Saudi Arabia Launches 1447 AH Umrah Season Plan To Enrich Pilgrims' Spiritual Journey
The plan, announced during a ceremony at the Presidency's headquarters in Mecca, is designed to provide a smooth and fulfilling religious journey for all.
Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, President of Religious Affairs, said the 1447 AH Umrah season will be guided by a service-centric approach, with the enrichment of spiritual and devotional experiences forming the plan's central objective.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between various government agencies and strategic partners to ensure unified and efficient implementation.
The eight-month plan will unfold in three distinct phases, running until the end of Sha'ban 1447 AH, after which the separate Ramadan operational plan will take effect.
On June 10, Saudi Arabia resumed issuing Umrah visas, followed by the start of Nusuk permit applications on June 11.
The Ministry clarified key dates within the Umrah calendar: the deadline for approving contracts between Umrah companies and overseas agents is the first day of Sha'ban; the issuance of Umrah visas will cease on the first of Shawwal; and the final entry date for pilgrims will be the 15th of Shawwal. All pilgrims must depart the Kingdom by the first of Dhul Qi'dah.

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