
Saudi Security Forces Detain 6 Visit Visa Holders Attempting to Enter Makkah Illegally
The Hajj Security Forces detained six people holding visit visas who violated Hajj regulations by attempting to enter the holy city of Makkah, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.
The violators, who entered the Kingdom on tourist visas, were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Interior cautioned the public against fraudulent Hajj campaigns and unlicensed pilgrim service offices. It urged everyone to disregard deceptive online advertisements across various websites and platforms.
It stressed the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations, which are designed to ensure the security and safety of pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals smoothly.
It also urged citizens and residents to report any violators.
Hashtags

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

Al Arabiya
38 minutes ago
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj permits from entering Mecca
Saudi Arabia has stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city. The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorized participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat. The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorized pilgrimages – as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Mecca officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come. There are fines of up to $5,000 and other punitive measures, like deportation, for anyone performing the Hajj without a permit. The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency. At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city. According to the rules, only those with permits are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round. Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies. Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Omari told the media: 'The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.' The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and involves a series of religious rituals. It's a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense said Sunday that drones were being used for the first time at the Hajj. These can be used for surveillance and monitoring, as well as extinguishing fires.


Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is celebrating Eid Al-Adha with three days of activities. From June 7-9, visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 31 events, including music, storytelling, games and workshops, under the theme 'ribbons of giving.' Many of the activities will be in Arabic but are open to all. Among the highlights will be a concert at Ithra Theater by Egyptian oud virtuoso Islam Al-Qasabgy, who is renowned for blending classical Arabic music with modern styles. Ithra Cinema, meanwhile, will showcase the Japanese manga character Chibi Maruko-chan and also screen the Japanese animated fantasy movie 'Kiki's Delivery Service' with Arabic subtitles. Another screening will be 'Saleeq,' a short animated film about a lonely grandmother who faces a flood after a pot of rice boils over. Among the other festive offerings are a 96 km trek along the historic Hajj trail that revives stories of persistence and generosity echoing across generations. Entry to the center is free but some events are ticketed. The center will be open from 4-11 p.m. during the Eid celebrations.


Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
KSrelief extends aid to Syria, Somalia, Sudan
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world's most vulnerable communities. The organization has distributed 2,290 food baskets and hygiene kits in Sarmada in the Idlib Governorate of the Syrian Arab Republic, benefiting 6,870 individuals. This effort is part of the second phase of a project to ease the suffering of Syrian families. KSrelief in Somalia has distributed 1,200 food baskets to the neediest families in the Baidoa district in Bay region, assisting 7,200 people and supporting food security for vulnerable groups. KSrelief in Sudan has distributed 825 food baskets to the most needy families in Blue Nile State, helping 3,986 people. This aid forms part of Saudi Arabia's broader humanitarian efforts to support the Sudanese population amid the ongoing crisis in the country. Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.