deep-rooted values and rich heritage, reflecting our pride in our origins and historical legacy.”

Ibrahim Al-Furaih, conference secretary, told Arab News how the conference underscores the central role camels have played in shaping Arabic literature and intellectual thought throughout history.

“Camels are a fundamental element of our national identity and Arab culture, with a significant presence in our heritage.

“Whether through literature, poetry, inscriptions, or the daily life of early Arabs, they have left an indelible mark. Their influence endures, continuing to shape the lives of Arabs to this day,” Al-Furaih said.

Bedoor Al-Fassam, chair of the public relations committee for the conference, said organizers spent months preparing for the event.

Dr. Al-Fassam, who is also an assistant professor of literature and criticism in the Arabic language department at the university, confirmed that conference participation requests exceeded 300, from which 40 research papers were selected. The submitted papers covered a wide range of fields, including literary, linguistic, historical, and social studies, in addition to anthropology research.

Alongside participants from Saudi universities, the conference features academics from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Canada.

The attendees discussed the definition of camels in language and lexicography, as well as their effect on cultural and national identity.

Additionally, they explored the role of camels in Arabic poetry, narrative storytelling and biographies, highlighting their significance in other literatures and cultures.

The conference further delved into the role of camels in the national economy, addressing sectors such as investment, tourism, and entertainment, in addition to camel festivals, sports and racing events.


Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations

Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations
Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations

Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed the results of its third-quarter 2024 inspections, involving 9,655 checks on hospitality facilities and tourism activities across the Kingdom.

During the period, 7,521 violations were identified and 11,494 complaints were addressed, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Common violations included operating without a license, poor cleanliness, failure to meet licensing conditions and non-compliance by facility representatives.

Makkah had the highest number of inspections with more than 3,600, followed by Riyadh with more than 1,350, Madinah with over 1,100 and the Eastern Province with more than 1,070. The remaining regions accounted for more than 2,500 inspections.

These efforts aim to enhance the tourism sector’s sustainability, ensure compliance with regulations, improve service quality and boost visitor experiences.