Saudi Arabia Announces Beginning of New Umrah Season
The ministry confirmed that Umrah permits for the foreign pilgrims will be issued from Wednesday, June 11, through the 'Nusuk' app, the unified digital platform for providing government services. The app enables users to book and obtain permits easily, in addition to offering a range of digital services that enhance the experience of Umrah pilgrims.
This marks the beginning of a new season that continues efforts to facilitate the journey of the Umrah pilgrims and realize the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. During the last Umrah season, Saudi Arabia had stopped issuance of Umrah permits in April 2025 and it had set April 29 as the last date for the departure of Umrah pilgrims as it coincided with the beginning of the Hajj Season 2025.
The ministry noted that technical and operational preparations for the new season had begun early, in coordination with relevant authorities, to ensure smooth procedures and continuous improvement.
It also indicated that efforts are ongoing to expand digital and awareness services in multiple languages as well as to provide the highest standards of safety and comfort for Umrah pilgrims, reflecting the Kingdom's distinguished role in serving visitors to the Two Holy Mosqu
Also read: Saudi Arabia's Three-Month Midday Outdoor Work Ban To Take Effect On June 15
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
3 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Visit Visa Guide 2025: eVisa, Visa On Arrival And Transit Options, Explained
Saudi Arabia welcomed around 116 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, marking a six per cent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism's latest Annual Statistical Report. The growth highlights the Kingdom's rising profile as a global travel destination, supported by its expanding hospitality sector, new attractions, and improved visa policies. To accommodate this surge in visitors, Saudi Arabia offers several types of visit visas depending on nationality, residency, and purpose of travel. Whether you are planning to perform Umrah, reunite with family, explore the country for tourism, or attend business meetings, here is a detailed guide to the visa options available. Travellers from eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Saudi Arabia's airports and land or sea entry points. On arrival, you can either use self-service kiosks or apply directly at the passport control counter. You may qualify for a visa on arrival if you: Hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visit visa. Are a permanent resident in the US, EU, or UK. For most eligible nationalities, the Saudi eVisa is the most convenient option. Applications can be submitted online through the official eVisa platform. The eVisa is issued electronically and delivered by email once approved. Who can apply for a Saudi eVisa? You may apply if you are: A citizen of an eligible country listed on the Saudi visa platform. A holder of a valid Schengen, US, or UK visit visa. A permanent resident in the US, EU, or UK. A resident in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. To confirm whether you qualify for a Saudi eVisa or visa on arrival, visit By selecting 'visit' as your purpose of travel, entering your nationality, and indicating your residency (if applicable), the system will show the visa options available to you. If you are not eligible for an eVisa or visa on arrival, you can still apply for a Saudi visit visa through embassies or authorised service centres. This option caters to tourism, family visits, Umrah, and business purposes. Family and Friends – For family visits, a Saudi resident or citizen must initiate the application by sending an invitation. The guest must have a family relationship with the inviter. Tourism – Visitors from non-eligible countries can apply through visa service centres (if available in their country) or directly through Saudi embassies. Applications are submitted via the KSA Visa platform and finalised at the relevant embassy. Umrah – Eligible travellers may perform Umrah using an eVisa, visa on arrival, or transit visa through Flynas and Saudia Airlines. If none of these options apply, an Umrah visa must be arranged through licensed Umrah agents, visa offices, or Saudi embassies. Business – A business visit visa is issued for meetings, conferences, and commercial activities. Applicants require an invitation letter from a Saudi company, outlining the purpose of the visit. If no letter is available, details about the applicant's business must be provided in the application. Saudi Arabia also issues transit visas for travellers passing through the Kingdom by air, land, or sea. The stopover visa is a special option for passengers flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas. It allows travellers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours (four days) and can be used to perform Umrah or visit holy sites. The visa is free of charge, with only processing and mandatory medical insurance fees required. Important note – This information is intended as a general guide. Travellers should always verify the latest requirements through Saudi Arabia's official visa platform at or contact the support centre at inside Saudi Arabia – 920011114 and outside Saudi Arabia: +966920011114
Gulf Insider
07-08-2025
- Gulf Insider
All You Need To Know About Saudi Arabia's Haramain High-Speed Rail (HHR)
The Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) is one of Saudi Arabia's fastest and most convenient ways to travel between major cities including Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, significantly cutting travel time compared to road transport. It is the preferred choice for many Umrah pilgrims and is heavily used during the Hajj season. Spanning 450 km, the railway connects the two Holy Mosques via key stops at Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City. Operating at speeds of up to 300 km/h, the electric train offers a seamless travel experience for passengers journeying between these important destinations. Each train has 417 seats, including 113 in Business Class and 304 in Economy Class, along with a dining area located in the fifth coach for added comfort. The Haramain High-Speed Railway links five key stations across Saudi Arabia, serving millions annually, especially during Hajj and Ramadan. Each station features Islamic-inspired architecture combined with modern facilities. Makkah Station: Located 3.5 km from Masjid Al-Haram, with design elements reflecting the Kiswa cloth and services tailored for pilgrims. Located 3.5 km from Masjid Al-Haram, with design elements reflecting the Kiswa cloth and services tailored for pilgrims. Al-Sulimaniyah (Jeddah) Station: A major transport hub in Jeddah, about 20 km from King Abdulaziz Airport. It connects Jeddah to other major destinations along the Haramain route. A major transport hub in Jeddah, about 20 km from King Abdulaziz Airport. It connects Jeddah to other major destinations along the Haramain route. Airport (Jeddah) Station: Inside King Abdulaziz International Airport, offering seamless connections to buses, taxis, and parking. Designed to accommodate large crowds, the station is especially efficient during peak travel seasons such as Hajj and Ramadan. Inside King Abdulaziz International Airport, offering seamless connections to buses, taxis, and parking. Designed to accommodate large crowds, the station is especially efficient during peak travel seasons such as Hajj and Ramadan. King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Station: Serves the economic city and visitors, near King Abdullah Port. It is designed to serve both business travellers and tourists visiting the region. Serves the economic city and visitors, near King Abdullah Port. It is designed to serve both business travellers and tourists visiting the region. Madinah Station: Near the city centre, inspired by the Prophet's Mosque colours and Islamic patterns. Business Class – Each train includes 113 Business Class seats, with two designated for passengers with special needs. Business Class offers spacious, premium seating and a variety of like adjustable seats with extra legroom and foldable tables. Passengers also benefit from allocated seating, foldable armrests, and headrests. Economy Class – Economy Class offers 304 well-designed seats at an affordable price, making it accessible for all travellers. Passengers enjoy many of the same features as Business Class, including foldable tables, armrests, seat headrests and allocated seating. Cafeteria – Located in the fifth coach of each train, the onboard cafeteria provides passengers with a variety of food and drink options available from the moment they board. Stations provide spacious halls, retail shops, restaurants, cafés, prayer rooms, parking, taxi stands, car rentals, luggage trolleys, and wheelchairs. Shuttle buses run from Makkah and Madinah stations to key locations, with shelter buses at KAEC. All the stations have ticket offices, ticket machines and information desks to assist passengers. Passengers may bring one large luggage piece (up to 25 kg and 65 x 55 x 35 cm) plus one small personal item (e.g., backpack or laptop bag). Overhead shelves and designated racks are available on board. All baggage undergoes security screening before boarding. You can purchase tickets through the following channels: Station ticket offices Ticket vending machines at stations Online via the official Haramain High-Speed Railway website: Visit and click 'Book a seat'. Select your trip type, route, and travel date. Enter the number of passengers. Choose your train and preferred seat. Provide your personal and travel document details – National ID, Passport, Iqama, or GCC ID Review the ticket price and complete payment using a credit or debit card. Discounts for children and passengers with special needs Children in Economy Class: 50 per cent off base fare Children in Business Class: 40 per cent off base fare Infants sharing a seat with an adult: 90 per cent discount (limited to one infant per adult) Additional infants with their own seat: same discounts as children (40 per cent and 50 per cent ) Passengers with special needs: 50 per cent discount with a valid ID proving eligibility Prices vary by route and class. For example, Jeddah Airport to Mecca costs SAR 34 (economy) and SAR 78 (business). Jeddah to Madinah fares start at SAR 150 (economy) and SAR 210 (business). Check current fares at
Gulf Insider
25-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: 25 Hospitality Facilities Shut Down In Makkah Over Licensing And Safety Violations
The Ministry of Tourism has closed 25 hospitality establishments in Makkah during July as part of intensified inspection campaigns to ensure regulatory compliance in the holy city, the ministry announced Thursday. The closures followed the discovery of several violations, including operating without a valid license, poor maintenance and cleanliness standards, and breaches related to guest safety. The inspections are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to verify that hospitality facilities meet all approved requirements and hold the necessary permits to operate. The initiative aligns with the ministry's broader objective to enhance service quality for visitors and pilgrims during the busy Umrah and Hajj seasons. The ministry emphasized the importance of all facilities adhering to Saudi Arabia's tourism regulations and executive bylaws. It warned that penalties for non-compliance could include fines of up to SR1 million, closure orders, or both. It also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing these rules to improve service standards, safeguard guests, and uphold the reputation of Makkah as a premier religious tourism destination.
