The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a firm decision today (Saturday) to suspend two Umrah companies from operating, following the detection of serious violations that included failure to provide accommodation services for pilgrims coming from the Arab Republic of Egypt, in violation of the previously approved contractual programs.

Details of the violation and the urgent intervention

The Ministry stated that it had observed a group of Egyptian pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom without any actual arrangements for their assigned accommodation, despite these services being documented and paid for as part of their Umrah packages. The Ministry considered this a clear violation of the regulations and instructions governing services for pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque.

In a swift response to the crisis, the Ministry immediately took over securing alternative and suitable accommodation for all affected pilgrims, stressing that the measures taken came immediately in accordance with the regulatory frameworks to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims and preserve their rights, and to prevent the recurrence of such violations that affect their spiritual experience.

International coordination and accountability

In a related context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that it is coordinating at the highest level with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism to take the necessary legal and regulatory measures against the foreign agents contracted with the two suspended companies. This cooperation aims to ensure that all parties involved in the service provision chain, both inside and outside the Kingdom, are held accountable, and to protect pilgrims from any contractual manipulation.

The context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and serving the pilgrims

This measure is not a random occurrence, but rather comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm commitment to the objectives of "Vision 2030," specifically the "Guests of God Service Program." This program aims to facilitate the hosting of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims and provide them with the highest quality services, while also targeting increased capacity and enhancing the religious and cultural experience.

The Ministry is continuously working to develop systems and regulations that guarantee the rights of pilgrims, utilizing the latest technologies and digital platforms to monitor the performance of Umrah companies and ensure their adherence to rigorous quality standards. The safety and comfort of pilgrims are considered a red line that the Kingdom will not allow to be crossed under any circumstances.

A strongly worded message to Umrah companies

The ministry concluded its statement with a strongly worded warning, emphasizing that it will not tolerate any negligence or breach of contractual obligations by any company or institution. It affirmed that the rights of pilgrims are a top priority, calling on all those working in the sector to fully comply with regulations and instructions, and to provide services of a quality befitting the Kingdom's status as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday the execution of a Syrian resident in the Northern Borders region, after he was found guilty of murdering a Saudi citizen in a criminal case that shook local circles, thus confirming the Kingdom’s determination to apply the provisions of Islamic Sharia and achieve swift justice.

Details of the crime and execution of the sentence

According to details provided by the Ministry in its official statement, the perpetrator, Saddam Hussein Al-Hussein (a Syrian national), murdered the victim, Ibrahim bin Khalid bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili (a Saudi national). The crime occurred following a dispute between the two parties, which escalated into a fight that ended with the perpetrator fatally stabbing the victim with a sharp instrument, resulting in his death.

Following the incident, the competent security authorities apprehended the perpetrator. Intensive investigations led to his indictment for the crime. Upon referral to the competent court, a legal ruling was issued confirming the charges against him and sentencing him to death by way of retribution.

Litigation process and judicial guarantees

This sentence was carried out after all levels of litigation guaranteed by the Saudi Arabian judicial system to ensure justice and integrity were exhausted. The initial ruling was upheld by the Court of Appeal and subsequently ratified by the Supreme Court, making it final and binding. These procedures culminated in a royal decree ordering the enforcement of the legally mandated and upheld sentence against the perpetrator, which was carried out today in the Northern Borders region.

This meticulous procedural sequence reflects the keenness of the Kingdom’s judicial system to ensure thorough verification before implementing judgments, especially in cases of bloodshed, where the case goes through multiple stages of scrutiny to ensure that the punishment corresponds to the crime committed in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia.

A firm message to consolidate security

The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by affirming the commitment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' government to maintaining security, achieving justice, and implementing God's rulings against all who transgress against the innocent and shed their blood. The Ministry emphasized that the prescribed legal punishment will be the fate of anyone who dares to commit such heinous crimes, whether citizen or resident, thus strengthening the general deterrent effect and preserving the security and stability of society.

This implementation confirms the rule of law in the Kingdom, and that justice applies to everyone without exception, in order to protect innocent lives and preserve private and public rights.

His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, praised the issuance of the approval by the esteemed Council of Ministers of the “National Policy for the Arabic Language” in the Kingdom, describing this decision as a historic step that reflects the extent of the unlimited support that the wise leadership gives to serving the Arabic language, and its constant keenness to enhance its presence in various vital sectors.

A strategic step that keeps pace with comprehensive development

His Highness the Minister of Culture affirmed that adopting this policy represents a significant addition to Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts toward systematic language planning and consolidating the status of the Arabic language as a vessel of national identity and a key component of the Saudi character. He noted that this step is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which, among its fundamental pillars, emphasizes strengthening Islamic and Arab identity and taking pride in the Kingdom's cultural and civilizational heritage.

The role of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language

In discussing the implementation mechanisms, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan explained that the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, as the national authority responsible for regulating linguistic work, has diligently worked to develop the general framework for this policy and formulate its fundamental principles. He affirmed that the Academy is committed to fulfilling its pivotal roles in monitoring the implementation of this policy, measuring its impact on society and institutions, submitting periodic reports to the Board of Trustees, and launching supporting initiatives that ensure the policy's objectives are achieved on the ground.

Dimensions and objectives of national policy

The National Arabic Language Policy aims to unify the visions and principles that represent the Kingdom's strategic direction towards its official language. The policy seeks to achieve a number of lofty goals, most notably:

• To enhance the Kingdom’s global leadership as the primary home of the Arabic language and its major reference.
• Empowering the Arabic language in the fields of scientific and technological research, and enhancing its presence in the digital space and artificial intelligence technologies.
• Establishing the correct use of Arabic in government agencies, public sectors, and media.
• Increasing the attractiveness of the Saudi cultural environment for non-native speakers wishing to learn Arabic.

Cultural context and expected impact

This decision comes at a crucial time, as the Kingdom witnesses unprecedented cultural activity. This policy is expected to contribute to strengthening the Kingdom's "soft power" and reaffirming its leading role in protecting and developing the Arabic language to meet contemporary needs. The policy will also bridge the gap between technological advancements and Arabic content, ensuring that Arabic remains a vibrant language, productive in knowledge production, and responsive to global changes, all within a unified regulatory framework that outlines the national approach to the language in all aspects of life.