Saudi Arabia suspends seven Umrah companies for housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations
The violations were identified as part of the ministry's ongoing oversight efforts to improve the quality of services provided to the 'Guests of God,' according to the SPA report.
'The Ministry explained that these violations constitute serious transgressions that affect the safety and comfort of pilgrims,' it said.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it had immediately begun taking legal measures against the violating companies in preparation for the implementation of the penalties stipulated by the law, according to the report.
'The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirmed its keenness to ensure that pilgrims receive their full rights, in accordance with the highest standards of quality and efficiency, stressing that it will not be lenient with any party that fails to fulfill its contractual obligations or endangers the safety of pilgrims,' the report read further.
The ministry called on all Umrah companies and institutions to fully comply with the approved regulations and instructions, and to ensure the provision of agreed-upon services within the specified timetables to contribute to enhancing the experience of pilgrims and achieving their satisfaction during their stay in the Kingdom.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud's blueprint for Saudi sport
When Princess Nouf Al-Saud started her role as general manager of marketing at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sport in 2018, she confronted a world unfamiliar with the Kingdom's pulse. 'When I first began this journey,' she said, 'I realized that many people around the world had never truly experienced our culture, our energy or our vision.' Six years and more than 135 global events later — from the electrifying debut of Formula 1 to the pioneering E1 Electric Boat Race — Al-Saud now orchestrates a marketing portfolio that has drawn more than 3 million attendees and broadcast Saudi Arabia's evolution to more than 160 countries. Her greatest triumph? Rewriting the narrative. Al-Saud told Arab News: 'We've evolved from being seen simply as a destination that hosts events, to being recognized as a forward‑thinking leader in sports.' Where skepticism once lingered, Al-Saud now projects certainty: 'Today, the most important message is that Saudi Arabia is not only open to the world, but actively shaping the global sports narrative.' This conviction permeates every campaign — whether amplifying community participation at Extreme E or embedding cultural storytelling into the WTA Finals. The most profound transformations, however, unfold in Saudi stands. 'A decade ago, it was rare to see parents, daughters and sons attending events side by side,' Al-Saud said. Now, stadiums brim with multi-generational energy. Al-Saud said: 'Girls are proudly wearing team jerseys, parents are cheering with their children and young fans are recognizing themselves in the athletes they watch.' She calls this phenomenon 'a ripple effect where sport becomes a shared cultural language' — a testament to Vision 2030's societal impact. Challenging global perceptions remains intrinsic to her work. 'We viewed every global event as a fresh opportunity to open a new window,' she said, countering stereotypes with experiential proof — be it through world-class venues or volunteers' warmth. Her creative arsenal relies on authentic storytelling: 'We flip the script by designing campaigns that don't just market a match or a race, they tell stories.' These narratives, showcasing international fans' pilgrimages or homegrown talent, serve a higher purpose: 'Our role goes far beyond ticket sales; it is about inspiring the next generation of athletes.' As chair of the Women's Sports Committee, Al-Saud wields platforms like the WTA Finals as catalysts. 'It's never been enough to simply host a women's tournament,' she added. Her strategy is inclusion at every level: 'We use these platforms to show that Saudi women are athletes, leaders, strategists and innovators.' From mentorship programs to leadership panels, the objective is unequivocal: 'Redefining roles not just on the court, but in boardrooms, production teams and strategy tables.' Amid the scale of progress, human moments anchor her. She vividly recounts the Italian Super Cup: 'Watching them, dressed in their club colors, walking through our fan zones with their children, laughing, taking photos, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.' In that instant, the mission crystallized: 'It wasn't just about the game. It was about Saudi Arabia becoming a magnet for people who love sport, wherever they come from.' For Al-Saud, those smiles are more than rewards — they are proof that sport can build bridges no statistic can measure.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Trump says he is not seeking summit with Xi, but may visit China
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was not seeking a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but added that he may visit China at Xi's invitation, which Trump said had been extended. 'I may go to China, but it would only be at the invitation of President Xi, which has been extended. Otherwise, no interest!,' Trump said on Truth Social. Aides to Trump and Xi have discussed a potential meeting between the leaders during a trip by the US president to Asia later this year, sources previously said. A trip would be the first face-to-face encounter between the men since Trump's second term in office, at a time when trade and security tensions between the two superpower rivals remain elevated. While plans for a meeting have not been finalized, discussions on both sides of the Pacific have included a possible Trump stopover around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea or talks on the sidelines of the October 30-November 1 event, the people said. The third round of US-China trade talks taking place in Stockholm this week may lay the groundwork ahead of a leaders' summit in the autumn, analysts say. A new flare-up of tariffs and export controls would likely impact any plans for a meeting with Xi.
Al Arabiya
2 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Trump says he is not seeking summit with Xi, but may visit China
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was not seeking a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but added that he may visit China at Xi's invitation, which Trump said had been extended. 'I may go to China, but it would only be at the invitation of President Xi, which has been extended. Otherwise, no interest!,' Trump said on Truth Social. Aides to Trump and Xi have discussed a potential meeting between the leaders during a trip by the US president to Asia later this year, sources previously told Reuters. A trip would be the first face-to-face encounter between the men since Trump's second term in office, at a time when trade and security tensions between the two superpower rivals remain elevated. While plans for a meeting have not been finalized, discussions on both sides of the Pacific have included a possible Trump stopover around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea or talks on the sidelines of the October 30-November 1 event, the people said. The third round of US-China trade talks taking place in Stockholm this week may lay the groundwork ahead of a leaders' summit in the autumn, analysts say. A new flare-up of tariffs and export controls would likely impact any plans for a meeting with Xi.
