Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars has reiterated that obtaining a permit is mandatory for anyone wishing to perform Hajj, emphasising that undertaking the pilgrimage without one is considered a sinful act, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

In a statement dated Shawwal 12, 1445 AH, the General Secretariat of the Council stressed the importance of adhering to the permit requirement, citing Islamic teachings that aim to ease religious duties and remove hardship from worshippers.

Council Secretary-General Sheikh Dr Fahd bin Saad Al-Majed said the fatwa is grounded in “numerous pieces of evidence and Sharia principles,” and that requiring a permit serves to organise the large numbers of pilgrims, enabling them to perform rituals “with tranquility and safety,” SPA reported.

Non-compliance of Hajj permit requirement to pose threats to public safety

The council warned that non-compliance could pose significant risks, including threats to pilgrims’ safety and health, degradation of service quality, and challenges in managing the movement and crowds at the holy sites.

Saudi authorities have consistently urged pilgrims to comply with official regulations to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the annual pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world.

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in its Vision 2030 initiative, achieving and surpassing numerous targets ahead of schedule, according to the Vision 2030 Annual Report 2024.

Launched in 2016 under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Vision 2030 aims to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors.

The initiative is structured into three five-year phases, each building upon the successes of the previous.​

As of the end of 2024, 85 per cent of the 1,502 active initiatives under Vision 2030 are either completed or on track, with 674 completed and 596 progressing as planned.

Additionally, 93 per cent of national programme and strategy indicators have met, exceeded, or are close to meeting their 2024 interim targets.

Eight Vision 2030 targets have been achieved six years ahead of scheduled, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Reflecting on these accomplishments, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated, “Nine years into Vision 2030, we stand proud of what our people have accomplished. They have turned ambition into action and goals into milestones. We have not only met key targets – we have surpassed many. Looking ahead, our resolve is stronger than ever. We will accelerate delivery, embrace every opportunity, and further elevate the kingdom’s position as a global leader.”

Growth across sectors aligns with Vision 2030 aims

In the tourism sector, the kingdom welcomed over 100 million tourists, surpassing its 2030 target seven years early.

This achievement is attributed to key government initiatives, robust international marketing campaigns, and partnerships with global platforms.

The introduction of e-visa programmes, now available to 66 countries, has enhanced accessibility for international visitors. ​

Cultural advancements include the registration of eight Saudi sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the inscription of 16 cultural elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The kingdom also launched its first specialised college of arts at King Saud University.​

Economic diversification efforts have led to the Public Investment Fund’s assets under management exceeding SAR3.53tn, more than triple since Vision 2030’s launch.

The private sector’s contribution to GDP reached 47 per cent, surpassing the 2024 target. Employment in small and medium-sized enterprises reached 7.86 million, exceeding expectations.​

Social reforms have seen women’s labour force participation rise to 36 per cent by the end of 2024, a significant increase from 17 per cent in 2017.

The percentage of Saudi women in middle and senior management positions reached 43.8 per cent.

The kingdom also achieved its 7 per cent unemployment target.​

Healthcare coverage expanded to 96.4 per cent of population centers, moving closer to the 2030 goal of 99.5 per cent. The average life expectancy increased to 78.8 years, nearing the 2030 target of 80 years. Homeownership among Saudi households reached 65.4 per cent, surpassing the 2025 target.​

Environmental initiatives under the “sustainable vision” axis include the planting of over 115 million trees and the rehabilitation of more than 118,000 hectares of degraded land.

The kingdom also launched its first hydrogen-powered bus and taxi, and established the world’s first solar-powered desalination plant.​

Digital transformation in Saudi Arabia

In the realm of digital transformation, Saudi Arabia ranks first in the internet users index and second globally in both the digital transformation index for companies and the technology development and application index.

The digital transformation of the judicial system saw 98 per cent of litigation sessions conducted electronically, totaling over 2.3 million sessions.​

Major projects contributing to these achievements include the Red Sea Project, which has opened several luxury resorts and aims to attract one million visitors annually by 2030.

The Sindalah luxury island destination in NEOM was inaugurated in October 2024, and the Soudah Peaks project aims to develop a mountain tourism destination in ‘Asir Province.

Nord Lifestyle Development, a boutique luxury real estate developer under Goldfield Holding, has launched HENGE Residences, a Dhs500m flagship project on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, marking the debut of Italian design house HENGE in the UAE real estate market.

The project, which marks the debut of Italian design house HENGE in the UAE real estate market, features a limited collection of 10-storey branded residences.

The development is located 20 minutes from Downtown Abu Dhabi and is near the Saadiyat Cultural District and NYU Abu Dhabi.

HENGE Residences: Key details

Situated in the Marina District, the development features 166 units, including studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and two duplexes, with a total built-up area of over 400,000 sqft.

Unit prices start at Dhs1.1m for studios and range up to Dhs4.7m for three-bedroom residences.

Interiors and furnishings are exclusively crafted by HENGE’s master artisans.

Each element, from bespoke furniture to material selection, is designed to reflect HENGE’s globally recognised aesthetic.

Lifestyle amenities include a health club with sauna and steam rooms, a temperature-controlled swimming pool, a dedicated children’s pool, indoor and outdoor play areas, a padel court, 24/7 security, full concierge services, and smart home automation.

Selected finishes incorporate natural marble, sintered stone, and natural wood accents, reflecting a commitment to design integrity and craftsmanship.

Completion is expected in Q1 2028.

Nord’s projects and brand promise

“Saadiyat Island is the cultural epicentre of Abu Dhabi, and partnering with a global icon in design allows us to offer a truly differentiated product that complements the island’s vibrancy, architecture, and global ambition,” said Maher Rahabi, CEO of Nord Lifestyle Development.

“We are making a clear statement about the value of creativity and hand-finished quality in every detail. We don’t mass-produce; what we’re creating is bold, soulful, and a true reflection of Nord’s long-term promise,” Rahabi added.

Nord Lifestyle Development projects approximately Dhs1bn in revenue over the next three years and currently holds Dhs342m in assets across Abu Dhabi.

The company plans to expand its development pipeline with three new projects scheduled for launch before the end of the year.

Building on an entrepreneurial spirit spanning more than four decades, Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Fulfilment & Innovation Centre in Dubai Industrial City, part of TECOM Group,, that will serve as a cornerstone for the company’s continued regional expansion.

The 1 million sq ft facility not only quadruples AKI’s fulfilment capacity but also raises the benchmark for agile, sustainable supply chain operations in the UAE. It already handles over half a million units per day, with the capacity to scale up to one and a half million units. The site also includes provisions to expand by nearly 200,000 sq ft in the near future. The centre will serve more than 30,000 business customers, as well as support home delivery services for consumers across the UAE.

A privately held Emirati holding company, AKI has continuously expanded its supply chain infrastructure over more than four decades. The company’s end-to-end, in-house capability enables AKI to meet ever-increasing customer expectations across multiple sectors including pharmaceuticals, medical and laboratory equipment, retail, food and non-food consumer goods, fitness, automotive, environmental services, contracting, and more.

New fulfilment center located in Dubai Industrial City

Zaid S Al Khayyat, MD of AKI, notes: “AKI was founded on a spirit of smart agility and entrepreneurial energy. This new Fulfilment & Innovation Centre carries forward these values as we aspire to seize new opportunities over the coming decades. Yet this facility is not just about enhancing our own operations. It is a strategic investment that creates long-term value for our partners and customers, while contributing to the UAE’s future-focused economy. Above all, it represents the power of our people driving our business forward every day.”

“Dubai Industrial City is proud to be the home of AKI’s new fulfilment centre,” says Saud Abu Alshawareb, EVP– Industrial at TECOM Group. “Our district’s proximity to Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and an Etihad Rail freight terminal enables connectivity for Al Khayyat Investments’ new fulfilment centre and sets it up for long-term success. Home to more than 1,100 manufacturing champions and 350 operational factories, Dubai Industrial City is committed to supporting such strategically significant projects, in line with Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’.”

Samer Sabri, group chief supply chain officer at AKI, adds: “This facility is a testament to the extraordinary teams within AKI who embrace diverse thinking to push boundaries, do more, and set the benchmark in supply chain excellence. The facility will truly redefine AKI’s position within the UAE market, ensuring swifter and more efficient distribution capabilities for our growing business ecosystem.”

With connectivity to major transport and logistics networks, the facility allows for unrestricted movement of cargo to and from all major ports, Etihad Rail cargo terminal, as well as the eagerly anticipated expansions to Maktoum International Airport.

How is AI used across different verticals?

AI is now central to how industries operate, innovate, and serve people. In the UAE, 82 per cent of business leaders say AI already impacts their organisation’s achievements. What’s exciting is how AI adapts to each sector’s specific needs, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.

In media and entertainment, for instance, AI is driving hyper-localised, culturally relevant experiences. Yasmina, the human-like bilingual AI assistant, is a prime example. Its LLM is trained extensively on Khaleeji content and refined through input from Arabic-speaking experts and even local comedians to ensure the humour, references, and style resonate authentically. Yasmina can assist with daily tasks like “How do you make Arabic coffee?” or explain complex topics like cloud seeding in simple terms. It reflects the Middle Eastern way of life, offering bedtime stories in both Arabic and English, and providing prayer time reminders with over 30 new Quran reciter voices introduced during Ramadan 2025. Through continuous training, Yasmina evolves to stay culturally relevant and human-like, aligning with the way people interact naturally in the region.

Among other examples of how AI is enabling the real world are last mile delivery and adtech solutions.

How do Yango’s autonomous delivery robots use AI?

In a time where consumers expect deliveries within minutes, our autonomous delivery robots, recently deployed in Dubai in partnership with ROOTS, are a strong example of AI’s practical benefits. Its AI-driven system ensures safe navigation even in complex city environments. The robots offer contactless deliveries within a two-kilometre radius in under 30 minutes.

They are electric-powered, helping reduce emissions in line with Dubai’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims to convert 25 per cent of all transportation to autonomous modes by 2030, reducing CO₂ emissions by 30 per cent. They support sustainability, reduce urban congestion, and give residents more flexible delivery options.

Do AI-powered ad tech platforms change the way businesses connect with their audiences?

Sure. I have a background in advertising, so it’s a subject close to my heart. I recall that even a decade ago we were successfully using AI-driven technologies to improve ad targeting and recommendations for businesses. And even today AI plays a role in the more operational or manual tasks. For instance, when it comes to visuals’ creation, AI-technologies can produce them faster and more efficiently. Now we see the whole ad campaigns in which all visual materials are generated by AI.

AI also proved to be efficient in ad moderation and fraud detection. At the same time humans still excel AI at understanding local contexts, cultural nuances, and emotional aspects of the marketing process, including selection of appropriate channels, and I believe this won’t change in the near future.

And what about the public sector using AI for services? What should governments consider if they want to use commercial AI for citizen-facing tasks?

The UAE is leading in AI adoption. I find the vision of the UAE leadership admirable as laid out in the country’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. It is an efficient and structured approach to step-by-step deployment of AI technologies framework that acknowledges the fact that AI is still very much a developing work in progress, and that trying to look at it solely from a hard regulatory perspective is not the right approach. And I honestly hope more governments in more countries adopt the UAE government’s flexible attitude towards AI.

When deploying AI, it is important to uphold ethical standards, protect privacy, remain inclusive, integrate seamlessly with existing platforms, and build public trust through transparency. With all this in place, AI-driven technologies can really form an efficient tandem with humans that benefits communities, businesses and beyond.