Government | Saturday 17 September, 2016 1:07 pm

Successful Haj silences critics

After the successful completion of Haj, pilgrims have denounced what they described as Iranian lies. The success of Haj 2016 is a slap in the face to those who were trying to denigrate and belittle Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, they said. The pilgrims pledged their...

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Government | Saturday 17 September, 2016 11:08 am

Hajis leave Makkah with unforgettable memories

Hundreds of pilgrims held back tears on Thursday as they left the holy city in buses for King Abdul Aziz international Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port after performing Haj. Pilgrims are beginning to return to their home countries after completing the Haj rituals easily, safely and conveniently...

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Government | Friday 16 September, 2016 5:01 pm

Thank you Saudi Arabia for successful Haj 2016

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has sent a cable of thanks to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif on the successful completion of Haj 2016. The king thanked Almighty Allah for His bounty and generosity at the successful pilgrimage this year. “It is an honor for Saudi Arabia to host ...

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Government | Friday 16 September, 2016 3:54 pm

Preparing to go home

Having completed their Haj rituals with ease and comfort, many pilgrims are now preparing to leave the Kingdom after performing Tawaf Al-Wada (farewell circumambulation) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Some of them proceeded to Madinah to spend some time praying at the Prophet’s Mosque. In...

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Government | Thursday 15 September, 2016 12:42 pm

Hajis start leaving Mina

The valley of Mina on Wednesday appeared serene. The din and bustle of the first two days of Haj had almost died down as many pilgrims left Mina for Makkah and Madinah. On Wednesday, the second day of Tashriq, the pilgrims who were in a hurry threw stones at the three walls symbolizing the Satan ...

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Government | Wednesday 14 September, 2016 1:43 pm

‘Haj rituals proceeding according to plans’

A top official said all security and military units participating in the management of Haj were serving in accordance with security and preventive plans set up before the pilgrimage started. Gen. Osman bin Nasser Al-Muhrej, director general of public security and chairman of the Haj Security...

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Government | Wednesday 14 September, 2016 11:45 am

All-seeing ‘eye’ watches over Makkah pilgrims

Under a bank of monitors broadcasting live footage from more than 5,000 cameras, Saudi officers have kept their eyes on every route and gathering spot at this year’s Haj pilgrimage. As custodians of the most sacred sites in Islam, the authorities have been at pains to assure the world that...

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Government | Tuesday 13 September, 2016 3:15 pm

Hajis reassemble in Mina

It was a busy day for pilgrims who reassembled in Mina on Monday after spending the night in Muzdalifah. They stoned Jamarat Al-Aqaba (the big Satan), slaughtered sacrificial animals, shaved hairs, and got out of the state of ihram. A large number of them headed toward the Grand Mosque for Tawaf ...

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Government | Monday 12 September, 2016 3:47 am

Grand Mosque has a capacity of 1.8m pilgrims after expansion

The Grand Mosque in Makkah has the capacity to accommodate around 1.8 million pilgrims, following its expansion, reflecting the keenness of the Kingdom to care for Haj and Umrah pilgrims. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman launched five major projects last year, including the main...

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Government | Monday 12 September, 2016 2:49 am

Kaaba gets a new Kiswa

The Kaaba, House of Allah, was dressed in its new Kiswa (the cloth that covers the Kaaba) after Fajr prayer on Sunday by as many as 86 technicians and weavers. The Kaaba is dressed in its new Kiswa on Dhul Hijjah 9, the Day of Arafat, every year. On this day the Grand Mosque is usually empty...

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