DUBAI: While there is no question that staging a major sporting event will “in a real way raise the profile of the country for a relatively short period,” the data suggests it makes no lasting impact on the image of the host country, according to the man credited with coining the term “nation brands” back in the 1990s. Simon Anholt, founder of the renowned Nation Brands Index,
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has implemented a comprehensive health insurance program for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom during the Hajj season for the current year 2022. This is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the experience of pilgrims and Umrah pilgrims and enable them to perform their rituals in peace and comfort.
MINA: Saudi Arabia is using the latest technology to monitor the movement of Hajj pilgrims and ensure their safety and security. Cameras on the ground and mounted on helicopters flying over the holy sites are linked to operation centers where information is analyzed in real time to ensure that any emergencies are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
MAKKAH: With tears yet an overwhelming sense of joy, Chinese national Ahmed Al-Seeny donned his white Ihram robes with pride and headed to Makkah to perform his first Hajj. “This year marks the first year having Hajj applications after the pandemic and, as a young Muslim, I wanted to complete the fifth pillar as Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him said, ‘Whoever wants to
MINA: Hajj officials said the pilgrimage process was going smoothly amid advanced security and health services. Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly told a press conference in Mina that there had been no outbreaks of epidemics and no diseases that threatened public health recorded among pilgrims and worshippers. (AN photo by Basheer Saleh) He said it was very