Podcasts about grand mosque

Grigor Atanesian from BBC Russian joins us to discuss the theories around 'grey zone' warfare techniques and if, why, and how Russia is deploying them against the UK. Plus, BBC Korean's Yuna Ku explains how companies and celebrities are striving to appear politically neutral before the upcoming South Korean elections; how the Grand Mosque in Mecca has been expanded over the years to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims, with Reem Alsheikh from BBC Arabic; and the story behind a 'lost' masterpiece that recently sold for $1.3m, with Merve Kara-Kaşka from BBC Turkish. Presented by Faranak Amidi Produced by Caroline Ferguson and Alice Gioia(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)

In Episode 355 of Devolution Power Hour, Jon Herold and Chris Paul dissect a week filled with narrative-shaping headlines and global optics that suggest Trump is anything but out of power. They break down Trump's royal treatment on his Middle East tour, explore the geopolitical shift toward nuclear energy and AI infrastructure, and reflect on the UAE's extraordinary decision to close its Grand Mosque for Trump's visit, a first in history. The hosts scrutinize the Supreme Court's conflicting legitimacy, the AutoPen scandal, and Biden's mental fog as revealed in the newly released Hur tapes. From CIA-backed media distractions to judicial overreach, Jon and Chris explore how the regime props up a false reality while Trump maneuvers through both the surface and sovereign layers of control. With sharp insight and humor, they tie in symbolism, SCOTUS hypocrisy, and global realignment as the world prepares for a tectonic political shift.

Binaural recording of a walk around the mosque, November 2015. UNESCO listing: Historic Areas of Istanbul Recorded by David Webb. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world's most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage

The Sharjah Union Day Celebrations Committee has announced its program of events and celebrations to mark the UAE's 53rd National Day and reflect on the country's journey of resilience, determination and success. Sharjah National Park: From November 21 to December 2, there will be artistic and entertainment performances, competitions, and educational workshops with participation from government departments and local authorities. Al Dhaid City: A national march will take place on November 27 starting from the Grand Mosque and ending at Al Dhaid Fort, featuring participation from government entities and school students. From November 28 to December 1 the festivities will include folklore performances. Al Bataeh Area celebrations will run from November 28 to 30 with an emphasis on heritage, national identity, and allegiance to the nation. Activities will include a traditional folk parade with participation from government agencies, local residents, schools, and arts groups. Listen to #Pulse95Radio in the UAE by tuning in on your radio (95.00 FM) or online on our website: www.pulse95radio.com ************************ Follow us on Social. www.facebook.com/pulse95radio www.twitter.com/pulse95radio www.instagram.com/pulse95radio

Forty-five years ago this month, a group of armed insurgents stormed the Grand Mosque in Mecca, taking thousands of worshippers hostage. The siege would go on to have profound implications in Saudi Arabia, and beyond. 

 Dr Sabrina Lei, Director of Tawasul Europe Centre for Dialogue and Research, is an emerging Italian Muslim philosopher and thinker. Trained in Latin, Greek and ancient philosophy for over a decade, with a PhD from Pontifical Gregorian University (one of the prominent centres of Catholic scholarship in Rome) in ancient Greek philosophy. Dr Sabrina has, so far, translated over 25 Muslim classics into Italian, besides producing her own five books, including a biography of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the recently released book : Le comunita religioso non-musulmane nel mondo islamico : Un introduzione storica ( The non-Muslim Religious Community in the Muslim World : A Historical Introduction, March 2019). Some of her noted achievements include acclaimed Italian translations of Muhammad Iqbal's philosophical reflection on Islam called The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam.  Dr Sabrina is currently working to publish a new edition of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's original English Quran translation, with an introductory study, to address the growing need for Quran translations with an inclusive and refined language in the West. This new edition of Yusuf Ali's Quran translation is set to be published by Tawasul Europe later this year, insha Allah. Dr Sabrina is also currently in the final phase of her study on the first Latin translation of the Quran (Lex Mahumet pseudoprophete, 1143). This study, backed up by linguistic, theological and philosophical insights, is set to show how this translation internalized and solidified many of the medieval Christian subjective notions about Islam, the Quran and Prophet (peace be upon him), and how it went on to influence the later western approaches to the Quran translation, etc.  Tawasul Europe, a registered Italian Muslim charity-cum- think tank, founded by Dr Sabrina, is at the forefront of building bridges across cultures and religions in Italy. Tawasul Europe works with Vatican's Interfaith Section, Rome Municipality and the Grand Mosque of Rome, along with around 10 universities and educational centres in Italy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

 Dr Sabrina Lei, Director of Tawasul Europe Centre for Dialogue and Research, is an emerging Italian Muslim philosopher and thinker. Trained in Latin, Greek and ancient philosophy for over a decade, with a PhD from Pontifical Gregorian University (one of the prominent centres of Catholic scholarship in Rome) in ancient Greek philosophy. Dr Sabrina has, so far, translated over 25 Muslim classics into Italian, besides producing her own five books, including a biography of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the recently released book : Le comunita religioso non-musulmane nel mondo islamico : Un introduzione storica ( The non-Muslim Religious Community in the Muslim World : A Historical Introduction, March 2019). Some of her noted achievements include acclaimed Italian translations of Muhammad Iqbal's philosophical reflection on Islam called The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam.  Dr Sabrina is currently working to publish a new edition of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's original English Quran translation, with an introductory study, to address the growing need for Quran translations with an inclusive and refined language in the West. This new edition of Yusuf Ali's Quran translation is set to be published by Tawasul Europe later this year, insha Allah. Dr Sabrina is also currently in the final phase of her study on the first Latin translation of the Quran (Lex Mahumet pseudoprophete, 1143). This study, backed up by linguistic, theological and philosophical insights, is set to show how this translation internalized and solidified many of the medieval Christian subjective notions about Islam, the Quran and Prophet (peace be upon him), and how it went on to influence the later western approaches to the Quran translation, etc.  Tawasul Europe, a registered Italian Muslim charity-cum- think tank, founded by Dr Sabrina, is at the forefront of building bridges across cultures and religions in Italy. Tawasul Europe works with Vatican's Interfaith Section, Rome Municipality and the Grand Mosque of Rome, along with around 10 universities and educational centres in Italy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/islamic-studies

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 21st of June and here are the top stories of the week.Under scanner for the cancellation of UGC NET and facing criticism for the NEET issue, the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that the enquiry conducted till now shows evidence of “errors in some regions”, and assured students that everyone involved in the security breach will be punished. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, said the main reason for paper leaks is that educational institutions have been dominated by the BJP and its parent organisation RSS and paper leaks will not stop unless that is reversed. Congress has decided to hold a nationwide protest today demanding justice for the NEET candidates.Three months after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy case being probed separately by the CBI, AAP leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail Thursday by a Delhi court. While granting bail, Special Judge Niyay Bindu also declined ED's plea to keep the bail order in abeyance for 48 hours. Arrested on March 21, Kejriwal had stepped out last month on interim bail to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections. He surrendered on June 2.Two days after 10 persons were killed following a collision between the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train in Darjeeling, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Northeast Frontier Railway said on Wednesday that the freight train was moving at a high speed on the day of the accident and that drivers of the train were not ‘following the procedure'. At least nine persons were killed and around 40 injured in the accident.Around 68 Indians are among scores of those who have died during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca amid the scorching heat, a diplomat told news agency AFP. On Tuesday, AFP reported that at least 550 people have died on the Hajj pilgrimage. Out of those, 323 were Egyptians who died due to heat-related illness, the international news agency reported citing two Arab diplomats. According to Saudi media reports, temperatures rose to 51.8 degree Celsius in the shade at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday.In what seemed to be a direct reply to the Canadian parliament's tribute to the pro-khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was allegedly assassinated last year, the Indian consulate in Vancouver reiterated New Delhi's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism globally and gave a reminder of the Khalistani bombing of Air India 'Kanishka' flight in 1985. The embassy further announced that it would hold a memorial next week commemorating the anniversary of the flight bombing resulted in the deaths of 329 individuals, including 268 Canadians and 24 Indians. The Indian Consulate's statement is a sign that bilateral ties between India and Canada are likely to spiral further downwards.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 19th of June and here are today's headlines.Beeda Madhuri, the daughter of YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Beeda Masthan Rao, allegedly ran over a 22-year-old man sleeping on a pavement in Chennai on Monday evening. The incident has sparked a furore as Madhuri, who was allegedly driving the BMW car, was released on station bail after she surrendered on Tuesday morning. According to a top police source, the police erred by letting the accused leave on station bail instead of court bail. The incident has triggered anger among locals and the victim's relatives who have accused the police of inaction.A Delhi Court today extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till 3rd of July in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy case. His regular bail arguments were also heard. The CM, who is currently in judicial custody, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on 21st of March in the case. The Supreme Court had granted him interim bail from 10th of May to 1st of June, allowing him to campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Delhi CS Naresh Kumar has been given additional charge of New Delhi Municipal Corporation Chairperson.After inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a golden era of India will begin with the rebuilding of the ancient University. Along with ambassadors from 17 countries, Union Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were present at the event. Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi visited the ancient ruins of Nalanda University, located less than 20 km from the campus.Hundreds of visitors have died during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca amid scorching heat, according to press reports and foreign ministries. At least 550 people have died on haj, diplomats told AFP on Tuesday. Saudi state TV said temperatures rose on Monday as high as 51.8 degrees Celsius (125.2 Fahrenheit) in the shade at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Three hundred and twenty-three of the dead were Egyptians, most of whom perished due to heat-related illness, AFP reported, citing two Arab diplomats.A United States group of lawmakers, following their visit to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama today, asserted that they would not allow China to influence the choice of his successor. Former United States Congress Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, quote, "His Holiness Dalai Lama, with his message of knowledge, tradition, compassion, purity of soul and love, will live a long time and his legacy will live forever. But you, the President of China, you'll be gone and nobody will give you credit for anything." Unquote.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Bosslogic (Kode) and the boys sit down to discuss their experience in the UAE. From attending Middle East Film and Comic Con, visiting the country's largest place of worship, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and racing through the desert dunes, this episode is packed full of stories from their most recent adventure. A huge thank you again to MEFCC, VisitAbuDhabi and everyone else involved in giving us this opportunity and for having us visit some of their most beautiful attractions. Thank you guys for tuning in and giving us the chance to be apart of all of this.

Candace, also know as “The Blonde Muslim”, opens up about her journey reverting to Islam, which started 6-years ago in Reno, NV, USA. In this deep episode, Candace reflects on her first experience entering the Grand Mosque in Makkah, her fundraising initiatives, dealing with abuse on social media and with certain family members who have disowned her.

Join Imam Wisam Sharieff and Dr. Gina DeBarthe discuss their recent Umrah in December of 2023. Umrah proved to be a profound and transformative spiritual expedition. From the sacred rituals at the Grand Mosque in Mecca to the serene moments of reflection in the holy city of Medina, every step of the pilgrimage was a testament to the deep connection between faith and self-discovery. The pilgrimage was not only a physical journey but a spiritual one, filled with moments of prayer, contemplation, and a profound sense of unity with fellow pilgrims. This recount of our Umrah aims to share the spiritual insights gained and the profound impact it had on my personal journey of faith.

PREVIEW: From a longer conversation later tonight with Brigadier General Yossi Kuperwasser (res) in Jerusalem re the Rafah Border Crossing at the south end of the Gaza Strip.  Can it be secured  after the defeat of Hamas? Can the Egyptians be trusted to block the smuggling? Yossi Kuperwasser- Yossi Kuperwasser Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser is Director of the Project on Regional Middle East Developments at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He was formerly Director General of the Israel Ministry of Strategic Affairs and head of the Research Division of IDF Military Intelligence. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-idf-moving-troops-out-of-gaza-but-expects-prolonged-fight/ 1867 Grand Mosque in Gaza

04th Jan Crypto & Coffee at 8

Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque now open for 24 hours as night tours are launched Listen to #Pulse95Radio in the UAE by tuning in on your radio (95.00 FM) or online on our website: www.pulse95radio.com ************************ Follow us on Social. www.instagram/com/pulse95radio www.facebook.com/pulse95radio www.twitter.com/pulse95radio www.instagram.com/pulse95radio

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review Witness Tree Nut Brown Ale from Antietam Brewery, then discuss Crowhill's recent trip to the UAE. While Saudi Arabia dominates the Arabian peninsula, a couple smaller nations squeeze their way in, including UAE. After reviewing a bit of history and geography, the boys discuss Crowhill's experiences in Abu Dhabi. Crowhill had three goals for his trip. Swim in the Persian Gulf, visit the Grand Mosque, and eat some weird local food. The boys discuss how the UAE maintains a national identity when only about 11 percent of the population is local. They've imported most of their citizens, but they still maintain a national culture and identity.

Surah al-Isra' (Quran chapter 17) is one of the surahs (chapters) found in the Quran. Surah al-Isra' consists of 111 verses and belongs to the 15th volume of the Quran. It was revealed in Mecca during the time of Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace). This surah contains many important instructions and moral teachings for Muslims. The main content of Surah al-Isra' covers several important aspects such as creed, morals, community law, and the commands of God. Among the issues discussed are tawhid (the oneness of God), social justice, human responsibility for their deeds, and the importance of obeying God's commands. One of the important stories told in this surah is about the Prophet Muhammad's (may God bless him and grant him peace) experience of traveling at night from the Grand Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque and then to the seventh heaven (Mi'raj). This experience is a clear evidence of the glory of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) and the position of Islam as the true religion. In addition, Surah al-Isra' also contains various exhortations for Muslims to maintain good relationships with their families, neighbors, and society as a whole. The verses provide guidance on the importance of doing good, staying away from injustice, and being fair in every aspect of life. Overall, Surah al-Isra' is a surah that has many important values and teachings for Muslims. It reminds us of our responsibilities as servants of Allah and guides us in living our lives in the right way. The Quran Super-Easy to Listen - For Ages 9 to 99 Translated by Talal Itani www.ClearQuran.org Music by Alfa Relaxing Music from Pixabay. Music by Sufi Sama from Pixabay.

In tonight's episode of "Crystal's Nightcap" we leave the America's for the first time and head to Dubai! How we survived an 11 hour flight, how men really treat women in the UAE, seeing the Grand Mosque and Presidential Palace, my issue with the Burj Kahlifa, and MORE!

On this week's show I spoke to the lovely and hugely talented Hiba, who is also a dear friend of mine. On 6th July, Hiba's first children's novel, Safiyyah's War, hit bookshelves in the UK, and in this episode we talk about the beautiful book. Hiba's book is about a part of history that we know so little about - the resistance movement against the Holocaust that was run from the Grand Mosque of Paris. In the book, our protagonist, 11-year-old Safiyyah ends up in the middle of the movement, bravely sacrificing so much to help those in trouble. I asked Hiba about what led her to writing children's stories, and what we can do to gently introduce young minds to serious themes and issues such as war and persecution. We talked about cats, strawberry bonbons, friendship, family, courage, dreaming, Paris, hidden histories and so much more. Hiba Noor Khan is the author of 6 books for children, including Safiyyah's War, How to Spaghettify your Dog, The Little War Cat, Inspiring Inventors and One Home. The Little War Cat, published in 2020 was long-listed for the Jhalak Prize and the UKLA Book Award and her work has been translated into Swedish, Korean, Turkish, Breton, Chinese, and counting. She secretly wants to be an explorer, and is happiest surrounded by nature, especially near the ocean.I hope you love this episode as much as I do. Connect with me on social media - I'd love to hear from you.www.instagram.com/readwithsamiawww.instagram.com/thediversebookshelfpod Support the show

The fifth pillar of Islam is Hajj, which translates to mean "the pilgrimage to the Holy city of Makkah." The Arabic word, Hajj, linguistically, means "heading to a place for the sake of visiting." In Islamic terminology, the term describes the act of heading to Makkah to observe specific actions and rituals. Hajj, or the pilgrimage, is a 5-6-day journey to this sacred place between the 8th and 13th day of the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Dhul-Hijjah. The Hajj journey is obligatory for every Muslim, male or female, to complete at least once in a lifetime, provided they are mentally, physically, and financially capable of making the trip. God states:"...And due to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way..." (Quran 3:97) The Hajj includes detailed reenactments of certain symbolic rituals performed by great Prophets and righteous individuals in the past. The Hajj Pilgrimage and its symbolic rituals commemorate the legacy of Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him; this is why one needs to learn about Prophet Abraham to understand the reasoning behind individual acts performed as a part of Hajj.Integral to Hajj is the Kaaba, a holy shrine - a black silk-clad cube stone structure at the heart of the Grand Mosque in the modern-day city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba is at the center of the Earth, built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ismael, peace be upon them. Upon completion, God the Almighty commanded Prophet Abraham to relay a single Message to the people: that they would be required to make a pilgrimage to this House. May your journey to the answer and the truth be pleasant and successful.

Kalilah heads to Dubai for her friend's 40th birthday. She has to assess some negative energy coming her way. Beware of the people you allow in your space. They will either drain or replenish your energy. Though she had an adventurous time with her son and her good friend Asia, she quickly realizes how unnecessary attitudes can shift her energy. Nonetheless, going to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, eating all of the amazing food and dressing in the traditional garb made the whole trip worth it.

What do you know about the United Arab Emirates? Want to know more of Israel's newest and perhaps most important partner in peace? I've just returned from my first ever trip to an Arab nation. I went to the capital, Abu Dhabi, to the Global Media Congress, a highly impressive showcase of regional media - with exhibitors from further afield including the Philippines, Russia, Azerbaijan - and Israel. It's a place where East meets West. My guest today is typical of the spirit of big heartedness. His name is Loay Alshareef and he gave me a very personal guided tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in which we talked about the differences between Islam, Judaism and Christianity - but more importantly their parallels, what binds us as people of faith - in a world where secularity can sometimes get ahead of itself. The majesty and craftsmanship of this 21st-century wonder is breathtaking, The extravagant chandeliers in each room, the beautifully etched windows including the 99 Koranic words for G-d. The UAE is a nation state insistent on pursuing peace in the world - even with partners who they may still have fundamental, outstanding differences with. It has a defined national story, a founder and a magnificent foundation stone in the form of the Grand Mosque. It's all very contemporary. Very 21st century and UAE nationhood is wrapped up in Islam, an Islam of tolerance and engagement and peace. Why? Because they're a nation in a hurry to build and create, to diversify from 20th Century oil to new digital and climate economies. They need the best talent from around the world to help them do it - now! So Just 12% of the country is Emirati. The remaining 88% is made up of foreigners. Like London, 200 languages are spoken among its people. Loay is outward looking and educated internationally - he is a student of languages, an alumnus of Penn State University, he's a computer engineer by qualification, loves nothing more than assembling them! LISTEN to a fascinating trip around the Global Media Congress in conversation with Loay Alshareef. This episode of Jonny Gould's Jewish State is brought to you with Strategico, the full service digital marketing agency for your growth focused business.

Interesting Facts About The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Mufti Yusuf Moosagie by Radio Islam

In "The Siege of Mecca: The Forgotten Uprising in Islam's Holiest Shrine & the Birth of Al Qaeda," author Yaroslav Trofimov writes about the attack on the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1979 which eventually led to the rise of al Qaeda. This discussion took place on a 2007 episode of "Conversations On The Coast with Jim Foster" originating in San Francisco, California.

Couples Photography in Abu Dhabi: The Most Romantic Locations for Capturing Memories. Abu Dhabi is one of the world's most romantic destinations, and it's the ideal place to make memories with your loved one. There are numerous settings where you can take fantastic photos together, ranging from lovely parks and gardens to stunning waterfronts and beaches. In this article, we will showcase some of the top locations in Abu Dhabi couples photography.  Why should you photograph couples? Couples photography is an excellent method to capture your love and connection with your partner. It's also a lovely way to remember your particular occasion, whether it's your anniversary, honeymoon, or just a great trip. Plus, what better spot to shoot couple's photos than in one of the world's most romantic cities? Here are some of the most gorgeous locations in Abu Dhabi for couples photography: The Corniche. The Corniche is a famous location for couples photos in Abu Dhabi. This lovely waterfront promenade runs for eight kilometers along the city's shoreline and provides breathtaking views of the skyline. There are also numerous seats and grassy spots where you may sit and enjoy the scenery. The Palace of the Emirates. If you want a genuinely opulent backdrop for your couples photos, the Emirates Palace is the place to be. This famous hotel is surrounded by beautifully planted gardens and is one of Abu Dhabi's most photographed attractions. Sunset is the greatest time to shoot shots here since the light is softer and the colors are more vibrant. Beach of Saadiyat. Saadiyat Beach is one of Abu Dhabi's most beautiful beaches, and it's a favourite location for couples photography. This white sand beach is surrounded by palm palms and offers far views of the city skyline. It's the ideal location for some romantic beach photos with your significant other. The Grand Mosque of Sheikh Zayed. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of Abu Dhabi's most magnificent buildings and an excellent location for couples photos. This mosque is made of white marble and has 82 domes, making it a wonderfully magnificent sight. When the light is soft, it's better to snap shots here early in the morning or late in the evening. The beach in Al Bateen. Al Bateen beach is a peaceful location ideal for couples looking to get away from the bustle. This little beach in a residential area is well-known for its stunning sunsets. It's the ideal spot to unwind and take in the breathtaking scenery. Parks and Gardens on Yas Island. Yas Island has a number of parks and gardens that are ideal for couples photography. There are numerous photo opportunities on this man-made island, ranging from the stunning Yas Marina Circuit to the lush vegetation of Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. The Zoo in Emirates Park. The Emirates Park Zoo is ideal for animal-loving couples. This zoo is home to over 500 animals, many of which you may interact with up close and personal. There are also numerous photo possibilities throughout the park, so you can take some wonderful group shots.

Since the introduction of a quota system for the Muslim pilgrimage in 1988, calls for increased hajj quotas by different countries have been ceaseless. Annually, administrative arrangements, including the deployment of speedy transportation, have been constantly revisited and improved. Technology, particularly the mobile phone, has not only brought ease, and more pilgrims, to the hajj, but has also enhanced the experience. From planning to tracking (via GPS) and the use of PDF guides, technology has substantially increased the flow of useful information to pilgrims. Covid-19 saw an increase in the use of technology to keep worshippers safe. Besides an online registration system, robots were employed to sanitise the Grand Mosque, and to distribute bottled water for social distancing purposes. As health restrictions are eased and travel becomes increasingly possible, the hajj looks to return to pre-pandemic levels. How will new technologies help organisers and pilgrims alike? The Middle East Institute (NUS), in collaboration with the Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, hosted HE Dr Amr Almaddah, the Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Services, to address these questions and more. This event is also supported by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Singapore. Speaker: HE Dr Amr Al Maddah, Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Services, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah HE Dr Amr Al Maddah is the Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Services at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Dr Almaddah received his PhD in intelligent systems and applied informatics from Osaka University in Japan. After his return to Saudi Arabia, he worked in King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center before moving to King Abdulaziz University as an academic staff. Prior to his work in the Ministry, Dr. Almaddah served in many senior management roles in big entities in the government and private sectors such as Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG) and The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (MiSK). Dr Almaddah speaks many languages fluently and is always seeking opportunities to make a difference. This event was hosted on 27 June, 2022.

Photo:    Syria: ancient bridge with the Grand Mosque in background                العربية:  دير الزور الجسر العتيق #Ukraine: The Kremlin war crimes started in Syria. Josh Rogin, @joshrogin   @WashingtonPost .  https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/22/biden-putin-war-criminal-syria-ukraine-universal-jurisdiction/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/24/us-genocide-designation-rohingya-myanmar-prevention-atrocity/

David's Ambitious Agenda BelowRetired US Diplomat to 5 different nations  David Hunter shares his knowledge, passion, interest, and experience.1)  South Korea Elections:  Did North Korea's Recent Missile Tests Cause A More Conservative Government to Get Elected in South Korea?   Elections just took place in S. Korea, and Mr. YOON Suk-yeol (61 yrs old) of the conservative PPP party  narrowly won with 48.5% of vote.  He replaces Mr. MOON, who was of the liberal party that had sought "Sunshine II" policies with North Korea.  What will Yoon's election mean to North-South Korean relations?  2)  Is Biden Administration Abandoning Ukrainian Employees who Worked for US Embassy?:  In the same way US  abandoned Afghans who worked for US Government in Kabul, it appears the Biden Administration is now abandoning Ukrainian Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) who worked for our US Embassy or consulates.  On Feb 25 2022  ForeignPolicy.com reported Ukrainian Employees who worked at US Embassy Kiev  say they felt abandoned by the American government and left with neither support nor means of escape.  What is going on?3)  Ukrainian Bio-weapons Research as Reason of Russia Invading Ukraine?:  Last week Fox News Anchor Tucker Carlson claimed evidence that Ukraine was engaged in bio-weapons research.  Russia is using this as another basis---besides their claims that  Ukraine's Jewish President Zalensky is a neo-Nazi----for their invasion of Ukraine.  Is Tucker crazy?   Does Russia have legitimate grounds for accusing Ukraine of conspiring with the US to develop bio-weapons against Russia? 4)  Is US Limiting Military Support for Ukraine because Russia Rattled It's Nuclear Weapons?  The US Biden Administration seems to fear  any direct military engagement of US forces w/ Russian troops invading Ukraine since it could escalate to nuclear conflict (aka WWIII).  Part of this is because Russia is a nuclear power and threatens to use such weapons.  But should we be afraid of this possibility?   Where does it end?   Does that mean we would refrain from supporting non-NATO  democratic allies if they are attacked by other nuclear weapons possessing dictatorship states, such as China or North Korea?5)  Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince MBS Ordered Execution of 81 Prisoners:  This is the largest single day execution in Saudi Arabia, even exceeding when revolutionaries in 1979 tried to take over the Grand Mosque of Mecca and 63 were subsequently executed.  Why is Saudi Arabia doing this now? 6)  St. Patrick's Day and Indian Spring Festival of Holi Celebrating on Same Day:  Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. It lasts for a night and a day, starting on the evening of  Purnima (Full Moon Day). Is this similar to our Christian St. Patrick's day? 

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - Pope Francis has asked people around the world to fast and pray for peace in Ukraine on March 2, Ash Wednesday. After meeting Pope Francis on Monday, the rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris invited Muslims in France to pray for peace in Ukraine. In a statement after his private audience at the Vatican on Feb. 28, Chems-Eddine Hafiz said that the pope expressed deep concern about the fate of migrants arriving in Europe and the conflict in Ukraine. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250518/after-meeting-pope-francis-leader-invites-france-s-muslims-to-pray-for-peace-in-ukraine March 5 will mark the first anniversary of Pope Francis' historic trip to Iraq, as the first pope to do so. In a meeting with Iraqi Christian leaders at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis called it an “unforgettable visit” and emphasized the importance of the Christian presence in the Middle Eastern country. The Christian population in Iraq, a country of around 40 million people, has been steadily dwindling for decades, from around 1.4 million in 2003 to about 250,000 today. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250515/pope-francis-remembers-historic-iraq-visit-1-year-later The Women's Health Protection Act failed in the U.S. Senate on Monday. Pro-life groups had called it the most radical abortion bill in U.S. history. The Feb. 28 vote needed 60 votes to proceed, with all but one Senate Democrats voting for the Act, and no Republicans. The vote marked the first time that the Senate voted on a standalone bill to proactively codify Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250523/pro-abortion-womens-health-protection-act-fails-in-us-senate Today, the Church honors Saint David of Wales, the patron of the Welsh people, who is remembered as a missionary bishop and the founder of many monasteries during the sixth century. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-david-of-wales-163 - Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Today, there are several saints honored. Saint Angela of the Cross, a 19th-century Spaniard, is the Foundress of the Institute of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross, a group dedicated to prayer and silence, as well as to serving the poor and dying. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-angela-of-the-cross-165 St. Agnes of Prague, a European who lived in the 13th century, entered the monastery after turning down the Holy Roman emperor's overtures of marriage. Emperor Frederick is said to have remarked: "If she had left me for a mortal man, I would have taken vengeance with the sword, but I cannot take offense because in preference to me she has chosen the King of Heaven." https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-agnes-of-prague-170 And finally, Blessed Charles the Good was a Flemish warrior and ruler known for his just, compassionate, and wise actions. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/blessed-charles-the-good-412

Cody Combs gives a round-up of today's trends.

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, also known as the White Mosque, is a spectacle of grandness. It's hard to capture the beauty and reverence in pictures or video. SUBSCRIBE to watch more videos like this one! LET'S CONNECT! -- Zia Comics website -- Zia Comics Facebook -- Zia Comics Twitter -- Zia Comics Instagram LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST! - iTunes #ziacomics #travel #abudhabi #uae #unitedarabemirates #grandmosque #whitemosque #sheikzayedmosque

Students from 12 global universities are competing for top honours in fashioning a sustainable future for coming generations. In this episode, we discuss th features of these homes. We also talk about Meta getting hit with its first major lawsuit since a whistleblower exposed a trove of internal documents and Robots at Makkah's Grand Mosque speaking 11 languages and guiding pilgrims with rituals. Listen to #Pulse95Radio in the UAE by tuning in on your radio (95.00 FM) or online on our website: www.pulse95radio.com ************************ Follow us on Social. www.facebook.com/pulse95radio www.twitter.com/pulse95radio www.instagram.com/pulse95radio

Canadian expat Geraint Isitt has lived in the Middle East for 14 years, most of them in Dubai, the modern metropolis in the United Arab Emirates.We talk of the history of Dubai, and Lea remembers when she first visited in the 1980s, when it was a small desert town.Safety, expenses, heat, geography, outdoor activities, and lodgings from the opulent seven-star Burj Al Arab, to more inexpensive lodgings -- we discuss them all.Geraint talks of Dubai's giant malls with skiing and penguins; beaches, the Burg Khalifa, tallest building in the world; the souks of the old quarter;  the desert, Palm Island, and what's new, including a restaurant hanging in the sky.And he takes us on a day-trip to Abu Dhabi, focusing on the Grand Mosque, before telling us his favorite memory. _____Geraint Isett is a writer and photographer who has lived in Dubai and currently lives in Abu Dhabi._____Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on  Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com.  Please follow, rate and review this weekly travel podcast!

Tanzania risks losing UNESCO heritage status for Selous game reserve. Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouatarra to meet Laurent Gbagbo for first time since 2010 Civil War. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patricia Schultz, author/editor of the best-selling series 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, is  a terrific guest. On this super-size 25th episode, she and Lea share stories, experiences and info about favorite places around the world.-- Patricia first tells when she started traveling, and how the "1,000 Places" brand came to be, about 20 years ago.-- Then she and Lea alternate with some of their very favorite places -- continents, countries, man-made and natural sites -- adding their own experiences to each other's.  -- Favorite places include Antarctica; Antelope Canyon in Arizona; Beacon, New York; Bali,Indonesia; Italy, focused on Florence; Barcelona, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey; Galapagos Islands, Ecuador;  Cuba; the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE; Iran; Iguacu Falls; Laos; Namibia; the  "stans," especially Uzbekestan; Paris and New York;and the upland gorillas in Uganda.-- Patricia ends with a touching memory about the most important travel aspect of all._____Patricia Schultz is a veteran travel journalist who has written travel guides, magazine and newspaper articles as well as authoring her best-selling 1.000 Places series, with millions of copies in print.  Contact her at speakersbureau@workman.com_____Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on  Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com.  Please follow, rate and review this weekly travel podcast!

Subscribe to the channel : @muhammadanway Android App - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nurmuhammad.muhammadanway IPhone App - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/muhammadan-way/id1244297852?mt=8 Facebook - www.facebook.com/shaykhnurjanmirahmadi Donate - www.nurmuhammad.com/donate Website - nurmuhammad.com TV Show - www.huberasul.net The Noble Naqshbandi Order proudly presents the ancient Islamic teaching and realities of the Prophetic Kingdom. Known as the Muhammadan Reality Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Al Qabbani Representing the Sultan al Awliya of The Naqshbandiyya Order Mawlana Shaykh Muhammad Nazim al Haqqani Shaykh Sayed Nurjan MirAhmadi student of the way The Seekers of The Heart, The Lovers of the Prophetic Reality As ancient as time itself, seek to be a servant of the light and lovers. Naqshbandi, Qadiri, Chistiyya, Shadiliya, Rifai, Inyat Khan, Alawi and many more All are the Muhammadan Representatives to Creation nurmuhammad.com is pleased to present the Muhammadan TV. Network Donations https://www.nurmuhammad.com/donate to support These works nurmuhammad.com/ Shaykh sayed nurjan mirahmadi

Today we meet an old lady in a hut, and then we discover how two weeks changed the course of a nation!   Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/user?u=18482113 MERCH STORE!!! https://tinyurl.com/y8zam4o2   Help Promote Dead Rabbit! Dual Flyer https://i.imgur.com/OhuoI2v.jpg "As Above" Flyer https://i.imgur.com/yobMtUp.jpg “Alien Flyer” By TVP VT U https://imgur.com/gallery/aPN1Fnw   Links: June 1993 https://www.thinkaboutitdocs.com/1993-june-ufo-alien-sightings/ Grand Mosque seizure https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Mosque_seizure Masjid al-Haram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_al-Haram Kaaba https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaaba Mahdi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahdi Ulama https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulama 2002 Mecca girls' school fire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Mecca_girls%27_school_fire Saudi Arabia Executes Man Accused of Participating in Rebellion https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/saudi-arabia-executes-man-accused-participating-rebellion WWE in Saudi Arabia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWE_in_Saudi_Arabia   Listen to the daily podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts! ------------------------------------------------ Logo Art By Ash Black Opening Song: "Atlantis Attacks" Closing Song: "Bella Royale" Music By Dr. Huxxxtable Rabbitron 3000 created by Eerbud Thanks to Chris K, Founder Of The Golden Rabbit Brigade Dead Rabbit Archivist Some Weirdo On Twitter AKA Jack YouTube Champ Stewart Meatball The Haunted Mic Arm provided by Chyme Chili Pintrest https://www.pinterest.com/basque5150/jason-carpenter-hood-river/ http://www.DeadRabbit.com Email: DeadRabbitRadio@gmail.com Twitter: @DeadRabbitRadio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DeadRabbitRadio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadrabbitradio Paranormal, Conspiracy, and True Crime news as it happens! Jason Carpenter breaks the stories they'll be talking about tomorrow, assuming the world doesn't end today. All Contents Of This Podcast Copyright Jason Carpenter 2018 - 2021

Prior to 1979, Saudi Arabia and Iran, two Muslim monarchies--one Sunni and one Shia--were allied with the US in the Cold War against Communism. The Iranian Revolution changed that, as did the Saudi response to the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The two powers began to compete for regional primacy, especially through the export of their versions of politicized Islam. Kim Ghattas discusses her book Black Wave, which describes the consequences for the Middle East. This Saudi-Iranian conflict largely plays out in other countries--Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Pakistan--often with violent consequences. As religious extremism spread after 1979, a massive rollback in women's rights took place. While today Saudi Arabia and Iran are still locked in competition with each other, religion is losing its grip on a younger generation, that includes activists and writers trying to change repressive systems from within. The diplomacy around the JCPOA negotiations currently under way in Vienna and the policies of the US are of course important, but the future of the region ultimately depends on the agency of local forces hoping to escape the conflict of the past four decades.

It is 10 years since the al-Qaeda leader was killed. We look at the US special forces operation that finally tracked him down to a city in northern Pakistan, the 1979 siege of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, one of the events that shaped his world view; we talk to a Western-based journalist who met him, hear from a survivor of the attacks on the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998 and hear about the hunt for the al-Qaeda leader in the mountains of Afghanistan after 9/11. (Photo: Osama Bin Laden. Credit:AFP/Getty Images)

In 1979 Islamist militants seized control of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. Hundreds were killed as Saudi security forces battled for two weeks to retake the shrine. The militants were ultra-conservative Sunni Muslims who believed that the Mahdi, the prophesied Redeemer, had emerged and was a member of their group. The BBC's Eli Melki spoke to eyewitnesses who were inside the Grand Mosque during the siege. Photo: Fighting at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after militants seized control of the shrine, November 1979 (AFP/Getty Images)

On today's update, we have the latest coronavirus figures, President Sheikh Khalifa pardons 439 prisoners and the UAE sets out a plan to give away 100 million meals. Dubai restaurants can serve food without screens or curtains this Ramadan, Emaar founder is to head the UAE's first digital bank and Iran says the incident at its nuclear enrichment site is 'sabotage' and reserves the right to respond. Thoraya Abdullahi joins us for what's trending, including Qatar's Red Crescent, Makkah's Grand Mosque and China's vaccines.

In the same month the US embassy was conquered as depicted in "Argo," other Islamic radicals seized the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia, took thousands of hostages and defied the Saudi military for weeks. Hear about it on the Spy-Fi Guys' latest microdot episode. You can find the Spy-Fi Guys at the following social media links: https://www.facebook.com/thespyfiguys/

Pope Francis’s meeting with the Patriarch Kirill? Russian ships found docking at Arabic ports? Mystery and rumor around a GREAT Discovery? Was the Ark of Gabriel moved from the Grand Mosque in Mecca, to a secret military base in Antarctica? Like the Ark Of The Covenant, The Ark of Gabriel is surrounded in mysterious Ancient Alien type lore.Pete creates content, presented without bias, and researched with due deference. He doesn't resort to the formula of using the recycled images, and the dramatic music that we’ve been conditioned to expect when discussing these subjects. His approach is very different, but he firmly believes that these types of issues can stand on their own when treated with impartiality. Pete's commitment is to deliver consistent, quality, original content about the most fascinating topics in the world, and to do so in a succinct articulate manner free from prejudgments or sensationalism. Be sure to subscribe to Pete's Channel.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP2c...​Jared Murphy is a Self-experimenter and field researcher of ancient technologies and lost history, Jared has traveled the world searching for evidence of advanced ancestors and high technology. He has appeared on numerous Podcasts and radio shows including Coast To Coast AM.https://www.notaliens.com/​Conflict Radio - Episode 81 Was The Ark of Gabriel Discovered In Mecca? with Creepy Little Bookhttps://conflictradio.net/

How the historic institution is a symptom of the ills of French society and the French government's relation with Muslims. Of all the media, it is to Charlie Hebdo that the rector of the Grand Mosque (of Algiers) of Paris Chems Eddine Hafiz went to call out and blame his friends from the French Council of the Muslim Faith for the failure of his "charter of values" to be signed by French imams. Following his speech on "islamist separatism", Macron demanded that "Muslim leaders" come up with a charter to make sure imams abide by French values.  The proposed charter of Imams & National Council of Imams has been a clear assault on: #Laïcité for the government wants to meddle in Muslims' religious and clerical affairs. Freedom of conscience: what kind of Islam they can practice Freedom of expression: what they can talk about. Nevertheless, CFCM member federations agreed to draft one...but the Rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris  went behind their back and offered to the Minister of Interior (the same guy who linked halal food with terrorism) a draft that goes above and beyond. The draft proposed by the Rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris would prohibit Imams from speaking of "state racism", "state islamophobia", foreign conflicts (i.e Palestine), even to get involved in community organizing. The Min. of Interior was DELIGHTED by this abdication. But after the Ambassador of Algeria declared: "the Grand Mosque of Paris belongs to Algeria" https://algerie360.com/20201220-la-grande-mosquee-de-paris-est-dabord-algerienne-selon-lambassadeur-dalgerie-en-france/, he had to backtrack. Of course, when he went to whine at Charlie Hebdo he blamed "antisemitic islamists" but not the Algerian chain around his neck.  What is quite shocking is the silence of both Emmanuel Macron and his Minister of Interior Gerald Darmanin. That a foreign ambassador makes such declaration should have sparked a diplomatic row. Yet nothig happened. Why such embarassing silence? SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN TO LE BREAKDOWN on: iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google podcast, Stitcher, Radio Public, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podbean and all major podcasting platforms. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lebreakdown/message

Finding a good layover is very likely whenever you're flying through a centrally located home base for your airline. Today's episode covers tips and itinerary ideas for those long layovers you might have in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Bangkok in Thailand, and New York City in the United States. Short List: UAE - Burj Khalifa & the Grand Mosque, Malaysia - Batu Caves & the Petronas Towers, Thailand - Wat Pho, Wat Arun, & Thipsanai, NYC - Times Square & Rockefeller Center.

Visitor from Georgia studying Arabic here in Kuwait. We asked a couple of questions and her responses........................

This is Coronavirus 411, the latest COVID-19 info and new hotspots… Just the facts… for October 5th, 2020.Florida has gone the furthest in lifting restrictions, especially on restaurants. The role of ensuring safety has shifted to business owners and customers. Restaurants can operate at 100% with no restrictions and local governments can't limit indoor seating by more than 50%.Quite the opposite in New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio has asked the state for permission to close schools and put restrictions back on nonessential businesses in several neighborhoods. New shutdowns would happen starting Wednesday in nine city ZIP codes.A limited number of people made the Muslim pilgrimage and circled Mecca after Saudi Arabia lifted coronavirus restrictions in place for months. A maximum 6,000 pilgrims a day can enter the Grand Mosque, but only Saudi citizens and residents.As the President is expected to return to the White House today after his stay at Walter Reed, COVID-19 testing is underway at the University of Utah before the vice-presidential debate Wednesday. Anyone in the secured perimeter must test negative. It’s mandated by the Presidential Debate Commission, advised by the Cleveland Clinic.Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, famous for creating the international luxury fashion house Kenzo, died in Paris yesterday of Covid-19 related complications. He was 81.The top 10 counties with the highest number of recent cases per capita according to The New York Times: Emmons, ND. Dickey, ND. Rawlins, KS. Logan, ND. Glacier, MT. Potter, TX. Shawano, WI. Toole, MT. Sussex, VA. Ness, KS.There are 2,573,263 active cases in the United States. The current Top 10 states by number of active cases: California, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Virginia, Maryland, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, and Illinois.The five states with the most daily new cases per capita over 7 days are North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Montana, and Iowa.The retransmission rate is currently highest in Wyoming, Montana, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. While the lowest retransmission is found in South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Texas, and Georgia.There’ve been a total 209,820 deaths in the US reported as COVID-related, with a current national fatality rate of 2.87%.The states with the most new deaths reported as COVID-related: Florida 38. Louisiana 32. Georgia 28. California 26. Texas 25. Arkansas 18. Illinois, Tennessee and Pennsylvania all with 17. And South Carolina 11.Globally, there are 7,732,128 active cases.There are 308,935 new cases around the world in the last 24 hours, compared to a high of 332,905.The five countries with the most new cases: India 74,767. United States 34,066. France 12,565. Russia 10,499. And Brazil 8,456.There have now been 1,035,853 deaths worldwide. Up 5% over 14 days. For the latest updates, subscribe for free to Coronavirus 411 on your podcast app or ask your smart speaker to play the Coronavirus 411 podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rod Reuven Dovid Bryant, and Jerry Gordon of Israel News Talk Radio – “Beyond the Matrix” bring back Dan Diker of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA) to discuss two stunning developments that are game changers: Israel normalizing relations with the UAE and potentially other Arab states in the Gulf and the Balkan countries of Kosovo and Serbia. Diker is the director of the Political Warfare Program at the JCPA and former Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress. UAE Israel normalization sidelines years of Palestinian rejectionism in the Middle East peace process. Diker noted that the announcement of normalization of relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel brokered by the Trump Administration upends the Palestinian propaganda machine that has “defamed, dehumanized and delegitimized the Jewish nation state with virulent anti-Semitism.” Diker suggested that today regional peace is now possible with the Arab gulf states with the likelihood that additional normalization agreements may soon become reality with Middle Eastern states such as Bahrain, Oman, Morocco and perhaps Saudi Arabia. Diker noted the granting of air rights by Saudi Arabia through the UAE for travel stopovers to the East, and for the recent transit of U.S. and Israeli delegations to Abu Dhabi. Moreover, recent statements by the Imam of the Grand Mosque appear to welcome these normalization developments. Beyond the Matrix 09SEP2020 - PODCAST

Bismillahirrohmanirrohim, Juz Amma oleh Abdullah Al Juhany Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al Juhany is one of the Imams of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. He holds a bachelor's degree from the faculty of Qur'an at The Islamic University of Madinah, and a doctorate from Umm al-Qura University in Mecca (Sumber: Wikipedia)

The Clear Evidence Manarat Al Haramain Platform was launched on 1st May 2020 as a joint effort of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque and Ministry Of Communication And Information Technology, Saudi Arabia. The main purpose of this platform is to live stream Friday Sermons (Jummah Khutbah) and Lectures from scholars of Al-Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madina. The 24/7 live stream of Al-Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madina is also available on this website. The platform defines its purpose in detail as follows: Enrich and improve the digital experience of the Two Holy Mosques in a way that contributes to the integration of their digital services. Breakthrough the spatial barriers and enable/enhance the continuity of spiritual connection with the Two Holy Mosques for Muslims wherever they are. Enable the Scholars of the Two Holy Mosques to participate in daily lessons, lectures and sermons, including the Friday sermons awaited by all Muslims around the world. Facilitate the provision of Islamic education, counseling and preaching and enable the Muslims to access the related educational services of the Two Holy Mosques through seamless, high-quality digital platforms where sermons, lectures and lessons are live-streamed online. Provide direct communication with Sharia scholars and jurisprudence. Scholars of Haramain The information and introduction to the Scholars of Haramain (Al-Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madina) is available at AL-HARAMAIN SCHOLARS | MNARAT AL-HARAMAIN. Lectures from the Scholars of Haramain The lectures from the scholars of Haramain are available in Arabic only but it seems there is a plan to translate the lectures in other languages. The lectures can be accessed at Archive | MNARAT AL-HARAMAIN. Continue Reading: Official Website of Haramain (Makkah, Madina) for Friday Sermons and Lectures (English, Arabic)

The Clear Evidence This documentary shows in detail how the Kiswah (Cover) of Kaaba is being prepared. Produced by The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque Media and Communication Directorate 1439 H / 2018 G. Continue Reading: Documentary on Kiswah (Cover) of Kaaba (English, Urdu, Arabic)

The Clear Evidence This documentary shows in detail how the Kiswah (Cover) of Kaaba is being prepared. Produced by The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque Media and Communication Directorate 1439 H / 2018 G. Continue Reading: Documentary on Kiswah (Cover) of Kaaba (English, Urdu, Arabic)

The Clear Evidence This documentary shows in detail how the Kiswah (Cover) of Kaaba is being prepared. Produced by The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque Media and Communication Directorate 1439 H / 2018 G. Continue Reading: Documentary on Kiswah (Cover) of Kaaba (English, Urdu, Arabic)

4月4日(D17) バイトゥラマン・グランド・モスク。 バンダ・アチェ Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh มัสยิดบันดาอาเจะห์ มัสยิดบันดาอาเจะห์ , อินโดนีเซีย (Baiturrahman Mosque, Banda Aceh, Indonesia) ถูกสร้างขึ้นในศตวรรษที่12และถูกทำลายโดยไฟไหม้ในอาเจะห์สงคราม ปัจจุบันอาคารหลังนี้สร้างขึ้นโดยชาวดัตช์ในปี 1879และเสร็จสมบูรณ์ในปี 1881 มัสยิดได้รับความเสียหาย แต่รอดชีวิตจากสึนามิธันวาคม 2004, เมื่อเกิดแผ่นดินไหวติดชายฝั่งของเกาะสุมาตรา --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/HiNataNoTabi/message

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com KAZAKHSTAN’S GRAND MOSQUE UPDATE Liftinstituut Solutions announced it will be conducting traffic simulations to assist the design process of the Grand Mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan. It will also oversee and advise in the tender stage by preparing tender documents, comparing offers and crosschecking shop drawings. One of the largest mosques in the world, it includes a wedding hall, a conference hall, a library, classrooms, a museum and retail stores. Its 62-m-diameter dome is 88.2 m tall and can accommodate 18,000 worshipers. The temple complex’s 13 elevators and four escalators bring people from the underground parking space to the main floor and female praying hall on the upper floor. There is also an elevator in one of the minarets to carry the priest to the upper balcony. It is under construction with an opening planned for December 2020. Image credit: BBC To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play|SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Dr Sabrina Lei, Director of Tawasul Europe Centre for Dialogue and Research, is an emerging Italian Muslim philosopher and thinker. Trained in Latin, Greek and ancient philosophy for over a decade, with a PhD from Pontifical Gregorian University (one of the prominent centres of Catholic scholarship in Rome) in ancient Greek philosophy. Dr Sabrina has, so far, translated over 25 Muslim classics into Italian, besides producing her own five books, including a biography of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the recently released book : Le comunita religioso non-musulmane nel mondo islamico : Un introduzione storica ( The non-Muslim Religious Community in the Muslim World : A Historical Introduction, March 2019). Some of her noted achievements include acclaimed Italian translations of Muhammad Iqbal’s philosophical reflection on Islam called The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam. Dr Sabrina is currently working to publish a new edition of Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s original English Quran translation, with an introductory study, to address the growing need for Quran translations with an inclusive and refined language in the West. This new edition of Yusuf Ali’s Quran translation is set to be published by Tawasul Europe later this year, insha Allah. Dr Sabrina is also currently in the final phase of her study on the first Latin translation of the Quran (Lex Mahumet pseudoprophete, 1143). This study, backed up by linguistic, theological and philosophical insights, is set to show how this translation internalized and solidified many of the medieval Christian subjective notions about Islam, the Quran and Prophet (peace be upon him), and how it went on to influence the later western approaches to the Quran translation, etc. Tawasul Europe, a registered Italian Muslim charity-cum- think tank, founded by Dr Sabrina, is at the forefront of building bridges across cultures and religions in Italy. Tawasul Europe works with Vatican’s Interfaith Section, Rome Municipality and the Grand Mosque of Rome, along with around 10 universities and educational centres in Italy.

The fifth pillar of Islam is Hajj, which translates to mean 'the pilgrimage to the Holy city of Makkah' The Arabic word Hajj, linguistically, means 'heading to a place for the sake of visiting'; in Islamic terminology, it describes the act of heading to Makkah to observe specific acts and rituals. Hajj, or the pilgrimage, is a 5-6-day journey to this sacred place between the 8th and 13th day of the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Dhul-Hijjah. The Hajj journey is obligatory for every Muslim, male or female, to complete at least once in a lifetime; providing that they are mentally, physically and financially capable of making the trip. God states: "...And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way...” (Quran 3:97) The Hajj includes detailed reenactments of certain symbolic rituals performed by great Prophets and righteous individuals in the past. The Hajj Pilgrimage and its symbolic rituals commemorate the legacy of Prophet Abraham peace be upon him, so one needs to learn about Prophet Abraham to understand the reasoning behind individual acts performed as a part of Hajj. Integral to Hajj is the Kaaba, a Holy Shrine, a black silk-clad cube stone structure at the heart of the Grand Mosque in the modern-day city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba is at the center of the Earth, built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ismael peace be upon them. Upon completion, God the Almighty Commanded Prophet Abraham to relay the Message amongst the people that they would be required to make a pilgrimage to this House. Prophet Abraham peace be upon him replied, 'O Allah, with no one here, how will they hear my Message?' God then answered, 'Upon you is the proclamation, and upon me, is to see who responds.' Prophet Abraham peace be upon him went on top of the Kaaba and also climbed Mount Safa and called out, ‘O People, Allah has built a house for himself on this Earth, and he has legislated upon you to perform pilgrimage, so come and perform pilgrim to this house!' "And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass" (Quran 22:27) By performing Hajj, Muslims are answering the command of Allah. Over 4000 years later, to this day, millions upon millions of Muslims continue to answer the call of Prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him from every corner of the globe. You find Muslims from Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and all over the world making this pilgrimage every year. It is the largest annual convention of faith on Earth, where Muslims gather to commemorate the rituals observed by Prophet Abraham and his son, Ishmael peace be upon them. Muslims celebrate the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim and the many sacrifices he has made for the sake of God. When Muslims enter the scared Makkan territory during Hajj, they bathe themselves and enter a ritually purified state called Ahram. In this state, pilgrims are forbidden to perform typical actions that are otherwise permissible, such as covering one's head for males, clipping their fingernails, cutting their hair, hunting animals, picking plants, engaging in sexual activity, and wearing traditional clothing for men. Male Pilgrims wear two white seamless lyon sheets with no stitching by hand, that are wrapped around the body. No belts, no rings, no perfumes, no jewelry, or any accessories or garish clothing, may be worn. The simple garb worn represents complete impoverishment and humility and signifies the equality of humanity—as everyone comes before God the same. No one is better than the other among the pilgrims of Hajj. Muslims are all united in their devotion to God. Every human being is displayed equally, as we are all equal in the eyes of Allah regardless of our color or race. The black man stands next to the white man, and they call on Allah with one voice. The King stands beside a peasant; the businessman stands beside the politician, the doctor beside the engineer, and they declare their submission to the will of Allah using the same words. Several Millions of people are dressed the same way and look the same; no one can tell the rich from the poor; all fulfill the same rituals with the utmost humility. This is to remind pilgrims of the coming Day of Judgment when all people will be stripped of their clothes and displayed before their God. The pilgrims show a sense of poverty with their appearance, as the pilgrims acknowledge that they are the ones in need, and God is the one that owns and has everything they require. Pilgrims start to perform their tawaf from the black stone corner. Tawaf is the act of circulating the Kaaba counterclockwise. Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba seven times while they recite prayers during each circuit. Pilgrims perform the tawaf (circumambulation) to follow the suit of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as has been ordained in the Qur'an. As Pilgrims circulate the Kaaba, they disconnect themselves from worldly attachments and focus upon the presence of the Divine. As Pilgrims circumambulate the Kabah, they chant: 'Here I am, O Allah, Here I am, you have no partner; indeed, all praise, favor, and dominion belong to you, you have no partner.' Since Prophet Abraham and his wife Sara could not bear any children, Sara asked her husband to marry their servant so they could beget a child before they were too old to raise offspring. Later, Prophet Abraham was commanded by God to take both his second wife Hagar and their son Ismael and leave them in a barren desert valley in modern-day Mecca. As soon as Prophet Abraham peace be upon him started to leave, Hagar cried out, 'Where are you going? Why are you leaving us?' Abraham did not respond. After a few more attempts to find answers, Hagar then asked if this action was a commandment from God. He responded, 'Yes.' Then she replied, ‘if God commanded you to leave us, then leave us, because God never will leave us to perish.” She was sure that God would not abandon her and her child, despite their presence at the center of a Desert Valley. He left them with little water and some dates. Later, Hagar ran out of food and water and started to worry for her child. She then fell into a state of anxiety and climbed a hillock called Mount Safa, crying out, ‘is anyone there?’  Then she ran to another hillock—Mount Marwa—again crying out, ‘Is anyone there?’ Then she paced back and forth to each mountain, seven times. On the seventh round, Hajar saw Angel Gabriel descend from the sky and strike the ground with his wing, causing water to gush upward from the Earth. Angel Gabriel declared, ‘Zam, Zam,’ meaning ‘Stop, Stop,’ commanding the water to stop. This water is now referred to as Zam Zam Water. This well to this today nourishes pilgrims of Mecca every day. Passersby rescued Hagar and her child. Years later, when Ismael was growing to become a man, his father Prophet Abraham returned and built with him the house in Mecca, called the Kabah. In commemoration of this great sacrifice from Hagar, Muslim pilgrims in Hajj progress in a quicker pace going back and forth between the two hillocks (which are 300-400 yards apart) seven times, reenacting Hagar's movements when attempting to find aid. This action is symbolic of Hagar's search for water and the miracle of the well of Zam Zam. Then the pilgrims depart Mecca toward the valley of Minna, which is about 3-4 miles outside of Makkah. During Hajj season, Minna is full of over 100,000 air-conditioned tents that cover every open space as far as the eye can see, row after row, where pilgrims stay overnight. The tents accommodate roughly 2-3 million people performing Hajj. Pilgrims spend their time in prayer, worship, and meditation, asking for forgiveness on the night known as Layali Al-Tashreeq. After spending the night at the village of Mina, pilgrims take the next step and proceed to a large plain about 7-8 miles from Mecca called Arafat, a large plain surrounded by bare mountains. Forming the center is a hill known as Mount Mercy (Gabal Al-Rahma), where Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him delivered his memorable Farewell Sermon. This is the central rite of the entire Hajj. Pilgrims stand from noon to sunset praying quietly before God, begging for mercy and forgiveness and asking their wishes. Many pilgrims shed tears as they ask the Al-Mighty to forgive them their sins in this very emotional day of standing. Standing, reflecting, considering their actions, and begging and pleading to God is often thought of as a preview and representation of the great assembly of the upcoming Day of Judgment. It is to remind people of the fateful day where everyone will stand before their Lord begging for mercy. Then pilgrims spend the night at Muzdalifah, an open plain about halfway between Arafat and Mina where pilgrims pray, then go back to Mina. At 95, Prophet Abraham peace be upon him saw himself slaughtering his son in a dream; interpreting the vision to mean that he needed to slaughter his son for the sake of God. He was to lay his son on to the sand and raise a knife to sacrifice him. Islam doesn't allow this act; the dream was only a way for God to test Prophet Abraham. But Prophet Abraham didn't know that this was only a test to see who he loved and was devoted to the most; his Lord or his son. Ismael was his only progeny at the time. His son looked at his father and said, ‘if God commanded you to do this, do as you were commanded as I too am submissive to God.’ As Prophet Abraham peace be upon him raised his sword, Satan appeared in front of him and stated, 'that's your only son, what are you doing? How can you kill him?' Prophet Abraham, recognizing Satan the cursed, started to pelt him with seven stones until he went away. After that, Prophet Abraham moved to another place, where Satan once again returned and was pelted again by Prophet Abraham; then again, the action was repeated in another place. Satan always tries to separate people from their Lord. Eventually, when Prophet Abraham was poised to kill his son, his son was replaced with a Ram sent down by God. Prophet Abraham immediately realized that this was only a test from the Almighty. At Minna, pilgrims take part in a ritual known as the ramy, which is the throwing of seven stones at three monuments called Al-Jamarāt. Until today, millions of Muslims pass by three monuments and throw pebbles as a ritual, which symbolizes the reenactment of the actions of Prophet Ibrahim when he faced the trial of sacrificing his son. The three monuments or pillars in Mina represent the three places that the Devil tempted Prophet Abraham to forego the sacrifice. The throwing of the pebbles is purely symbolic. To this day, at the end of Hajj, Muslims annually sacrifice sheep, cows, camels, and goats in the millions; commemorating the spirit of Prophet Abraham peace be upon him, his intention, his sincerity, and his passion. The meat from the sacrifice is then given to the needy. During Hajj, Muslims also kiss a black stone, symbolizing their apperception of being invited to the house of the King of all Kings— our Lord, our Creator. Muslims also kiss the black stone in tradition of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. If they cannot kiss it, they can touch it or point in its direction. This stone was sent down from Heaven for Prophet Abraham peace be upon him, to be used for the construction of the sacred house. Buildings in ancient times often had cornerstones, and Prophet Abraham wanted a cornerstone for this house. Narrations describe the stone as being whiter than milk darkening slowly from the sins of humans until it morphed into a black stone. The black stone is the starting-point for tawaf — the circling of the Kabah. Hajj is completed by the act of men either shaving their heads or clipping their hair, and women cutting off a fingertip's length of their hair, to mark their partial deconsecration; a symbol of humility. Apart from Hajj, a minor pilgrimage known as Umrah is performed in the year's remainder.  The completion of Umrah does not fulfill the obligation of Hajj. Umrah is much shorter, lasting a few hours which entail the seven circumambulations of the Kabah and the light jogging between Mount Safa and Mount Mara. This spiritual journey known as Hajj boasts many benefits, including a powerful positive transformation that makes pilgrims more spiritual, righteous, softer, and better human beings overall. Pilgrims who embark on the journey of Hajj faithfully and sincerely are cleansed of all their previous sins, leaving them with a fresh start. Upon completion of Hajj, Muslims celebrate one of two Muslim Holidays called Eid Al-Adha. Muslims celebrate by praying to God and visiting family and friends to thank and praise God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon them.

A Cultural Tour to Al-Rajhi Grand Mosque in Riyadh

A Cultural Tour to Al-Rajhi Grand Mosque in Riyadh ( new one )

This is AaaM experience's take on the swarm of what appears to locusts descended on the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on 8 January 2019. U#Mecca #Kaaba #SaudiArabia --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aamexperience/support

This week Mikey joins us and Erin officially joins the team. We talk about the plagues, a Saudi girl getting a new life in Canada, China continuing to go after Islam, Trump's cabinet preaching, anti-porn fighter videos, and India vs Science. Email us at contact@atheistnomads.com or leave us a voice message at (541) 203-0666 or atheistnomads.com/speakpipeSupport the show at atheistnomads.com/donateSubscribe at atheistnomads.com/subscribe ANOUNCEMENTS Erin is our new Co-Host!Episode 285's goofHumanists of Idaho's Potluck with the Atheist Nomads - January 27 in Boise Dustin' off the Degree - Plagues The Bible and Quran have lots of stories of plagues, but the most famous are the plagues in the book of Exodus. God called Moses to leave the desert he was hiding in and command Pharaoh to free the Hebrew slaves, not all the slaves, just the ones defended from Jacob. God also hardens Pharaoh's heart, not to be confused with coronary artery disease, this just made sure that Pharaoh would be stubborn. To punish Pharaoh for his God caused obstinance God took it out on the Egyptian people with plagues they were: He turned all of the water into bloodFrogsLiceWild animals, probably of a venomous varietyDiseases for the livestockBoilsHail stormLocustThree days of darknessDeath if the firstborn humans and livestock The frogs and lice seem strange and really just annoying, but the rest of these are really serious. Contaminated water would make everyone sick. An invasion of venomous creatures could injure or kill everyone. Diseased livestock will reduce productivity in the case of horses and oxen, cut into food supply, and if the disease crosses to humans it could kill everyone. Boils are painful and can get infected. Hail and locust will destroy crops. Prolonged darkness is evidence of volcanic activity and could threaten crops. I think venomous creatures and dead babies obvious, but any if these plagues could cause the collapse of a civilization. More recent examples are the bubonic plague killing ⅓ of Europe's pollution, the diseases brought to the new world killing 90% of the population of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, the Potato Famine, and pioneer stories of locusts blacking out the sky and striping fields bare. NEWS Mecca's Grand Mosque under attack by locusts The holiest site in Islam is being plagued by swarms of locusts, an estimated 30,000 black grasshoppers to be precise. I predict that Christian's will call this God's judgement on Islam, Iran will call it God's judgement on Saudi Arabia, and Sunni Muslims it call it insect migration. Rahaf al-Qunun has made it to Canada Rahaf al-Qunun is the 18 year old daughter of a Saudi Arabian government official and while visiting Kuwait with family she escaped hoping on a plane to Australia with a stop in Bangkok. The reason for the escape was that she wanted to be free to work and study as she wants, which is not possible in Saudi Arabia since her father would be her guardian until she gets married. She's endured physical and emotional abuse from her parents, including being locked in her room for six months because she cut her hair. And she has renounced Islam which is punishable by death. When she reached Bangkok a Saudi diplomat met her at the gate and took her passport which then left her stuck in the international terminal of an airport without any papers. The Thai authorities wanted to send her back to her family, but she was able to barricade herself in a hotel room. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees became aware of the situation because of her pleas for help on Twitter. In the end she was granted asylum in Canada by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and was greeted at the Toronto airport by Chrystia Freeland, the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister. China passes law to make Islam 'compatible with socialism'  We've been tracking for several months now China's actions against the county's Uighur Muslims.

This week Mikey joins us and Erin officially joins the team. We talk about the plagues, a Saudi girl getting a new life in Canada, China continuing to go after Islam, Trump's cabinet preaching, anti-porn fighter videos, and India vs Science. Email us at contact@atheistnomads.com or leave us a voice message at (541) 203-0666 or atheistnomads.com/speakpipe Support the show at atheistnomads.com/donate Subscribe at atheistnomads.com/subscribe ANOUNCEMENTS Erin is our new Co-Host! Episode 285’s goof Humanists of Idaho’s Potluck with the Atheist Nomads – January 27 in Boise Dustin’ off the Degree – Plagues   NEWS Mecca’s Grand Mosque under attack by locusts Rahaf al-Qunun has made it to Canada   China passes law to make Islam ‘compatible with socialism’ Mike Pompeo used a trip to Egypt to push Evangelical Christian BS Shutdown kept Carson from speaking at prayer breakfast AFA released fighter jet and military themed antiporn video series Indian Science Congress pushes pseudoscience and Hindu mythology SUPPORT New Patron – Nathan P FEEDBACK Darryl G via Patreon Jimmy Ninetoes via Patreon Lenard McLean via Facebook Chim via Email Rosalee via email Survey Responses This episode is brought to you by: Jimmy Ninetoes Danielle M Darryl G Arthur K Rachel B George G Kim B SoJo Alan M Alexandra T Henry L Al trapped in SC Rob C John A Levi C Sam E Janet Y Adam G fatgirlballet Leah G Nathan P The Flying Skeptic Daniel J Freethinker215 You can find us online at www.atheistnomads.com, follow us on Twitter @AtheistNomads, like us on Facebook, email us at contact@atheistnomads.com, and leave us a voice mail message at (541) 203-0666. Theme music is provided by Sturdy Fred.

Missionaries Logan & Hannah Blackmon Missionaries to Guinea Guinea is a country in West Africa, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, in the southeast. The reserve protects a forested mountain range rich in native plants and animals, including chimpanzees and the viviparous toad. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, with its regional artifacts.   Capital: Conakry Vernacular languages: Fula; Mandinka; Susu Population: 12.72 million (2017) World Bank

Every year, three million Muslims arrive in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to complete the hajj, an important series of rituals which must be undertaken by all physically and financially capable Muslims at least once during their lifetime. But three million people crammed into any place is a magnet for disaster, and over the years Mecca has seen multiple tragedies which left thousands of innocent pilgrims dead - plane crashes, fires, crushing incidents. The hajj season of 2015 was forced to deal with two separate tragedies - a horrific crane collapse at the Grand Mosque which left behind a nightmarish scene, and a crushing incident just before the Jamarat Bridge which ended with nearly 2500 people lying dead on the streets of Mina. 

The secret battle for the holiest site in Islam in 1979; the coup that changed the Vietnam war, plus an East German musical icon, prosecuting Charles Manson and Toy Story's digital revolution. Photo: Fighting at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after militants seized control of the shrine, November 1979 (AFP/Getty Images)

In 1979 Islamic militants seized control of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. Hundreds were killed as Saudi security forces battled for two weeks to retake the shrine. The militants were ultra-conservative Sunni Muslims who believed that the Mahdi, the prophesied Redeemer, had emerged and was a member of their group. The BBC's Eli Melki spoke to eyewitnesses who were inside the Grand Mosque during the siege. Photo: Fighting at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after militants seized control of the shrine, November 1979 (AFP/Getty Images)

In 1979 Islamic militants seized control of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. Hundreds were killed as Saudi security forces battled for two weeks to retake the shrine. The militants were ultra-conservative Sunni Muslims who believed that the Mahdi, the prophesied Redeemer, had emerged and was a member of their group. The BBC's Eli Melki spoke to eyewitnesses who were inside the Grand Mosque during the siege. Photo: Fighting at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after militants seized control of the shrine, November 1979 (AFP/Getty Images)

Embolden Adventures Podcast #6 - An Arabian Adventure www.EmboldenAdventures.com Join us on an Arabian Adventure around the United Arab Emirates including a visit to an oasis in the desert, skiing in Dubai, meeting my doppelgänger, sand dune bashing, touring the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi, and so much more! #EmboldenAdventures #Podcast Twitter @EmboldenAdventr twitter.com/EmboldenAdventr www.facebook.com/emboldenadventures www.instagram.com/emboldenadventures/ Subscribe to the podcast and rate us! itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/embol…d1080919509?mt=2

In 1979 a group of religious extremists seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca and began a siege that would last over two weeks. The bloody event shook the Muslim world, and prompted reactions in Saudi Arabia that affect that country […]

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio. This show covers among other topics: Observations You either love Dubai or you hate it!Some say : Surreal, bizarre , draconian, soulless, superficial Others say : dynamic, bold, modern and adventurous Mix of conservative and liberal with lots of inconsistencies (e.g. full burka wearing women next to skimply dressed ones and lack of alcohol tolerance but heavy drinking in hotels). Seen as a shoppers paradise although I am not sure prices are that amazing despite being duty free nature. Mix of nationalities in the population of around 2,5 million with less than 20% of the population being UAE nationals. Safe and not lot of petty crime HistoryBritish controlled the area until 1971 when 6 other states formed UAE (Abu Dhabi, Ajman,Fujairah , Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain). Each has lots of autonomy though is a Supreme Council of Rulers that overseas total UAE Dubai has biggest population and 2nd in size after Abu Dhabi - oil was discovered in Dubai in 1963 turning a quiet pearl diving, fishing and trade port into wealthy  oil producer - but unlike neighbours like Abu Dhabi it does not very large reserves and as will run out the ruling family (Constitutional Monarchy  ruled by the Al Maktoum family) has invested into creating a major hub for finance, transport, trade and tourism and went on vast ambitious program of infrastructure building. It almost came undone in the 2008 crash but neighbouring Abu Dhabi bailed them out.Best time to goHot pretty much all year  roundBest time Sept to MayGetting therePossibly best airline hub in the world ! Cruise lines increasingly calling here and the port is close to townWhere to stayJumeirah Beach areas - where most resort hotels with beaches are More business hotels are on Sheikh Zayed roadGetting around Drivers generally are poor! Metro - modern, cheap, air conditioned , easy to work out - smart card tickets - get day pass - ticket machines / signs / on-board voice also in English - some carriages of women and children only at peak times Monorail from base of the Palm Atlantis - not connected to the metro. Taxis are cheap and efficient to use - though traffic can be bad at all times of day and night. Busses  best left to locals. Cross Dubai Creek on small boats called abras (water taxis). Hop-on Hop-off bus operated by Big Bus includes tickets into attractions like Dubai Museum, Al Maktoum's house, Arabian dhow, water bus ride and some walking tours General tips Remember you are coming to an Islamic country. Wear respectful clothing (avoid shorts, exposed shoulders and ankles ). Topless suntanning not allowed. Avoid public signs of affection like hand holding kissing. Same sex affection real taboo. Illegal to drink or be drunk in public - drink driving will get you in prison. Drugs and pornography laws very draconian and strict - even some prescription drugs are illegal. Restrictions on some publications and affiliations like Jehovah Witness. Take care what photograph - do not photograph women in traditional dress without prior permission. English widely spoken. Western-style toilets are not everywhere - but are in malls Tips on must do things to see and doVisit the new iconic buildingsBurj KhalifaWhen opened in 2010 became tallest man made structure - viewing platform on 124th floor. Pre booking is much cheaper but need to do well in advance. Fast Track on the day for immediate entry 400 Dhiramas (about £60 or $100).Burj Arab HotelMost luxurious hotel in world - designed to resemble a sail and has heli-pad above 27th floor. Entry only with a reservation - afternoon tea is classic - strict dress code of smart casual.The Palm and AtlantisMan made reclaimed land - visible from space - 4000 villas each with own beach front - 5000 apartments - restaurants -sports facilities - cinemas - Marina docking Atlantis Hotel - based on original Bahamas hotel billed as a "watery world of wonder" - aquarium with 21 water exhibits including lost Chamber and waterparkActivities Wild Wadi Waterpark - in my view the best in the world! Ski Dubai is  -4 degrees C with a big ski slope, tabogan run and ski lift - entry includes gear except hats and gloves which can be bought. Four-Wheel Drive Sand Dune expeditions - high speed rides which also take you desert camps to do camel rides and dune surfing HistoricalAl Faheidi Fort Dates from 1800s - oldest surviving building in city - now popular museum opened in 1970 -  tells story of development of UAE life and history with models and exhibitions.Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum house - former ruler who died in 1958 lived here - built around central courtyard in 19century around 30 rooms and traditional wind towers (old fashioned air conditioning system )Grand Mosque - near the museum(though the Jumeirah mosque is more impressive buildingShopping Explore the famous and traditional Souks - traditional ones all close to each other in Deira area across Dubai Creek (get there by traditional boat, metro or taxi ). Gold (priced by weight with small charge for work done to craft into an item) and Spice are the most impressive. Haggling expected! Malls - lots of them - huge air conditioned and up market. Three of note in my view: Dubai Mall - sometimes referred to as biggest in the world - ice rink and also massive aquarium - go through to get to Burj Khalifa - free wifi - fountain show at night (like Bellagio Las Vegas). Mall of the Emirates - more dated - Dubai Ski based here. Emirates Towers Boulevard - luxury boutiques and reputation for being the most expensive and prestigious. Other things to do Helicopter or seaplane trips. Arabian Dhow evening cocktail cruises on Dubai creek Catamaran tours along beaches and around The Palm Explore the Dubai Marina area

It may surprise you to know that the world's tallest hotel is in Makkah. The Clock Tower which is part of the same complex is the world's largest clock tower. None of this would be all that important were it not for the fact that these building are metres away from the Grand Mosque which, for Muslims, is the world's holiest place. In order to create the space for this expansion, large residential districts have been demolished and the residents evicted; many examples of traditional urban architecture have been destroyed. What is behind this programme? Is it cultural vandalism? Or rampant capitalism? Or does it reflect a legitimate theological concern on the part of the Saudi authorities to prevent idolatry? Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the potential destruction of some of Islam's Holy Sites are Yaqub Zaki, Visiting Professor at the Aga Khan Foundation at Harvard University; Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow; and Irfan Al Alawi, Executive Director of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation. Producer: Rosie Dawson.

It may surprise you to know that the world's tallest hotel is in Makkah. The Clock Tower which is part of the same complex is the world's largest clock tower. None of this would be all that important were it not for the fact that these building are metres away from the Grand Mosque which, for Muslims, is the world's holiest place. In order to create the space for this expansion, large residential districts have been demolished and the residents evicted; many examples of traditional urban architecture have been destroyed. What is behind this programme? Is it cultural vandalism? Or rampant capitalism? Or does it reflect a legitimate theological concern on the part of the Saudi authorities to prevent idolatry? Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the potential destruction of some of Islam's Holy Sites are Yaqub Zaki, Visiting Professor at the Aga Khan Foundation at Harvard University; Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow; and Irfan Al Alawi, Executive Director of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation. Producer: Rosie Dawson.