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RIYADH: Along Asir’s sun-drenched coastline, a remarkable surge in fish production has transformed the region into a bustling hub of marine activity.

With an annual yield exceeding 4,000 tonnes worth over SR155 million ($41 million) in 2024, this growth is testament to the region’s rich marine biodiversity.

It is also the result of the strategic initiatives and programs implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The director of the ministry’s branch in Asir, Ahmed Al-Majthal, said the region’s coastal areas are key economic assets, citing the rich marine environment and high-quality fish stocks.

“The ministry’s Asir branch has developed a plan to further boost production to 6,000 tonnes, valued at SR165 million, within the next three years,” Al-Majthal told SPA in an interview.

Regarding government backing for the fishing industry, he noted the presence of 126 operational boats along the Asir coast.

Support is also provided to independent Saudi fishermen using private boats, with 35 additional vessels to be distributed in the near future.

A key initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. Already, 85 experienced fishermen are mentoring those entering the profession, he added.

The ministry recently organized the inaugural fish and marine heritage festival, the SPA noted. The festival featured 39 booths showcasing diverse seafood varieties, alongside the participation of families working in local cottage industries, government agencies, and civil society institutions.

The event included awareness and educational programs, demonstrations of fishing techniques, sea trips, boat races, and traditional folkloric performances.

Asir’s coastline stretches approximately 140 km along the Red Sea, encompassing diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tourist islands such as Kedumbel.

JEDDAH: The fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, began on Monday in Jeddah.

Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the event, which was attended by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Islamic ministers, ambassadors and representatives from 87 countries.

Al-Rabiah announced that the total number of pilgrims and Umrah performers visiting Makkah and Madinah in 2024 reached a historic record of 18,535,689 individuals, including 16,924,689 Umrah performers and 1,611,310 Hajj pilgrims.

The four-day event, themed “The Road to the Nusuk,” features more than 300 local and international organizations showcasing innovations and technologies to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience.

Key topics include logistics, transportation, crowd management, housing, hospitality and catering — pillars for improving rituals and pilgrim services, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The event includes 47 discussion sessions, 50 workshops, and more than 130 local and international speakers addressing sustainability, eco-friendly technologies, AI in crowd management and digital solutions, while highlighting opportunities for startups and innovators in the Hajj sector.

Saed Al-Jahni, chairman of the Coordination Council for Domestic Pilgrims Service Facilities, told Arab News that the event reflected Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to enhance the experience of the Guests of Allah and provide top-tier services.

He added: “All relevant parties gather to showcase ��������Ƶ’s Hajj efforts, attract thought leaders and innovators to exchange knowledge, anticipate future trends, share best practices, and foster partnerships, agreements and initiatives. The event also engages researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to tackle challenges and improve services for the Guests of Allah.”

Mohammed Muajini, chairman of Ashraqat Hajj company, said that the aim was to showcase the company’s achievements and future initiatives to enhance Hajj and Umrah services through technology and artificial intelligence, in line with Vision 2030.

On the sidelines of the conference, Pakistan and ��������Ƶ have signed a agreement allowing 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Al-Rabiah.

��������Ƶ also signed a Hajj agreement with India, enabling 175,025 Indian pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage this year.

Indian Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju finalized the deal with Al-Rabiah. “We are committed to providing the best possible services to all our Hajj pilgrims,” Rijiju wrote on X.

Indonesia will send 221,000 pilgrims under a similar agreement signed by Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar and the Saudi Hajj minister in Jeddah.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umm Al-Qura University is organizing the “Humanizing the Holy Sites” hackathon, inviting university students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers and specialists to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that improve the pilgrim experience while reducing environmental impact.

A ministerial session will be held where key ministers and officials from government entities will discuss and present new and ongoing services, projects and initiatives designed to improve the pilgrim journey.