Saudia Unveils New Plans to Support Hajj Spiritual Journey
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the 2025 Hajj season approaches, Saudi Arabia stands ready to welcome pilgrims from around the world to partake in this spiritual journey. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, known as a sacred and obligatory once-in-a-lifetime worship experience for those who are capable, representing a profound act of spiritual submission, unity, and humility before God. In 2025, Hajj season is expected to take place from June 4-9, depending on lunar observations. This year, the minimum age for participation is 12 years old, and all pilgrims must obtain a
Hajj visa
to attend.
For those considering participating in Hajj or visiting Saudi Arabia, Saudia Airlines (Saudia) provides a world-class travel experience to support your spiritual journey. As the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudia's non-stop service from New York, Washington, Toronto, and Los Angeles offers an easy entry point from the United States and Canada to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina.
Saudia Group has announced its ambitious plans for the 2025 Hajj season, marking its official entry into the Hajj services sector with the aim of transforming the pilgrimage experience. For the first time, Saudia will act as a comprehensive Hajj service provider, expanding its offerings beyond air travel to encompass a wide array of innovative services that address every aspect of the pilgrim journey.
On World Creativity and Innovation Day, Saudia unveiled 'The Coolest Ihram,' a revolutionary, high-tech garment developed with Landor and brrr® to cool the body during Hajj and Umrah rituals. The Coolest Ihram uses advanced cooling technology to lower skin temperature by 1 – 2 degrees Celsius and offers UPF 50+ sun protection, creating a comfortable microclimate for pilgrims. This innovation reinforces Saudia's leadership in enhancing the religious tourism experience.
Saudia is allocating over one million seats utilizing a modern fleet of 158 aircraft. With a projected market share of up to 35%, the airline will serve pilgrims from over 100 global destinations. The end-to-end travel experience is designed to maximize comfort and efficiency, from ticket issuance to streamlined arrival and departure processes. Saudia is coordinating extensively with public and private sector partners to ensure smooth operations across all airport touchpoints, with more than 11,000 frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians mobilized to serve pilgrims across a 74-day operational window.
Further enhancing the luxury experience, Saudia Group will introduce Business Class-style beds and dedicated rest areas inspired by Alfursan lounges at the holy sites. To improve the overall pilgrimage experience, Saudia provides a range of services, including easy boarding pass issuance for both outbound and return flights, supported by multilingual staff for seamless communication. Onboard, pilgrims can enjoy diverse meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and specially curated educational programs developed with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Additional services for individuals with special needs, such as transportation for people with disabilities, onboard oxygen, and medical stretcher services, will also be available, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive journey for all.
About Saudia
Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines.
Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleets. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.
A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.
Saudia was recently recognized as the World's Most Improved Airline 2024 by Skytrax, marking the third time it has received this accolade, alongside 14 other distinguished awards. Saudia has been honored as the World Class Airline for 2024 at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards, marking the third consecutive year the airline has received this prestigious recognition. Additionally, ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium.
For more information on Saudia, please visit
www.saudia.com
.
Media Center
Saudi Arabian Airlines Headquarters
Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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What and when is Hajj? An illustrated guide, answers to 10 common questions
An estimated 1.8 million Muslims are preparing to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which begins on June 4. The Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims from all over the world and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many. In this visual explainer, we cover 10 frequently asked questions about the Hajj, providing insights into its significance, rituals and preparations. The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and it is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, along with declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers, obligatory charity (zakat), and fasting during the month of Ramadan. The word comes from the Arabic root 'h-j-j', which means 'intending a journey' or 'to set out for a definitive purpose'. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. The Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. The timing falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, though this can vary slightly depending on the lunar cycle. In 2025, the Hajj will take place from June 4 to June 9, but many start arriving in the days and weeks ahead to prepare for the journey. Because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, with months lasting 29 or 30 days, the Hajj shifts 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Notably, this year marks the last time for the next 16 years that the Hajj will fall during Mecca's peak summer heat. Muslims believe that the Hajj is a direct commandment from Allah (God), as outlined in the Muslim holy book, the Quran. It was affirmed during Prophet Muhammad's 'farewell pilgrimage' in 632 AD, in the 10th year of the Islamic calendar. Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba, a stone structure draped in black silk at the centre of Mecca's Grand Mosque where many Hajj rituals take place, was built by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel) under God's command. This marks the origins of the Hajj, which was instituted as a divine ritual for the first time. The journey is a spiritual one, and it is considered to allow Muslims to seek forgiveness, purify their souls and demonstrate their submission to God. The word Hajj is mentioned 12 times across the Quran, including one chapter named after it. Hajj also serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgement, and by performing it, Muslims follow the example of Prophet Abraham and his family, whose actions are commemorated during the pilgrimage rituals. Ultimately, it is a way to fulfil a key religious obligation and strengthen one's faith. The Hajj lasts five to six days, depending on how it is performed. It begins on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, a day known as Tarwiyah, when many pilgrims travel to Mina, a desert valley located about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Mecca, where they spend the night in preparation for the next day's rituals. It ends with Tashreeq days, where pilgrims return to Mina for the symbolic stoning of the Devil at a site called Jamarat, after which they perform final rituals to symbolise the end of the Hajj. Some may leave on the 12th if they complete their rites early, while others stay until the 13th. While the Hajj is a compulsory pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims once in their life, Umrah is a recommended smaller and simpler pilgrimage that Muslims can perform any time throughout the year. The graphic below shows some of the key differences between the Hajj and Umrah: Muslims perform many rites and rituals during the days of the Hajj, which can be explained in the following steps. Ihram – Entering the state of Ihram is both a physical and spiritual condition, involving the niyah or intention to perform the Hajj, wearing specific garments (two unstitched clothes for men and modest attire for women), and adhering to prescribed conduct. This ritual must occur before entering Mecca, either in the pilgrim's home country or at one of the designated locations on Mecca's outskirts. Arrival Tawaf – After entering Mecca in Ihram, many pilgrims perform an initial Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This symbolises unity in the worship of the One God. Pilgrims can then perform the sa'i, a ritual of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, located within the Masjid al-Haram. Mina – Pilgrims proceed to Mina, located about 8km (5 miles) east of the Kaaba, where they will spend the night in prayer and reflection. 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This ritual represents the stoning of the devil which symbolises rejection of Satan's temptations. Qurbani (animal sacrifice) – Pilgrims, or agents on their behalf, offer an animal sacrifice in remembrance of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming hair) – Men shave or trim their heads and women cut a small portion of hair. This symbolises spiritual renewal. Tawaf al-Ifadah (main Tawaf) – Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform Tawaf followed by Sa'i. Mina – Pilgrims return to Mina and perform Rami (stoning) of all three stone pillars each day. Mina – Pilgrims who remain for an extra day repeat the stoning ritual at all three pillars. Farewell Tawaf Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf around the Kaaba, known as the Tawaf al-Wada or a 'farewell tawaf,' signifying a spiritual farewell to the holy sanctuary. 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Rapid growth fueled by urbanization, rising environmental consciousness, and the advancement of technology in electric scooters. Key markets like China and India are leading the way, bolstered by regulatory support and a shift towards sustainable transport solutions. Asia-Pacific Electric Kick Scooter Market Dublin, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Electric Kick Scooter Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" has been added to offering. The Asia-Pacific Electric Kick Scooter Market is expected to reach US$ 3.02 billion by 2033 from US$ 1.27 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 10.11% from 2025 to 2033. Increased urbanization and traffic congestion, the adoption of supportive regulatory frameworks, the growing emphasis on wellness and health trends, the quick development of technology, environmental consciousness, and the growing appeal of shared mobility services are all contributing factors to the market's explosive growth. 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Countries11.1 China11.2 Japan11.3 India11.4 South Korea11.5 Thailand11.6 Malaysia11.7 Indonesia11.8 Australia11.9 New Zealand11.10 Rest of Asia-Pacific12. Porter's Five Forces Analysis12.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers12.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers12.3 Degree of Rivalry12.4 Threat of New Entrants12.5 Threat of Substitutes13. SWOT Analysis13.1 Strength13.2 Weakness13.3 Opportunity13.4 Threat14. Key Players Analysis14.1 Swagtron14.2 Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle Co. Ltd.14.3 Xiaomi14.4 Enphase Energy, Inc.14.5 Bird Rides, Inc.14.6 YADEA Technology Group Co. Ltd.14.7 NIU International14.8 Segway more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Asia-Pacific Electric Kick Scooter Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
