Latest news with #GrandHajjSymposium
Sharjah 24
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Al Darei: Grand Hajj symposium unites visions and ideas
Gathering of Islamic leaders and scholars The symposium brought together senior officials, scholars, and thinkers from across the Islamic world to discuss the development and enhancement of Hajj and Umrah affairs. Dr Al Darei highlights the importance of collaboration Dr Al Darei praised Saudi Arabia's continued efforts in improving Hajj and Umrah services, stating that the Grand Hajj Symposium serves as a vital platform for aligning visions and ideas among countries and Hajj missions. He emphasized that the symposium promotes innovative initiatives and facilitates the exchange of best practices in Hajj operations. Advancing UAE-Saudi cooperation Dr Al Darei also stressed the strength of the UAE–Saudi relationship, describing it as rooted in shared values and a common destiny, and affirmed the importance of ongoing collaboration in religious and other strategic areas. Focus on technology and service enhancement The symposium featured scientific sessions and discussions on modernising the Hajj experience through the use of technology and artificial intelligence, aiming to improve services and ensure a safer, more efficient pilgrimage for all.
Observer
01-06-2025
- Observer
Omani mission participates in Haj symposium
JEDDAH: The Omani Haj mission took part in the 49th edition of the Grand Hajj Symposium, organised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars and King Abdulaziz Foundation. Held under the theme "Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments," the event took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah. Since its inception in 1397 AH (1977), the symposium has served as a leading knowledge platform, fostering scholarly and intellectual exchange among Islamic scholars and thinkers. It focuses on the religious, cultural, and social dimensions of Hajj, highlights Saudi Arabia's achievements in serving the guests of the Most Merciful and showcases pioneering projects in the Two Holy Mosques. Additionally, it promotes intellectual dialogue to address challenges facing the Islamic world. The symposium commenced with a special meeting for heads of Hajj affairs offices from various Islamic countries, including the Omani delegation, to discuss coordination and cooperation in serving pilgrims. The opening session featured welcoming remarks, followed by the first main session, titled "Facilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia's Vision in Serving Hajj Performers." This session highlighted the Kingdom's efforts in streamlining pilgrims' journeys — from arrival to departure — providing integrated healthcare, and ensuring their safety through security measures and regulatory permits. It also reviewed infrastructure development projects in Makkah and the holy sites. The second session, "The Concept of Capability in Islam and Its Role in Facilitating Hajj," discussed topics such as physical and financial capability (istita'ah) and the importance of educating pilgrims on its jurisprudential aspects. On the sidelines of the symposium, specialised workshops were held, with participation from the Omani Hajj mission, including sessions on healthcare services and media and awareness. These aimed to enhance service quality for pilgrims and craft a global narrative for Hajj. The event concluded with a final statement emphasising the need for stronger cooperation among Islamic nations to serve pilgrims and address contemporary challenges. — ONA
Arab News
01-06-2025
- Health
- Arab News
49th Hajj symposium highlights pilgrimage in a changing world
JEDDAH: The 49th Grand Hajj Symposium was held in Jeddah on Sunday and gathered scholars, intellectuals and officials from across the Islamic world to reflect on the evolving significance of Hajj in the context of current global challenges. Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), this year's symposium was held under the theme 'Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.' The event underscored how Hajj remains a deeply spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian ritual that has adapted to today's logistical and societal challenges. It sought to align the foundations of Islamic teachings with the practical realities of modern Hajj, from technological and health developments to logistical transformations affecting every step of the pilgrimage. The Grand Hajj Symposium has served as a platform for scholarly exchange for over four decades, fostering dialogue on Hajj among academics and religious leaders. The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: 'This year's preparations for Hajj are the result of integrated efforts aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Guests of Allah Service Program.' He noted that the efforts of the Saudi authorities had significantly improved pilgrim satisfaction from 74 percent in 2022 to 81 percent in 2024. The readiness level for Hajj this year, as of Saturday, had reached more than 97 percent, compared to 81 percent last year. He added: 'We have focused on enhancing the digital Hajj experience and leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate the pilgrim's journey, ensure their safety, and enhance their comfort.' Key initiatives include infrastructure upgrades led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, including 170,000 sq. meters of shaded areas, 20,000 newly planted trees, and the construction of rubberized pedestrian walkways at the holy sites. Healthcare provisions have also been expanded with a new emergency hospital, 15 ambulance units, 71 rapid response stations, and 64 two-story health complexes. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has implemented an advanced operational package encompassing enhanced mobility systems, improved spatial guidance, upgraded audio systems, children's hospitality centers, and an enriched itikaf (spiritual retreat) experience. Al-Rabiah said: 'What we witness today in terms of harmony and readiness among various sectors reflects the leadership's care for the pilgrims and its commitment to enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and seamless environment. 'We strive and hope that these efforts will contribute to the continual development of the Hajj system and the elevation of the pilgrim's experience year after year.' Saleh Al-Rasheed, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said that the commission was established to deliver integrated services in line with Vision 2030. He added that a newly launched general transport center had brought together more than 10 entities to streamline the transportation of pilgrims. With over 23,000 buses and the Al-Mashaaer train system in place, the transportation network provides safe and efficient mobility for pilgrims. Enhancements to Makkah's central area and the completion of ring roads have further improved access. Al-Rasheed also stressed that projects managed by the Kidana Development Company — including upgrades in signage, shading and pedestrian facilities as part of a broader strategy — had helped to elevate the overall experience of Hajj. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Grand Mufti, said that those unable to obtain a Hajj permit fell under the ruling of lacking istita'ah (capability), even if they were physically and financially able. Educating pilgrims on the jurisprudence of istita'ah was among the key duties, as it served to facilitate the rituals and protect lives, he explained. Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami emphasized the importance of complying with Hajj permit regulations to ensure public health and safety. He said that performing Hajj without a permit 'causes significant harm to law-abiding pilgrims and every visitor to the holy sites.' The Ministry of Interior, alongside other agencies, has led a campaign to curb violations to help contribute to smoother crowd control and reduce risk of overcrowding. Prince Faisal bin Salman, the special adviser to King Salman and chairman of Darah, noted the Kingdom's long-standing commitment to pilgrims. He said: 'Serving the pilgrims has been regarded as a sacred honor, a duty, and a historic responsibility entrusted to the leadership of this nation — generation after generation. 'Their diligent efforts (King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) have led to the implementation of major infrastructure projects and comprehensive services — both logistical and humanitarian — that accompany the pilgrims from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom until their safe departure to their destinations.' Darah also announced a new knowledge-based project to expand research and documentation to reinforce the cultural and scholarly role of the Two Holy Mosques and facilitate scientific and scholarly exchange among researchers and experts from across the Islamic world. The symposium's program also featured a series of insightful sessions and workshops focused on enhancing the Hajj experience. 'Facilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims' highlighted Saudi Arabia's strategic approach to improving pilgrimage services, while another session explored the religious and practical dimensions of a pilgrim's ability to perform Hajj. Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, the deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, delivered a keynote address on enhancing service quality and leveraging capabilities to care for pilgrims. The symposium also included two specialized workshops: one focused on health services, and the other on media and awareness to support and inform pilgrims.
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Malaysians without permits advised not to attempt haj
MAKKAH: With just days to go before wukuf, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has advised Malaysians without authorisation from Saudi authorities not to risk performing the pilgrimage illegally. Apart from the risk of facing stern legal action, he said there were also serious concerns over pilgrims' health if they attempt the haj through unauthorised means. He said this was among the matters raised during a meeting between religious affairs ministers and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, earlier today. "I urge Malaysian pilgrims without permits not to remain in the Holy Land to perform the haj illegally. The Saudi government has clearly stated it will strictly enforce regulations this year to ensure the safety of pilgrims worldwide. "That's why we're seeing less congestion this year compared to previous years. We hope with these efforts, there will be no casualties, or at least a significant reduction compared to last year," he said. He was speaking after attending the Grand Hajj Symposium here today. Na'im also shared the latest update revealed during the symposium: pilgrims will no longer be allowed to walk on foot from Makkah to Arafah. Instead, they must travel via transportation provided by the authorities. He said the Saudi government would be enhancing the transport system, taking into account the extreme heat. "Some pilgrims may feel they're physically capable of walking long distances, but that will not be allowed this year. "Last year, many suffered heatstroke from walking long distances under the scorching sun, and some even died on the spot. "This year, Saudi Arabia is placing great emphasis on pilgrim safety," he added. Touching on his meeting with Dr Tawfiq, Na'im said it was also confirmed that pilgrims will not be allowed to leave their designated areas between 10am and 4pm during the peak period in Arafah. In addition, visits to popular sites among Malaysian pilgrims, namely Masjid Namirah and Jabal Rahmah, will be restricted during those hours.
Times of Oman
01-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Omani Hajj Mission participates in Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah
Jeddah: The Omani Hajj mission took part in the 49th edition of the Grand Hajj Symposium, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars and King Abdulaziz Foundation. Held under the theme "Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments," the event took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah. Since its inception in 1397 AH (1977), the symposium has served as a leading knowledge platform, fostering scholarly and intellectual exchange among Islamic scholars and thinkers. It focuses on the religious, cultural, and social dimensions of Hajj, highlights Saudi Arabia's achievements in serving the guests of the Most Merciful, and showcases pioneering projects in the Two Holy Mosques. Additionally, it promotes intellectual dialogue to address challenges facing the Islamic world. The symposium commenced with a special meeting for heads of Hajj affairs offices from various Islamic countries, including the Omani delegation, to discuss coordination and cooperation in serving pilgrims. The opening session featured welcoming remarks, followed by the first main session, titled "Facilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia's Vision in Serving Hajj Performers." This session highlighted the Kingdom's efforts in streamlining pilgrims' journeys—from arrival to departure—providing integrated healthcare, and ensuring their safety through security measures and regulatory permits. It also reviewed infrastructure development projects in Makkah and the holy sites. The second session, "The Concept of Capability in Islam and Its Role in Facilitating Hajj," discussed topics such as physical and financial capability (istita'ah) and the importance of educating pilgrims on its jurisprudential aspects. On the sidelines of the symposium, specialized workshops were held, with participation from the Omani Hajj mission, including sessions on healthcare services, and media and awareness. These aimed to enhance service quality for pilgrims and craft a global narrative for Hajj. The event concluded with a final statement emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation among Islamic nations to serve pilgrims and address contemporary challenges. Held for over four decades, the Grand Hajj Symposium underscores Saudi Arabia's role as a religious and cultural beacon. Oman's participation reflects its commitment to contributing to this intellectual forum, which fosters dialogue and unifies efforts to improve the Hajj experience. On the sidelines, Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah met with Ahmed Saleh Al Rashdi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and head of the Omani Hajj mission, along with heads of Hajj delegations from several brotherly and friendly countries. They discussed various topics related to organizing pilgrims' affairs.
