Latest news with #Al-Mandeel
Kuwait Times
06-06-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Kuwaiti hajj mission fully prepared as pilgrims reach holy sites
Kuwait mobilizes government and volunteer efforts to support 8,000 pilgrims MAKKAH: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Head of the Kuwaiti hajj Mission Dr Bader Al-Mutairi, announced on Tuesday that all Kuwaiti pilgrims—estimated at approximately 8,000—have arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of 60 organized hajj convoys. The announcement comes as preparations intensify for the start of the annual pilgrimage. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr Al-Mutairi said that mission teams from various participating entities are operating at full capacity and are providing services around the clock at the holy sites to ensure the comfort and safety of Kuwaiti pilgrims. He added that preparations at the key pilgrimage sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah have been completed in advance, underscoring the mission's goal of facilitating a safe and organized environment for pilgrims to carry out their religious duties. Dr Al-Mutairi urged all Kuwaiti pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities and to cooperate with the supervisory and service teams accompanying the Kuwaiti hajj mission. The mission includes several government and NGOs tasked with supporting pilgrims. These include the Ministries of Islamic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information, and Health, along with the General Fire Force, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, the Public Authority for Youth, and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS). In a related development, KRCS Secretary-General Fahad Al-Mandeel confirmed the organization's participation in this year's hajj mission. KRCS volunteers will provide humanitarian aid, first aid services, and logistical support to pilgrims. Al-Mandeel told KUNA that both male and female volunteers from the society will take part in the mission as part of KRCS's ongoing humanitarian role in serving pilgrims. He highlighted the society's continued collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and other official bodies. He also commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its extensive efforts in organizing the hajj season, noting the early preparations, high-quality services, and coordination with international hajj missions, including Kuwait's. According to Al-Mandeel, the KRCS delegation will deliver field medical services in coordination with Kuwaiti medical teams, assist elderly and ill pilgrims, and distribute necessary medical and informational materials. This is part of a broader, pre-planned program aimed at supporting pilgrims throughout the season. He praised the dedication of KRCS volunteers, describing their participation as both a national and humanitarian responsibility. Al-Mandeel concluded by thanking all cooperating entities and expressing hope for a safe and spiritually fulfilling hajj for all pilgrims. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
07-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Gulf unity is ‘key to tackling humanitarian challenges': KRCS
KUWAIT: Secretary-general and board member of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), Fahad Ahmad Al-Mandeel, reaffirmed the long-standing commitment of Gulf Red Crescent societies as 'active forces in humanitarian work at both regional and Gulf levels.' His remarks came during the 21st Meeting of the Presidents of Red Crescent Authorities and Societies in GCC Countries, held in Kuwait on Wednesday. Al-Mandeel stressed that unity and complementarity among societies are essential to achieving greater impact and long-term sustainability. 'What gives us even more confidence and pride is the complete consensus among us,' he noted. Al-Mandeel honored the memory of eight staff members from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society who lost their lives while serving in Gaza. 'Today, we are witnessing suffering across several Arab countries—Gaza under siege, Sudan and Somalia in crisis, Syria and Lebanon struggling—where humanity is being tested and lives are on the line,' he said. Faced with these growing challenges, Al-Mandeel emphasized the urgent humanitarian responsibility of the Red Crescent societies to act. 'Our humanitarian responsibility compels us to establish unified Gulf coordination and adopt practical, integrated mechanisms that elevate joint action,' he urged. He added that the meeting will discuss key topics aimed at strengthening the humanitarian and relief roles of Red Crescent organizations across the GCC. 'Our collective efforts and full alignment give us strength and hope,' he said. Presidents of Red Crescent authorities and Societies in GCC Countries pose for a group photo. Strategic vision for 2025 Delivering the second address, Abdullah Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, outlined the strategic priorities of the meeting. Central to the discussions is the implementation of the 2025 Strategic Plan, based on nine main pillars. These include expanding volunteer efforts, building human capacities, strengthening cooperation with regional organizations, and enhancing the Gulf Red Crescent's role in humanitarian, relief, and development sectors. 'Your decisions today are vital to advancing our joint humanitarian and economic efforts toward true integration,' said Al-Rubaie. He also stressed the importance of coordinated media strategies, joint disaster response frameworks, and the celebration of Gulf Red Crescent Day as a symbol of unity and shared humanitarian vision. The 21st edition of the meeting comes at a time of mounting pressure on relief agencies, as the region continues to grapple with ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society, under the leadership of Ambassador Khaled Mohammed Al-Mughamis, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with fellow GCC Red Crescent societies and the GCC General Secretariat, particularly the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector led by Al-Rubaie. Together, Gulf Red Crescent organizations aim to boost visibility and operational effectiveness across the region, ensuring that collective humanitarian action remains strong, responsive, and united in the face of growing challenges.
