Iranian pilgrims who were stranded in Saudi Arabia arrive in Iraq on their way back home
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Time Business News
10 hours ago
- Time Business News
Best Time for Umrah: When Should You Go in 2025?
For Muslims around the world, performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey and an opportunity to draw closer to Allah (SWT). While Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, many pilgrims carefully plan their trip around specific seasons and months to make the most of their experience. If you are considering Umrah in 2025, understanding the best time to go can help you prepare in terms of comfort, cost, and overall spiritual atmosphere. This guide will walk you through the best time for Umrah 2025, highlighting the benefits of different seasons and months, along with travel tips that can make your journey smoother. Unlike Hajj, which has fixed dates, Umrah can be performed throughout the year. However, certain periods offer unique advantages: Weather conditions – Makkah and Madinah can get extremely hot during summer. Cooler months are generally more comfortable for long walks and prayers. – Makkah and Madinah can get extremely hot during summer. Cooler months are generally more comfortable for long walks and prayers. Crowd levels – Traveling during peak seasons like Ramadan means more blessings, but also larger crowds. Off-peak months offer easier access to the Haram. – Traveling during peak seasons like Ramadan means more blessings, but also larger crowds. Off-peak months offer easier access to the Haram. Cost of travel – Flight and accommodation prices vary depending on demand. Choosing wisely can help you save. Ramadan is considered the most spiritually rewarding time for Umrah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj with me' (Sahih Bukhari). In 2025, Ramadan is expected to fall between February 28 – March 30, 2025. Advantages: High spiritual rewards, strong sense of unity, special night prayers (Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Layl). High spiritual rewards, strong sense of unity, special night prayers (Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Layl). Challenges: Higher prices and large crowds. Advance booking is essential. Higher prices and large crowds. Advance booking is essential. Suggested packages: Consider Premium Packages for comfort during this busy period. The cooler months are some of the best times for Umrah in terms of weather. Temperatures are more manageable, making it easier for families, children, and elderly pilgrims. Advantages: Pleasant climate, moderate crowd levels, affordable options outside Ramadan. Pleasant climate, moderate crowd levels, affordable options outside Ramadan. Suggested packages: Economy Packages are ideal for those seeking affordable Umrah travel in early 2025. After Hajj ends in June 2025, the following months see fewer visitors, which creates a calmer environment. This is perfect for pilgrims who prefer peace and less waiting time at holy sites. Advantages: Reduced crowd levels, cheaper flight and hotel rates, relaxed experience. Reduced crowd levels, cheaper flight and hotel rates, relaxed experience. Suggested packages: Browse Umrah Packages 2025 to plan your journey in this period. For families traveling from the USA, spring break can be a practical time to plan Umrah. The weather is still relatively mild compared to summer, and school holidays make it easier to travel with children. Advantages: Balanced climate, family-friendly timing, manageable costs if booked early. Balanced climate, family-friendly timing, manageable costs if booked early. Suggested packages: Visit Our Services to see full travel support including visas, flights, and accommodation. Temperatures in Makkah and Madinah can exceed 40°C (104°F) during summer. While many pilgrims avoid this period due to the heat, it can still be a good option for those seeking cheaper packages. Advantages: Lower costs, smaller crowds in comparison to Ramadan. Lower costs, smaller crowds in comparison to Ramadan. Challenges: Extreme heat; not ideal for elderly or children. When deciding the best time for Umrah in 2025, consider the following: Budget: Prices for flights and hotels increase during Ramadan and school holidays. Prices for flights and hotels increase during Ramadan and school holidays. Weather preference: Cooler months are easier, especially for families and elderly pilgrims. Cooler months are easier, especially for families and elderly pilgrims. Personal goals: If spiritual rewards are your top priority, Ramadan is unmatched. If peace and affordability matter more, off-peak months are better. If spiritual rewards are your top priority, Ramadan is unmatched. If peace and affordability matter more, off-peak months are better. Flexibility: Booking early helps secure better deals and preferred hotels. Book Early: Whether you choose Ramadan or an off-peak month, early planning ensures better rates and availability. Whether you choose Ramadan or an off-peak month, early planning ensures better rates and availability. Choose the Right Package: Compare Economy Packages for affordability and Premium Packages for luxury. Compare for affordability and for luxury. Stay Informed: Check official Saudi announcements about visa and travel updates. Check official Saudi announcements about visa and travel updates. Plan for Comfort: Consider your health, mobility, and group size when selecting the timing. The best time for Umrah in 2025 depends on your personal needs and priorities. If you wish to maximize spiritual rewards, Ramadan 2025 is the ideal choice, though it comes with higher costs and crowds. If comfort and affordability are important, the winter season or post-Hajj months may suit you better. Ultimately, the key is to plan early, choose the right package, and prepare your heart for this sacred journey. For complete assistance with visas, flights, and accommodations, visit Our Services and explore customized Umrah Packages 2025. Q1: Can I perform Umrah in 2025 outside Ramadan? Yes, Umrah can be performed any time of the year. Non-Ramadan months usually offer lower prices and smaller crowds. Q2: Is Ramadan the best time for Umrah in 2025? Spiritually, yes. Ramadan brings immense rewards, but it also comes with higher costs and large crowds. Q3: What is the cheapest time for Umrah in 2025? Post-Hajj months (September–October 2025) and summer months are usually the most budget-friendly. Q4: When should I book my Umrah package for 2025? Booking 4–6 months in advance is recommended, especially for Ramadan or peak seasons. Q5: Which package should I choose for my Umrah trip? If you prefer comfort and close proximity to the Haram, go for Premium Packages. For affordable options, Economy Packages are a great choice. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Inside The Futuristic Shebara Resort In Saudi Arabia With Mirrored Overwater Villas
Overwater pod villa at Shebara Resort on the Red Sea Shebara Resort O n a chain of untouched islands off Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Province, Shebara Resort rises from the Red Sea like something out of a science fiction movie. Created by Dubai-based Killa Design and developed by Red Sea Global, the enclave of 38 overwater villas and 35 beachfront retreats is a remarkable experiment in radical architecture. From above, the orb-shaped villas resemble a string of pearls casually lying across the lagoon, their mirrored shells reflecting the sky and sea until the boundary between building and landscape nearly vanishes. Aerial view of Shebara Resort on the Red Sea Shebara Resort For famed designer Paolo Ferrari, founder of Toronto's Studio Paolo Ferrari, the challenge was to ensure the interiors matched the resort's otherworldly exterior. 'We began with the idea of natural futurism,' Ferrari tells me. 'We wanted the spaces to feel forward-looking but grounded in minerality, nature, and craft. It was always about balancing refined engineering with the warmth of something human and handmade.' That philosophy comes alive the moment you step inside. Curved walls embrace sculptural furnishings, such as sofas that bend with the architecture, bed frames that grow seamlessly into nightstands, and a monolithic bar cabinet that opens hydraulically to reveal a red leather interior. 'Every detail is a negotiation between engineering and artistry,' Ferrari explains. 'Circular mirrors float like planets above vanities, glass pendants hover like droplets over onyx dining tables, and baths mimic the tidal flow outside. It's about creating an environment that feels both elemental and extraterrestrial.' Aerial view of Main resort and pool at Shebara Shebara Resort Material choices became central to Shebera's visual aesthetic. 'We made an early decision to use polished stainless steel inside as a key anchoring material,' Ferrari recalls. 'That choice alone pushed the resort into a new direction. It takes barefoot luxury and flips it on its head. You don't expect to see stainless steel in a villa, and suddenly it feels refined, radical, and fresh.' Perhaps the most unusual feature is the in-room bar. At first glance, it looks like a suspended steel orb, its purpose entirely mysterious. 'We wanted an object that was iconic, almost sculptural,' Ferrari says. 'Only when you touch the hidden buttons does it open, revealing a leather-wrapped interior. It's an entirely new way to think about hospitality design-something functional becoming the room's most surprising, memorable gesture.' Steel orb bar cabinet floats over the living room. Shebara Resort Bedroom in overwater villa at Shebara Resort Ema Peter Photography Interior design featuring onyx bed frame. Studio Paolo Ferrari The beachfront villas have the same futuristic design but emphasize the wider space with expansive terraces, infinity pools, and a seamless flow between sand and sea—the most exclusive residences, the Crown and Royal Villas, occupy their own islets. 'In the Royal Villa, the bed itself is carved from a single block of onyx,' Ferrari notes. 'That's where you really see the level of craft and ambition in this project. Its architecture expressed through furniture, furniture expressed through architecture.' While design is Shebara's showstopper, the guest experience is another bonus. Visitors can choose between five signature restaurants, from Michelin Chef Marco Garfagnini's Mediterranean Ariamare to the Japanese-Nikkei concept , or retreat to the large spa offering pearl and caviar treatments with a meteorite scrub. Pools, yoga pavilions, underwater water adventures, and a dedicated kids club are among the available activities. Lobby at Shebara Resort Shebara Resort Main pool at Shebara Resort Shebara Resort But perhaps most important is Shebara's ecological focus. The entire resort runs off-grid, powered by its own solar farm, desalination plant, and circular waste management system, earning LEED Platinum certification. 'We wanted to design something astonishing, yes, but also something responsible,' says Ferrari. 'The mirrored architecture doesn't impose- it reflects back the coral reef, the mangroves, the desert. It disappears into the very landscape it celebrates.' Accessible from its own dedicated Red Sea International Airport, a quick seaplane ride or a 40-minute boat ride from Turtle Bay, Shebara feels like another planet. For Ferrari, it represents a new frontier in hospitality design. 'There's a ubiquity in how luxury resorts are often approached,' he says. 'Here, we wanted to subvert that to create something iconic, futuristic, but still undeniably human. A place where architecture, nature, and craft are all in dialogue.' Shebara is not just another island resort. It is a thrilling experiment at the edge of the Red Sea, where avant-garde design and ecological responsibility mix, and where, as Ferrari puts it, 'luxury doesn't just meet nature-it mirrors it.' Gym at Shebara Resort Shebara Resort Four bedroom beach Royal Villa Shebara Resort MORE FROM FORBES Forbes The 15 Most Unique Hotels In The World, According To Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Awards By Jim Dobson Forbes 25 Dazzling New Luxury Hotels Opening In 2025 By Jim Dobson overwater villas
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Devastating floods leave hundreds dead, stranded in just 24 hours — here's what we know
Devastating floods leave hundreds dead, stranded in just 24 hours — here's what we know At least 243 people died over the span of 24 hours in India and Pakistan as torrential downpours caused widespread flash flooding and landslides, according to the Associated Press. "The death toll may rise, as we are still looking for dozens of missing people," an official told the AP. With more heavy rain in the forecast, the situation could become even more dire. What's happening? The rainfall struck mountainous areas of Northern Pakistan and India's Himalayan region, hitting difficult-to-reach, remote villages. Also affected were roughly 4,000 pilgrims who were making the annual trek to a Hindu shrine located at 9,500 feet of elevation, per the AP. The community kitchen that had been set up to feed the pilgrims was swept away in the floodwaters with 200 people inside along with numerous cars and motorbikes, according to the AP. Despite official warnings about the risk of heavy rains and flooding, thousands of tourists had flocked to resorts in the popular region, known for its picturesque scenery. Emergency personnel were in the process of evacuating thousands of tourists trapped by the floods and landslides. A rescue helicopter on a relief mission was carrying five people, including two pilots, when it crashed in the area because of the harsh weather conditions, per the AP. The torrential rains were caused by cloudbursts, which are defined as sudden, extremely aggressive rainfall events that result in more than 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) of rainfall per hour, according to Himalayan Geographic. Cloudbursts form when monsoon clouds hit cold air. Because of the mountainous nature of the Himalayas, cloudbursts are more likely to form, and, when they do, they are more likely to be trapped over a relatively small geographic area. "Unlike cyclones, forecasting a cloudburst is very difficult due to the dynamics of rapidly developing clouds over a very small area," Himalayan Geographic said. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. All these factors made for a deadly combination, though there have been other similar tragedies this summer. Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said that 556 rain-related deaths have occurred since June 26, per the AP. What does flooding in India and Pakistan mean for the rest of the world? Experts analyzing recent extreme rainfall events in the region have concluded that rising global temperatures have contributed significantly to the severity of the storms. A study released in early August found that "the 30-day maximum rainfall over the study region is now 22% more intense than it would have been in a climate that had not been warmed … due to the burning of fossil fuels, and, to a small extent, deforestation." This trend has not been limited to the Himalayas. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit that air temperatures increase, the air can absorb 4% more water, according to Climate Central. When this water eventually falls back to Earth as precipitation, the result is more precipitation per hour. One study looking at U.S. cities found that 88% of the 144 cities examined have experienced increased rainfall per hour since 1970. Of those cities that experience more severe storms, rainfall per hour increased by 15%. As the devastating flooding in India and Pakistan as well as recent floods in Texas and New York have demonstrated, this more intense rainfall can easily overwhelm local flood-mitigation measures. Whether natural or human-made, these flood-mitigation systems have a limited capacity for absorbing and carrying excess water. When that capacity is exceeded, the results can be devastating, and not only for the regions that are directly impacted. Flash floods and landslides take lives, destroy homes and businesses, and devastate crops and livestock, resulting in higher food prices and insurance premiums well beyond the floodwaters' reach. What's being done about flooding around the world? In order to avoid the worst impacts of rising global temperatures, the world needs to transition away from burning dirtier, nonrenewable fuels such as coal and natural gas and toward cleaner, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. To help spur this transition forward, you can use your voice, take local action, and support political candidates who share your policy priorities. You can also contact your elected representatives to demand action. Taking things a step further, installing solar panels on your home and driving an electric vehicle are great ways to reduce heat-trapping pollution while also saving money on electricity and gas. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
