Politics
Statistics: 899,353 pilgrims... the total number of pilgrims this year
The General Authority for Statistics announced today that the total number of pilgrims this year reached (899,353) pilgrims, including (779,919) pilgrims who came from
The General Authority for Statistics announced today that the total number of pilgrims this year reached (899,353) pilgrims, including (779,919) pilgrims who came from outside the Kingdom through the various ports, while the number of domestic pilgrims reached (119,434) pilgrims from citizens and residents.
The Authority indicated in its statistical results for this year’s Hajj 1443 AH that the number of male pilgrims out of the total number of domestic and foreign pilgrims amounted to (486,458) pilgrims, while the number of female pilgrims out of the total number of domestic and foreign pilgrims amounted to (412,895) female pilgrims.
Regarding the statistics of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, the General Authority for Statistics explained that the percentage of pilgrims coming from Arab countries reached (21.4%), while the percentage of pilgrims from Asian countries other than Arab countries reached (53.8%), while the percentage of pilgrims from African countries other than Arab countries reached (13.2%), while the percentage of pilgrims from European, American and Australian countries reached (11.6%). As for the ways of arrival of pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, (738,680) pilgrims arrived via air ports, while (35,210) pilgrims arrived via land ports, while (6,029) pilgrims arrived via sea ports.
The authority indicated that the total number of workers participating in serving the guests of God this season from various governmental and private sectors and agencies amounted to (228,721) people, including (117,049) permanent workers, representing (51.2%), and (111,672) temporary workers, representing (48.8%).
Regarding the health and medical services provided to pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, the total workforce in this field reached 21,062, comprising 60% males and 40% females. There were 23 hospitals, 152 health centers in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites, and 716 fully equipped hospital beds available for pilgrims. 511 ambulances were deployed, and 6 evacuation aircraft were prepared to transport any critical medical cases among pilgrims. A total of 90,840 vaccines were planned for administration. 198 isolation rooms were prepared in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites to receive any pilgrims requiring isolation. 97 emergency medical centers were also established to treat any emergencies among the pilgrims. The number of medical teams also reached [number missing in original text]. The ambulance service was deployed to (264) teams, and during the Hajj season - up to the time of this statement - (294) surgical operations were performed, including catheterization, childbirth and other medical operations.
As for the security services provided to preserve the security of the pilgrims and provide all means of comfort and safety for the guests of God, according to the Ministry of Interior, the number of police stations during the Hajj season reached (38) stations, and the number of traffic stations reached (223) stations to facilitate the flow of groups of pilgrims in Makkah and between the Hajj sites, while the number of security control centers at the entrances to Makkah reached (114) centers, while the number of civil defense centers reached (220) centers.
Regarding the water and electricity services provided to the pilgrims by the National Water and Electricity Companies, the total workforce in providing water and electricity services amounted to (6,734) male and female employees. The quantity of water planned to be delivered to the pilgrims reached (20,700,000) cubic meters, and the quantity of sewage water expected to be treated reached (14,000,000) cubic meters. The water sources provided are (100%) from desalination. The number of electricity generation stations reached (5) stations operating at full capacity around the clock throughout the Hajj season. The quantity of water distributed to the pilgrims from Zamzam water reached (5,705,864) liters.
Regarding the communications and information technology services provided to the pilgrims, according to the Communications and Information Technology Commission, the total workforce in providing these services reached (3,294) male and female employees, and the number of base stations that support the fifth generation in the Two Holy Mosques and the Holy Sites reached (197) stations, and the number of Wi-Fi points in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites reached (10,266) sites. The average data download speeds in Makkah reached (195.36) megabytes, and the percentage increase in the average data download speeds in Makkah reached (51%). The average data download speeds in the Grand Mosque reached (171.17) megabytes, and the percentage increase in the average data download speeds in the Grand Mosque reached (35%), while the average data download speeds in Madinah reached (219.40) megabytes, and the percentage increase in the average data download speeds in Madinah reached (46%).
Regarding the postal, transportation and shipping services provided to the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God during this year’s Hajj season 1443 AH, the total number of workforce participating in providing these services reached (19,817) male and female employees, and the number of Saudi Post offices providing their services to the guests of God reached (16) offices, and the number of Haramain trains reached (35) trains, and the number of Haramain train trips reached (35) trips covering (5) stations going and coming back daily, and the number of main and secondary roads used to transport pilgrims in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Madinah Al-Munawwarah reached (44) roads with a total length of (13,300 km), and the total number of scheduled trips via buses to and from the Haram reached (600,000) trips, and the total number of approved buses reached (17,072) buses.
It should be noted that the General Authority for Statistics relied on the use of administrative records data and considered it the main source of data in issuing the statistical data and indicators for the Hajj season of 1443 AH, which is represented by all governmental and private entities concerned with serving the guests of God, to provide data according to a unified model that includes a number of elements such as data on manpower, equipment, and services provided by each entity according to the time and place reference.
It is worth mentioning that the General Authority for Statistics is the official and sole statistical reference for data and statistical information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It carries out all statistical work, provides technical supervision of the statistical sector, designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and research, analyzes data and information, and performs all work of documenting and preserving statistical information and data that cover all aspects of life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources, recording, classifying, analyzing, and extracting its statistical indicators.
To view the executive summary of Hajj statistics for the year 1443 AH, please use the following link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/sites/default/files/file_manger/Hajj%20Report%201443H.pdf.
Politics
Israeli restrictions on Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan: conditions and permits
Israel will limit entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque to only 10,000 worshippers from the West Bank during Ramadan, imposing age restrictions, security permits, and digital documentation, amid Palestinian warnings.
Israeli authorities announced on Wednesday new and stricter restrictions on the access of Palestinian worshippers from the West Bank to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. Under the new decision, the number of worshippers allowed entry will be capped at 10,000 Palestinians, and only after obtaining prior security permits. This move has drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns about escalating tensions in the holy city.
According to a statement issued by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), these measures followed a "security assessment of the situation," which resulted in the approval of daily permits exclusively for Fridays throughout the holy month. The age restrictions stipulate that entry is permitted for men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over, and children up to the age of 12, provided they are accompanied by a first-degree relative. All permits are subject to security approval.
In a procedural precedent, the statement indicated that worshippers are required to undergo "digital documentation" at crossings and military checkpoints, in order to guarantee and confirm their return to their places of residence in the West Bank at the end of the prayer day, adding a new procedural burden to the movement of people.
A huge gap between capacity and the allowed number
These restrictions create a massive gap between the capacity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the permitted number of worshippers. Estimates indicate that the Al-Aqsa compound can accommodate between 350,000 and 400,000 worshippers when all its courtyards and prayer areas are full, a scene familiar in previous years when hundreds of thousands of worshippers would flock to the site. Limiting the number to only 10,000 constitutes an unprecedented reduction that prevents the vast majority of Palestinians from practicing their religious rites during one of the holiest months for Muslims.
tense historical and political context
These measures are particularly sensitive given the spiritual significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first of the two Qiblas and the third holiest site in Islam. While Israel imposes security measures annually around East Jerusalem, the current restrictions come amidst complex regional circumstances. Palestinians and religious institutions in Jerusalem consistently warn that the intensification of these measures aims to alter the historical and legal status quo in the city and attempt to erase its Arab and Islamic identity.
It is worth noting that the international community does not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem in 1980 and considers it occupied territory since 1967, in accordance with international law. Palestinians maintain their claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, asserting that freedom of worship and access to holy sites are fundamental rights guaranteed by international law and should not be subject to Israeli security considerations or used as a political bargaining chip.
Politics
An armed man in military uniform was arrested near the Capitol before the State of the Union address
Capitol Police arrested a young man armed with a rifle and military gear who attempted to approach the Capitol building, a week before President Trump's State of the Union address. Details of the incident are available here.
In a security incident that triggered a state of alert in the US capital, Washington, the Capitol Police announced the thwarting of a possible attempt to threaten security near the Congress building, where security personnel were able to arrest an armed young man who was carrying a rifle and military equipment, at a very sensitive time in the American political arena.
In details of the incident revealed by Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, authorities arrested an 18-year-old man after he suddenly ran toward the Capitol building carrying a loaded rifle. Sullivan explained that the suspect arrived at the scene in a white Mercedes, which he parked near the Capitol complex before getting out and rushing toward the building. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries, as the young man immediately complied with police orders to drop the weapon and surrender.
Initial investigations revealed disturbing details regarding the suspect's equipment; he was wearing a military jacket and gloves at the time of his arrest. A search of his vehicle uncovered additional gear, including a helmet and a gas mask, suggesting a possible premeditated plan or intent to escalate the situation. The ongoing investigation will determine the true motives behind this act.
This incident is particularly significant given its timing, coming just one week before President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the Union address to Congress. This address is one of the most important political events in the United States, bringing together members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Supreme Court justices, and other high-ranking officials, which typically places the area around the Capitol under heightened security measures and exceptional protection protocols to ensure the safety of the nation's leaders.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C., particularly around key federal buildings. For years, the Capitol Police have intensified their presence and defensive strategies to counter individual and organized threats, ensuring that security breaches that could jeopardize American democracy or the safety of lawmakers are not repeated. The swift response of security personnel in this incident highlights their high level of preparedness to address sudden threats.
Politics
The Crown Prince receives a message from the President of Kazakhstan to enhance bilateral cooperation
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from the President of Kazakhstan concerning bilateral relations, which was received by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received an important written message from His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The message focused on ways to strengthen and develop the close bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and to propel them towards broader horizons in various fields.
His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the message during his official meeting today at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with His Excellency Yermek Kosherbayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.
The depth of Saudi-Kazakh relations
This message comes amidst the active diplomatic efforts underway in relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, two countries bound by deep-rooted historical ties based on shared values and mutual respect. These relations are gaining increasing importance in light of global geopolitical and economic shifts, as Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and a key strategic partner for the Kingdom in this vital region.
Prospects for economic and investment cooperation
Economically, the two countries possess tremendous potential for cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Both Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan are major global oil producers and active members of the OPEC+ alliance, which strengthens their joint coordination to ensure the stability of global energy markets. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 opens up vast opportunities for mutual investments in mining, infrastructure, food security, and renewable energy, aligning with Kazakhstan's development goals.
The importance of political coordination
On the political front, the exchange of messages between the two leaderships reflects a mutual commitment to continued consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of common interest. The Kingdom plays a pivotal role in promoting stability in the Middle East, while Kazakhstan serves as a vital bridge between Asia and Europe, making the strengthening of their partnership a cornerstone of security and stability in both regions.
The reception was attended on the Saudi side by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Dr. Saud Al-Sati, and the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Faisal Al-Qahtani, reflecting the high-level diplomatic interest in the outcomes of this meeting and the future steps that will result from it to strengthen the strategic partnership.
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