logo
Islamic Affairs Ministry greets 500 Palestinian pilgrims as King's guests

Islamic Affairs Ministry greets 500 Palestinian pilgrims as King's guests

Saudi Gazette01-06-2025

Saudi Gazette report
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has welcomed the first group of 500 Palestinian pilgrims from the West Bank, comprising families of martyrs, prisoners, and the wounded. They came for Hajj under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit.
This is in line with a generous directive from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to host a total of 1,000 pilgrims from these Palestinian families at his own personal expense.
Upon their arrival in the Kingdom, the ministry's field committees provided comprehensive services, including escorting them to their accommodations in Makkah, organizing their transportation, and ensuring all their needs were met. These efforts aimed to enable the guests to perform their Hajj rituals in an atmosphere of peace and comfort.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tourism Ministry: Saudi Arabia tops 100 million visitors for second year in a row in 2024
Tourism Ministry: Saudi Arabia tops 100 million visitors for second year in a row in 2024

Saudi Gazette

time14 hours ago

  • Saudi Gazette

Tourism Ministry: Saudi Arabia tops 100 million visitors for second year in a row in 2024

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia welcomed around 116 million domestic and foreign tourists in 2024, and this figure marks an increase of six percent compared to 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism. In its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, released on Sunday, the ministry stated that total tourism spending for domestic and inbound travel during the last year reached approximately SR284 billion, reflecting an 11 percent year-over-year growth. The ministry noted that Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, with approximately 30 million visitors in 2024, marking an 8 percent rise compared to 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SR168.5 billion, up 19 percent from the previous year. Domestic tourism also experienced solid growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a five percent increase compared to 2023. Moreover, domestic tourism spending reached SR115.3 billion in 2024. The ministry's annual report highlighted key indicators of tourism activity and underscored the sector's continued growth following the significant progress made in 2023. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb stated that the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved through the guidance and support of the Kingdom's leadership. He highlighted that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report shedding light on the sector's accelerated growth, driven by the efforts of the ministry and all stakeholders in Saudi Arabia's tourism ecosystem. The ministry invited investors and stakeholders to view the full 2024 Annual Statistical Report, available on its official website.

Tourism ministry intensifies inspections in summer tourist destinations
Tourism ministry intensifies inspections in summer tourist destinations

Saudi Gazette

timea day ago

  • Saudi Gazette

Tourism ministry intensifies inspections in summer tourist destinations

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism has intensified its inspections of summer tourist destinations across Saudi Arabia. These inspections aimed to ensure that hospitality facilities of all types carry the necessary licenses from the ministry and comply with approved quality standards, coinciding with the launch of the Saudi Summer season. The inspection tours covered several regions and cities, including Asir, Al-Baha, Taif, and Jeddah, over the past two months. The ministry's inspection teams carried out more than 2,800 visits to summer destinations. These visits assessed the quality of services provided, the availability of safety requirements, and cleanliness levels, while also confirming that facilities had obtained the necessary licenses to operate. The ministry emphasized to all hospitality establishments—including private facilities—the importance of delivering high-quality services and adhering to its approved regulations. It stressed that violators will face penalties, which may include fines of up to SR1 million, closure of the facility, or both. The ministry also called on tourists and visitors to report any concerns regarding hospitality services by contacting the Unified Tourism Center over the phone number 930. All reports will be promptly addressed to enhance service quality and improve the overall visitor experience at tourist destinations.

False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week
False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week

Arab News

time2 days ago

  • Arab News

False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week

RIYADH: A Saudia Airlines flight carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia from the Middle East was diverted on Saturday following a bomb threat, according to reports. It is the second such incident in a week involving a Saudia flight. Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat, and was due to land in Surabaya on the island of Java. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said air traffic controllers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta received a call alerting them to a bomb threat onboard the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday morning. The head of the regional airport authority, Asri Santosa, said in a statement that officers were inspecting the aircraft upon arrival, though the airport remained fully operational. All 376 passengers, Hajj pilgrims from Java, and 13 crew members were reported safe, according to a North Sumatra police spokesperson. The passengers are expected to resume their journey on Sunday. On request for comment by Arab News, Saudia confirmed the security threat was ultimately deemed false. 'In strict accordance with safety protocols, Saudia diverted flight SV5688 operating to Surabaya to Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia as a precautionary measure,' the airline said. 'The aircraft landed, and all guests and crew have deplaned safely. Local authorities conducted the required checks shortly after landing and have cleared the aircraft for continued operation. 'The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain Saudia's highest priority no matter the cost. Full care and support have been provided, and onward travel arrangements to Surabaya are being made,' it added. On Tuesday, another Saudia flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after authorities received an email containing a bomb threat.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store