
Saudi Arabia: How many have arrived for Umrah since June 12?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that more than 1.2 million pilgrims have entered Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah since the beginning of the current season, which started on Dhu Al Hijjah 15 (June 12) and continued through the end of Muharram 30. Pilgrims have arrived from 109 countries, underscoring the global significance of the pilgrimage.
Read-
The ministry reported a 30 per cent increase in the number of pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the number of Umrah visas issued rose by 27 per cent.
To support this influx, over 4,200 contracts have been signed between Umrah companies and international agents, bolstering operational capacity to accommodate the growing demand,
Improved services and digital transformation
The current Umrah season officially began on Dhu Al Hijjah 14, 1446 AH, with the issuance of visas through the Nusuk platform, which aims to streamline the pilgrimage experience as part of broader goals under Saudi Vision 2030.
The ministry noted that this season follows a successful Hajj marked by seamless coordination, enhanced procedures, and the development of advanced technical infrastructure. It emphasised that preparations for the Umrah season began well in advance in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and organised experience for all pilgrims.
In addition, the ministry has expanded awareness campaigns and digital services in multiple languages. These efforts reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring the highest standards of comfort, safety, and satisfaction for worshippers.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The National
7 hours ago
- The National
Postcard from Cannes: How the French Riviera turns Gulf in July
The restaurant on Cannes' La Croisette boulevard didn't require reservations, just first-come, first-served. Except for one table. A group of five men arrived and took their seats at that lone reserved spot, chatting easily with the waiter. It was a former senior Gulf politician and his family. The mood in the restaurant reflected how Cannes, and a handful of cities along the French Riviera, feel in July: the coastal summer escape speaks fluent Gulf. Across town, another restaurant, famous for its open-air ambience, tucked into the almost-Italian alleyways of old Cannes, was packed on a Saturday night. Nearly every table was taken by Gulf guests. 'I came here at the beginning of July to escape the heat and enjoy the summer,' said Aya from Saudi Arabia. 'After two weeks, a wave of fellow Gulf tourists arrived. 'We come every year, but this year feels different. It's like the whole Gulf moved here,' she added, holding up her phone case showing the flags of Saudi Arabia and France side by side. The Gulf presence isn't just felt in restaurants. It stretches to the beaches. At one family-friendly beach club just before sunset, the calm sea was filled with swimmers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and other neighbouring states. Six different groups stood waist-deep in the water, chatting in various Arabic dialects, with only one French couple nearby. 'Are we in Cannes or in Bahrain?' one man joked to his friends, laughing as he realised he was surrounded by people from his region. Each summer, tens of thousands of Gulf tourists escape the searing heat back home for cooler destinations like France, the UK, and Spain. The French Riviera remains one of their favourites. Mediterranean escape Gulf visitors are known for their high spending power, filling five-star hotels and crowding luxury boutiques along the famed Croisette beach. In 2024, travellers from GCC countries made approximately 24.4 million outbound trips, spending about $75.4 billion abroad, according to Gulf figures and VisitBritain's market data. With more airlines launching from the Gulf and competition intensifying to win over travellers, the GCC outbound tourism market is projected to grow to $81 billion in 2025 and could reach between $139 billion –$198 billion by the mid-2030s, according to travel experts. France alone welcomes more than 100 million international visitors annually, generating tens of billions in tourism revenue. GCC nationals form a growing slice of that, though exact numbers for July visits are not publicly available. In Antibes, 20 minutes from Cannes, two men sat on one of the Riviera's most exclusive beaches, gazing at the multicoloured blue sea framed by green hills and dotted with boats. 'I love this view,' one of them said in a Saudi dialect. 'But it's a little too calm being here. I don't want to just relax, let's go somewhere else.' The nearby old town of Antibes bustles with tourists in summer. Its narrow streets are packed, and its cafes buzz around the clock with people from all over the world. But Gulf visitors stand out. In nearly every cafe, Arabic can be heard, and some waiters have even learnt a few Arabic phrases to use with regulars. 'The South of France is Mediterranean, and it feels closer to our hearts,' Aya said. 'I wouldn't want to live here, but coming every summer for a few weeks makes life more exciting. I randomly bump into neighbours and people I haven't seen in years. I feel at home.'


UAE Moments
7 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Habibi, Stay in Dubai This Summer! Hottest Stays for UAE Residents at Vida Hotels
Summer just got a whole lot cooler – and way more fabulous. UAE residents, it's time to pack your sunnies and prep your playlists, because Vida Hotels and Resorts is dropping the ultimate staycay deal you didn't know you needed. Think, up to 35% off your stay at dreamy Vida hotels and resorts in Dubai, breakfast on the house, free stays for the kiddos aged 12 years and below, and early check-in and check-out subject to availability at the time of arrival. Lounge by the pool with a mocktail in hand, feast on your favourites, or spend the afternoon exploring some of the UAE's most iconic neighborhoods. With sleek design, laid-back energy, and Instagram-worthy everything, Vida is where your summer glow-up begins. Whether you're craving beachfront bliss, marina vibes, skyline views, pet-friendly escapes or even a stay in the heart of the city, Vida's got you covered. Pack your bags and bring along your whole fam, because this summer, there's no better place to enjoy than right here at home! If you're a UAE resident, here's what's in store for you:


Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Ras Al Khaimah tourism hits record 654,000 visitors in H1 2025, revenue up 9%
Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record 654,000 visitors in the first half of 2025, marking a 6 per cent year-on-year increase and driving a 9 per cent rise in tourism revenues, according to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). The Emirate also reported a 36 per cent surge in MICE and weddings revenues, reflecting its growing reputation as a global tourism and events hub. 'These half-year achievements are a clear testament to the strength of Ras Al Khaimah's tourism offering and the impact of its focused strategy,' said Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA. 'With a clear vision to welcome over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, the Emirate is firmly on track to deliver long-term, sustainable value for its economy, communities, and tourists.' Key international markets drove the record-breaking performance. India led with a 25 per cent increase in arrivals, while the UK (+5 per cent), China (+9.2 per cent), and Russia (+7 per cent ) posted their highest-ever half-year numbers. Central and Eastern Europe delivered standout growth, with Romania up 65 per cent, Poland 56 per cent, Uzbekistan 47 per cent, and Belarus 30 per cent, boosted by new direct flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Connectivity and hotel expansion Air connectivity continued to strengthen with new routes from Poland, Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic. The airport's strategic expansion is underway to handle larger aircraft and enhance the visitor experience. The Emirate also advanced its hospitality offering, with high-profile announcements including Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection hotels. Rove Al Marjan Island opened in early 2025, and ongoing developments aim to double hotel keys by 2030, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah's position as one of the region's fastest-growing destinations. Strategic partnerships and event-led tourism Events remained a key driver of Ras Al Khaimah's tourism strategy, with the 18th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the UAE Tour's Jebel Jais stage, the DP World Tour's RAK Championship, the highlander hiking series, and the debut of Jais Ride cycling challenge drawing global attention and participants. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has signed several new agreements to attract more visitors and promote the Emirate as a top destination. The partnerships include working with Fujairah Adventures to offer more inter-emirate adventure experiences, teaming up with popular Chinese travel platforms and Tongcheng, and joining forces with four major Saudi travel websites to reach more travelers from the GCC region. With strong half-year performance, expanded infrastructure, and a robust event calendar, Ras Al Khaimah is on a clear path to achieving its 2030 tourism vision and cementing its status as a leading regional destination.