New Hajj plan backs moderate, guided pilgrimage
The initiative aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience through scientific guidance and awareness programs that promote a message of moderate Hajj in multiple languages, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
It includes more than 20 digital, technical, educational, devotional and faith-based awareness initiatives delivered in various languages.
Its goal is to enrich pilgrims' spiritual journey with impactful religious content and high-quality services, enabling them to perform rituals with understanding in a devotional atmosphere.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, emphasized the importance of strengthening on-the-ground efforts to deliver improved enrichment services for all pilgrims.
He urged a focus on promoting the message of a moderate, faith-based Hajj to the global community through multilingual platforms.
Al-Sudais also called for easing ritual performance with gentleness, wisdom and compassionate guidance, while using digital tools and AI to overcome time and geographic barriers in spreading the message of a humane and moderate Hajj.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Pakistan's deadline for receiving Hajj applications under government scheme to expire today
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's deadline for receiving Hajj 2026 applications under the government scheme is set to expire today, Monday, state-run media reported as authorities says over 110,000 applications have been received during the last 12 days. Pakistan extended the deadline for receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme on Saturday. The country announced earlier this month it has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, of which 129,210 seats have been allocated under the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators. Pakistan's religious affairs ministry said on Saturday that designated banks will keep receiving Hajj applications on Monday, adding that only 7,000 seats under the government scheme were available. 'Today is the last date for submission of applications under government Hajj scheme,' state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said in a report. 'The process of receiving Hajj applications will be stopped once seats are filled.' Only designated banks would receive the applications, the ministry had clarified last week, adding that its online portal would stop accepting applications at midnight on Aug. 16. Pakistan began receiving applications on Aug. 4, advising applicants to obtain computerized receipts and verify their details through the ministry's portal or the Pak Hajj 2026 app. Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long package (38-42 days) and a short package (20-25 days), with costs ranging between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 ($4,050–4,236). Applicants are required to deposit a first installment of Rs500,000 [$1764] or Rs550,000 [$1941] depending on the package, while the remaining dues will be collected in November. Saudi Arabia had approved the same quota for Pakistan in 2025, though private tour operators last year struggled to utilize their share, saying they faced technical and financial delays, even as the government filled its quota of over 88,000 pilgrims.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Pakistan's deadline for Hajj applications under government scheme to expire today
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's deadline for receiving Hajj 2026 applications under the government scheme is set to expire today, Monday, state-run media reported as authorities says over 110,000 applications have been received during the last 12 days. Pakistan extended the deadline for receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme on Saturday. The country announced earlier this month it has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, of which 129,210 seats have been allocated under the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators. Pakistan's religious affairs ministry said on Saturday that designated banks will keep receiving Hajj applications on Monday, adding that only 7,000 seats under the government scheme were available. 'Today is the last date for submission of applications under government Hajj scheme,' state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said in a report. 'The process of receiving Hajj applications will be stopped once seats are filled.' Only designated banks would receive the applications, the ministry had clarified last week, adding that its online portal would stop accepting applications at midnight on Aug. 16. Pakistan began receiving applications on Aug. 4, advising applicants to obtain computerized receipts and verify their details through the ministry's portal or the Pak Hajj 2026 app. Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long package (38-42 days) and a short package (20-25 days), with costs ranging between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 ($4,050–4,236). Applicants are required to deposit a first installment of Rs500,000 [$1764] or Rs550,000 [$1941] depending on the package, while the remaining dues will be collected in November. Saudi Arabia had approved the same quota for Pakistan in 2025, though private tour operators last year struggled to utilize their share, saying they faced technical and financial delays, even as the government filled its quota of over 88,000 pilgrims.
Arab News
19 hours ago
- Arab News
Snow escapes bring winter fun to Riyadh's summer
RIYADH: Snow-themed attractions in Riyadh, including Snow City in Al-Othaim Mall, are offering residents and visitors a refreshing alternative to the summer heat. With sub-zero temperatures and fully immersive polar settings, these wintry venues have quickly become popular family destinations, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. With strict safety measures in place, activities range from ice skating and sliding down ice slopes to riding mini snowmobiles, exploring icy trails, and enjoying spinning tubes. Open play areas and snow cabins inspired by polar life add to the sense of adventure. The experience is rounded out with cafes, souvenir shops and event spaces, making the destinations a year-round entertainment choice. Part of the Kingdom's evolving entertainment sector, these snow-themed venues provide new climatic escapes that enrich quality of life, encourage domestic tourism, and reflect ongoing investment in diverse leisure experiences.
