Mohammed Ahmed Taiyeb, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Region, cuts the ribbon to formally inaugurate the new premises of Indian Consulate in Jeddah, Wednesday. Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao (right) and Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai (left) can also be seen in the photo. – SG photos by Amer HilabiJEDDAH – The new premises of the Consulate General of India was formally inaugurated by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Hamid Ali Rao and Mohammed Ahmed Taiyeb, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Region, here Wednesday. Ahmed Taiyeb, who attended the function as a Guest of Honor, cut the ceremonial ribbon. The new premises is more spacious and has bigger place for community functions. A new information section and an investment window have been introduced in the new building, which is located on Tahlia Street behind National Commercial Bank. Welcoming the ambassador and the guest of honor, Consul General of India Faiz Ahmad Kidwai said that for the past 25 years the Indian consulate had been operating from Sharafiya, which is a flood-prone area. The consulate had been flooded thrice resulting in loss and damage to documents. Addressing a select group of community members, Indian ambassador in a short speech assured all support and help to Indian expatriates. He hoped that the new premises will cater to the community in a more organized way. Mohammed Ahmed Taiyeb praised the contribution of Indian expatriates in the development of Saudi Arabia. He also alluded to the long-drawn and strong bilateral ties. Kidwai told the Saudi Gazette that there are plans to set up a visa outsourcing office in Aziziya District, which has a heavy Indian population. With the formal inauguration of the new premises, the consulate has now started its full operation. The passport and visa and community welfare wings had already become operation from March 19.
