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Category: Saudi Arab

  • Annual International Culture Day organized at Pakistan Embassy College Beijing

    BEIJING: Over 40 countries including Pakistan and China set up their national stalls featuring a range of cultural activities such as traditional music as well as a display of art, costumes, and cuisines at the annual International Culture Day organized by Pakistan Embassy College (PECB) here on Sunday.

    According to APP, the Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi inaugurated the event as the chief guest.
    Ambassadors, senior diplomats, officials, media representatives and students along with their families, and members of the Pakistani and international community participated in this cultural gala.

    China, Russia, Italy, Rumania, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Libya, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and several other countries showcased their cultural handcrafts, products, and traditional cuisines.

    Ambassador Hashmi visited stalls and exhibitions set up by students and their parents and appreciated them for showcasing handicrafts, foods, and culture of their respective countries.

    There were fun areas and gaming zones for children. Cultural performances of various countries were also presented which were greatly enjoyed by the guests.

    Ambassador Hashmi in his address commended the PECB and its students for excellent organization and for presenting the rich kaleidoscope of performances which advanced mutual understanding, respect and collaboration among different cultures and traditions.

    He described culture a powerful tool to build bridges and foster friendships between nations.
    Ambassador Hashmi also underlined the significance of International Culture Day celebrations for China Pakistan relations, noting that the event served as a platform to promote the creation of China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future.

    Principal, Shazia Amjad welcomed the audience and expressed gratitude for their keen interest and enthusiastic participation.
    Some exquisite dance performances on tunes of Pakistan’s traditional music, stunning Pakistani and Chinese songs and cultural dresses mesmerized the audience.

    Pakistani food, handicrafts and traditional dresses showcased to highlight and promote Pakistani culture attracted a lot of attention from the participants.
    Ambassador Hashmi and his wife cut a cake along with the principal, teachers and students to mark the special occasion. The students were also given gifts through lucky draw.

    The International Culture Day is celebrated every year by PECB to highlight the institution’s core values of mutual learning, respect and cooperation.

    The post Annual International Culture Day organized at Pakistan Embassy College Beijing first appeared on VOSA.

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  • Education is best source to end hatred, IMAM-E- KAABA

    Islamabad: Imam Kaaba Professor Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Hameed has said that education is the best source to end hatred and International Islamic University is playing an exemplary role in promoting Islamic teachings.

    Meeting with Pakistan’s caretaker education minister Madad Ali Sindhi, Imam Kaaba said that Pakistan feels like his home and Pakistan-Saudi relations are deep and historical.

    Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Said Al-Maliki and President of International Islamic University Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi were also present on this occasion.

    Imam Kaaba said that he was always happy to meet Pakistanis. He said that people of both countries have immense love for each other. Imam Kaaba said that the ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of education and the Islamic University will benefit students all over the world. He appreciated the International Islamic University for organizing a conference on the importance of human life in the light of Sharia and law, in which he has especially come to participate.

    He said that education is the best solution to eliminate social problems and prejudices.

    Lauding the services of International Islamic University for providing high-quality education to students of more than 30 countries in the light of Islamic teachings, he said the university’s role is commendable in this regard.

    Imam Kaaba praised the International Islamic University for its valuable services in the fields of Usulludin, Shariah and Arabic. He said that he was informed that the International Islamic University is the leading institution in the country where there is the largest number of foreign students, which is appreciable.

    Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Hameed said that the His Majesty Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Royal Crown Prince have expressed their best wishes for this conference.

    He also praised the role of Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi for providing the best higher education facilities to the students of Muslim world in the light of Islamic teachings.

    Minister of education thanked Imam Kaaba for visiting Pakistan and the International Islamic University.

    He said that IIUI is playing an important role for the promotion of religious and contemporary studies. He said that the ministry of education will continue to cooperate with the University. He said that we are trying to spread the message of love through religious seminaries and public sector universities.

    Federal caretaker minister for education and professional training Madad Ali Sindhi has said that a special research centre will be formed through collaboration of Saudi and Pakistani Universities which will focus on the Seerat of Nabi especially on the issues of politics, social reform and law.

    He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share cultural, religious and historic ties. He said that Saudi Arabia is like a second home for the people of Pakistan. He said that due to Makkah and Madina, the love and respect for Saudi Arabia cannot be measured.

    Madad said that Pakistan appreciated deeply the role Saudi Arabia played in addressing the global issues of the Umma e Muslima.

    Madad said that he has put special focus on the teachings of Islam especially Seerat e Nabi (PBUH). He said that only through true teachings of Seerat e Nabi we can educate the nation and ensure that they follow the right track.

    Minister appreciated the upgradation of the systems in IIUI. Madad Ali Sindhi said that the standard of education at IIUI has been consistently on the rise under the leadership of Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi.

    Education Minister said that 30 thousand Madrassas have been registered in Pakistan and now they are also providing religious, scientific and conventional education.

    He also highlighted the need to train religious leaders of Madrassas. He said that we need to enlighten our religious leaders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can help by giving trainings to clerics of Madrassas in Pakistan.

    Madad Ali Sindhi also highlighted the plea of the muslims of Gaza and said that in such times of hardships it is imperative that the Umma e Muslima stand fasts and presents a unified front to protect our muslim brothers and sisters.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Imam Kaaba arrived in Islamabad to attend the conference organized by International Islamic University.

    He will deliver a special address, in the conference at Faisal Masjid. Imam Kaaba will also lead Friday prayers in Faisal Mosque on Friday.

    The post Education is best source to end hatred, IMAM-E- KAABA first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • SAPM Malik paves way for enhanced collaboration in Saudi Arabia’s job market

    ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Jawad Sohrab Malik, focused on developing the Pakistani workforce in KSA during his interactions with Saudi employers and human resource executives on his visit to the kingdom, according to APP.

    In Saudi Arabia, he concentrates on solidifying connections and optimizing opportunities for the Pakistani community.

     

     

    Jawad Sohrab Malik engaged in in-depth discussions with Saudi employers and human resource management executives in Jeddah.

    During the meetings, SAPM emphasized the crucial role of human resource development aligned with the requirements of the Saudi market and economy.

    He highlighted that the paramount value lies in close coordination and a strong exchange of ideas among stakeholders in overseas employment to effectively leverage opportunities for Pakistani manpower in the Saudi Arabian market.

    The SAPM also engaged with the Pakistani community at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah. Prominent community members and business leaders discussed a variety of issues, including challenges encountered by expatriates, during their interaction with SAPM.

    The SAPM assured the community, affirming the Pakistani government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Pakistani community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other nations.

    Malik shared the ongoing endeavours of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to address the needs of overseas Pakistanis, particularly those residing in the kingdom, and ensure their well-being.

    The gathering in Jeddah saw a diverse presence from the Pakistani diaspora, including businessmen, professionals, and entrepreneurs. SAPM’s visit to KSA is a deliberate step towards bolstering cooperation in manpower employment between the two countries.

    The post SAPM Malik paves way for enhanced collaboration in Saudi Arabia’s job market first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Caretaker PM reminds int’l community to intervene; implement solution to Palestine issue

    ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, during his participation in the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in the Saudi Capital of Riyadh on Saturday, has reminded the international community to promptly intervene and implement a durable solution to Palestine issue as the five-week ceaseless Israeli’s military aggression led to genocide and stoked fears of engulfing the region into wider conflict, according to APP. 
    He underscored the urgency of bringing an end to Israel’s aggression and brutality with an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, lifting of the siege of Gaza, and rapid and unhindered humanitarian and relief assistance.
    The prime minister of Pakistan was among the prominent leaders of the Muslim world who vociferously and very candidly highlighted the root causes leading to the current humanitarian crisis with over 11,000 deaths in Gaza due to Israel’s indiscriminate aerial and ground blitz after October 7.
    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit considering the human catastrophe that befell upon the Palestinian territories with Israel’s belligerent military invasion.
    The summit assumed significance as it brought the Muslims leaders from across the globe and continents together on one platform, expressing a unifying stance and forging a spirit of brotherhood and affinities for the unfortunate civilians of Gaza undergoing horrors of usage of globally banned arsenal and weapons by Israel occupation forces.
    Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar, in his remarks, reaffirmed that a permanent solution to the conflict was in the establishment of a secure, viable, contiguous and sovereign state of Palestine on the basis of pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its Capital.
    He stressed that the Israeli occupation forces were acting in clear violation of the international humanitarian and human rights laws, and their indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
    He also reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
    The prime minister regretted that they were witnessing another war in Gaza which was ‘a genocide’, sharing his pains at the distressing and miserable images of the women and children in the backdrop of bombs being dropped at hospitals, refugees’ camps and ambulances as Israel had turned Gaza into a living hell.
    “Israel’s incessant flouting of international laws with impunity had few parallels in history, he said, adding “I condemn these atrocities in the strongest terms.”
    He called upon the international community to hold Israel accountable for its crimes, urging the UNSC members to rise above their differences and urgently perform their primary responsibility of maintaining peace and security in the region.
    “Human lives cannot be sacrificed at the altar of technicalities,” he added.
    Prime Minister Kakar opined that billions across the globe wanting peace and progress and development, and the world could not afford to be pushed into the brink of another war.
    He also proposed for initiation of proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel for its war crimes and crimes against humanity, besides the establishment of a special commission of inquiry by the United Nations Secretary-General to investigate these war crimes.
    During his three-day visit, the prime minister also held meetings with the Arab and Islamic countries leaders on the sidelines of the main event.
    The prime minister met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of KSA Mohammed bin Salman, Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the summit.
    During their meeting, the prime minister and the Saudi crown prince underlined the need for an urgent international collaboration geared towards stopping Israel from brutal and indiscriminate aggression against the besieged and innocent Palestinians.
    They further emphasized the urgency of lifting the blockade of Occupied Gaza to facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid and medical assistance to the affected population.
    While in his meeting with Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, they expressed their deep concern over the alarming situation in Gaza with the staggering death toll and wholesale destruction of civilian infrastructure amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression and siege.
    In a meeting with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the ongoing brutal campaign by the Israeli forces.
    The bilateral ties and cooperation were also discussed during these meetings.
    The Joint Summit called for an immediate ceasefire, end to ongoing Israeli aggression and siege of Gaza, deaths and destruction, the opening of a humanitarian corridor and immediate implementation of two-state solution.
    The leaders denounced the forced displacement of residents of Gaza and the occupation of the territory by the Israeli armed forces.
    The Israeli aggression had so far killed more than 11,000 civilians while razing to ground the residential buildings and roads infrastructure in the indiscriminate and brutal aerial and ground assaults that also targeted hospitals, refugees’ camps and schools.

    The post Caretaker PM reminds int’l community to intervene; implement solution to Palestine issue first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • OIC to host three-day international conference on women in Islam

    ISLAMABAD: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia is hosting a three-day “International Conference on Women in Islam” in Jeddah starting on Monday, according to APP.

    Organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the conference aims to highlight the successes of Muslim women and their role and contributions to the development of the OIC Member States.

    The moot also aims to counter the negative propaganda that portrays Islamic religion as an obstacle to women’s rights and to demonstrate that Islamic teachings have always been just and towards women.

    It will also create a detailed plan for legal reforms and political initiatives to foster justice and empower women in Islamic societies. The event is also expected to adopt a comprehensive document titled “The Jeddah Document for Women in Islam.”

    The event comprises five working sessions, where ministers, officials, scholars, and thinkers of both genders will delve into the status of women and their rights in Islam in addition to various issues related to women in contemporary societies.

    Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in his address at the opening session of the 49th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Mauritania in March, 2023 the Kingdom’s initiative to host the “International Conference on Women in Islam”.

    Saudi Arabia continuously supports the OIC objectives and its efforts to preserve the rights of Muslim women and enhance their role in the development of member countries.

    The post OIC to host three-day international conference on women in Islam first appeared on VOSA.

  • Muharram processions, Majlis being held across the world including the US with religious reverence

    New York: Mournful processions and Majalis of Muharram-ul-Haram are being held across the world including the United States,with Muslim devotees paying homage to Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions who rendered their lives in the soil of Karbala for the noble cause of humanity, justice and restoration of the glory of Islam.

    The Muharram-ul-Haram gatherings and mourning processions are also being held with devotion and respect in Africa, Middle East, Iran, South Asia including Pakistan and India.

    The main Muharram procession in Dallas and Houston will be held downtown on the 10th of Muharram, July 28, while the series of congregations will continue in various imambargahs and private residences.

    A large number of Muslim devotees of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, (the last messenger of Allah Almighty) participated in the Muharram gatherings at Houston’s Al-Ghadeer Imambargah, Dalles’ Imambargah Momin Center and Dar-e-Hussain.

    While series of Majalis also being organized wherein Zakirs and religious scholars are describing the incident of Karbala.

    Azadar echoed like Labbaik Ya Hussain everywhere, participating in these gatherings organized in memory of the great sacrifice of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

    Mourning events are ongoing in many other cities of Texas, the largest state of America, including Houston and Dallas.

    Men, women and children are actively participating in these meetings.

    The post Muharram processions, Majlis being held across the world including the US with religious reverence first appeared on VOSA.

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  • Umrah season kicks off as Saudi authorities issued 6,000 visas to pilgrims, so far.

    Saudi Arab: As Muharram – the first month in the Islamic calendar has kicked off, pilgrims from all over the world including Pakistan and the United States (US) have started arriving in the holly Makkah to perform the Umrah rituals, with religious devotion and fervor.

    Since the Saudi’s Hajj and Umrah ministry has announced the start of the Umrah season on Muharram 1, as many as 6,000 visas have been issued to pilgrims from 46 countries, according to Saudi officials.

    A large number of Iqama holders, including Saudi citizens, are also enjoying the blessing of Umrah.

    While the number of visas is being increased every day, Pakistani and other foreign Iqama holders are also reaching Makkah in large numbers from all over Saudi Arabia.

    After the Hajj season, once again the splendor of Madinah Munawarah and other places including Taif has been reopened, while the pilgrims are shopping at the stalls of Ihram sellers, and they are heading towards Makkah after tying Ihram.

    Mataf corridor in Masjid al-Haram has been allocated for Umrah pilgrims and the provision of Zamzam water is also being ensured for the convenience of the visiting pilgrims.

  • Saudi Arab, Gulf region commemorate Eid-ul-Adha, today.

    Saudi Arabia: Eid-ul-Adha – the mega annual Islamic event is being commemorated in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region on Saturday (today) as approx. one million foreign pilgrims have gathered at the holy city of Mecca from parts of the world including the United States (US) and Pakistan to commemorate the great sacrifice by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) of his son Hazrat Ismail (AS).

    Also, Muslims in Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, Kenya and Yemen are celebrating Eid ul-Adha on Saturday, with religious zest and fervor.

    Amid strict covid-19 restrictions, following the Eid prayers, the Hajj pilgrims clad in while sacrificed animals in the path of Allah almighty and to fulfill Sunnat-e-Ibrahimi.

    Improved  security arrangements were also made by the Saudi authorities, and Hujjaj performed the mandatory rituals in smooth manner.

    Saudi Gazette reported that King Salman prayed for Allah’s peace, mercy, and blessings on all of them. He also prayed for the pilgrims who are performing this year’s Hajj and all those who are serving them.

    The pilgrims threw seven pebbles each at the Jamarat Al-Aqaba wall in a ritual symbolizing the devil’s stoning.

    Hajj pilgrims began to move to the Grand Mosque in Makkah for Tawaf Al-Ifadha. Prior to that, they had stoned the Jamarat Al-Aqaba, sacrificed animals, and had their heads shaved for the 10th day of Dul Hijjah.

    “Security services are also on hand to ensure that congestion is kept to a minimum and to manage the flow of the approximately 899,353 pilgrims who are at the holy sites to perform this year’s Hajj,” according to the General Authority for Statistics.

    All the pilgrims had spent the previous night resting in their tents in Mina on the first day of the stoning.

    On Friday, the spokesman for Hajj and Umrah, Hisham Saeed, at a press conference highlighted the plan and arrangements for the Hajj with all relevant authorities, and schedules with specific times to ensure the smooth movement of crowds in the various stages, beginning from the day of Tarwiyah in Mina, then on to Arafat and Muzdalifah before transporting them back to Mina for the stoning process at the Jamarat Bridge and other Hajj services.

    Yesterday (Firday), Chanting Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Hujjaj gathered in in Maidan-e-Arafat to perform the Rukn-e-Azam of Hajj Waqoof-e-Arafat since Friday sunrise.

    After Azan-e-Maghrib, the pilgrims left for Muzdalifah where they offered Maghrib and Isha prayers together and spent the night under open sky.

    They collected pebbles from Muzdalifah to throw at Satin this morning.  After offering Fajr Prayer at Muzdalifah, they left for Mina for remaining Hajj rituals.

    Reports suggest that as many as 850,000 foreign pilgrims are performing Hajj for the first time after a hiatus of two years following the travel restrictions imposed by Saudi authorities due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.

    The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the most important traditions in Islam, and involves carrying out a journey to the Kaaba, a sacred building in Mecca that all prayers are directed towards by Muslims around the world.

     

    Arab News reported that the Transport General Authority has offered electric scooters as a new transportation service for pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season.

    This new service aims at improving pilgrims’ experience, facilitating their movements while performing their rituals, and reducing the duration of their trips from Mount Arafat to Muzdalifah.

     

     

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Hajj Sermon stresses upon Muslims to respect Humanity, and have only fear of Allah Almighty

    Saudi Arabia: Dr. Al Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al Issa on Friday called upon the Muslims across the world to respect and value humanity, and bow down before Allah Almighty, alone.

    While delivering the wide-ranging Hajj sermon from Masjid-e-Nimra, he said that Islam is a religion of peace and there is only one Allah and Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH) is the last prophet.

    “Allah is the only one who deserves to be worshipped by the inhabitants of the heavens and the inhabitants of the Earth. He has complete knowledge of everything you conceal and everything you reveal.”

    “The combination of the testimony that only Allah is to be worshipped, along with the testimony that Muhammad (PBUH ) is Allah’s messenger.”

    He said that Muslims should exhibit best of the manners as only those who will have good manners will be close to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) on the day of judgment.

    In his Hajj sermon, Sheikh Bandar urged the Muslims to worship in such a way that Almighty Allah is seeing them.

    Chanting Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, one million Hujjaj are in Maidan-e-Arafat to perform the Rukn-e-Azam of Hajj Waqoof-e-Arafat.

    Dr. Al Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al Issa said that respecting and valuing humanity is compulsory for all Muslims.

    After offering Fajr Prayer at Muzdalifah the other day, pilgrims will leave for Mina for remaining Hajj rituals.

    The 850,000 foreign pilgrims are performing Hajj for the first time after a hiatus of two years following the travel restrictions imposed by Saudi authorities due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.

    It is relevant to mention here that Dr Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa was appointed as Khatib for Hajj 1443 (2022) by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

    Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa holds the post of Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and also the President of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

     

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Hajj pilgrimage at the climax, a million Muslims throng the holy Mecca

    Saudi Arabia: As the annual Hajj rituals reach climax in Saudi Arabia after a gap of two years as hundreds of thousands of Muslims around the globe have thronged the holy city of Mecca to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage – the mega Muslim religious event.

    Chanting Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Hujjaj gathered in in Maidan-e-Arafat to perform the Rukn-e-Azam of Hajj Waqoof-e-Arafat since Friday sunrise.

    After Azan-e-Maghrib, the pilgrims will leave for Muzdalifah where they will offer Maghrib and Isha prayers together and spend the night under open sky. They will also collect pebbles from Muzdalifah to throw at Satin the next morning.  After offering Fajr Prayer at Muzdalifah, they will leave for Mina for the remaining Hajj rituals.

    Reports suggest that as many as 850,000 foreign pilgrims are performing Hajj for the first time after a hiatus of two years following the travel restrictions imposed by Saudi authorities due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    It’s an opportunity for Muslims to fulfill a once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation, but also a chance for the economy of Saudi Arabia’s holy cities to get a jump start.

    Pilgrims clad in white robes climbed the rocky Mount of Mercy, which oversees the plain of Arafat where the Prophet Mohammad held his last sermon.

    For the last couple of years this number has been substantially reduced – like many things – due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But the pilgrimage has returned in full force in 2022.

    The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the most important traditions in Islam, and involves carrying out a journey to the Kaaba, a sacred building in Mecca that all prayers are directed towards by Muslims around the world.

    As one of the five pillars of Islam, all Muslims are expected to carry out the journey at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so.

    It dates back to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the Jewish and Christian traditions), according to the Qu’ran, but is also linked to the Prophet Mohammed, who is believed to have established the rites performed at the end the pilgrimage.

    Hajj is seen as a time of self-renewal and symbolises equality, bringing people of all races and social statuses together for a series or rituals taking place over five or six days.

    These include walking seven times anti-clockwise around the Kaaba, throwing pebbles at a pillar to symbolise stoning Satan, and sacrificing an animal.

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Road to Makkah project includes Lahore and Karachi.

    Islamabad,

    Saudi Arabia’s interior minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif was on a day-long visit to Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting was scheduled with his Pakistani counterpart Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, he also met with Noor ul Haq Qadri.

    During the meeting, Umrah and Hajj pilgrims’ visa and immigration issues under COVID-19 standard operating procedures were discussed between the two dignitaries.

    Initially, interior minister decided to include Lahore and Karachi in ‘Road to Makkah Project, News broadcaster reported.

    The decision was also taken that pilgrims from Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi will directly land at the Makkah airport and their luggage will directly be transported to their hotels.

    Once these cities are included in the Road to Makkah project the pilgrims will not undergo custom checking at the Saudi airports.

    Cities inclusion agreement will be finalized and announced on the eve of the Hajj agreement this year.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • The 6th King Abdul Aziz Camel Festival in Saudi capital Riyadh.

    Riyadh,

    The women are participating for the first time in the 6th King Abdul Aziz Camel Festival in Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh. 38 women competes this camel and horse race with great skills. The aim of this unique competition was to empower women so that Saudi women can use their talents and skills for the betterment of the country.38 Saudi women dressed in traditional Saudi costumes and high-lightened Saudi culture.Huge local crowd present to watch the race. While a large number of domestic and foreign tourists were also participating in King Abdul Aziz Camel Festival.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Social distancing and more restrictions at Grand Mosques.

    Riyadh,

    Omicron variant of Covid-19 spread globally while Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj restricted the issuance of Umrah permits to one every 10 days. Ministry ruling out the multiple Umrahs facility immediately one after another.

    A 10 days waiting period is mandatory from now between two Umrahs, a statement of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah twitted.

    The curbs have been tightened keeping in view to surge Omicron variant, the ministry said.

    Earlier, the kingdom had announced to reimpose social distancing in the Two Holy Mosques from December 30, 2021 to curb the Omicron variant spread.

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Temperature drops overnight, Saudi Tabuk region covered with Snow.

    Tabuk,

    The Tabuk region mountains of Saudi Arabia were covered with snow on Saturday morning after a huge drop in temperature overnight.

    Videos of the storm, and people play in the snowfall, viral on social media, with impressive scenes of Jabal Al-Lawz, located in the northwest of the Kingdom.

    Several hikers capture the scene in their video and mobile cameras and enjoy the snowy weather. Tabuk residents were so excited.

    Saudis flooded to social media platforms to express their excitement and joy on the winter weather.

    “Every year, snowfall brings tourists from across the Kingdom to Tabuk, and while the COVID-19 pandemic will mean fewer visitors than usual this year, some people arrives from Qatar to visit and capture the snow on camera.

    A Qatari citizen appeared in a video clip on Twitter from Jabal Al-Lawz, and said that “Our people in Qatar did not believe that dazzling snowfall scenes exist in the Kingdom.”

    The National Center of Meteorology had forecast, in its weather report, that thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds in Asir, Jazan, Madinah, Hail, the northern borders and Al-Jawf, as well as the Tabuk region, where more snow was not ruled out on higher grounds.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Sindh Culture day colors in Riyadh.

    Riyadh,

    Indus cultural and social forum organizes a colorful Sindhi culture day at Pakistan consulate in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan Consul General Bilal Akber is the chief guest on the occasion and said that Sindhi Culture day celebrates around the globe with full zeal and fervor. Sindh province has the special status, gate way of Islam while it is also play vital role during the establishment of Pakistan. Several Sindhi cultural stalls were set up in the festival.Local folk singer Naeem Sindhi sung different cultural songs on the occasion and spread the colors of Sindh. A large number of Men and women specially belong to Sindh province and different Pakistani community celebrates Sindhi culture day with full zeal. Participants also performed Sindhi folk dance and make the moments memorable.President of Indus Cultural forum Dr. Mustafa Kamal along with former president Zeeshan Qazi and Abdul Qadir Mallah has said that Sindhi Cultural day widely promotes the true colors of love. We tried our level best to spread the colors and culture of Pakistan at overseas.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Couple travel 1200 kms on Motorbike to perform Umrah

    Web Desk:

    According to the Arab media, in a strange incident, the married couple Omar Abu Dawood and Asmaa Al-Ganzouri went from the Egyptian city of Tanta to Mecca to perform Umrah by motorcycle, on a trip belonging to the Egyptian Motorcycle Federation.

    According to Omar Abu Dawood, an Egyptian citizen, he loved motorcycles since he was a child, while he used to ride a bicycle at that time. Later, after watching videos of motorcycle enthusiasts, they decided to buy a motorcycle.

    Omar covered a distance of 1200 km on his journey from Tanta in Egypt to Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. Along with Omar, his wife, Asma al- Ganzouri, was also on the journey of about 48 hours.

    The wife, Asmaa, told the program I ask with a prayer that the journey from the Tanta Corniche to the hotel in Yanbu took about 48 hours. Omar continued, 48 hours are awake, driving 1200 kilos.

    According to the Egyptian couple, due to the lack of land routes between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, they had to board a boat during the voyage.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Saudi Arabia to grant citizenship to talented and innovative People.

    King Salman bin Abdul Aziz issued a royal decree on Thursday about granting citizenship to highly talented, qualified and innovative expatriate in the Kingdom, state press agency SPA said.

    The royal order allows expatriates with special skills in the legal, medical, scientific, technological, cultural and sport fields to obtain Saudi citizenship. The move is aimed at driving development forward and diversifying the economy, The new system would allow experts and investors to establish deeper roots in the country.

    Citizenship is difficult to obtain in the Gulf as it is not traditionally offered to foreigners and expatriates.

    The decision also aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 that aims to enhance a business friendly environment that is attractive to qualified professionals. The move to grant citizenship is also part of economic and social reform plans by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It will enable scientists, intellectuals and innovators from around the world to make the kingdom a hub for brilliant minds.

    In December 2019, the Kingdom announced it was planning to grant citizenship to distinguished professionals, and opened its doors to foreign tourists for the first time as part of the Vision 2030, in which expanding the kingdom’s tourism sector is a crucial aspect of the program.

    Announced in 2016 by the Crown Prince, Vision 2030 is an ambitious scheme that intends to completely reshape the kingdom’s economy into one that is self-sufficient, developed and diversified, and become a global investment powerhouse.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Inauguration of the world’s first ‘aerial museum’ flight in Saudi Arabia

    Web Desk:

    According to the Arab News, Saudi Arabia is introducing the world’s first flying museum, highlighting archaeological finds on a plane journey between the capital and the ancient city of Al-Ula.

    On a flight from Saudi Arabia to the historic city of Al-Ula, passengers will be shown a view of the museum in the air. The guests were warmly welcomed on the first flight, a joint venture between the Royal Commission for Al-Ula and the national flag carrier Saudia.

    The flight was organized to highlight the importance of the historic city of Al-Ula. The flight identified only a small part of the archeological site and also showed a sample of artifacts found during excavations, which are currently being researched by experts.

    Passengers will also be able to watch a Discovery Channel documentary called “Architects of Ancient Arabia” that was released this year, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The video shows a team of international archaeologists investigating a set of ancient stone structures in Saudi Arabia

    Photo Courtesy: Albilad

    Rebecca Foote, director of archaeology and cultural heritage research at the commission, will provide an introduction to the documentary during the trip and give an explanation about the artifacts featured in the museum.

    She said: “There is a major load of work ongoing in Al-Ula by local and international archeologists, and yet we are just beginning to understand the complicated nature of Al-Ula’s past. I am looking forward to sharing more information about our work with passengers of the Museum in the Sky trip, operated by Saudia.”

     

    Philip Jones, the commission’s chief destination marketing officer, said the museum would highlight the importance of the archeological work being done in Al-Ula, which the commission believed was the “biggest archeological program” in the world at this time.

     

    Khaled Tash, vice president of corporate communications at the airline, said the museum was a continuation of the “ongoing cooperation” with the commission to highlight Al-Ula’s rich heritage and promote it globally as a tourist destination.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Saudi Arabia unveils plan to build outrageous oil rig-theme park

    Web Desk:

    According to CNN, the upcoming attraction inspired by offshore oil platforms is being devised in line with the long-term Saudi Vision 2030’s strategy, which aims to reposition Saudi Arabia as a top international tourism destination and diversify its economy. But the country is determined to reposition itself as an alluring global hotspot that can compete with the likes of nearby Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman. It aims to attract 100 million tourists each year by the close of the decade.

    Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Public Investment Fund

    Saudi Arabia may be trying to reduce its dependency on oil, but that hasn’t stopped the Arabic kingdom from using its petroleum industry as an inspiration for a brand new tourist attraction. The Middle Eastern country has announced plans to convert an oil rig into a 150,000 square meter floating theme park on an oil rig, with rollercoasters, extreme sports, and waterslides across interconnected platforms in its latest extravagant tourism drive.

    Digital renderings of the ambitious engineering feat were released this month, showing a large pier for access by cruise ship, a concert venue, gondolas running between the platforms over the sea, and an underwater restaurant.

    The rig is funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The colossal project will be comprised of three hotels and 11 restaurants spread over a number of connected platforms, as well as roller coaster rides and adrenaline-rush activities like bungee jumping and skydiving, swimming pools, a Ferris wheel, and white-knuckle rides high above the glittering Persian Gulf.

    “This project is a unique tourism attraction, expected to attract tourists from around the world,” said a statement from the PIF. It said it was expected to be particularly popular with visitors from the Arabian Gulf region.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Masjid ul Haram fully open to worshipers from Sunday, KSA Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

    Web Desk, Riyadh,

    Saudi officials announced that people who administer both doses of Covid-19 vaccine can enter the Harmain Shareefain, while the use of masks and Umrah tracking app has been mandatory in the premises of Harmain Shareefain.

    Conclusive to open the Grand Mosque Masjid ul Haram to worshipers, Saudi officials said the new rules and regulations would take effect on Sunday.

    According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, permits will be issued to those who administer two doses of corona vaccine for Umrah, prayers at the Grand Mosque and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque.

    The statement also said that those who obtained prior permission for Umrah, prayers in Masjid al-Haram and pilgrimage to Masjid al-Nabawi but did not take the second dose of the vaccine they must be got a second dose of the vaccine 48 hours before the permit date to avoid revocation of the permit.

    People who have not taken second dose to prevent corona and will not have their status updated Umrah permits will not be issued to them.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 55 Pakistani students secured more than 1000 marks in Matric and Inter.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    Commendation ceremony of Pakistan International Nasiriyah School held in the Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh, 55 students secured positions in the annual matriculation and interculation examinations with more than one thousand marks.

    Syeda Maimona Fatima secured first position, Muhammad Saleh Siddiqui second and Masooma Sajid and Bushra Moazzam secured third position. Apart from all the other successful students, Ambassador of Pakistan Lt. Gen. (retd) Bilal Akbar distributed honorary shields and certificates and encouraged the students.

    On the occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan Bilal Akbar said that children studying abroad are our assets. They will surely be able to serve the country and the nation in a better way to going forward.

    Ambassador also recalled the Mohsin-e-Pakistan Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and appreciated his services and informed the children about his personality.

    Retired Admiral Naeem Akhtar, school Principal, said that a large number of children have secured good positions this year as compared to previous years. In addition to children’s hard work, it also includes parents and teachers guidance.

    Education Advisor Pakistani Schools Nadir Alam said that there are ten Pakistani community schools in Saudi Arabia which have been providing education to students for the last four decades.

    The Saudi government is also awarding scholarships to Pakistani students and it will further improve the situation. The students who succeeded in the event also expressed their gratitude’s happiness.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 180 million bricks of clay for the world’s largest clay city

    Web Desk:

    According to Al-Arabiya News, the head of the Diriyah Development Company, Jonathan Timms, revealed the establishment of a factory in the north of the capital, Riyadh, to produce 180 million bricks of clay, in order to build the largest mud city in the world in Diriyah.

    Timms said that construction work on the “Al-Dariyah Gateway” was underway, using hand-made clay bricks. It is being built in the same way as it was built in the kingdom 300 years ago. This gateway will be the main gate of the largest mud city in the world.

    According to Al-Arabiya News Channel, Timms added that there will be a total of 38 hotels in Al-Dariyah, of which 25 are included in the gateway project. Their construction will be completed by 2024. In addition, there will be 6 main museums in Al-Dariyah.

    In addition, the Gateway project will include a central retail business project on Al-Dariyah Square, the Education Academy, King Salman University, and other projects and ancillary facilities.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Ferocious winds, heavy rain as Cyclone Shaheen hits Oman

    Web Desk:

    According to Reuters, Tropical Cyclone Shaheen slammed into Oman on Sunday with ferocious winds and heavy rain, flooding streets, prompting evacuations from coastal areas, and delaying flights to and from the capital, Muscat.

    The death toll from the cyclone rose to five on Monday while other fishermen from Iran remained missing as the storm moved further inland into Oman and weakened.

    Photo Courtesy: Reuters

    Authorities in Oman said they found the body of a man who disappeared when floodwaters swept him away from his vehicle. On Sunday, as the storm made landfall, they said a child similarly drowned and two people died in a landslide.

    When its eye crossed land, the cyclone was carrying winds of between 120 and 150 km/h (75 to 93 mph), Omani authorities said. It was throwing up waves of up to 10 meters (32 feet). Up to 500cm (20 inches) of rain was expected in some areas, raising the risk of flash floods.

    Photo Courtesy: Reuters

    Cyclones steadily lose their power over land and Shaheen was downgraded to a tropical storm after it cleared the ocean, the meteorology service said on Twitter.

    The national emergency committee said the power supply would be cut in al-Qurm, east of the capital, to avoid accidents. Aid agencies transferred more than 2,700 people to emergency shelters. Authorities said roads in the capital would be open only to vehicles on emergency and humanitarian work until the storm dies down.

    Photo Courtesy: Reuters

    In Iran, state television said rescuers found the body of one of five fishermen who went missing off Pasabandar, a fishing village near the border with Pakistan.

    Omani state television broadcast images of flooded roadways and valleys as the storm churned deeper into the sultanate, its outer edges reaching the neighboring United Arab Emirates which has issued warnings to residents that the storm was coming.

    Photo Courtesy: AFP

    Police in the United Arab Emirates were patrolling near beaches and valleys where torrential rains were expected to ensure the residents’ safety.

    Government and private-sector employees in al-Ain, on the border with Oman, were urged to work remotely on Monday and authorities called on residents to avoid leaving home except for emergencies, the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said.

     “Authorities are working proactively around the clock to evaluate residential units in expected affected areas and transport families to safe locations until it is safe to return,” it said.

    Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence authorities called for caution in several regions from Monday to Friday in expectation of high winds and possible flooding, the state news agency reported.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Defense Day celebrations at Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh.

    Ajmal, Riyadh,

    Defense Day celebrations held at Pakistan Embassy in Saudi capital Riyadh, with the participation of military officers from different countries, Islamic Military Alliance Commander General (retd) Raheel Sharif, Pakistan Ambassador Lieutenant General (retd) Bilal Akbar.Military Attaché Brigadier Raja Haroon, accompanied by Ambassador welcomed the guests, including military Attaché and military officers stationed at foreign embassies.Ceremony held at Chancery Hall of the Embassy, foreign guests congratulated Pakistani authorities on September 6, 1965 for the bravery and courage of the Pakistan Army.While address on the occasion, Pakistan Ambassador, recalling the September War, and said that Pakistani forces had defeated and repell the enemy much stronger way and protected the borders of the homeland. Pakistani nation remembers the martyr’s sacrifices and pays tribute to them.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan embassy’s trade mission organizes Mango festival in Riyadh.

    Ajmal Hussain, Riyadh,

    The Pakistan embassy’s trade mission highlighted the colors of Pakistani culture and organizes a festival in Saudi capital Riyadh on the consumption of Pakistani mangoes in Saudi market. Leading Saudi dignitaries attended the festival.

    On the occasion, Pakistani Ambassador Bilal Akbar told the participants that Pakistan is an ideal country for tourists from all over the world, including Saudi Arabia.

    Thousands of foreign tourists visit Pakistan every year to enjoy the natural scenery and learned the ancient culture of Pakistan.

    Azhar Dahar, Minister of Trade and Investment of the Pakistan Embassy, said that Saudi Arabia is a huge market for Pakistani mangoes and our exporters should take advantage of the Saudi market.

    Stalls were also set up at the festival to highlight the culture of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Saudi and foreigners showed great interest in the festival. Participants appreciated the festival and said that such events show the positive face of Pakistan.

    According to Pakistan embassy’s trade mission that they are working to promote Pak-Saudi trade so that business community from both countries can invest in each other.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated in Gulf Countries, including Saudi Arabia.

     Jeddah/Web Desk:

    Saudi Arab, USA, Japan, Indonesia, UK and Canada including EU and Gulf countries are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, on Tuesday.

    Eid prayers have been offered at Masjid al-Haram, Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi, Medina, following precautionary measures against the Corona epidemic, while sacrifices are being performed throughout Saudi Arabia following the Sunnah of Abraham. Special slaughterhouses have been set up in Mina, Makkah, Jeddah, Medina, and other cities in Saudi Arabia as well as UAE.

    It should be noted that Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated in many other countries including Pakistan and India on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Baitullah shroud will be changed on July 18.

    Ajmal, Makkah,

    Governor of Makkah, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, in Saudi Arabia, handed over the shroud of Kaaba to Dr. Saleh bin Zayn Al-Abidin. The ceremony was also attended by Head of Administrative Affairs, Harmain Sharifain, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais.

    The shroud of Baitullah Sharif has been prepared by Kiswa Factory, which was handed over by the Governor of Makkah, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, on behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

    Governor Makkah also handed over the keys of Allah’s house to Dr. Saleh bin Zainul Abidin. Imam of Kaaba Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Head of Administrative Affairs of the Holy mosques, was also present at the simple but emotional ceremony. The shroud of Kaaba will be changed on July 18.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • The Pakistani embassy in Kabul arranges safe return of citizens.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    The Pakistani embassy in Kabul is taking measures for safe return of Pakistanis to Saudi Arabia via Afghanistan after Kingdom suspend flights operations to Afghanistan on July 4.

    According to the Pakistani ambassador in the Afghan capital Kabul, Pakistani workers were leaving for Saudi Arabia after completion of 14-day quarantine in Afghanistan but on July 4, after the flight operation was suspended, about 4,000 Pakistanis were stranded in Kabul.

    For their return, the Pakistani embassy in Kabul is taking credible measures to provide them accommodation and food, as well as transportation to Torkham border. Pakistani consulate also provides aid to reach their areas in Pakistan. So far, about 1,500 Pakistanis have been returned.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PPP Riyadh chapter held a ceremony in response of July 5, 1977

    Ajmal Minhas, Riyadh,

    A ceremony was held by Pakistan People’s Party in Riyadh, capital city of Saudi Arabia.

    According to speakers, July 5 is the darkest day in history of Pakistan. Democratic government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was overthrown and democracy was derailed.

    Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Shaheed was the greatest leader in the history of Pakistan; he gives 1973 constitution to Pakistan and laid the foundation to makes the country defensively invincible.

    Bhutto Shaheed Brings reforms in the country that strengthened democratic institutions and awakened political and democratic thoughts in the people. On July 5, 1977, a dictator overthrew people’s elected government and severely damaged the democracy.  Democracy has not been strengthened till date. Ahsan Abbasi, Sardar Razzaq, Riaz Rathore, Sadaqat Hussain, Wasim Sajid, Ghulam Nabi Nawab, Malik Abdul Karim Khan and others also spokes on the occasion.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Saudi Interior ministry suspended flight operations amid rising Covid-19 cases.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    The Saudi Interior Ministry has suspended flight operations due to rising cases of the corona virus. The decision will take effect on July 4.

    According to Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry, Saudi citizens are barred to travel to Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam without prior permission from the relevant authorities.

    Flights to and from these countries are also banned. Saudis and foreigners coming from these countries will be mandatory hotel quarantine the Interior Ministry added.

    The ban would exempt Saudis from countries currently banned will be back by 11pm on Sunday, July 4. Officials say the decision has been made due to the growing number of Code 19 cases in the countries concerned.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.