More than 5.4m worshippers visit Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah in past week
1,810 bottles of Zamzam water handed out, 483,194 iftar meals provided
Updated 31 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah welcomed 5,428,718 worshippers over the past week, authorities revealed. Of those, 212,946 performed prayers in the Holy Rawdah, a revered area located between the Prophet’s house and his pulpit.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque also provided details of the services it provided for visitors to help keep them safe and comfortable, and to enhance their experiences.
For example, it said it provided communication services in several languages to 152,912 people of various nationalities, as part of its efforts to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
To help maintain appropriate levels of hygiene and safety, 292,056 liters of disinfectant were used to keep the mosque thoroughly clean and sterilized.
Meanwhile, 1,810 bottles of Zamzam water were handed out and 218 samples of the water were taken for quality-analysis purposes during the distribution process. In addition, 483,194 iftar meals were provided for worshippers in designated areas of the mosque.
Saudi interior minister received by Egyptian president
Prince Abdulaziz arrived in Egypt on Saturday evening
Updated 6 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on Sunday.
During the meeting, relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and security cooperation between the two countries were reviewed.
Prince Abdulaziz arrived in Egypt on Saturday evening.
Hajj 2025 planning meeting eyes new level of standards
The meeting invited 60 organizations from the Hajj sector, along with various princes, ministers and officials
Prince Saud announced the timeline for the 2025 Hajj season, adding that it will meet a new level of standards
Updated 08 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz attended the first planning meeting for the 2025 Hajj season in Jeddah on Sunday.
The meeting, held under the auspices of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah and head of the Central Hajj Committee, invited 60 organizations from the Hajj sector, along with various princes, ministers and officials.
Prince Saud announced the timeline for the 2025 Hajj season, adding that it will meet a new level of standards, including updated regulations, enhanced worker training and solutions to address challenges.
He conveyed the governor’s appreciation to organizations serving pilgrims and praised their efforts and the leadership’s support in providing high-quality services.
Prince Saud highlighted the need to build on the achievements of the 2024 Hajj season and ensure early preparation for this year’s pilgrimage. He urged the importance of increased cooperation to improve services and facilities.
He said that the meeting should result in clear, high-quality plans that positively impact the pilgrimage experience.
The meeting reviewed the 2024 Hajj season’s achievements, which included 300 plans for improved readiness. Notable accomplishments were the launch of the Nusuk card, experimental Hajj trips from Taif International Airport, expansion of the Makkah Route initiative, a 51-km extension of the Jeddah-Makkah highway, increased transportation from Mina to the Grand Mosque and the application of anti-heat paint near the Al-Namirah Mosque.
The meeting also covered the 2025 planning model, focusing on readiness, service quality standards and operational performance indicators.
A workshop titled “Harmonization of key services, roles and milestones” was held to review and initiate plans for this year’s Hajj season.
Medident signs MoU with Web Arabia for Healthcare Development in Saudi Arabia
Areas such as preventive health measures, elderly care and public health initiatives will also prioritized
Updated 08 September 2024
Khaldon Azhari
TOKYO: Tokyo-based Medident has entered a strategic partnership with Web Arabia, an IT company headquartered in Riyadh. The agreement, formalized through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to integrate Japanese healthcare standards with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.
The MoU, guided by CEO Dr. Tomita Daisuke, focuses on leveraging advanced medical technologies and improving healthcare management in Saudi hospitals. It particularly emphasizes digital training for healthcare professionals.
Areas such as preventive health measures, elderly care and public health initiatives will also be prioritized.
Web Arabia, an IT company, and part of the Al Sabhan conglomerate, is one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent companies. Based in Riyadh, Web Arabia specializes in smart city solutions and is a subsidiary of Metscco Heavy Steel Industries, a leading general engineering company responsible for major infrastructure construction projects in Saudi Arabia.
Through this partnership, Web Arabia will play a key role in promoting digital healthcare transformation. This transformation is not just a goal, but a means to achieve the ambitious healthcare goals set by Saudi Vision 2030.
The MoU, guided by CEO Dr. TOMITA Daisuke, focuses on leveraging advanced medical technologies and improving healthcare management in Saudi hospitals. (AN Japan Photo)
The aim is to revolutionize the healthcare sector through innovations in telemedicine, electronic health records, health monitoring technologies, and other advanced medical technologies.
Dr. Mohamed Abdelhakim, Medident’s Tokyo-based Overseas Business Director, has been a key figure in facilitating this collaboration. His extensive experience and education from Nippon Medical School’s Plastic Surgery Department and Cairo University School of Medicine, combined with his role in promoting advanced healthcare solutions and patient-centered care globally, make him an invaluable asset to this partnership.
The agreement between Medident and Web Arabia is not just about driving healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes. It’s about contributing to the overall well-being of Saudi Arabia’s population, aligning with the nation’s ambitious healthcare goals. This partnership promises a healthier, more prosperous future for the people of Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Tomita, President of the Japan Oral Health Association and Representative Director of Mirise Well Medical Group, is a highly respected figure in the healthcare industry. His extensive education and experience, including a Leading Digital Healthcare Transformation degree from Harvard Medical School and specialization in orthodontics, make him a trusted leader in this partnership.
New partnership to enhance museum accessibility for people with disabilities
MoU aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields
Updated 08 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Museums Commission and the Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities signed a memorandum of understanding at the National Museum in Riyadh on Sunday.
The memorandum, which was signed by Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the commission, and Hisham Al-Haidary, CEO of the authority, aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields.
The memorandum underscores the commitment of both entities to provide a safe, inclusive environment that upholds the rights of people with disabilities and enhances their participation in society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and historic identity while addressing the physical and emotional needs of people with disabilities to ensure their full access to museums and cultural programs.
Al-Haidary explained that the partnership aimed to achieve key objectives for empowering people with disabilities. He said: “We seek to provide comprehensive accessibility in museums and train staff on interacting with this group, including training tour guides in sign language for visitors with hearing impairments.”
Regarding visitor experience evaluation, Al-Haidary spoke of a clear mechanism agreed with the commission, including tracking visitors with disabilities, collecting data via surveys, and analyzing feedback on social media. Periodic reports will be prepared and shared with relevant entities to ensure continuous improvement.
Al-Sanousi said that the commission was evaluating all its museums to meet the highest safety and comfort standards for people with disabilities.
He said: “Efforts will include modifying infrastructure, providing safe pathways, immediate support services, and designated areas within museums.”
He also highlighted plans to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and the nonprofit sector to increase participation in cultural activities. Policies would include organizing special visits and interactive educational programs to engage people with disabilities and promote access to cultural resources.
The initiative is part of the ongoing development of the museum environment in the Kingdom, ensuring accessibility for everyone and promoting the involvement of people with disabilities in cultural and heritage activities.
