All Egyptian pilgrims return home within one week amid regional escalation
CAIRO – 20 June 2025 – Amid ongoing military escalation in the region between Iran and Israel, all Egyptian pilgrims who traveled through tourism companies for Hajj have safely returned home from Saudi Arabia within a single week.
Samia Sami, Assistant Minister for Tourism Companies and Head of the Official Egyptian Hajj Tourist Mission, stated that the pilgrimage concluded in record time due to the regional situation.
A total of 80 tourist buses, carrying approximately 7,500 pilgrims, departed smoothly from Mecca and Medina and traveled via the Halat Ammar land crossing on the Saudi-Jordanian border, continuing through the Jordanian port of Aqaba and arriving at Egypt's Nuweiba port.
Sami noted that the Central Emergency Operations Room—established by the Hajj mission under ministerial directives—closely monitored all bus movements from Saudi Arabia to Egypt. This was done in full coordination with Saudi, Jordanian, and Egyptian authorities to ensure a safe and organized return.
She emphasized that the success of this expedited operation was made possible through continuous coordination between all relevant agencies across the three countries. As a result, the entire overland pilgrimage concluded without significant delays or congestion.
Sami expressed her deep appreciation to the authorities and agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Arab Republic of Egypt. She also extended gratitude to the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies and Agencies, and to the tourism companies responsible for organizing this year's overland Hajj trips, for their swift response and effective collaboration with the mission.
Regarding pilgrims returning via air travel, Sami confirmed that arrangements are ongoing to facilitate their return on scheduled flights. The final groups are expected to arrive within the coming days, with continued efforts to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the process.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt recovers collection of ancient artefacts from Netherlands
Egypt has received a collection of rare artefacts from the Netherlands, dating back to different eras of ancient Egyptian civilisation, as part of ongoing international cooperation to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The handover took place through the Egyptian Embassy in The Hague, with the artefacts returned by the Dutch National Museum after it was confirmed they had left Egypt illegally. The effort involved coordination between Egypt's Ministries of Tourism and Antiquities, Foreign Affairs, and Emigration and Expatriates' Affairs. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the recovery reflects a shared commitment to protecting cultural heritage and supporting international efforts to preserve and safeguard antiquities. Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mohamed Khaled stressed that the retrieval of these pieces falls within Egypt's ongoing efforts to reclaim smuggled antiquities in line with the Antiquities Protection Law No. 117 of 1983 and its amendments, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Shaaban Abdel-Gawad, Director-General of the General Department of Recovered Antiquities and Supervisor of the Central Administration of Archaeological Ports, explained that the recovered collection includes a variety of pottery items. Among them are vessels decorated with star-shaped motifs, spherical pieces, and an artefact resembling a knife—highlighting the diversity and creativity of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Grand Egyptian Museum: Gateway to Wonders, Affordable Exploration
SeeNews The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has emerged as one of the world's most anticipated cultural projects, positioned on the edge of the Giza Plateau, just two kilometers from the legendary Pyramids. As the largest archaeological museum ever dedicated to a single civilization, the GEM is not only a monumental architectural achievement but also a transformative gateway for lovers of history, solo adventurers, and budget-minded travelers to experience the timeless treasures of Egypt—including the complete collection of King Tutankhamun's artifacts—like never before. Unprecedented Access to Treasures: Tutankhamun and Egypt's Civilizations For the first time, the Grand Egyptian Museum will present all 5,000 artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun in a single immersive gallery. Here, visitors will marvel at the iconic golden death mask, nested shrines, ceremonial jewelry, chariots, and personal items that once belonged to the boy king. These artifacts, many previously unseen by the public, offer an unparalleled journey into ancient Egypt's daily life, spirituality, and royal splendor. But the museum's appeal extends far beyond the legacy of Tutankhamun. Within twelve meticulously curated exhibition halls, the GEM showcases over 100,000 objects from Egypt's vast history—spanning the prehistoric era through pharaonic dynasties, up to Greek, Roman, and later periods. Digital displays, interactive technology, and multilingual guided tours allow guests to engage deeply with the stories and achievements of ancient Egyptians, making the experience accessible and captivating for everyone. An Affordable Global Destination Thanks to Egypt's Currency Travelers now find Egypt more accessible than ever, and the GEM is a perfect illustration of this. In recent months, the Egyptian pound has traded at historic lows—around EGP48–49 per US dollar in August 2025—which has resulted in remarkably competitive pricing for entry fees, accommodations, and local experiences. For international visitors, this means your travel budget stretches much further, affording you premium experiences at a fraction of the price elsewhere. Accommodation Options for Solo Travelers and Young Explorers The Giza region, surrounding the museum, offers a rich diversity of accommodations at every price point—from boutique hotels and youth hostels to family-friendly guesthouses and chic rooftop stays overlooking the pyramids. Rooms in well-reviewed hotels start from as little as $21 per night. Many accommodations are within easy walking distance to the museum and offer amenities such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and personalized service, making them ideal for solo travelers and young backpackers looking for both community and comfort at superb rates[9][10]. Egypt's Legendary Cuisine: Quality, Affordability, and Cultural Experience One of the great joys of traveling to Egypt is indulging in its delicious local cuisine, which is celebrated not only for bold flavors but also for affordability. Cairo and Giza are filled with restaurants and street food stalls serving authentic dishes such as koshary, falafel, and grilled meats. As of August 2025, a meal at an inexpensive local restaurant typically costs between EGP100–400 (roughly $2–$8 USD), while a full three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be enjoyed for EGP600–2,000[11][12]. Even celebrated spots like Koshary Abou Tarek and Zooba remain excellent value, giving every visitor a chance to sample Egypt's most famous culinary exports. This affordability, coupled with consistently high food quality and the country's warm hospitality, makes Egypt ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic, memorable dining experiences. The diversity of food options caters to vegetarians, meat lovers, and those seeking halal-friendly fare—not to mention the popularity of Egypt's vibrant bakeries and café culture. The Museum: A Modern Marvel Occupying 480,000 square meters, the GEM stands as a masterpiece of modern architectural design. Highlights include a trapezoidal structure mirroring the Great Pyramid alignment, the Grand Entrance Hall showcasing Ramses II's monumental statue, and a translucent alabaster façade allowing soft natural light to fill the interior. Visitor services encompass immersive virtual reality tours, educational programs, well-stocked cafés and restaurants, and shops carrying certified replicas of museum artifacts, ensuring everyone's comfort and engagement. Welcoming All: From History Enthusiasts to Backpackers The Grand Egyptian Museum is a true gift to the world: an inclusive space welcoming history lovers, solo globetrotters, student groups, and families. With ticketing options designed to suit all budgets, and the museum's strategic location linked to affordable hotels and efficient transportation, the GEM invites everyone to discover the grandeur, mystery, and diversity of Egypt's past without barriers. Thanks to Egypt's economic circumstances, visitors can enjoy world-class hospitality, tantalizing food, and immersive cultural experiences at prices unmatched in other global destinations. Whether led by curiosity for Tutankhamun's glittering treasures, a hunger for adventure, or the quest to savor local cuisine, travelers to the Grand Egyptian Museum will find their expectations exceeded—and their passions for history and discovery truly fulfilled. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha Videos & Features Story behind Trending Jessica Radcliffe Death Video News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News The Jessica Radcliffe Orca Attack? 100% Fake and AI-Generated
CairoScene
4 days ago
- CairoScene
Nouf Alosaimi Is Leading Saudi Women Into the Depths of the Red Sea
Nouf Alosaimi Is Leading Saudi Women Into the Depths of the Red Sea Through Alosaimi's leadership, Red Sea Citizen is now one of Saudi Arabia's most influential dive groups, helping more people reconnect with the ocean - and with themselves. She trained to be one of Saudi Arabia's first female dive instructors. Now, she's helping others find healing 30 metres below the surface. Before Nouf Alosaimi built one of Saudi Arabia's most influential diving communities, she had never even seen a scuba diver. Today, she's a certified instructor, conservation advocate and founder of Red Sea Citizen - a club that's trained hundreds of women and helped reshape how Saudis experience the ocean. Alosaimi's work has helped open up a world that once seemed off-limits, leading group dive trips, offering certifications and advocating for marine protection. And while her roots are in Saudi, her vision reaches far beyond it. Alosaimi's story started with a holiday in Egypt. At 21, Alosaimi was studying tourism management in the UK when she booked a boat trip in Sharm El-Sheikh, looking for a quick escape from gloomy British weather. Like most tourists, she wanted to see the reefs - but the holiday adventure became the start of a lifelong one. 'The moment I saw the corals, the fishes, the colours - oh my God, I was hooked," Alosaimi told SceneNowSaudi. "I said, 'I lost a lot of time on land. This exists? There is no way I'm spending more time on land.'' That dive launched a journey that would take her from an underwater photographer in Egypt to a certified scuba instructor and founder of Red Sea Citizen, a Saudi-based diving community that empowers women through education, conservation and deep connection with the sea. Though it started as a women-only initiative called Pink Bubbles Divers, it evolved into a community that still centres women but welcomes everyone, offering dive trips, training and environmental awareness programmes. Through Alosaimi's leadership, Red Sea Citizen is now one of Saudi Arabia's most influential dive groups, helping more people reconnect with the ocean - and with themselves. 'Scuba diving is healing. It disconnects you from everything in the world… underwater, your mind just stops," she explained. "You only think about the fish passing in front of you, the coral.' She sees all kinds of women join: those in their 20s, others in their 50s, many of whom are navigating change after divorce, after loss, or, in many cases, after COVID. 'Especially after COVID, there were a lot of women wanting to dive. Because when you try to meditate on land, you cannot stop thinking. But underwater, it happens naturally. You hear no voices... only your breath.' A key aspect of Alosaimi's mission is teaching others how to safely journey under the sea, and how to understand it. Her work is about consciously connecting with the sea and its inhabitants. She's an outspoken advocate for marine conservation and is especially passionate about misunderstood species... particularly sharks. 'I love sharks. They're so majestic. But they're misunderstood." She explains how the media paints the sea creature as villains, though the odds of dying from a shark attack are lower than being killed by a falling coconut. They're an essential part of the ocean and the protection of reefs. 'They help keep the ocean clean, and we breathe more than 50% of our oxygen from the ocean," Alosaimi said. "We need them.' One question Alosaimi is always asked is: Isn't diving dangerous? 'Driving is dangerous, too, if you don't follow the rules. It's the same with diving. I always say: try it. If you like it, you'll find a new world. If you don't, at least you tried.' A huge part of her initiative is the community. Each year, she leads women-only trips across the Red Sea, spending days aboard live-aboard dive boats where they explore reefs by day and sharing meals by night. 'We eat, sleep, dive, repeat,' she says. Her role is both instructor and guide - showing her groups where to look, pointing out lionfish and coral formations, communicating underwater with simple hand signs and a calm presence. She notes how some divers become different people underwater. 'Some of them are so funny. They joke. Others are completely calm. You really get to see another side of people.' She's hoping to expand internationally, and take the Red Sea Citizen to dive sites around the world. She dreams of one day owning a dive boat of her own. 'If you live in the moment and do what you love now, tomorrow will be beautiful.' But even as the organisation grows, her mission remains the same: to help others connect and heal through the beauty of the ocean.
