Saudi Arabia Unveils Comprehensive Umrah Calendar for 2025–26
The ministry mandates that foreign agents finalize service contracts with Saudi Umrah firms by 27 May 2025 (29 Dhul Qadah 1446). Visa issuance will commence a day before pilgrim arrivals, while qualification requests for external agents must conclude by 20 January 2026 (1 Sha'ban 1447). Authorities emphasize strict adherence to deadlines, including final visa issuance by 20 March 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447) and pilgrim departures by 18 April 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah 1447).
وزارة الحج والعمرة تعلن عن تقويم موسم العمرة لعام 1447هـ في إطار الاستعداد لخدمة المعتمرين وزوار المسجد النبوي الشريف القادمين من خارج المملكة بتأشيرات العمرة.#يسر_وطمأنينة#لا_حج_بلا_تصريح pic.twitter.com/pLGkganj8N
— وزارة الحج والعمرة (@HajMinistry) May 9, 2025 Digital Transformation Elevates Pilgrim Experience
Saudi Arabia launched early preparations on 25 March 2025, introducing the 'Nusuk' platform and 'Umrah Path' system to modernize pilgrim management. These tools streamline agent accreditation, service bookings, and real-time updates, reflecting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for tourism excellence. During the 2025 Hajj and Umrah Services Forum, global stakeholders endorsed these innovations, highlighting improved transparency and operational efficiency.
The ministry's calendar prioritizes punctual arrivals and departures, requiring pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia by 3 April 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447). Recent infrastructure expansions, including upgraded airports and crowd management systems in Makkah and Madinah, further support the influx. Officials project a 15% rise in pilgrims compared to 2024–25, bolstered by extended e-visa access and multilingual support services. Vision 2030 Drives Pilgrim-Centric Reforms
Saudi Arabia continues to enhance pilgrim hospitality under Vision 2030, investing $20 billion in holy site expansions and smart technologies. Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah stated, 'Our reforms prioritize pilgrim comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfillment.' The Nusuk app, now offering health monitoring and prayer-time alerts, exemplifies this commitment.
For more information and updates, pilgrims are encouraged to visit the Ministry's website and utilize the digital platforms provided. These resources will offer the latest news, guidelines, and support to ensure a seamless and enriching Umrah experience.
By adhering to the outlined schedule and utilizing the available digital tools, pilgrims can look forward to a well-organized and spiritually fulfilling journey to the holy sites of Saudi Arabia.
Short link :
Post Views: 10
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia to unveil SR21 billion investment deals at Damascus forum
Saudi Gazette report DAMASCUS — A high-level Saudi delegation led by Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih arrived in Damascus on Wednesday ahead of the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum, set to take place Thursday, marking a significant step toward restoring economic cooperation between the two countries. The visit, conducted under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, includes the participation of more than 150 Saudi businessmen and investors. It reflects the Kingdom's growing commitment to supporting Syria's economic recovery through direct engagement and private sector involvement. The Ministry of Investment, in coordination with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, is leading efforts to enable Saudi businesses to participate in reconstruction and development opportunities across Syria. The forum is expected to witness the announcement of investment agreements worth SR21 billion across 11 key sectors. These include real estate, infrastructure, information and communications technology, transportation, industry, tourism, energy, trade and investment, healthcare, human resources, and financial services. According to sources, the deals will include residential and commercial developments in cities such as Damascus and Homs, the construction of cement and gypsum factories to support local industry, and advanced digital infrastructure projects that will help modernize Syria's communications systems and data capabilities. Further agreements will address energy generation, hospital rehabilitation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, vocational training, and the revitalization of Damascus International Airport in line with international standards. In addition, financial sector agreements will focus on enabling fintech collaboration, dual listings, and sustainable investment initiatives. The forum will also serve as a platform for 38 memorandums of understanding to be signed between Saudi and Syrian stakeholders. More than 150 Saudi representatives from both public and private sectors are expected to attend, alongside over 400 participants from Syria. The event is seen as a pivotal moment in reviving bilateral ties and fostering a new era of trust, economic partnership, and joint development. Saudi officials have emphasized that the initiative aligns with the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to promote regional prosperity through strategic investment and cooperation. The Ministry of Investment said the forum embodies Saudi Arabia's belief in investment as a tool for peace, stability, and mutual growth—contributing to the rebuilding of Syria while reinforcing the Kingdom's role in leading regional development and integration under Vision 2030.
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia to unveil SR19 billion investment deals at Damascus forum
Saudi Gazette report DAMASCUS — A high-level Saudi delegation led by Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih arrived in Damascus on Wednesday ahead of the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum, set to take place Thursday, marking a significant step toward restoring economic cooperation between the two countries. The visit, conducted under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, includes the participation of more than 150 Saudi businessmen and investors. It reflects the Kingdom's growing commitment to supporting Syria's economic recovery through direct engagement and private sector involvement. The Ministry of Investment, in coordination with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, is leading efforts to enable Saudi businesses to participate in reconstruction and development opportunities across Syria. The forum is expected to witness the announcement of investment agreements worth SR19 billion across 11 key sectors. These include real estate, infrastructure, information and communications technology, transportation, industry, tourism, energy, trade and investment, healthcare, human resources, and financial services. According to sources, the deals will include residential and commercial developments in cities such as Damascus and Homs, the construction of cement and gypsum factories to support local industry, and advanced digital infrastructure projects that will help modernize Syria's communications systems and data agreements will address energy generation, hospital rehabilitation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, vocational training, and the revitalization of Damascus International Airport in line with international addition, financial sector agreements will focus on enabling fintech collaboration, dual listings, and sustainable investment forum will also serve as a platform for 38 memorandums of understanding to be signed between Saudi and Syrian than 150 Saudi representatives from both public and private sectors are expected to attend, alongside over 400 participants from event is seen as a pivotal moment in reviving bilateral ties and fostering a new era of trust, economic partnership, and joint officials have emphasized that the initiative aligns with the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to promote regional prosperity through strategic investment and Ministry of Investment said the forum embodies Saudi Arabia's belief in investment as a tool for peace, stability, and mutual growth—contributing to the rebuilding of Syria while reinforcing the Kingdom's role in leading regional development and integration under Vision 2030.
Saudi Gazette
4 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia outlines progress on gender equality and partnerships at UN forum
NEW YORK — Removing barriers to women's participation in economic and social life has been a central focus of Saudi Arabia's reforms under Vision 2030, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) emphasized during the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. Participating as part of the Kingdom's wider delegation led by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, HRSD Deputy Minister for International Affairs Dr. Tariq Alhamad delivered remarks during two key sessions—one on the review of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on Gender Equality, and another on institutional collaboration and sustainability. Dr. Tariq highlighted that Vision 2030 is enabling inclusive growth by aligning long-term national reforms with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 'Vision 2030 is more than a set of goals. It brings government, civil society and the private sector into shared delivery,' he said. 'We've focused not only on policy, but on the support systems women need to participate fully—whether that's jobs, childcare or reliable transport. There's more to do, but we've made real progress, and we're determined to build on it.' Saudi Arabia's female workforce participation reached 36.3% in the first quarter of 2025, up from 19.7% in 2018. National initiatives such as Qurrah, which has supported over 40,000 women with childcare services, and Wusool, which has helped more than 300,000 women with transport to and from work, have been instrumental. Maternity leave has been extended to 12 weeks at full pay, and nearly 1.3 million women are now engaged in freelance work. At the HLPF side event, Dr. Tariq discussed HRSD's broader institutional approach to inclusive partnerships. He emphasized that durable reform depends on transparent systems, cross-sector collaboration, and strong institutional capacity. HRSD has implemented new legal frameworks for volunteering, donations, and nonprofit work. Through the National Center for Non-Profit Sector, and digital platforms like the National Volunteer Portal and Ehsan, the Ministry is expanding civil society's role in service delivery and innovation. These efforts support multiple SDGs, including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work (SDG 8), Reduced Inequality (SDG 10), Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Dr. Tariq also noted Saudi Arabia's collaboration with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the World Bank, ensuring national reforms meet global standards while being rooted in local realities. 'Vision 2030 and the 2030 Agenda were launched the same year. They're not the same, but they speak to many of the same goals,' he said. 'For us, the SDGs are not abstract. They're reflected in the way we build institutions, form partnerships, and serve our communities.' — SG
