At the Grand Holy Mosque, the prayer was attended by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the King Salman…reports Asian Lite News
Muslim devotees on Tuesday performed the prayer of the blessed Eid Al-Adha in the Grand Holy Mosque, the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, and in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with strict precautionary measures and regulations to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the Grand Holy Mosque, the prayer was attended by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the King Salman and Governor of Makkah Region, his deputy Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, and a number of princes.
The prayer was also performed in the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, and attended by Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah region, and his deputy Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Faisal.
In Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh region attended the Eid Al-Adha prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque.
Meanwhile, the pilgrims performed today Tawaf al-Ifadah (circumambulation), amid a system of services and precautionary measures inside the Grand Holy Mosque.
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid performs Eid Al Adha prayer at Sheikh Rashid Mosque (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces have received congratulatory wishes from Arab and Islamic leaders on the occasion of Eid Al Adha, reports Asian Lite Newdesk
With strict Covid-19 safety measures, the residents and royals of United Arab Emirates offered Eid Al Adha prayers at mosques and musallahs across the UAE on Tuesday morning.
The rulers and Crown Princes offered the prayers with dignitaries and officials in their respective Emirates, it was reported.
In Abu Dhabi,Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, performed the Eid Al Adha prayer at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
He was joined by a congregation of worshippers and a number of Sheikhs, ministers and senior state officials.
In his Eid sermon, preacher Dr. Omar Al Dharie, Executive Director of Islamic Affairs at the General Authority Of Islamic Affaires & Endowments, highlighted the religious significance of the Eid Al Adha and story of sacrifice and obedience of prophet Abraham and his son Ismael.
Mohamed bin Zayed performs Eid Al Adha prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (WAM)
”It is a great day of sacrifice, giving, generosity, joy, mercy and communication with families and neighnours,” he said, urging members of the community to adhere to precautionary and preventive measures for their health safety.
Following the prayer, Sheikh Mohamed exchanged Eid greetings with well-wishers and then visited the tomb of late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan and recited ‘Al Fatiha’ in prayer for his soul.
In Dubai,Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, performed Eid Al Adha prayer at the Sheikh Rashid Mosque in Zabeel, Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, along with several Sheikhs, citizens and residents also performed the prayer at the mosque.
In his speech during the prayers, Dr. Omar Mohammed Al Khateeb highlighted the importance of piety and obedience to the country’s leadership and adhering to the precautionary measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and protecting the community.
In Ras Al Khaimah,Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, performed Eid Al Adha prayer at the Grand Eid Musalla.
Performing the prayer along with Sheikh Saud were H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, and a number of Sheikhs, top officials and members of the Arab and Islamic communities in Ras Al Khaimah.
In his Eid sermon, the imam said the Eid is an occasion of showing compassion, love, mercy, joy and respect between people, urging members of the public to adhere to precautionary measures due to the exceptional health circumstance the world are going through.
In Ajman, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, offered Eid Al Adha prayers at Al Zaher Palace.
Earlier, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has congratulated President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.
He expressed his congratulations and well-wishes to President Sheikh Khalifa, the people of the UAE, and the Arab and Islamic nations on the auspicious occasion.
In Umm Al Qaiwain, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, performed Eid Al Adha prayer at Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mu’alla Mosque in Umm Al Qaiwain.
Performing the prayer along with Sheikh Saud were Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain, and a number of Sheikhs, heads of government departments, top local officials and members of the Arab and Islamic communities in Umm Al Qaiwain.
In his Eid sermon, Sheikh Mohammed Ibrahim Humaid said: ”This day is a day of connection, charity and giving in which we reach our kinship and our neighbors, bring happiness to our families.” He urged members of the public to commit themselves to precautionary measures for their health safety.
King Abdullah is set to have a working breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris, and to meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken, reports Asian Lite News
The US “will always be there for Jordan,” President Joe Biden told King Abdullah on Monday as the Jordanian monarch arrived in Washington for an official visit.
Biden called the king a “good, loyal, decent friend.”
“You’ve always been there, and we will always be there for Jordan,” he said.
Abdullah said his region has many challenges. “You can always count on me, my country and many of our colleagues in the region,” he told Biden.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said talks between the king and the president would be “an opportunity to discuss the many challenges facing the Middle East and showcase Jordan’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability in the region.”
The two leaders are expected to discuss the conflict in Syria, from where more than 1 million refugees have fled to Jordan, and a difficult security situation in Iraq, a US administration official said. At least eight drone attacks and 17 rocket attacks have targeted the US military presence in Iraq since Biden took office in January.
I met today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan to express my gratitude for his steadfast friendship and consult with him on a range of challenges and opportunities in the Middle East. The U.S.-Jordan strategic partnership is as important as ever. pic.twitter.com/FN9oNiHxtJ
King Abdullah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited Baghdad in June for talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi. The Biden administration sees Jordan as a moderate voice in the region that can help “balance and counter” some of the more malign influence coming from Iran, the administration official said.
The Jordanian king had a difficult relationship with Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, who he saw as undercutting the prospect of peace between Israelis and Palestinians with his 2017 declaration of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Biden has no plans to reverse US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital.
King Abdullah is the first Arab leader to meet face-to-face with Biden. The president will host Kadhimi at the White House next week, and Biden has invited Israel’s new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, to visit later this summer.
King Abdullah is also set to have a working breakfast on Tuesday with Vice President Kamala Harris, and to meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein are expected to join King Abdullah for the White House visit.
F-16 upgrade
Biden and King Abdullah during a meeting at the White House discussed US support to modernize Amman’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, the White House.
“The leaders reflected on the strategic US-Jordan defence relationship,” the release said on Monday. “They discussed US support for the modernization of Jordan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, which will allow for greater interoperability and effectiveness of the Jordanian Armed Forces.”
Biden and Abdullah also discussed significant challenges in Syria, especially on efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Syrians, the release said.
The Biden administration intends to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas in the coming months, including on economic matters, the release said.
Help to fight Covid-19
In the meeting, the President announced the delivery of over 500,000 Covid-19 vaccines to Jordan and both leaders also weighed in on the US-Jordan defence relationship, the Syrian crisis. As per the readout of the meeting provided by the White House, “President Biden confirmed unwavering U.S. support for Jordan and His Majesty’s leadership. He was proud to announce the delivery of over 500,000 Covid-19 vaccines to Jordan, underscoring the US commitment to bringing the same urgency to international vaccination efforts that we have demonstrated at home.”
The cloth is made of 670 kg of high-quality silk,120 kg of gold threads, and 100 kg of silver threads…reports Asian lite News
The Kaaba cloth (Kiswa) was replaced on Sunday night, a process administered by the staff of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet Mosque as per the annual tradition.
The specified team from the General Administration of King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba dismantled the old kiswa and installed the new one, then installed it in the corners and surface of the Kaaba. The presidency has also secured all precautionary measures and means of prevention and safety so that this process takes place in the utmost levels of security and safety.
The cloth is made of 670 kg of high-quality silk,120 kg of gold threads, and 100 kg of silver threads, the SPA news agency reported.
As many as 200 Saudi craftsmen were employed to produce the black curtain at King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa, according to Deputy Head of the General Presidency for the Grand Mosque Affairs Dr. Saad bin Mohammad Al-Mohaimeed.
The Haj smart card records its holder’s personal, medical and residential information….reports Asian Lite News
The Saudi government is employing the latest information technologies to help control the spread of Covid-19 during this year’s Haj season.
The Ministry of Haj and Umrah said on Sunday that it launched the “Haj smart cards” to facilitate the journey of pilgrims, reports Xinhua news agency.
The cards, equipped with near field communication (NFC) technologies, can be scanned by self-service machines at the holy sites to feed fast and accurate information to the organisers.
The Haj smart card records its holder’s personal, medical and residential information.
It can also help the pilgrims to find locations and gain access to various venues.
Moreover, the kingdom also distributed about 5,000 smart bracelets for pilgrims, which are not only capable of storing the pilgrims’ personal information, but also monitoring their health conditions such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and possible exposure to the infectious virus.
It is the second year in a row, in which Saudi Arabia is organising the annual pilgrimage without foreign worshippers as part of precautionary measures against the ongoing pandemic.
About 60,000 Muslims, selected by the authorities from 558,000 registered ones, will take part in the 2021 Haj season, while the number was 2.5 million in 2019.
More than 13 million worshippers wearing masks and observing physical distancing rules have visited the mosques since the seven-month prayer and Umrah suspension was lifted last October.
Last week, Saudi Arabia had launched an awareness campaign for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
It focused on educating the pilgrims about the precautionary instructions that must be adhered to before entering Makkah to ensure a healthy environment for performing the rituals of Hajj during this unprecedented situation.
The ministry’s deployment of electronic systems for various Hajj procedures, including a Hajj smart card “Shayir” helps control the entry of pilgrims to camps in the holy sites and various facilities and grouping them to the Jamarat facility, Deputy Minister of Hajj, Dr. Abdulfattah bin Suleiman Mashat said.
The campaign has educated the pilgrims about the benefits of the unified card for all pilgrims, which contains their personal, medical and residential information. This information contributes to better coordination of the Hajj procedures, starting with issuing the Hajj permit and managing the entry of pilgrims to Makkah and the holy sites, and performance of Hajj rituals
It also helps guiding and organising the pilgrims in the camps of the holy sites, the mount of Arafat, the stoning of the Jamarat, the Ifadah Tawaf, along with other rituals.
The authorities monitored the smooth ascending of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat….reports Asian Lite News
Thousands pilgrims with facemasks performing annual Hajj pilgrimage flocked to Arafat holy site on Monday morning to atone for their sins in peace and tranquillity.
Pilgrims are accompanied by a direct security follow-up carried out by the personnel of the various security sectors to organize the movement, in addition to guiding pilgrims and ensuring their safety, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Different government sectors taking part in the service of pilgrims have provided all medical, emergency and catering services in Arafat site for pilgrims.
The authorities monitored the smooth ascending of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat.
Pilgrims performed shortened Dhuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) combined prayers at and around Namira mosque on Arafat Day, as per the Prophetic Sunnah.
In the evening, they performed shortened and delayed Maghrib (sunset) and Isha (evening) prayers when they went down Muzdalifah valley following the end of Arafat day.
Before pandemic, more than two million pilgrims used to cover Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat, sitting close to each other in the scorching heat of the desert city of Makkah, carrying umbrellas and fans to keep cool as temperatures rose toward 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), according to a report.
This year pilgrims, dressed in white robes signifying a state of purity, had to observe social distancing and wear face masks on Mount Arafat, the hill where Islam holds God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his son Ismail, it was reported.
Meanwhile, the official spokesperson of Hajj Security Forces Command Brigadier Sami Al-Shuwairekh stated that 52 persons were caught for violating the regulations and instructions of Hajj, which stipulate that it is mandatory to obtain a permit for Hajj.
Each one of them will be fined SAR 10,000 according to the prescribed legal measures.
Brigadier Al-Shuwairekh called on all citizens and residents to abide by the instructions for this year’s Hajj season. He stressed that the security personnel will implement the regulations against persons who try to reach the Holy Mosque, its surrounding central area and the holy sites (Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat) without a permit, until the end of 13 Dhul-Hijjah 1442H.
Those who recovered from the virus less than 6 months before their travel date are exempted, as well as anyone who has recovered and received one jab of the vaccine, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Saudi Arabia has announced that all Saudi citizens must have two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to be able to travel abroad as of 9th August.
Quoting a source of the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said that the decision excludes those under the age of 12 years, provided they present an insurance policy before travelling.
Those who recovered from the virus less than 6 months before their travel date are also exempted, as well as anyone who has recovered and received one jab of the vaccine.
It said the decision was based on new waves of infection globally, new mutations, and the “low efficacy of one vaccination dose against these mutations.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health on Monday announced that 1,293 new confirmed cases of the Covid-19 have been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number to 510,869, including 10,631 active cases.
Of these, there are 1,403 critical cases, while the health condition of the rest is stable, the statement said.
It added that 14 new deaths have been reported, putting the tally of fatalities at 8,089.
Meanwhile, as many as 1,453 cases have recovered, raising recoveries toll to 492,149.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia has assured that mixing doses of COVID-19 vaccines from different brands, which have already been approved in the Kingdom, is safe.
The official spokesman for Ministry of Health (MoH), Dr. Mohamed Al-Abdali, as saying that it is a procedure authorised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and in many countries of the world.
Dr. Al-Abdali said in a tweet, “Incorrect interpretations are being circulated in the media about what was issued by the World Health Organisation about mixing the vaccines. We confirm the safety of mixing the vaccines approved in the Kingdom, based on [inputs from] international research and specialised scientific committees, as this procedure is authorised by WHO and a number of world’s countries.”
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in Riyadh
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, in Riyadh on Monday.
At the outset of the meeting, the Crown Prince welcomed the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the accompanying delegation on their visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi conveyed the greetings of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Crown Princes of Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi exchanged congratulation on the advent of the blessed Eid Al-Adha.
During the meeting, they reviewed deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries and aspects of bilateral cooperation and ways to support and develop it in various fields. They also discussed the latest regional and international developments and efforts exerted in their regard.
The meeting was attended by Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Cabinet Member; Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense; and Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.
On the Emirati side, the meeting was also attended by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme National Security Council.
Abdullah, who faced down a challenge to his authority in April from his half-brother, Prince Hamza, will have his first Oval Office talks with Biden since the US president took power in January….reports Asian Lite News
Abdullah, who faced down a challenge to his authority in April from his half-brother, Prince Hamza, will have his first Oval Office talks with Biden since the US president took power in January….reports
President Joe Biden on Monday will host Jordan’s King Abdullah, a key US ally in a volatile region, in what will be the first of three face-to-face meetings with leaders from the Middle East expected soon.
Abdullah, who faced down a challenge to his authority in April from his half-brother, Prince Hamza, will have his first Oval Office talks with Biden since the US president took power in January.
He will also have a working breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday at the vice president’s residence. He will meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department on Tuesday.
Abdullah plays a unique role in the Middle East, seen by US officials as a moderate and pragmatic leader who can play a mediating role.
Abdullah is the first Middle East leader to visit the Biden White House, to be followed on July 26 by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. US and Israeli officials are working on scheduling a meeting soon between Biden and new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
A senior Biden administration official said the president’s talks with the king are expected to include the way forward for Israel and the Palestinians with Bennett having recently replaced Benjamin Netanyahu as Israeli prime minister.
Tensions remain high in the wake of the 11-day war in May between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.
Abdullah’s standing in his own country may come up in the talks. Jordan’s image as an island of stability in the turbulent Middle East was called into question after Prince Hamza was accused of a plot to destabilize the country in April.
Biden has offered full support to Abdullah, who will be joined at the White House by his wife, Queen Rania.
“We have great confidence in the king’s leadership, and I think the visit over the course of the coming days will just reaffirm that confidence,” a senior Biden administration official said.
Other topics likely to come up are the future of the Trump-era Abraham Accords, the normalization deals reached between Israel and four Arab states, negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and Syria’s humanitarian crisis, the official said.
He stressed his full commitment to supporting the Libyans in bringing the country to safety after a prolonged period of turmoil….reports Asian Lite News
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has reiterated the organization’s full support for the Libyan government in leading the current transitional phase and preparing for elections on Dec. 24.
He stressed his full commitment to supporting the Libyans in bringing the country to safety after a prolonged period of turmoil.
He held talks on Friday with Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibeh on the sidelines of his visit to New York to participate in a UN Security Council meeting on the country.
The two men discussed the situation in Libya and relations with the Arab League. It was agreed that the secretary-general would visit at the earliest opportunity.
Aboul Gheit said earlier that the league adhered to the implementation of the political roadmap in Libya leading to elections being held on time.
He warned that not holding elections on the date agreed upon by all parties “may once again push the country into a dark tunnel of differences and political fragmentation, which no party desires.”
He emphasized that holding the presidential and legislative polls on Dec. 24 represented “a watershed on the path to saving Libya and preserving it as a sovereign united state.”
Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the GERD…reports Asian Lite News
Egypt is keen to complete the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations to reach a fair and binding legal agreement that meets the aspirations of all in the development, Minister of Irrigation Mohamed Abdel-Aty said.
Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the GERD, but Egypt fears it will threaten its water supply from the Nile. Sudan is concerned about the dam’s safety and its own water flow.
During his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday Abdel-Aty stressed Egypt’s keenness to protect its water rights and achieve benefits for all in any agreement on the dam.
He highlighted a request by Cairo and Khartoum for the participation of the US, EU and UN in any GERD negotiations to maximize their chances of success, given the deadlock as a result of Ethiopia’s intransigence.
The minister said that Egypt and Sudan would not accept Addis Ababa’s unilateral decision to fill and operate the GERD dam.
Abdel-Aty said a high-tech rain forecast center to be set up in the DRC will help to study the effects of climate change and to identify measures to protect citizens from its risks.
He said Egypt has trained the staff at the center in the use of rain and flood forecasting systems, aerial image analysis, hydrologic modeling and technical reporting.
He said the establishment of this center stems from Egypt’s keenness to transfer its expertise in the field of integrated management of water resources to its “brothers from the Nile Basin countries” with the aim of maximizing the use of these resources.
Egypt, he said, has been providing and is still keen to provide all forms of support through bilateral cooperation projects with the Nile Basin countries.
He explained that Egypt has established several rainwater harvesting dams and underground water stations to provide clean drinking water in remote areas by using the solar energy technology in a large number of underground wells.
He said Egypt has established many farms, fisheries and river marinas with the aim of developing the surrounding areas economically, socially and environmentally, creating job opportunities, developing fishing conditions and reducing swamp areas, which reduces diseases.
