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  • Opinion: The Changes to Hajj Could be a Saudi Soft Power Game

    In Muslim-majority countries these lotteries are run by governments. However, in the West, several Hajj tour operators called munazzams (“organisers”) in each country are allocated a small number of Hajj visas by the Saudi government. Since 2006, pilgrims living outside of Muslim-majority countries had been required to purchase a Hajj package – including a visa, flight, accommodation, and other services – from one of hundreds of these munazzams. The cost of these packages usually range US $10-20,000 per person.

  • Many foreign workers surprised when received SMS on change of profession

    The change in some professions comes after the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development updated the regulations with regard to some professions of foreign workers in the private sector, in line with the professions approved by the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO). This in cooperation with the Qiwa platform under the ministry, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), and the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).

  • Sustainable change: The role of gigaprojects as catalyst

    From a built environment perspective, sustainable change in the Middle East requires a reimagination about how we plan, design, and build. The gigaprojects provide an opportunity to innovate, from driving new thinking on modular construction, the use of advanced technology tools such as parametric design, and how to stand the test of time.

  • How the manufacturing of the Kaaba cover, kiswa, changed over the centuries

    Making the kiswa is no easy feat. Skilled workers and technicians put in hours to precisely and immaculately create and embroider the kiswa to cover the Kaaba, which is a focal point for Muslims around the world throughout the year. Arab News went on a tour of the King Abdulaziz Complex for Manufacturing the Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah to witness the fabrication of the kiswa firsthand.

  • How the manufacturing of the Kaaba cover, kiswa, changed over the centuries

    The 100,000-square meter complex was previously known as the Kiswa Factory, which was established in 1928.  Its name was changed to the King Abdulaziz Complex for Manufacturing the Kaaba Kiswa in memory of King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, following a royal decree from King Salman in 2017. Al-Maliki said the complex had witnessed many developments, such as moving from traditional manual work to an automated system.

  • Saudi Arabia changes Hajj application system: Audio

    Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj has instituted a new application system for Muslims coming from Western nations. The change has caused confusion and a loss of the ability to perform the pilgrimage this year. The World's Carol Hills spoke with Seán McLoughlin, a professor of Islamic anthropology at the University of Leeds, about the challenges in the new system and why it was implemented in the first place.

  • British Muslim travel agencies in uproar over Saudi hajj changes

    But travel companies said the sudden change – announced by Saudi Arabia in a move to crack down on fraudulent firms weeks before the start of the pilgrimage to Mecca from 7 to 12 July – could cause them to go under. The hajj, an obligation for able-bodied Muslims, is one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world and usually draws about 2 million people a year. The Council of British Hajjis charity estimates the UK’s hajj sector is worth about £200m.

  • British Muslim travel agencies in uproar over Saudi hajj changes

    British Muslim travel companies have said they face going out of business, with travellers potentially losing thousands of pounds, after Saudi Arabia launched a new system for applying for the hajj pilgrimage. The Saudi government announced this month that pilgrims from Europe, the US and Australia could no longer book through travel agencies and would instead have to apply through a lottery system.

  • Saudi state desalination plants set to change hands

    The Public Investment Fund, through its fully owned subsidiary Water Solutions Company (WSC), is planning to take ownership of the plants currently owned by the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC). SWCC’s portfolio encompasses 32 plants with a combined capacity of 5.9 million m3/d. This figure is set to rise to 8 million m3/d by 2025 as the body invests in more efficient replacement facilities to reduce its carbon footprint.

  • Saudi Crown Prince visit Turkey in major posture change for Erdogan

    The crown prince and Erdogan are now aiming to fully normalize their relationship. A joint statement issued following the leaders’ talks detailed a new period of bilateral ties, including the removal of trade restrictions, more scheduled talks and a possible currency swap. This comes as Turkey faces an economic crisis, with inflation at a record high of more than 70% and a severely depreciated currency. The Turkish lira has lost more than half of its value in the last year.