The Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Reza Enayati, announced the commencement of the organized departure of Iranian pilgrims currently in the holy sites, starting tonight. The ambassador explained that the process will be carried out in organized phases, comprising 10 consecutive groups. The pilgrims will travel by land from Medina and Mecca to the Arar border crossing, from where they will depart Saudi Arabia for Iraq and then return home to Iran.

In a press statement, Enayati confirmed that approximately 9,000 Iranian pilgrims performing Umrah in Mecca and Medina would be repatriated. He noted that this step was the result of intensive and ongoing coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ensure a smooth flow of movement and facilitate easy departure procedures.

The Iranian ambassador added that he had been in direct contact with the Iranian consul general in Jeddah to follow up on the progress of the operations. The consul general informed him that all arrangements related to the return of pilgrims and visitors were proceeding smoothly and without any significant obstacles. The ambassador took this opportunity to express, on behalf of his country, his sincere thanks and appreciation for the great efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to facilitate the affairs of the pilgrims, saying, "We Iranians express our gratitude to the relevant authorities in the Kingdom for their constructive cooperation.".

The context of the restoration of relations and its impact on the Umrah season

This step is particularly significant as it comes in the context of the marked improvement in diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, following the agreement reached in Beijing in March 2023 to resume relations between the two countries. This rapprochement paved the way for the return of Iranian pilgrims to the holy sites after a hiatus of several years, reflecting the desire of both sides to strengthen cooperation and good neighborliness.

The logistical importance of the Arar border crossing

Choosing the land route through the Arar border crossing (New Arar) is a strategic option to facilitate the movement of pilgrims traveling to Iraq. The crossing has witnessed significant infrastructure development in recent years to serve pilgrims arriving and departing from the north. These improvements are part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to host millions of pilgrims annually and provide them with the highest quality services, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and a destination for Muslims from all over the world.

The success of the process of transporting this large number of pilgrims by land reflects the efficiency of the Saudi security and service system, and confirms the stability of the regional conditions that allow visitors to move between the Kingdom, Iraq and Iran safely, which promises more prosperous and organized Umrah and Hajj seasons in the near future.

In a touching scene that embodies the spirituality of the holy month, the Ramadan decorations in Jeddah played an unexpected role in reconnecting what had been severed for decades, as the streets of the Bride of the Red Sea, sparkling with lights, became a stage for a moving reunion that brought together study friends after a separation of more than 46 years.

A Ramadan coincidence imbued with the fragrance of history

The story began when the dazzling lights and distinctive Ramadan decorations adorning the home of citizen Mohammed Al-Lakhmi caught the attention of a group of passersby. This wasn't merely a fleeting admiration for the artistic designs; it was a pivotal moment when these old colleagues found themselves face to face with the traditional Hijazi "Markaz" (a traditional gathering place) that prominently displays the front of the house.

In moments where feelings of astonishment and joy mingled, the long years of absence faded away, and colleagues Hussein Al-Qasimi, Fahd Al-Maghamsi, Fawzi Al-Harbi, Omar Bashmil, and Abdeen Sheiba got to know each other, and the surprised looks turned into a warm embrace that washed away the fatigue of the years, in a coincidence they described as “the most beautiful gift of the holy month.”.

The Hijazi Center: A social parliament and an authentic heritage

The presence of the "Markaz" (a traditional meeting place) in this gathering was not merely a fleeting decorative element, but rather a deeply rooted cultural and social symbol in the Western Region, specifically in Jeddah. Historically, the Markaz is known as a "miniature social parliament," where neighborhood issues were, and still are, resolved, guests were received, and friendly conversations took place.

Historians and those interested in Hijazi heritage point out that maintaining the traditional gathering place (markaz) in front of homes, especially during Ramadan, is evidence of adherence to the region's cultural identity. It embodies the values ​​of generosity and good neighborliness, and reflects the open and interconnected nature of Jeddah's society.

Ramadan in Jeddah: A season for mending relationships

Ramadan nights in Jeddah have a unique character that distinguishes them from other cities, where worship blends with inherited social customs. The Ramadan decorations and lanterns that fill the streets and squares are an integral part of the city's cultural heritage, adding a special joy to the city.

In their interview with “Akhbar 24,” colleagues emphasized that the spiritual atmosphere and attractive decorations acted as a magnet, drawing them in, while the gathering place itself served as a sanctuary, holding memories spanning nearly half a century. They unanimously agreed that the continuation of these traditional celebrations is the true guarantee of social cohesion, as these customs remain a bridge connecting the past with the present, reuniting loved ones regardless of the distances that may separate them.

This incident confirms that Ramadan traditions in the Kingdom are not just formalities, but rather effective tools in promoting psychological and social health, and a strong incentive to revive human bonds in a time when the pace of life has accelerated.