Day: June 15, 2024

Mina: Nestled within the sacred grounds of Arafat, Namira Mosque holds profound importance for pilgrims embarking on their Hajj journey. As the sun rises on the ninth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, pilgrims flock to this historic location, following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his Farewell Pilgrimage, as they perform both the noon and afternoon prayers.

Nimra Mosque’s origins trace back to the early Abbasid Caliphate period. It stands on the very spot where Prophet Muhammad delivered a momentous speech during his Farewell Pilgrimage.

Under the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, Namira Mosque underwent a massive SAR237 million expansion. Today, it stands as the second-largest mosque in the Makkah Region, after the Grand Mosque, covering an area of 110,000 square meters and accommodating 400,000 worshippers. The expansion included remarkable features such as six minarets, three domes, ten main entrances with 64 doors, and a spacious shaded courtyard. An external radio
room facilitates the live satellite broadcast of sermons and prayers.

Dedicated to ensuring the comfort and security of pilgrims, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has undertaken various initiatives at Namira Mosque. These efforts encompass maintenance, efficient operation, thorough cleaning, luxurious carpeting, upgrades to the air conditioning and air purification systems, and the upkeep of electrical generators and security cameras.

Namira Mosque serves as a testament to the rich history and traditions of Islam. Through continuous preservation and modernization endeavors, Saudi Arabia upholds the significance of this landmark, ensuring it continues to cater to the needs of pilgrims as they engage in their sacred rituals.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Makkah: To ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during their Hajj rituals, the General Transport Authority’s (TGA) inspection teams conducted over 3,000 inspections of various transportation means in Makkah and Madinah on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

The authority detected over 590 violations, including operating vehicles without permits, using unqualified drivers, and drivers failing to adhere to the official dress code or carry cargo documents.

The authority continues its monitoring efforts throughout the Hajj season to ensure safe and smooth transportation services and to enhance the quality of services provided to the pilgrims. Beneficiaries can contact the authority through the unified number 19929 for inquiries or complaints.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Lucerne: Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met today with the Republic of Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Fuad Hussein on the sidelines of the Ukraine Peace Summit, held in Lucerne, Switzerland.

During the meeting, they reviewed the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them. They also discussed regional and international developments and the efforts exerted in this regard.

The meeting was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Dr. Saud bin Mohammed Al-Sati, Saudi Ambassador to Switzerland Dr. Adel Mirdad, and Director General of the Foreign Minister’s Office Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Lucerne: Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on the sidelines of the Ukraine Peace Summit, held in Lucerne, Switzerland.

During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis, as well as opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Ukraine and ways to support and develop these relations in various fields.

The meeting was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Dr. Saud bin Mohammed Al-Sati, Saudi Ambassador to Switzerland Dr. Adel Mirdad, and Director General of the Foreign Minister’s Office Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Arafat: The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) recorded an all-time high electricity load of 454 megawatts in Arafat on Saturday afternoon, with no significant interruptions.

The SEC confirmed its operational plan is on track, with reinforcements made to the electrical grid in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, ensuring sufficient power supply to meet and exceed the expected demand. This guarantees a reliable and efficient electricity service for the comfort and convenience of the pilgrims.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Arafat: The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, hailed the successful movement of pilgrims from Makkah and Mina to Arafat. This accomplishment involved a complex operation utilizing the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line, over 20,000 buses, and a dedicated workforce of 100,000, including drivers, field guides, and dispatch teams. The efficient operation ensured all pilgrims reached Arafat by 10:30 AM this morning.

Speaking at a press conference in Arafat, Al-Rabiah emphasized the ministry’s commitment to providing exceptional service to pilgrims. Teams are constantly monitoring and evaluating services to ensure the utmost comfort and satisfaction.

According to Al-Rabiah, this year’s Hajj season, 1445 AH, welcomed over 1.8 million pilgrims from more than 200 countries. Of these, 221,854 pilgrims came from within Saudi Arabia, with men accounting for 52 percent and women for 48 percent. All pilgrims have successfully completed the rituals in Arafat and will proceed to Muzdalifah as per the mi
nistry’s schedule.

Al-Rabiah expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their unwavering support in providing the best possible experience for pilgrims. He commended the collaborative efforts of all entities involved, particularly the “No Hajj Without Permit” campaign led by the Ministry of Interior, which effectively reduced unauthorized participation.

The minister also highlighted the success of the “Nusuk Card” initiative. Over two million cards were distributed, providing vital information on pilgrim data, housing, and service providers. This innovative tool significantly improved service delivery, guidance, and identification of authorized pilgrims. A dedicated technical team from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah manages the card system, ensuring data accuracy and real-time verification.

Source: Saudi Press Age
ncy