In a generous humanitarian gesture that embodies the deep and strong fraternal ties that unite the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - issued a royal directive approving the hosting of all stranded Gulf nationals at the Kingdom’s airports.

This generous directive came in response to what was presented by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as the royal order included an emphasis on preparing all the necessary procedures to host and honor the Gulf citizens, and providing all means that ensure their comfort and reassurance among their families and brothers in their second country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, until the appropriate conditions are prepared that allow them to return to their countries safe, honored and respected.

An embodiment of the concept of a unified Gulf

This decision reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering policy towards its brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a policy based on the principle of "one body" and a shared destiny. The Kingdom, under its wise leadership, has always been a steadfast protector and a welcoming home for the people of the Gulf in all circumstances and crises. This hosting is not merely a matter of protocol, but a tangible embodiment of the values ​​of brotherhood and neighborliness enshrined in the GCC charters and reinforced by the deep-rooted historical and social ties between the peoples of the region.

Immediate response and crisis management

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also directed all relevant government, security, and service agencies to take the necessary measures to implement this directive immediately and to dedicate all available resources to serving those stranded. This swift action reflects the efficiency of the Kingdom's crisis management system and its ability to deal with unforeseen circumstances with remarkable flexibility, placing human life, safety, and dignity above all else.

The depth of Saudi-Gulf relations

Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never hesitated to provide support and assistance to its brothers, whether on the political, economic, or social levels. Caring for Gulf citizens and treating them as Saudi citizens in such circumstances is an extension of a long legacy of honorable stances taken by the Kings of Saudi Arabia. The sense of security felt by Gulf citizens while under the Kingdom's hospitality underscores the success of the Gulf Cooperation Council in consolidating the concept of Gulf citizenship, where Gulf citizens do not feel like strangers in Saudi Arabia, but rather among their own family and kin.

May God protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince, and may He perpetuate the blessings of security, safety, stability and prosperity upon the Kingdom and the Gulf States.

In a move reflecting the great importance placed on Islamic architectural heritage in Saudi Arabia, the historic Al-Jaloud Mosque in the Hail region has undergone a comprehensive development and meticulous restoration as part of the first phase of Prince Mohammed bin Salman's project to develop historic mosques. This pioneering project aims to restore the splendor of these ancient mosques and preserve their authentic architectural identity that has distinguished them for centuries.

The mosque is located in the heart of Samira Governorate, southeast of the Hail region, approximately 120 kilometers from the region's administrative capital. It is considered a historical icon in the Al-Jaloud region, dating back to 1175 AH (1761 CE), making it a witness to more than two and a half centuries. The mosque has undergone several phases of construction, most notably its reconstruction in 1347 AH, remaining a firmly established religious and social landmark in the memory of the region's inhabitants.

The strategic and historical importance of Al-Jaloud Mosque lies in its distinguished geographical location on the ancient Mecca-Kufa pilgrimage route. The mosque was not merely a place of prayer, but also a rest stop and meeting point for pilgrims and trade caravans crossing the Najd desert, thus giving it a cultural dimension that transcended its geographical boundaries. It played a pivotal role in the social life of the inhabitants of Samira and the surrounding villages, where Friday prayers were held, religious gatherings were conducted, and social meetings took place.

Architecturally, the mosque is a prime example of the building style prevalent in the central region of the Kingdom. Its construction relied on readily available natural materials from their environment. The walls were built of mud and stone to provide adequate thermal insulation, and the roof was constructed of tamarisk wood and palm fronds, with iron sheets covering the roof for protection from the rain. This architectural style reflects the ingenuity of the ancient Saudi people in adapting nature to serve their religious and secular needs.

As part of the recent renovations, the mosque's facilities were upgraded while fully preserving its visual identity. The mosque's area was increased from 227 square meters to 250 square meters, and its capacity rose to 129 worshippers. The work included the restoration of the prayer hall, the renovation of the inner courtyard, the reconstruction of the partially collapsed prayer room, and the modernization of the restrooms and ablution facilities to meet the needs of worshippers according to the highest modern standards.

The imam and preacher of the mosque, Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al-Jaloud, expressed his appreciation for this generous gesture, noting the mosque's rich history and the attention it has received from rulers throughout history, beginning with the expansion undertaken by King Saud bin Abdulaziz (may God have mercy on him) in 1371 AH, and culminating in this remarkable project during the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince. He emphasized that the replacement of the mud columns with stone in a previous expansion, followed by the current comprehensive renovation, has resulted in the mosque blending the charm of the past with the comfort of the present.

It is worth noting that the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques aims not only at structural restoration but also seeks to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in preserving national heritage and highlighting the Kingdom's rich cultural history. The project operates according to a precise mechanism that ensures a balance between traditional heritage standards and modern construction techniques, with the participation of Saudi engineering experts and specialized companies, to guarantee the sustainability of these mosques as living testaments to the Kingdom's long and distinguished Islamic history.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah issued an urgent and important alert to all departing passengers, urging them to contact their airlines directly and in advance before proceeding to the departure terminals. This proactive measure aims to confirm flight status and schedules and to stay informed of the latest developments regarding air traffic, particularly given the exceptional circumstances in the region and the impact of current geopolitical events on some international destinations.

In its statement, the airport stressed the importance of relying exclusively on official airline channels and the airport's verified accounts for accurate information, warning against being misled by rumors or unofficial information that could disrupt travel plans. The airport management emphasized that this warning primarily aims to ensure smooth passenger flow within the terminals and provide a comfortable and safe travel experience, sparing passengers the inconvenience of long waits or being at the airport in the event of flight delays or cancellations.

The impact of regional tensions on air traffic

This warning comes amid rapidly evolving developments in the Middle East, particularly following reports of a US-Israeli attack targeting sites in Iran, an event that has cast a shadow over air traffic in the region. Such military events typically lead neighboring countries to close their airspace, either partially or completely, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of civil aviation, forcing airlines to reroute or temporarily suspend flights until the security situation stabilizes.

The importance of King Abdulaziz Airport and its strategic location

This alert is of paramount importance given the strategic importance of King Abdulaziz International Airport , the main gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and one of the busiest airports in the region. The airport serves not only the residents of Jeddah but also acts as a pivotal hub for global air traffic between East and West. Any changes to international flight schedules resulting from airspace closures in neighboring countries could directly impact operations, necessitating close coordination between the airport, airlines, and passengers to ensure the continuity of efficient operations.

Tips for travelers to ensure a safe journey

In closing, the airport expressed its gratitude to all passengers for their understanding and continued cooperation during these unforeseen circumstances. Travel experts advise that in such situations, passengers should download their airline's mobile applications, activate alerts, and arrive at the airport well before their flight's departure time, after confirming its departure, to ensure the highest levels of safety, comfort, and peace of mind for everyone.