Saudi King Salman replaces Hajj minister - GulfToday

Saudi King Salman replaces Hajj minister

  • 12 Mar 2021
KingSalmanG20

King Salman Bin Abdulaziz chairs a meeting in Riyadh. File

Gulf Today Report

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz dismissed Mohamed Benten as minister for the Hajj and Umrah, a position with a leading role in organising Islam's annual pilgrimage, a royal decree carried by state news agency (SPA) said on Friday. State minister, Issam Bin Saeed, was appointed acting minister of Hajj and Umrah.

In a separate royal decree on Friday, Abdulaziz Al Duailej was appointed as head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, as the kingdom prepares to end travel restrictions for its citizens and reopen its borders from May 17.



Related articles

Muslim pilgrims flock to Makkah for first post-pandemic Hajj

Authorities have said only one million people can join the 2022 season, less than half of pre-pandemic levels, and access is restricted to pilgrims aged 18 to 65 who have been fully vaccinated or immunised against the virus and do not suffer from chronic diseases.

01 Jul 2022

Yemeni pilgrims leave Sanaa for Hajj on first direct flight to Saudi Arabia in 7 years

The coalition closed off the Sanaa airport in Aug. 2016, part of an air and sea blockade on Houthi-held areas in Yemen.

18 Jun 2023

Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah visits over coronavirus fears

The decision also affected travel to Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) mosque in Medina. Authorities also suspended entry to the kingdom to those with tourist visas from nations affected by the new virus.

27 Feb 2020

VIDEO: Eid Al Adha feast starts in Muslim world

The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime as this year around 60,000 coronavirus vaccinated residents perform Hajj under the government’s directions for COVID-19 precautions.

20 Jul 2021

Most Popular Stories

Other Articles

Israeli minister Ben-Gvir hurt in car accident

Police commissioner Kobi Shabtai told reporters two other people were injured in the incident.

6 hours ago

37 million tonnes of debris in Gaza could take years to clear: UN

Starting from a hypothetical number of 100 trucks, that would take 14 years to clear away, he said. Lodhammar was speaking as UNMAS launched its 2023 annual report on Friday.

6 hours ago

UAE passport is the strongest worldwide, says new study

The passport allows its holder to enter 182 countries without a visa including 124 countries that do not require a visa, 37 countries that require a visa on arrival and 21 countries that require an electronic visa, while only 16 countries require a visa.

8 hours ago

Dubai Customs, Charity Association distribute food supplies to people hit by recent rain

Around 20 volunteers from Dubai Customs, along with volunteers from other entities, participated in the initiative. Food supplies were distributed to 80 households, totalling 1,800 meals for lunch and dinner, covering the areas of Al Quoz and Al Barsha.

9 hours ago