Al-Riyadh Newspaper, May 29, 2025: Hajj Pilgrimage,Religious Guidance, Economy, Technology, Cultural and Social Initiatives

These sources offer a broad overview of various developments and events within Saudi Arabia, with a particular emphasis on the Hajj season and related services like transportation and accommodation, as well as religious guidance for pilgrims. Several pieces also discuss the Saudi economy, highlighting efforts to diversify beyond oil, growth in non-oil exports, and changes to the housing support system. Furthermore, the articles touch on advancements in technology, including digital litigation and internet penetration, alongside reporting on regional and international affairs, such as the conflict in Gaza and global energy markets. Finally, cultural and social initiatives, like museum activities and programs for protected bird species, are mentioned.

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Saudi Efforts in Managing Hajj Pilgrimage

Based on the sources provided, the management of the Hajj pilgrimage involves extensive efforts and initiatives by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aimed at facilitating a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. The sources highlight the scale and uniqueness of the Hajj, describing it as the largest annual gathering on Earth, an experience that repeats yearly with evolving details.

The overall goal of Hajj management is to realize the vision of the Kingdom, serve the guests of the Most Gracious, and ensure they can perform their rituals with ease and tranquility from the moment they leave their homes until they return. This is underpinned by the direct supervision and guidance of the wise Saudi leadership, demonstrating significant attention to all matters concerning the pilgrims.

Several key entities and government agencies are involved, including the Supreme Hajj Committee, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, the Ministry of Interior, municipalities (Amanat) in various regions like Makkah, Qassim, Najran, and the Eastern Region, and security forces.

Specific services and initiatives mentioned in the sources include:

• Digital Services: The introduction of digital services like the Nusuk card, which serves as a smart identity for each pilgrim containing their health, housing, and transportation information. The Nusuk app offers over 160 digital services. Digital awareness platforms and materials are also provided.
• Transportation: Provision of over 3 million train seats (including the Haramain and Holy Sites trains), 2 million air travel seats, and over 25,000 equipped buses. The Holy Sites train transports over 2 million pilgrims between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. The Haramain High Speed Train connects Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah. The transport system is described as being fully ready, with extensive road maintenance and bridge inspection efforts. An electric scooter service is also offered for light mobility along designated paths for the second year.
• Healthcare: Significant efforts are made in healthcare, with hospital capacity in the holy sites increased by 60% this year compared to the last. A new emergency hospital has been prepared in Muzdalifah, and there are 71 emergency centers strategically located along the routes. The comprehensive integrated health system includes field hospitals, air ambulance planes, equipped ambulances, and paramedics. Over 50,000 health services were provided via various entry points, including over 140 procedures.
• Water and Environment: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture raises operational readiness in Makkah, focusing on developing slaughterhouses, livestock markets, and central markets. The national water company has completed water network projects in some areas to meet demand.
• Housing and Facilities: Development works include multi-story tents and restrooms. Pedestrian paths have been enhanced with shading and rubber flooring in Muzdalifah.
• Security and Regulation: The “No Hajj Without Permit” campaign emphasizes that system and security are the cornerstones for controlling entry and ensuring pilgrim safety. Pilgrims are urged to abide by regulations and instructions from competent authorities. The Ministry of Interior imposes penalties, including deportation and a 10-year entry ban, on violators.
• Guidance and Awareness: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs deploys a large number of scholars, students, and preachers (300 for internal pilgrims) to provide guidance, religious lessons, and fatwas. They aim to spread a message based on moderation and ensure pilgrims understand the objectives of Hajj. Guidance centers and materials are available in multiple languages. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques also provides guidance and emphasizes the spiritual aspects and sanctity of Hajj. The Women’s Affairs Agency launched an initiative focused on enhancing faith through scientific lessons.
• Border Crossings: Regions like Al-Qassim prepare cities for land pilgrims. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs welcomes pilgrims at border crossings, providing gifts and awareness materials.
• Guest Programs: The King Salman’s guests for Hajj program hosts pilgrims from various countries at the King’s personal expense. This year, the program hosts 2300 guests from over 100 countries.

Despite these extensive efforts, the sources also touch upon challenges in Hajj management, particularly the issue of pilgrimage without proper permits. The presence of pilgrims without permits can lead to excessive crowding, strain healthcare services, and potentially disrupt the organized movement and work systems. Heat waves and the risk of heatstroke are highlighted as significant dangers, especially for elderly or chronically ill pilgrims who might not be included in the official healthcare planning due to lacking permits. The sources also mention concerns about fake Hajj campaigns.

Historically, the sources note that significant expansions of the Grand Mosque occurred under Saudi rule after centuries of minimal changes. They also mention the Saudi government’s early calls for international cooperation in managing the Holy Sites since 1926, which received limited response, suggesting an implicit acknowledgment of the Kingdom’s sole right and responsibility in this regard. The number of pilgrims has increased dramatically over the decades under Saudi management.

Overall, the sources portray Hajj management as a complex and continuously evolving operation, relying on integrated efforts across numerous governmental and non-governmental entities, driven by the leadership’s commitment to serving pilgrims and enhancing the quality of services provided.

Saudi Vision 2030 Economic Diversification Strategies

Based on the sources, economic diversification is a significant focus for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly as a key objective of Vision 2030. The effort is described as enhancing the path of economic diversity and aiming to build a diverse and sustainable economy that relies less on oil. It involves moving from what is characterized as a rentier economy to a productive one.

Key aspects and areas of economic diversification highlighted in the sources include:

• Non-Oil Exports: The sources note a growth in non-oil exports, indicating progress in supporting national industries and expanding the export base. Chemicals are mentioned as topping the list of non-oil exported goods. Economic diversification is seen as contributing to stability and opening up avenues for local and foreign investment, particularly in the industrial and logistics sectors.
• Digital Transformation and the Digital Economy: The Kingdom is undergoing a digital transformation supported by advanced digital infrastructure, high internet speeds, and wide usage across society. This is considered a fundamental pillar of Vision 2030. Initiatives like the Starlink satellite internet service are contributing to enhancing digital access. The goal is to build a prosperous digital economy and foster innovation.
• Real Estate and Housing: Policies aimed at empowering citizens to own homes through adjusted regulations and more facilities are discussed. These policies are seen as stimulating the real estate development, construction, and finance sectors, contributing to the goals of Vision 2030 related to increasing home ownership. This is framed as supporting citizens and enhancing life quality, while also stimulating a non-oil sector.
• Energy Sector Diversification (within the sector): Saudi Aramco is working to strengthen its position in the global natural gas (LNG) market, including signing significant agreements for purchasing and selling LNG. This effort is part of Aramco’s strategy for enhancing global energy security and diversifying its investment portfolio, aiming for a larger share of the global gas market and building a business portfolio in this sector.
• Culture: Culture is no longer viewed as a side aspect but is at the heart of national development with the launch of Vision 2030. There is a focus on investing in culture to achieve strategic goals and sustainable development. This involves supporting arts, establishing cultural authorities, organizing festivals, and encouraging diversity, leveraging culture itself as an economic and social force.
• Hajj and Umrah Management: The extensive efforts in managing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, including significant infrastructure development and service provision, represent a major non-oil economic activity. Revenues from the Hajj season are noted to reach up to 12 billion dollars, with a significant portion of pilgrim expenditures benefiting the private sector. This underscores the economic importance of this sector within the diversification framework.

The overall approach to economic diversification appears to be comprehensive, involving multiple sectors and integrated governmental efforts, driven by the leadership’s vision for a more competitive and sustainable economy.

Saudi Digital Transformation: Vision 2030 and Economic Diversification

Based on the sources, economic diversification is a significant focus for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly as a key objective of Vision 2030. The effort is described as enhancing the path of economic diversity and aiming to build a diverse and sustainable economy that relies less on oil.

A crucial aspect of this diversification is digital transformation, which is presented as a fundamental pillar of Vision 2030. The Kingdom is undergoing a significant digital transformation supported by advanced digital infrastructure, high internet speeds, and wide usage across society. The goal is to build a prosperous digital economy and foster innovation.

The sources detail the evolution and current state of digital infrastructure and services:

• Internet access began with Dial-up service, which caused phone line congestion and had limited speeds of around 40 kilobytes per second.
• The DSL service, introduced around 2000, relied on copper wires and initially offered speeds of 64 kilobytes per second, later developing to about 50 megabytes per second.
• A major leap occurred around 2009 with the launch of fiber optic internet (Optical Fiber), providing speeds exceeding 1 gigabit per second, representing a fundamental shift in user experience.
• Today, network coverage has expanded across all parts of the Kingdom, including villages and centers, supported by technologies like fiber optics and the fifth generation (5G). This has contributed to providing high internet speeds and reliable connectivity throughout the Kingdom.

The pace of digital transformation is reflected in various indicators:

• The annual report of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission for 2024 highlighted that internet usage penetration in the Kingdom reached 99%.
• The average monthly mobile internet data consumption per person reached 48 gigabytes, which is three times the global average.
• The growth rate of Saudi domain names (.sa) registered a notable increase of 25%, indicating growing awareness of the importance of digital presence for institutions and individuals.
• 48.6% of internet users in the Kingdom spend more than seven hours daily online, reflecting the deep integration of digital technologies into daily life.

Digital transformation is being integrated across various sectors:

• In Hajj management, digital services have seen significant expansion, including the introduction of the Nusuk card as a smart identity for pilgrims containing their health, housing, and transportation information. The Nusuk app offers over 160 digital services.
• The healthcare sector is expanding the use of innovative health technologies as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public health, improve the quality of care, and ensure excellence in service delivery according to the highest global standards. This aligns with the goals of Vision 2030.
• The judiciary has approved digital litigation rules in administrative courts, benefiting from emerging technologies to enhance the judicial process and facilitate procedures for litigants. 114 digital judicial circuits have been established in various regions.
• The Ministry of Culture has launched initiatives like the “Hasana” incubator to empower cultural entities, which is framed within the context of the National Culture Strategy and Vision 2030, likely involving the digital modernization of this sector.

Initiatives such as the Starlink satellite internet service within the Kingdom are contributing to enhancing access to the internet.

Overall, the sources indicate that internet has become a fundamental pillar in the Kingdom. It is a principal driver of comprehensive development, stimulating the digital economy, empowering individuals to benefit from advanced digital services, enhancing the quality of life, and opening new avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Saudi Vision 2030 Healthcare Advancements

Based on the sources and our previous conversation about economic diversification and digital transformation as key aspects of Vision 2030, healthcare advancements are also a significant area of focus and development in the Kingdom. The sources highlight several facets of progress in this sector:

• The Saudi leadership places a high priority on the health aspect. This is evident in efforts like increasing hospital capacity in Mina by 60% and preparing a new emergency hospital there, along with other services aimed at enhancing the integrated health system according to the highest global standards. This attention to healthcare extends across all sectors related to serving Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrim health information is also integrated into the Nusuk card, a smart identity for pilgrims.
• The Minister of Health, His Excellency Mr. Fahd Al-Jalajel, praised the Council of Ministers’ recognition of the health sector’s achievements. These achievements include qualitative initiatives that have contributed to improving the healthcare system and enhancing its comprehensiveness, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. This commendation underscores the great support the health sector receives from the wise leadership.
• Healthcare is identified as a key enabler of the “Vibrant Society” program within Vision 2030. The sector is undergoing a significant transformation via the Healthcare Transformation Program,. This program focuses on promoting individual and community health, facilitating access to healthcare services, and achieving efficiency in service delivery at the highest quality levels.
• Continuous efforts are being made to enhance public health, raise efficiency, facilitate access to healthcare services, and expand the use of innovative health technologies to ensure excellence in healthcare provision according to the highest global standards and sustainability.
• There is a strong focus on training and qualifying healthcare cadres. The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties works on developing postgraduate programs and the Saudi Board to qualify healthcare cadres with high competence. In 2024, they graduated the largest batch (5,125) since the Board’s establishment, and the training capacity increased to 7,057 seats. The Commission is implementing best global practices, including adopting the “Virtual Hospital” as a training center for the Saudi Board and activating digital and virtual education models to diversify educational methods and keep pace with global developments in health education. This is part of the Vision 2030 strategic pillars. The number of international trainees in the Saudi Board reached 764 from 38 countries.
• Specialized medical conferences are being held, such as the International Dermatology Conference in Jeddah, which provides training hours accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Such events aim to renew medical knowledge, discuss the latest developments in various fields like aesthetic medicine and pediatric dermatology,, and enhance scientific communication and exchange expertise in vital medical areas. These initiatives contribute to achieving the highest levels of competence and excellence for medical cadres and supporting the localization of the health sector.
• Community health initiatives, such as the Dentistry Caravan in Jazan, are being organized to provide free check-ups, health awareness, and primary care to enhance community health,,.
• Specific rights and protections are highlighted, such as Saudi women enjoying full healthcare rights, including medical independence in treatment decisions,, and the right to comprehensive care without discrimination. Mandatory pre-marital screening for infectious and genetic diseases is noted as a state effort to protect families and society,.

Overall, the sources demonstrate a multifaceted approach to healthcare advancements, involving significant investment in infrastructure, technology, professional development, and public health initiatives, driven by the objectives of Vision 2030,.

Regional Conflicts and Global Impacts

Based on the sources and our conversation history, the concept of regional conflict is specifically addressed in the context of current events in Gaza and the West Bank and Israeli actions in Yemen. The sources provide details on the ongoing situations in these areas and their impacts.

In Gaza and the West Bank, the sources describe ongoing Israeli actions resulting in casualties and severe humanitarian consequences. It is reported that 23 citizens were killed and others injured in Israeli shelling across areas in northern, central, and southern Gaza, including children and women. Local sources reported two massacres by the occupation against two families, resulting in 15 deaths, including children and women. Incidents of shelling targeting specific homes and groups of citizens are detailed.

The sources highlight the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the occupation has put the sector into a stage of famine through the systematic policy of starving 2.4 million citizens by closing crossings to aid amassed at the borders, which has led to many deaths. The government media office is cited as stating that the occupation’s project to distribute aid via what are called “buffer zones” failed miserably, as shown by field reports and international experts’ testimonies. The office strongly rejected any project relying on “buffer zones” or “humanitarian corridors” under the occupation’s supervision, considering them a modern version of “apartheid ghettos” aimed at isolation and extermination, not relief or protection. They assert that what is happening is conclusive evidence of the occupation’s failure to manage the humanitarian situation it deliberately caused through a systematic policy of siege, starvation, shelling, and destruction, which constitutes a continuation of a crime of genocide with full elements under international law. Calls are made for the United Nations and the Security Council to bear their responsibilities and for urgent, effective action to stop the massacres in Gaza, open crossings immediately without restrictions, enable humanitarian organizations to work freely away from the occupation’s interference, and prevent the occupation from using food as a weapon in its bloody war. There is also a call to send independent international investigation committees to document crimes of starvation and genocide and bring the occupation’s leaders to international justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In the West Bank, the sources report an escalation of Israeli aggression. A young Palestinian was killed in Qalqilya amidst continuous raids and arrests in several cities and towns. Settler attacks are also noted, including burning vehicles and lands and writing racist slogans in areas like Ramallah and Nablus. The ongoing aggression in places like the Jenin camp is highlighted, mentioning significant destruction and displacement.

In Yemen, the sources report that Israel has carried out strikes on Houthi targets at Sana’a airport as part of continuous Houthi attacks on Arab countries. The Israeli Defense Minister stated that strikes targeted Houthi terrorist targets and warned that ports and other strategic infrastructure used by the Houthis in Yemen will be severely damaged and repeatedly destroyed. A threat of a naval and air blockade is also mentioned. The Houthis, described as being supported by Iran, announced responsibility for previous attacks targeting Israeli airports.

Beyond these specific conflicts, the sources also briefly mention the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting rhetoric between leaders like Trump and Putin and discussing calls for summits and sanctions. Tensions related to energy resources in the Kurdistan region of Iraq are also noted, involving disputes over contracts between the regional government and Baghdad, with the US supporting the contracts.

The sources indicate that regional conflicts and related geopolitical tensions, such as those involving Venezuela and Russia, have an impact on global energy markets, influencing oil and gas prices.

While discussing regional conflicts, the sources also touch upon efforts related to regional security and stability. A meeting between the Saudi Minister of Defense and the UK National Security Advisor reviewed the strategic partnership and means to enhance cooperation regarding developments and situations in the region and the world to support security and stability. Furthermore, the extensive efforts by Saudi Arabia in managing the Hajj pilgrimage, a gathering of millions from around the world, involve significant security, organizational, and logistical measures, which could be seen as contributing to broader regional stability by ensuring safety and order during this major global event. The “Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” Hajj program is also presented as a humanitarian initiative hosting pilgrims from over 100 countries.

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By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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