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Saudi leadership hails successful Hajj 2025 and praises efforts of all involved

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the authorities involved in organizing the 2025 Hajj season, praising the efforts that contributed to its success. (SPA)
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the authorities involved in organizing the 2025 Hajj season, praising the efforts that contributed to its success. (SPA)
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Updated 11 June 2025

Saudi leadership hails successful Hajj 2025 and praises efforts of all involved

Saudi leadership hails successful Hajj 2025 and praises efforts of all involved
  • The king and crown prince sent separate cables to Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the authorities involved in organizing the 2025 Hajj season, praising the efforts that contributed to its success, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In separate cables sent to Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, both leaders thanked the minister, regional governors, committee members, and all security, civil, and government personnel who took part in delivering a smooth and safe pilgrimage for nearly 1.7 million worshippers.

King Salman described the season as a success by the grace of God and the coordinated execution of comprehensive security, health, organizational, and service plans.

He highlighted the pilgrims’ ability to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, in a secure and spiritual atmosphere.

“We followed with pride the great efforts made by all sectors in serving the pilgrims of the house of Allah,†the King said. “We were pleased with the dedication and excellence shown by everyone in attaining the honor of serving the guests of the most Gracious.â€

The king also thanked all those involved for their Eid Al-Adha greetings, prayed for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj, and asked God to grant continued success in serving Islam and Muslims.

Prince Mohammed echoed the sentiments, expressing thanks for the congratulations and for the collective commitment shown throughout the season.

He attributed the successful management of the Hajj to divine support, the leadership of King Salman, and the tireless work of all entities involved in executing the wide-ranging plans.

He also praised the careful monitoring by relevant authorities to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims.

“We pray to God to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to sustain the blessings of security on our homeland, and to accept the Hajj of all pilgrims,†the crown prince said.

The Hajj season this year saw 1,673,230 pilgrims perform their rites.


’Amazonia Awakens’ water adventure brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World

 ’Amazonia Awakens’ water adventure brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World
Updated 4 sec ago

’Amazonia Awakens’ water adventure brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World

 ’Amazonia Awakens’ water adventure brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World
  • Latest atraction delivers a captivating fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers alike

RIYADH: Riyadh’s Boulevard World has opened a new aquatic attraction, “Amazonia Awakens,†as part of Riyadh Season 2025, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of adventure, imagination, and stunning visual effects.

The experience draws guests into an imaginative story inspired by the mystique of tropical rainforests, offering an interactive journey through a vividly designed, Amazon-inspired, immersive world, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The adventure begins aboard a boat gliding through ancient-like ruins and a dark tunnel filled with dramatic sound, light, and interactive effects.

It builds up to a heart-pounding moment where the boat plunges 20 meters down in a breathtaking splash, crowned by a massive wave that stands out as one of Boulevard World’s most thrilling moments.
 

Amazonia is just one of the latest offering of Boulevard World, one of the venues for Riyadh Season, which opened on October 10 and will run until May 2, 2026. (SPA)

Lasting about ten minutes, Amazonia Awakens delivers a captivating fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers alike.
 
With its high-quality design and immersive experience, Amazonia adds a distinctive touch to Riyadh Season’s lineup of attractions. 

Amazonia is just one of the latest offering of Boulevard World, one of the venues for Riyadh Season, which opened on October 10 and will run until May 2, 2026.

Several other festivals are held elsewhere in the Kingdom the whole year round in a bid to boost tourism, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030. 

During a pre-opening announcement on Oct. 6, Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh reported that Riyadh Season attracted 20 million visitors from 135 countries.

Apart from the Boulevard World, Riyadh Season’s other key venues include Boulevard City, major event spaces such as Kingdom Arena and ANB Arena, and other notable areas like Dunes of Arabia for desert experiences and Riyadh Zoo for family-friendly activities. 
 


Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat
Updated 23 October 2025

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their condolences to the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Wednesday following the death of Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the age of 75.

He was a diplomat who served in several high-ranking positions, including acting undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and director of the ministry’s European Department, The Times Kuwait reported.

In separate cables, the king and crown prince offered their prayers that God would forgive the deceased and have mercy on him, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land
Updated 22 October 2025

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land
  • Kingdom says it firmly rejects all settlement and expansionist activity by Israeli occupation authorities in the West Bank
  • Foreign Ministry reminds international community of its responsibility to implement UN resolutions and halt Israeli encroachment

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Foreign Ministry condemned the preliminary approval by the Israeli parliament on Wednesday of two draft laws, one of which seeks to legitimize an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, and another attempting to impose Israeli sovereignty over the entire territory.

The Kingdom said it firmly rejected all settlement and expansionist activity by Israeli occupation authorities in the West Bank, and reaffirmed its support for the right of Palestinians to establish an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions.

The ministry reminded the international community of its responsibility to implement UN resolutions and halt Israeli encroachments on Palestinian territory, and called for a peace process that results in a two-state solution to achieve security and stability in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Earlier, Israeli lawmakers voted in the Knesset to advance two bills related to annexation of the West Bank, a goal promoted by far-right ministers. The drafts will have to go through three additional votes in the parliament to become law.

The first bill, which passed by 32 votes to 9, proposes annexation of a large Israeli settlement east of Jerusalem. The second, which proposes annexation of the entire West Bank, narrowly passed by 25 votes to 24.


Eastern Province governor receives Belgian envoy to º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Eastern Province governor receives  Belgian envoy to º£½ÇÖ±²¥
Updated 22 October 2025

Eastern Province governor receives Belgian envoy to º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Eastern Province governor receives  Belgian envoy to º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received the Belgian Ambassador to the Kingdom Pascal Gregoire in Dammam on Wednesday.

He also received UAE’s ambassador to º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Matar Salem Al-Dhaheri, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meetings, all sides discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest.


Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan appointed Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥. (Screenshot)
Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥. (Screenshot)
Updated 22 October 2025

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan appointed Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥. (Screenshot)
  • Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23

RIYADH: Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars.

The appointment was made by royal decree and based on a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The religious scholar will also undertake the role of president of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, SPA said.

Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23.