Local News
Details of the departure of 9,000 Iranian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia via Arar
The Iranian ambassador announces the start of the overland transport of 9,000 Iranian pilgrims through the Arar border crossing to Iraq, praising the facilities provided by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
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.
Local News
Security warning: Penalties for photographing missile launch sites in Saudi Arabia
Saudi security authorities warn against photographing the sites where projectiles or shrapnel have fallen, stressing that doing so exposes one to legal accountability under the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
The competent authorities stressed the importance of completely refraining from filming or publishing any videos or pictures of the sites where projectiles, shrapnel, or any suspicious objects fell, emphasizing that such actions may subject their perpetrators to legal accountability, in addition to their security risks.
The relevant authorities explained that documenting or sharing crash sites via social media may unintentionally contribute to revealing sensitive field information, endangering the safety of citizens and residents, in addition to hindering the work of security and ambulance teams in performing their duties.
According to the regulations in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, publishing or circulating information or images that affect national security or cause disruption to public order may fall under cybercrimes, and exposes the violator to the penalties stipulated in the Anti-Cybercrime Law, which may reach imprisonment and a financial fine according to the nature of the violation and the extent of the damage resulting from it.
Furthermore, any attack on the affected sites or tampering with their contents is a clear violation of regulations and instructions, and the perpetrator will be referred to the competent authorities to complete the legal procedures against him.
Security authorities monitor violations across digital platforms, and identify publishers and distributors of the offending content, in preparation for summoning them and taking legal action against them, which may include investigation, referral to the Public Prosecution, and application of legally prescribed penalties.
The relevant authorities called on everyone to act with national responsibility, not to be swayed by the desire to publish or to be the first to report, and to immediately report any suspicious objects through official channels, leaving the handling of them to the concerned authorities in order to preserve everyone’s safety.
Local News
Ramadan decorations in Jeddah bring together school friends after 46 years
A touching story from Jeddah: Ramadan decorations and a traditional Hijazi gathering reunite school friends after 46 years apart. Discover the details of the reunion that revived fond memories.
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.
Local News
Saudi Arabia weather: Cold conditions to continue until the end of the week
The National Center for Meteorology forecasts continued cold weather and lower temperatures across most of the Kingdom from Tuesday until the end of the week. Here are the details.
The National Center for Meteorology issued its weather forecast, indicating that cold weather will continue in several regions of Saudi Arabia from tomorrow, Tuesday, until the end of this week (March 2-3). This forecast confirms that large parts of the country will be affected by a noticeable drop in temperatures, necessitating caution from citizens and residents.
Weather details and affected areas
According to initial indicators and meteorological data, this cold wave is a result of cold air masses directly affecting the northern and northwestern regions, gradually extending to other areas in the central and eastern parts of the Kingdom. These weather changes are typically accompanied by increased surface wind activity, which may intensify the feeling of cold, especially during the night and early morning hours.
The climatic context and nature of the atmosphere in the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia is characterized by a wide climatic and geographical diversity. The northern regions and highlands typically experience sharp drops in temperature during the transitional seasons between winter and spring. These weather fluctuations are a natural part of the region's climate at this time of year, as warm and cold air masses clash, resulting in atmospheric instability and a noticeable decrease in temperatures before the arrival of spring weather.
The importance of warnings and their impact on daily life
The National Center of Meteorology's reports are of paramount importance in guiding daily life and economic and social activities. Locally, these alerts help families take necessary precautions to protect children and the elderly from colds and seasonal illnesses associated with changing weather. They also play a vital role in alerting drivers on highways, especially in open areas that may experience reduced visibility or strong winds.
Safety and prevention guidelines
In these cold conditions, relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Health, consistently emphasize the importance of following public safety guidelines. This includes ensuring the safety of heating appliances and avoiding the use of coal or firewood in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as wearing appropriate winter clothing to keep warm. It is also advisable to follow the continuous updates issued by the National Center of Meteorology through its official channels to obtain the most accurate information on weather developments.
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