黑料社区

Strict permit checks, heat safety rules in focus ahead of Hajj

The Nusuk card, issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is a mandatory ID and entry pass for pilgrims and workers at the holy sites. (SPA)
The Nusuk card, issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is a mandatory ID and entry pass for pilgrims and workers at the holy sites. (SPA)
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Updated 03 June 2025

Strict permit checks, heat safety rules in focus ahead of Hajj

Strict permit checks, heat safety rules in focus ahead of Hajj
  • The Day of Arafah, the most significant day of Hajj, falls on Thursday, June 5 this year

MAKKAH: Pilgrims without a Nusuk card will not be granted access to the Grand Mosque, the holy sites or transportation services during this year鈥檚 Hajj, Saudi authorities have said.

Speaking at a meeting with heads of official Hajj missions during the 49th Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah highlighted the importance of adhering to movement regulations to protect pilgrims and enhance their spiritual experience.

He described the Nusuk card as a 鈥渇undamental regulatory tool to ensure orderly performance of the pilgrimage and prevent violations,鈥 according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Addressing concerns about extreme weather, the minister advised pilgrims to remain in their tents on the Day of Arafah from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to avoid heat-related illnesses.

He warned that uncoordinated group movements compromise safety and disrupt the flow of pilgrims.

The Day of Arafah, the most significant day of Hajj, falls on Thursday, June 5 this year.

Al-Rabiah added that pilgrims must not walk from Arafat to Muzdalifah and should use designated transport systems instead.

He said that effective crowd management and transportation plans are essential for safety and require collective compliance.

Al-Rabiah added that this Hajj season will see stricter enforcement of permit regulations, in line with the Kingdom鈥檚 commitment to a safe, organized and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

The Nusuk card, issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is a mandatory ID and entry pass for pilgrims and workers at the holy sites.

In addition to identification, it aids logistics, facilitates communication with Hajj missions, grants access to schedules and services, and allows pilgrims to submit feedback.

It also helps authorities monitor crowd movement and send alerts to ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage. Pilgrims receive the card through their service provider, which is responsible for its distribution.

A digital version is available via the official Nusuk app, but it does not replace the printed card, which must be carried at all times.

According to the ministry, the card expires at the end of the Hajj season, with all data erased. However, pilgrims may keep the physical card as a souvenir and proof of completing Hajj.


First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom鈥檚 space economy

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom鈥檚 space economy
Updated 5 sec ago

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom鈥檚 space economy

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom鈥檚 space economy
  • Earth Observation platform was launched to meet the growing demand for high-resolution satellite imagery and space analytics across key sectors
  • CEO of the Neo Space Group Martijn Blanken: Earth Observation data supports infrastructure development, urban growth, and resource management

JEDDAH: Neo Space Group, a space and satellite communications company under the Public Investment Fund, has launched 黑料社区鈥檚 first dedicated Earth observation marketplace, advancing the Kingdom鈥檚 space economy.

Operated by UP42, a subsidiary of Neo Space Group, the Earth Observation platform was launched to meet the growing demand for high-resolution satellite imagery and space analytics across key sectors.

It supports the Kingdom鈥檚 economic transformation under Vision 2030 by integrating Earth Observation data into sectors such as environment, infrastructure, energy, real estate, mining, logistics, agriculture, and urban planning.

Martijn Blanken, CEO of the Neo Space Group, said that the platform reflects increasing demand for space-based intelligence in the Kingdom, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

鈥淓arth Observation data is essential today,鈥 said Blanken. 鈥淚t supports infrastructure development, urban growth, and resource management. With more than 2.15 million sq. km, 黑料社区 requires scalable, data-driven tools for strategic decisions.鈥

The platform provides access to global data providers and AI-powered services, allowing government agencies, local companies, and international users to acquire and analyze high-resolution imagery and geospatial data through a digital interface.

Frank Salzgeber, acting deputy governor for the space sector at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, called the launch an important step for the Kingdom鈥檚 space economy.

鈥淎longside enhancing national capabilities, the platform is expected to accelerate the adoption of space technologies in the Kingdom. It reflects our national priorities: fostering technological innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building secure infrastructure.鈥

The platform follows Neo Space Group鈥檚 acquisition of UP42 GmbH from Airbus in December 2024. The German company runs a cloud-native Earth observation platform that simplifies satellite data access and processing.

Available at sa.up42.com, the platform lets users search, access, and process satellite data at scale using automated workflows, unified formats, and user-friendly tools. It complies with Saudi regulations and is hosted on secure local infrastructure.


9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
Updated 10 min 43 sec ago

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
  • Supports 30 STEM teams to transform research into startups
  • King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology backs project

RIYADH: Nine teams have advanced to the finals of the SR2.25 million ($600,000) Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup competition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The teams that advanced are Plansulin, Queed, iRama, Quantasphere Ltd., Advanced Future Technology, Novo Genomics, Larimar, Visi Ground, and iBoat.

The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology hosted the semifinal stage at its Academy 32 facility, the SPA reported.

The event was set up to support 30 teams in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to transform research projects into market-ready startups.

Jameel, organized by StartSmart Entrepreneurship Center, and implemented through partnerships with KACST, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority.

It targets deep tech innovations in the health, energy, environment and climate sectors, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to empower research-based startups.

The semifinal event featured sector-specific training sessions, interactive product development challenges within fixed timeframes, cross-disciplinary workshops and business model refinement exercises.

Participants received specialized mentorship to overcome technical and commercial hurdles.

Radwan Noor, KACST鈥檚 general manager of Venture Attraction, said in a statement that they are enabling researchers to convert scientific outputs into viable tech companies with tangible market impact.

KACST supports this through scientific expertise, mentorship, judging, and access to laboratories and research infrastructure.

He said several participating startups graduated from KACST鈥檚 Ventures Program, demonstrating successful pathways from national labs to market solutions.

Mohammed Abdulghaffar, senior general manager at Community Jameel, added that this collaboration empowers scientists and innovators to commercialize research.


Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh
Updated 14 min 40 sec ago

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh
  • Running until Aug. 25, the event attracts top breeders and farms from within the Kingdom and around the world
  • Auction provides an opportunity for people across the world of falconry to meet, interact and share ideas

RIYADH: The International Falcon Breeders Auction opened on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh.

Running until Aug. 25, the event attracts top breeders and farms from within the Kingdom and around the world, with Europe, the Americas and Asia all represented, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than just a sales platform, the auction provides an opportunity for people across the world of falconry to meet, interact and share ideas on this ancient sport. The many pavilions, including a 鈥淔alconer of the Future鈥 stand, provide a showcase for breeding farms and equipment suppliers.

The event also supports the Saudi Falcons Club鈥檚 efforts to promote the heritage, culture and development of falconry, including pioneering breeding farms, and reinforcing the Kingdom鈥檚 position as a global hub for the sector.

Last year鈥檚 auction saw 872 birds changing hands for a combined value of more than SR10 million ($2.7 million). That represented a 25 percent increase in revenue and a 36 percent rise in the number of birds sold from 2023.

This year鈥檚 event is expected once again to attract the very best falconers and breeders from across the globe, highlighting 黑料社区鈥檚 leadership in preserving intangible cultural heritage and its growing international stature in the falconry world.


Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom鈥檚 Islamic efforts

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom鈥檚 Islamic efforts
Updated 05 August 2025

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom鈥檚 Islamic efforts

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom鈥檚 Islamic efforts

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Sri Lankan Ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh.

The officials discussed various topics related to Islamic affairs and ongoing cooperation between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the envoy praised the Kingdom鈥檚 leading role in supporting Islamic causes and promoting the values of tolerance and moderation globally, particularly in Sri Lanka.

Ameer Ajwad emphasized that these efforts reflect the true message of Islam, the SPA reported.

鈥淲e take pride in the Kingdom鈥檚 remarkable role in promoting the values of tolerance and moderation 鈥 a noble mission that truly represents the lofty message of Islam,鈥 the envoy said.

He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous support to Sri Lanka across various fields, and especially their service in response to Qur鈥檃nic injunctions.

The ambassador also praised the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for spreading a message of moderation worldwide.

He commended the ministry鈥檚 awareness programs, training for imams and preachers, and its organization of Qur鈥檃n competitions.


Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers
Updated 05 August 2025

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

MADINAH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has empowered the nation鈥檚 authors and publishers at the fourth Madinah Book Fair, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The week-long event, held from July 29 to Aug. 4, hosted more than 300 local and international publishing houses and agencies across more than 200 exhibition booths.

Abdullatif Alwasel, the commission鈥檚 CEO, thanked the Kingdom鈥檚 leaders for their continued support of the nation鈥檚 arts and culture sector.

He said the fair marks a key milestone in advancing the publishing industry and spreading knowledge across society.

Alwasel noted that this year鈥檚 edition saw unprecedented participation and a wide range of cultural events tailored to various age groups and intellectual interests.

The fair offered broad opportunities for local publishers and authors, improved book accessibility, and strengthened 黑料社区 content, he added.

Notable initiatives included a discounted book zone and upgrades to the fair鈥檚 technical infrastructure, enhancing visitor engagement and overall experience.

The fair attracted large numbers of people from diverse backgrounds who actively engaged with the cultural program presented by distinguished writers and intellectuals.

The sessions featured panels and workshops on key literary topics for the benefit of the public, according to the report.

The book-signing platform hosted several 黑料社区 authors with their latest work, while various government and cultural organizations showcased their latest initiatives and contributions to the sector.