Haj Permanent Committee discusses early preparations for Haj 2026
MAKKAH - Deputy Emir of Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Saud bin Mishaal chaired a meeting of the committee to discuss early preparations for the Hajj season of 2026.
This is in line with the directives of Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah Region, and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
Prince Saud conveyed Prince Khaled Al-Faisal's appreciation to committee members for their efforts during Hajj 1446 AH, which enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.
He emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the positive outcomes of this year's Hajj and urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts, enhance cooperation, and begin early planning to meet the aspirations of the leadership through further improving the pilgrimage experience.
The committee reviewed key measures to develop the Hajj system further and deliver improved services to pilgrims in the upcoming season.
The meeting also examined the operations during pilgrims' departure through various entry and exit points, as well as other items on the agenda. Several recommendations were issued to support continued development and readiness for the next Hajj season.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

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


The National
29 minutes ago
- The National
Skytrax World's Best Airlines 2025: Which Middle Eastern airline topped the list?
Qatar Airways has been named Skytrax's Best Airline of 2025. This marks the ninth time the carrier has won the title in the 26-year history of the awards. It was also named Best Airline in the Middle East, World's Best Business Class and Best Business Class Airline Lounge, as announced at the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget. Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner of World's Best Airline award, took second place this year, also receiving the award for World's Best Cabin Crew, along with World's Best First Class and Best Airline in Asia. Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific was third, followed by Dubai's Emirates Airline in fourth place and Japan's ANA (All Nippon Airways) in fifth place. Turkish Airlines, South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air, France's flag carrier Air France, Japan Airlines and China's Hainan Airlines rounded out the top 10. 'We welcomed back a large number of previous winners and were also delighted to see new faces and airlines represented here today,' said Edward Plaisted, chief executive of Skytrax. 'As is indicated by so many former winning airlines being awarded again, quality consistency is clearly well recognised by customers when they vote for these airlines.' The 'wholly independent and impartial' awards, which began in 1999, gathered votes and data from surveys of more than 22 million customers, with more than 325 airlines featured this year. The world's top 20 airlines in 2025 1. Qatar Airways 2. Singapore Airlines 3. Cathay Pacific 4. Emirates 5. ANA 6. Turkish Airlines 7. Korean Air 8. Air France 9. Japan Airlines 10. Hainan Airlines 11. Swiss International Air Lines 12. Eva Air 13. British Airways 14. Qantas Airways 15. Lufthansa 16. Virgin Atlantic 17. Saudia (formerly Saudi Arabian Airlines) 18. Starlux Airlines 19. Air Canada 20. Iberia


Khaleej Times
33 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: More visa extension requests from Jordanian, Lebanese tourists amid regional strife
Travel agents in the UAE are seeing a rise in inquiries from visitors, especially from Jordan, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern countries, who are looking to extend their stay due to the current tensions in the region. Many of these tourists came to the UAE for a short visit but now wish to remain longer, either due to flight cancellations or safety concerns about returning home. Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, said several visitors from countries affected by the regional tensions are choosing to stay back in the UAE for now. 'Flights to some of these countries are being cancelled or delayed,' he said. 'We are getting many calls from visitors who are worried about returning and want to extend their visas or exit and re-enter legally.' He added that the UAE continues to be seen as a safe place in the region, and many people feel more secure staying here until the situation improves. Aidasani said that his agency is receiving daily inquiries about visa renewals and extensions. 'Some visitors are scrambling to find a solution. They are either trying to extend their visas or making plans to exit and re-enter the UAE on a fresh visa.' Some residents cancel summer travel Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, said it's not just tourists who are changing their plans, even UAE residents and expats originally from countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran are postponing or cancelling their summer vacations. 'People who had planned to travel for the summer are now staying back,' he said. 'They are concerned about the ongoing conflict and airspace closures. Many don't want to take the risk of traveling right now.' Flights affected by tensions In recent weeks, several flights to and from countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Iran have been cancelled or rescheduled. The reason: airspace closures linked to tensions in the region, especially between Iran and Israel. This has also impacted travelers flying through the region, with some connecting flights being missed due to longer routes and delays. Advice for visitors Travel experts are advising visitors not to wait until the last minute. 'If you're on a visit visa and unsure of your travel plans, it's better to extend it in advance,' said Subair. 'Delaying could mean paying fines or even overstaying by accident. Act early and speak to your travel agent or apply through official channels.'


Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai's RTA launches free Wi-Fi at major transport hubs
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has activated free Wi-Fi at 43 key transport locations across the city, including 21 public bus stations and 22 marine transport hubs. The service, launched in partnership with e&, allows commuters to stay online throughout their journeys via smartphones, laptops, and tablets. The move forms part of RTA's broader digital transformation initiative aimed at enhancing mobility and improving the day-to-day travel experience. Officials say it also supports Dubai's vision of becoming a global benchmark for smart and connected urban living. According to RTA, the service will be regularly monitored and upgraded to ensure seamless, high-quality connectivity as it looks to expand coverage further across its public transport network. View this post on Instagram A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دبي (@rta_dubai)