His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubeir was appointed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz as Ambassador to the United States on January 29, 2007. Ambassador Al-Jubeir presented his credentials to President George W. Bush at the White House on February 27, 2007.
Mr. Al-Jubeir was born February 1, 1962 in Majma'ah (Riyadh Province), Saudi Arabia, and attended schools in the Kingdom, Germany, Yemen, Lebanon, and the U.S. He obtained a B.A. summa cum laude in political science and economics from the University of North Texas in 1982, and an M.A. in international relations from Georgetown University in 1984.
In 1987 Mr. Al-Jubeir was appointed into the Saudi Diplomatic Service and posted to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC, where he served as Special Assistant to the Ambassador. In 1990-91, he was part of the Saudi team that established the Joint Information Bureau at Dhahran during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He was a member of the GCC delegation to the Madrid Peace Conference in October 1991, and a member of the Saudi delegation to the Multilateral Arms Control Talks in Washington, DC in 1992. In December 1992 he was dispatched with the Saudi Armed Forces to Somalia as part of Operation Restore Hope.
Mr. Al-Jubeir was appointed Director of the Saudi Information and Congressional Affairs Office in Washington in 2000, and was named Foreign Affairs Advisor in the Crown Prince’s Court in the fall of 2000. In August 2005, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz appointed Mr. Al-Jubeir to the position of Advisor at the Royal Court.
Mr. Al-Jubeir was Visiting Diplomatic Fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations in New York, 1994-95. He has lectured at universities and academic institutions in the U.S. and appeared frequently in the media. In 2006, he has received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from the University of North Texas.
Mr. Al-Jubeir is fluent in Arabic, English, and German.
Two Azerbaijani travelers arrived here on-foot today en-route to Makkah in Saudi Arabia for performing this year's Hajj rituals.
The travelers, Shahid Gorbatov and Sahib Kazimov, said today at a press conference in Amman that their tour of a number of countries is aimed at shedding light on the situation of the Muslims in Azerbaijan and cementing cooperation with various nations.
The travelers said they started their trip three months ago from Azerbaijan. They have so far visited Iran, Turkey and Syria. They are now in Jordan from where they will proceed to Saudi Arabia for Hajj purposes.
Two Azerbaijani Pilgrims arrive on-foot enroute to Makkah
Amman, 15 Nov 07
Two Azerbaijani travelers arrived here on-foot today en-route to Makkah in Saudi Arabia for performing this year's Hajj rituals.
The travelers, Shahid Gorbatov and Sahib Kazimov, said today at a press conference in Amman that their tour of a number of countries is aimed at shedding light on the situation of the Muslims in Azerbaijan and cementing cooperation with various nations.
The travelers said they started their trip three months ago from Azerbaijan. They have so far visited Iran, Turkey and Syria. They are now in Jordan from where they will proceed to Saudi Arabia for Hajj purposes.
Pilgrims from various parts of the World began to arrive in Makkah to perform Hajj this year.
The first group of pilgrims from South Africa arrived yesterday evening at King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Addressing the pilgrims at a reception party hosted by The African tour operators establishment, Chairman of the service group affiliated to the establishment Dr. Tariq Qatan welcomed the pilgrims and pointed out to the great facilities which have been extended by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve all pilgrims since their arrival to ensure full services and comfort for them till they return home.
PIA's First Hajj flight leaves for Jeddah on Wednesday
Islamabad, 12/11/07
The first Hajj flight of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) carrying 433 intending pilgrims will leave Peshawar for Jeddah on Wednesday (November 14).
National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain and Minister for Religious Affairs Ejazul Haq will see off the intending pilgrims, officials said.
The departure of the first Hajj flight will be the start of a month-long operation to transport 160,000 Pakistani pilgrims to the holy land.
The Hajj flights will also depart for Jeddah from Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Faisalabad
Prince Khalid al-Faisal, the Governor of Makkah region, chaired here today the meeting of the Hajj central committee.
The participants of the meeting reviewed reports submitted by the concerned governmental authorities pertaining to the service of the guests of God last year.
The Hajj central committee will resume its meetings to discuss the arrangements made by the concerned governmental administrations for this year's Hajj season
Riyadh, November 05, SPA -- Preparatory Hajj committees held here today their 10th meeting under the chairmanship of Dr. Ridha bin Mohamed Khalil, the advisor at Health department.
A number of Hajj related issues on the meeting's Agenda were reviewed, which came within the framework of the advanced preparations being undertaken by the Health Ministry to extend best health services to pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season.
Chairman of the Higher Commission for Hajj and Umrah (minor Hajj) in Iraq Sheikh Mohammed Taqiyulmawla lauded the cooperation of Saudi authorities in providing the necessary needs for Iraqi pilgrims and solving their technical problems.
Briefing the Iraqi President Jalal Al-Talbani on the outcome of his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, Taqiyulmawla said preparations for sending and receiving Iraqi pilgrims are smoothly under way in Iraq and Saudi Arabia respectively.
The Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAA) has been approved as a partner in the process of transportation of the Algerian pilgrims, according to informed sources.
Accordingly, SAA will operate 14 flights from Al-Sania airport in Wahran City to Jeddah in addition to five flights from Tayarat airport, West of Algiers.
The first Hajj flight from Algeria will start on November 24, and the flights will continue up to December 12, 2007.
The first Pakistani Hajj flight will depart from Peshawar for Madina on November 13, officials said.
Nearly 160,000 Pakistanis would perform Hajj this year. As many as 80,000 pilgrims are performing Hajj under the regular government scheme while the remaining through the private Hajj tour operators.
The religious affairs ministry has arranged 424 flights for Saudi Arabia for regular pilgrims.
The last Hajj flight will depart from Islamabad on December 11.
The first flight, after Hajj, will arrive in Pakistan from Saudi Arabia on December 24 and the last on January 24, 2008.
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom hosted last night an official banquet in honor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz at the Buckingham Palace in London.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Queen Elizabeth made the following statement: "It gives me a great pleasure to welcome King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on this visit to London.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, as is the case with many of your nationals, you are not stranger to the United Kingdom. The ties that link our families are close and ever-lasting. Here, I recall very happy moments when we met last time, when you had watched some majestic Scottish places while visiting Balmoral in 1988.
Many British citizens have been enjoying the generous Saudi hospitality over the years, whether as traders or as experts or advisers.
As many as 25,000 British citizens perform pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah and visit the city each year [and we] feel particularly grateful for the great efforts made by the Saudi authorities to ensure the safety and success of their visits.
The friendly relations between our two countries have been deep-rooted over years. We have observed, on many times, that we have joined hands with each other against the threats facing our common security. Despite changes with the passage of time, I am convinced that the linkages and knowledge, experiences and friendship between our two countries have been strengthened over the last 100 years, and these bonds of friendship are still strengthened to this day, and we will continue enhancing these ties further in the future.
We also share together a set of common values emerging from two great ideological heritages on the basis of monotheism, which is the true religion of Ibrahim.
We, in a world in which some seek to use the cloak of religion to weaken our societies and their unity - should continue our cooperation with each other to spread the common values and to promote mutual understanding between our two countries and our two peoples as well as encourage our peoples to opt for the best in our cultural features."
The Queen said "The relations between our countries have become deeper and wider as you have been diversifying
Saudi Arabia's economy, trade and investment in both directions. There has been a blossoming and steady progress (in these directions). Today, our country (Britain) enjoys a portion of investments coming from Saudi Arabia, while the links between our armed forces are now stronger than ever.
There is a widening scope of bilateral cooperation in the areas of education and training with the help and encouragement of the British Council, which is a welcoming sign.
As we continue to work together in the face of terrorists who threaten the lives of our citizens in both countries and seeking to make the Middle East region more peaceful and stable, this will be beneficial to all the peoples of the region.
We have followed with great interest your efforts for advancing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia forward, while preserving the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs.
We have our appreciation and admiration for the role played by the Kingdom to seek a peaceful settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict, especially through the Arab peace initiative that you -- the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, have personally presented. We will continue our support to your efforts for peace in the region.
Relations between our Kingdoms are based on relationships involving mutual benefit and the exchange of knowledge and mutual understanding between our two countries.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah, I do welcome you warmly in this country," the Queen concluded.
After this, the Royal Saudi anthem was played.
Then, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud made the following statement:
"In the name of God - the Merciful
Her Majesty - Queen Elizabeth II:
His Royal Highness Prince Philip - the Duke of Edinburgh:
Royal Highness and Excellencies:
May peace be upon you all and God's mercy and blessings:
Your Majesty, I express my thanks and appreciation for this kind invitation and for all the hospitality and respect we have received. I also express my gratitude for the feelings that have been mentioned in contents of your Majesty's speech. I reiterate to you that the Saudi people also harbor similar feelings toward the British people.
Your Majesty: The Saudi-British relationship lasted almost a century, and the historic meeting between the founder - the late King Abdul-Aziz, (May God have mercy on him), and British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill in 1945, which initially laid the foundations for the sound constructive cooperation between the two countries.
We still remember Your Majesty's visit that had a great impact on us.
My current visit is an extension of official visits conducted by my late brother Kings (May God have mercy on them).
I hope my visit will contribute further to deepening cooperation and pushing ahead cooperation in various fields.
Your Majesty:
From Britain, the scientific renaissance was launched that led to the industrial movement which introduced humanity to a new phase. That legacy is still alive and vibrant. We look forward to close cooperation with you in the vital areas related to the transfer of technical education and training and scientific research because we believe that any real development must begin with the development of human beings and making them qualified.
Your Majesty: Signs of war and conflicts emerge in many places of the world, and in front of these increased risks, we must opt for wisdom and courage so as not to allow things to slip to the brink of the abyss, every dispute, whichever its complications, could be resolved if we deal it with a spirit of justice and equity.
The 1st Tourism Forum of Islamic countries titled "Towards Tourist Integration among Islamic Countries'' organized by the commission in cooperation with Organization of Islamic Conference concluded its activities here today.
The forum was patronized by Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of Board of Directors of Supreme Commission for Tourism.
During the meetings, the Supreme Commission for Tourism presented a working paper on the role of tourism in development of economic cooperation between Islamic countries.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Hajj presented a working paper on coordination between the activities of Hajj and Umrah (Minor Hajj) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Command of the Civil Defense held a meeting here today under the chairmanship of its Director General Saad bin Abdullah Al-TUWAIJRI by focusing on plans for Hajj season this year.
During the meeting, which was also attended by Commander of Civil Defense at Hajj season Major General Suleiman bin Abdullah Al-Amro, the Director General called for a thorough-review of all Hajj-related plans and to have advance coordination with all concerned governmental departments in charge of Hajj procedures and efforts
Prince Naif chairs meeting of Supreme Hajj Committee
Jeddah, 29 Oct 07
The Minister of Interior Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, who is also Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, chaired here the meeting of the Supreme Hajj Committee.
The committee consists of:
- Committee Chairman: the Minister of the Interior
- Committee Member: Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Deputy Committee Chairman: Governor of Makkah Region
- Committee Members: Assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs, Governor of Madinah Region, General President of the Two Holy Mosques' Affairs, Minister of Culture and Information, Minister of Finance, Minister of Hajj, Minister of Economy and Planning, Minister of Health, Minister of Transport, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Chief of Control and Investigation Board and Deputy Minister for Municipal and Rural Affairs.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Saed Al-Orabi Al-Harithi, Adviser to Interior Minister.
At the outset of the meeting, Prince Naif asserted that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince are keen to provide the best services and facilities for pilgrims. He also urged those bodies concerned with serving pilgrims to implement the directives of the leadership and provide the pilgrims with high levels of services till they safely return to their home countries.
During the meeting, several issues pertaining to the facilities provided to pilgrims were discussed.
Also, the committee reviewed the results of the field studies on developing of pilgrims flow mechanisms to the Grand Mosque and facilitating the pilgrims movement to and from the Grand Mosque with a high degree of security and safety.
The committee reviewed the studies and researches relating to developmental projects for the center of Makkah.
The delegation of Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IDB) led by the IDB's vice president Rahimi Ahmed arrived here yesterday on a several-day visit.
The delegation will discuss with the concerned authorities in Egypt issues pertaining to the participation of the Egyptian veterinary mission in the implementation of the sacrificial meat utilization project during this year's Hajj season.
The Egyptian mission will include 200 veterinarians.
This development comes within the framework of the agreement signed by the Egyptian agriculture ministry and the Kingdom
Five airlines including Saudia to arrange Pakistani Pilgrims travel
Islamabad, 28 Oct 07
This year Pakistan will be sending its intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia by three foreign airlines apart from the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAA).
The pilgrims will also be flown by the Ittehad Airline, Emirates Airlines and Mahan Airlines of Iran, Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary Waqil Ahmed Khan said in a statement.
He said all the flights will take off as per schedule and arrangements have been finalized in collaboration with PIA
in this connection.
Khan said that the Hajj operation will start from November 13. First flight will take off from Peshawar. Over 550 flights
will be operated.
Meanwhile, various institutes held training programmes for Hajj pilgrims Sunday.
Ulema Academy, Darul Falah Trust and Jamia Naeemia of Lahore held training workshops for the pilgrims. The Hajji Camp will hold training workshops from November 3 to 7.
British Officials welcome Saudi King's visit to Britain 5 London
London, 28 Oct 07
The bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom which began decades ago, have witnessed distinct and big progress in all domains including scientific and economic fields for their strategic importance that greatly contributed in enhancing and cementing …….
Prof. Mohammed Abdel-Halim of King Fahd chair for Islamic studies at London university, said a great attention is given to the visit due to the important status of King Abdullah at the international arena.
He lauded the support being extended by the Kingdom to research and education works.
He noted that the visit will further enhance Saudi-British relations.
He lauded the facilities being extended by the Kingdom to pilgrims and umrah (minor hajj) performers, notably to the British Muslims.
Tunisia studies new travel scheme for Umrah performers
Tunisia, 27 Oct 07
A Tunisian Sub-Committee of Foreign relations Commission at the Tunisian Consultative Council intends to hold a special session to study a draft pertaining to creation of a special travel document for Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) performers similar to the one in existence for Hajj in the country.
The document with new procedures primarily aim at regulating Umrah affairs and fixing dates for the return of Umrah performers to their home country - Tunisia.
UAE official lauds Saudi Arabia's facilities for pilgrims
Holy City of Makkah, October 27, SPA -- Chairman of The United Arab Emirates' ( UAE ) Hajj Mission Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al-mala has lauded the great facilities and services being rendered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and his faithful Crown Prince to pilgrims.
These remarks came during a meeting held between the UAE Hajj Mission and Chairman of board of directors of Hajj guides Establishment for South Asian Pilgrims Adnan bin Mohamed.
Second Phase of Jamrat Bridge to be ready for Hajj
Jeddah, 27 Oct 07
The second phase of the SR4 billion high-tech Jamrat Bridge project will be completed on November 25, well before the start of this year’s Hajj, said Dr. Habeeb Zainul Abideen, Deputy Minister of municipal and rural affairs.
Speaking to Al-Madinah Arabic daily, Zainul Abideen said three one-way roads from the bridge would reduce congestion in the area and ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims when they leave Jamrat after performing the stoning ritual.
During last year’s Hajj, pilgrims used the high-tech structure in Mina for the first time. The first phase increased the bridge’s capacity to 250,000 pilgrims an hour. It also brought about a qualitative change in public safety measures and helped pilgrims perform the stoning ritual without any reported accidents.
Zainul Abideen said the second level of the bridge, which will be ready this year, would receive pilgrims coming from the Makkah side after performing Tawaf al-ifada — the obligatory circumambulation of the Kaaba in Hajj.
“The second level will have two entrances; the southern entrance is for pilgrims coming from Aziziya and the northern one for pilgrims coming from Adel, Shisha and the Pedestrian Road,” he added.
Zainul Abideen said the new system would ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims in Mina while coming to and from the Jamrat.
He said the three new one-way roads that will help transport 150,000 to 200,000 pilgrims per hour, which are linked to the second floor of the bridge, would reduce pressure on the ground floor and the first floor.
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