Shops in Makkah are seeing an increase in demand for souvenirs and gifts as pilgrims prepare to return home after performing Hajj, the Arab News reported…reports Asian Lite News
Pilgrims are shopping for rosaries of different sizes and colours, prayer mats with various patterns on them, and copies of the Qur’an at shops near the Grand Mosque.
Other popular items include pictures of the two holy mosques, Islamic books, perfume, incense, scarves, sweets, and Zamzam water which is considered as the most precious gift from the holy sites.
Pilgrims also buy different types of dates, such as Ajwa dates from Madinah and Sukkary dates, and the customary decorative Zamzam water serving set most Muslim households have that are inscribed with Qur’anic verses, it was reported.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt plan to join BRICS, and their potential membership bids could be discussed and answered at next year’s summit in South Africa, BRICS International Forum President Purnima Anand told Russian media on Thursday…reports Asian Lite News
“All these countries have shown their interest in joining (BRICS) and are preparing to apply for membership. I believe this is a good step, because expansion is always looked upon favourably, it will definitely bolster BRICS’ global influence,” Anand told Russian newspaper Izvestia.
The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) account for over 40 per cent of the global population and nearly a quarter of the world’s GDP. The bloc’s stated purposes include promoting peace, security, development, and cooperation globally, and contributing to the development of humanity, RT reported.
Anand said the issue of expansion was raised during this year’s BRICS summit, which took place in late June in Beijing.
The BRICS Forum President said she hopes the accession of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will not take much time, given that they “are already engaged in the process”, though she doubts that all three will join the alliance at the same time, RT reported.
“I hope that these countries will join the BRICS quite shortly, as all the representatives of core members are interested in expansion. So it will come very soon,” Anand added.
The news of the three nations’ plans to join the BRICS comes after Iran and Argentina officially applied for membership in late June, with Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh touting the bloc as a “very creative mechanism with broad aspects”.
Pilgrims have praised the efforts of Saudi Arabia in hosting this year’s Haj, drawing attention to the successful rollout of services and facilities…reports Asian Lite News
Visitors lauded Saudi authorities for services provided at the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque and the holy sites.
Hamza Omar Kassab from Sudan said that the Kingdom provided services and facilities so that pilgrims could perform their rites in comfort and safety, and that he was praying to Allah for the Kingdom’s continued stability and safety.
Omar Abdel Hamid from Egypt said that the organization and good reception he witnessed during the pilgrimage demonstrates the interest accorded by the Kingdom’s leadership to the Two Holy Mosques.
Murtada Salem from Nigeria said that the Kingdom is “making great efforts” by providing the utmost care and attention to pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, pointing to the keenness of Saudi officials to provide the best services for guests.
Amina from Egypt praised the warmth and organization of those working in service of pilgrims.
Mohammed Suri from Niger expressed his joy at performing Haj and visiting Madinah, expressing his admiration for the services provided by the Kingdom to pilgrims.
Arab Parliament, OIC laud Saudi
President of Cairo-based Arab Parliament Adel bin Abdulrahman Al-Assoumi congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the success of this year’s Haj.
In a statement, he cited the great services being extended to pilgrims by the Saudi goverment, private sector and people.
He highly valued the Saudi efforts which made the Muslims annual event a success despite the dangers of coronavirus pandemic which devastated the world around.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Ibrahim Taha congratulated the King Salman and Crown Prince on Haj success.
In a statement, he cited the great services being extended to pilgrims by the Saudi goverment, private sector and people.
The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced that people outside the Kingdom wishing to perform Umrah can submit applications for visa starting today (Thursday)…reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry said the Umrah applications could be received from inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while the first contingents could arrive by the first day of Muharram 1444 H. corresponding to July 30, 2022, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Foreign pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque can view the visa requirements on the website https://haj.gov.sa/ar/InternalPages/Umrah, while pilgrims inside Saudi Arabia can issue Umrah permits through the “Eatmarna” application, reported SPA.
Those who would like to obtain licenses to serve as agents for Umrah applicants from outside the Kingdom will have to apply through (https://umralicense.haj.gov.sa), the Ministry said.
The ministry said visa applicants were required to have completed their COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine approved by Saudi Arabia’s government. Umrah pilgrims would need to present a vaccine certificate issued by official authorities of their respective countries.
The ministry added that health measures would be put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Umrah season.
Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia has concluded a successful Hajj season. Saudi Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, also chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, announced the success of the pilgrimage of 2022 at all security, service and health levels.
The prince said no accidents nor epidemic diseases were reported among pilgrims, thanks to government efforts and projects as well as all those involved in serving pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel said the health plan for the current Hajj season was successful as there were no epidemic outbreaks or other major public health incidents.
He said only 38 Covid-19 cases were detected in the holy sites and were all dealt with in accordance with health protocols.
The Mecca light rail reopened pilgrimage transport service between July 6 and July 12 after a two-year suspension due to the pandemic of Covid-19, safely transporting hundreds and thousands of pilgrims on time.
This year is also the first time since the coronavirus outbreak in 2020 that Saudi Arabia allows foreign pilgrims to perform Hajj, as the last two seasons were limited only to domestic pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia’s project to benefit from sacrifices announced the success of its operational plan for this year’s Hajj season, by integrating with all relevant governmental and private sectors, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday…reports Asian Lite News
Adahi said that with the sunset of the third day of Tashreeq, the implementation of the pilgrims’ rituals for this year has been completed, and distribution operations will start at home and abroad over the coming days.
During this year’s Hajj season, 444,554 sheep that were imported from the Horn of Africa were slaughtered in accordance with legal and health requirements, after undergoing several stages of veterinary examination before and after slaughter to ensure their medical and legal safety.
Around 30,000 workers took part in the project in various administrative, security, medical, engineering and technical fields, which operate according to a single work system with well-thought-out and systematic plans. 600 veterinarians and 600 legal specialists also took part, in addition to the other specialists who participated to ensure the smooth flow of work.
Adahi expressed its thanks and appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the unlimited support they provide to the project, which was dedicated to serving pilgrims in carrying out their rituals in a legitimate and healthy manner.
New rules from Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority that require taxi drivers to wear approved uniforms came into force on July 12, the Arab News reported…reports Asian Lite News
The decision, announced in May, applies to male and female drivers of all types of taxis and ride-hailing services, including private-hire vehicles. Authorities warned that penalties will be imposed on anyone who fails to follow them.
The Authority explained that adhering to a uniform driver costume will contribute to strengthening its development efforts aimed at raising the level of quality of services in transport activities in general and taxi in particular, in a manner that also contributes to improving the general appearance and positive impression of these vital services and their direct connection with all segments of society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Men must wear national dress or a long-sleeved gray shirt, black trousers and a black belt. Jackets may be worn as required. Women can wear an abaya or a blouse and trousers with a jacket or coat. All drivers must also carry their ID cards.
The TGA said the decision to introduce mandatory requirements for drivers’ clothing forms part of its ongoing process of reviewing and updating regulations governing the sector, and is designed to enhance the authority’s development efforts, increase the quality of transport services in general, improve the overall appearance of drivers, and reflect public-decency regulations.
The authority advised all drivers to visit its website for full details of approved uniform options, and urged passengers to notify the TGA or lodge a complaint if they become aware of drivers who are not following the regulations.
The Authority affirmed its constant and continuous keenness to serve the beneficiaries and keep pace with their aspirations, and to strive to achieve the highest standards of quality and satisfaction rates among the beneficiaries of transport services throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s regions, the SPA reported.
The OIC Secretary-General has appreciated Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for “the noble care” accorded by King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the service of the Two Holy Mosques, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha spoke highly of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the successful organisation of this year Haj session and the hosting of pilgrims from across the world, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.
The Secretary-General expressed, in a statement on Sunday, heartfelt appreciation for “the noble care” accorded by King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the service of the Two Holy Mosques.
Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Shawki Allam valued the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts, in addition to the steps it has taken by taking into account facilitating the services provided to the Haj pilgrims.
Dr. Allam also pointed out to a number of measures taken by the Kingdom in the field of technology and harnessing them for the convenience of pilgrims.
This came during a statement after Dr. Allam’s meeting with the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, on the first day of Tashreeq at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mina.
Dr. Allam indicated that there are one million pilgrims this year’s Hajj season, which is a large number after the end of the coronavirus pandemic, which the Kingdom has passed and succeeded in with great success.
Madinah getting ready
Madinah is getting ready, starting from Monday evening, to receive the first vanguards of the pilgrims in a hurry, in order to visit the Prophet’s Holy Mosque and pray inside it.
The head of Hajj and Visit Committee, Dr. Eid Al-Tom, explained that all government departments and concerned authorities in Madinah have completed their preparations to receive the pilgrims after performing their rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This under the follow-up and supervision of Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah region and Chairman of the Hajj Committee in Madinah, through the continuation of services provided to the pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, as required, and the implementation of operational plans for the post-Hajj season for all government sectors concerned with pilgrims, the report added.
He added that the Hajj Committee is coordinating with various government agencies as well as with the security and health sectors in Madinah, so that the work is complementary and coordinated among the various sectors to achieve the highest standards of accuracy, quality and speed in dealing with emergency matters.
On the other hand, the Agency for the Affairs of the Prophet’s Holy Mosque continues its preparations for all of the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, its continuation to provide services and raise the readiness of its employees to serve the pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet’s Holy Mosque.
It is also working on preparing and sterilizing the mosque in preparation for receiving worshipers, and cooperating with the concerned and voluntary authorities in providing various services in the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, the SPA reported.
Since the dawn of the first day of Eid Al Adha, masses of Hajj pilgrims began the ritual of throwing pebbles at Mina holy site by throwing seven consecutive pebbles at a special stone monument called “Jamrat Al-Aqabah”.
The movement of pilgrims was smooth as per the pre-prepared plan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Pilgrims moved with convenience and ease in the four floors of the giant facility of Jamarat in a secured environment with foolproof security, health services, ambulance and civil defence services. Security men organised the movement of pilgrims in the courtyards of Jamarat Bridge and through the entrances and exits.
The campaign also provided pilgrims with information on how to contact the Hajj mission management when necessary…reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched a digital awareness-raising campaign on its social media platforms to outline all health instructions and precautions that pilgrims need to be taken before and during travel in conjunction with them leaving for Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.
The ministry also started a similar programme at the country’s airports to benefit as many pilgrims as possible before leaving the country. Additionally, MoHAP teams were present with pilgrims at airports to provide free testing, such as blood pressure and diabetes checks, and to inform them of health instructions and guidelines.
They also provided pilgrims with information on how to contact the Hajj mission management when necessary.
Themed “Your safety is priority”, the online campaign featured a video explaining all health instructions and guidelines pilgrims must follow before and while traveling. The video also stressed the importance of getting all necessary vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine, in accordance with the guidelines endorsed by health authorities.
MoHAP urged pilgrims to strictly follow preventative health precautions in order to avoid heat exhaustion and physical stress while traveling, as well as to maintain good cleanliness and a healthy diet, use facemasks, and contact doctors as soon as they develop any symptoms.
The awareness-raising campaign comes in line with the ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims especially those with chronic diseases, senior citizens and pregnant women and to provide citizens with all forms of support in collaboration with relevant health and government entities.
Saudi Arabia announced the founding of an aircraft leasing company named AviLease, as a way to diversify the kingdom’s oil-reliant economy…reports Asian Lite News
Sponsored by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, AviLease will focus on growing through purchase-and-leaseback deals with airlines, portfolio acquisitions, and direct orders from aircraft manufacturers, as well as considering corporate acquisitions as a means of expansion, Xinhua news agency quoted the state media as saying.
The launch of AviLease underlines PIF’s goal to tap the potential of promising local industries in order to advance economic diversification and contribute to non-oil GDP growth.
The launch of AviLease underlines PIF’s goal to tap the potential of promising local industries in order to advance economic diversification and contribute to non-oil GDP growth.
Saudi Arabia announced the founding of an aircraft leasing company named AviLease, as a way to diversify the kingdom’s oil-reliant economy.
Sponsored by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, AviLease will focus on growing through purchase-and-leaseback deals with airlines, portfolio acquisitions, and direct orders from aircraft manufacturers, as well as considering corporate acquisitions as a means of expansion, Xinhua news agency quoted the state media as saying.
The launch of AviLease underlines PIF’s goal to tap the potential of promising local industries in order to advance economic diversification and contribute to non-oil GDP growth.
The PIF has established 54 companies in various sectors since 2017.
OPEC Output
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, has said that they would stick to a previously decided output boost in August despite calls for bigger increases to rein in crude prices.
At its last meeting in early June, OPEC+ decided to advance the planned output increases of 432,000 barrels per day (bpd) for September and redistribute it equally to the previous two months, thus raising production by 648,000 bpd in July and August.
The 30th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on Thursday confirmed the plan to increase production by 648,000 bpd in August, according to an OPEC statement released after the meeting.
The statement cited “current oil market fundamentals and the consensus on its outlook” as the reasons for the decision, Xinhua news agency reported.
The oil alliance’s decision on Thursday came as crude prices remained high amid continued tight supplies, demand recovery and geopolitical tensions. Prices for both the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and the Brent crude have hovered around $110 a barrel in recent weeks.
Major oil consumers, including the US, have been pressing OPEC+ to open taps wider to tame sky-high prices, but the oil producer group has been sticking to its plan of gradual production increases.
OPEC+ slashed oil production massively in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hammered demand. In July 2021, the group agreed to gradually unwind the output cuts and said it aims to fully phase out the cuts by September 2022.
With its planned output increases in September advanced to July and August, OPEC+ has yet to decide on new production targets for September and beyond.
The issue was not addressed in Thursday’s statement, but decisions on the subject are expected to be announced at the next OPEC+ ministerial meeting, which will convene on August 3.
US President Joe Biden will visit Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s de-facto leader, in mid-July and is widely expected to urge Riyadh to pump more oil to the market.
