MADINAH, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 7, 2026--
Under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region, the third edition of the Umrah, Hajj, and Ziyarah Forum concluded its activities, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's mission to enhance the experience for the "Guests of Allah."
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The final harvest of the forum resulted in exceptional numbers and a massive turnout, with more than 50,000 visitors flocking to the accompanying exhibition, which attracted over 150 exhibitors from global and local companies across an area exceeding 11,000 square meters.
To enrich the knowledge aspect, the three days of the forum featured more than 160 speakers and trainers who contributed to discussions across 25 main sessions and 40 workshops, resulting in the training and qualification of over 800 human resource personnel serving the Guests of Allah. These figures crowned the efforts of an integrated ecosystem that succeeded in serving more than 18 million Umrah performers with a growth rate of 214%, and achieved a satisfaction rate exceeding 94%, in addition to the "Nusuk" application reaching 51 million users worldwide and the development of 87 historical and enriched sites.
On the sidelines of the forum's closing ceremony, Dr. Ghassan bin Rashid Al-Nuwaimi, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, mentioned the participation of more than 150 exhibitors over an area exceeding 11,000 square meters in the forum's accompanying exhibition. He explained that the forum enhanced human resources efficiency through the participation of more than 160 speakers and trainers, who enriched 25 main sessions and 40 workshops, resulting in the training and qualification of more than 800 personnel serving the Guests of Allah.
Al-Nuwaimi confirmed these efforts. Following the conclusion of the official speeches, the closing ceremony witnessed the crowning of the exerted efforts and the honouring of the distinguished, where awards were distributed to successful partners and winners in the technical innovation track in appreciation of their advanced digital solutions. The ceremony also included distributing awards to distinguished startups from the business accelerator, handing over the "Umrah Communication Award" to the winners, concluding a global event that succeeded in shaping the future of Umrah and Ziyarah and unifying efforts to enrich the experience of the Guests of Allah.
*Source: AETOSWire
Umrah and Ziyarah Forum Concludes in Madinah with Landmark Achievements in Pilgrim Services (Photo: AETOSWire)
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire broke out Saturday evening near the suburbs of Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, the country's Fire Service said, and residents of three small suburbs north of the city were told to evacuate.
The fire ignited in a ravine in a mountainous area around 8:30 p.m. (1730 GMT) and spread quickly, the Fire Service said. It spread to the plains, burning mostly through brush, and while no residences have been damaged, several businesses were set on fire, the service said.
Residents of the small settlements of Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini were notified by text to evacuate.
Also evacuated was a facility housing 157 people with special needs. Those who could walk, about 120, were being sheltered in a gym, while the rest were housed in a psychiatric hospital, local authorities said.
Around midnight, the Fire Service announced that a 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. He “appeared not to be sober,” the Fire Service said.
Residents of Thessaloniki itself could see the flames and even heard explosions as flammable materials inside the businesses were set on fire. A heavy cloud of smoke blanketed several suburbs and western areas of the city itself.
About 115 firefighters and 38 fire engines battled the fire plus an unknown number of volunteers, the Fire Service said. Firefighting planes briefly engaged but they do not operate in the dark.
Thus far, there is no indication that the fire is directed to the city itself, but firefighters remain on alert and more were expected to join. Strong winds blowing locally make it difficult to contain the fire.
Greece, with its long, hot, dry and often windy summers, is no stranger to wildfires. But it managed to get through June without serious damage. The first major wildfire hit Wednesday in central Greece, killing a father and his 12-year-old son and prompting evacuations. Greece has also been spared, so far, the extreme heat that engulfed much of the rest of Europe.
Additional blazes were burning around Thessaloniki on Saturday, including in the Halkidiki Peninsula, a favored vacation spot, and the city of Kilkis to the north.
Associated Press writer Demetris Nellas contributed to this report from Athens.
A firefighting vehicle drives near wildfires on the outskirts of the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)
Firefighters and others are silhouetted in front of a wildfire on the outskirts of the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)
A firefighter works on a wildfire on the outskirts of the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)
Firefighters work on a wildfire on the outskirts of the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)
Wildfires burn on the outskirts of the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)
