Saudia Group transports 3,900 Iranian Pilgrims daily
Jeddah: In line with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the recommendation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Saudia Group continues to operate dedicated flights to support the return of pilgrims from the Islamic Republic of Iran. These efforts are carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, ensuring the delivery of all necessary services for a safe and smooth return to their homeland.
Daily flights operated by Saudia and flyadeal depart from the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. As part of this operation, approximately 3,900 pilgrims are transported each day, with 2,700 pilgrims traveling to Arar airport in Saudi Arabia and coordination is underway to transport 1,200 pilgrims daily to Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman.
Saudia Group's coordinated return operations have been conducted under close supervision of senior officials, who were present on-site to ensure smooth departures. This level of engagement reflects the Kingdom's deep-rooted commitment to serving pilgrims with excellence, providing care, hospitality, and operational efficiency at every step of their journey.
About Saudia Group
Saudia Group is one of the largest aviation conglomerates in the MENA region. The Group drives industry development with its 13 subsidiaries, and offers world-class air transport, cargo services, ground services, logistics, maintenance, catering, private aviation, real estate, training, and medical services.
The mission of Saudia Group is to inspire people to go beyond borders with a purpose that is rooted in unlocking human potential and connecting the world in ways never thought possible. The group is committed to reshaping the aviation ecosystem in the MENA region and beyond, by embracing innovation and a customer-centric approach.
Media Center
Saudia Airlines Headquarters
Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Email: mediacenter@saudia.com
X: @SaudiaGroup
Linkedin: SAUDI AIRLINES
WhatsApp: Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Zawya
Sohar International and Sohar Islamic partner with SalamAir to offer ip to 40% off on domestic flights for cardholders
Muscat: In a move to drive cross-sector collaboration and enhance customer experience, Sohar International, together with its Islamic banking window Sohar Islamic, has partnered with SalamAir, Oman's low-cost airline, to offer exclusive discounts on domestic travel for their customers. As part of this strategic alliance, credit cardholders will benefit from a 40% discount, while debit cardholders will receive a 15% discount on the price of all SalamAir domestic flights. The offer, valid for travel between 01 July and 31 August 2025, is available exclusively to Sohar International and Sohar Islamic cardholders. Bookings must be made online via SalamAir's official website using the promo codes provided by Sohar International and Sohar Islamic for both their debit and credit card holders, subject to the offer's terms and conditions. The partnership was formally signed during a signing ceremony held on Tuesday, June 17th, at Sohar International's head office. The joint initiative reflects both entities' commitment to delivering integrated lifestyle benefits and enriching customer value, and to Oman's national development objectives by promoting domestic tourism and enhancing air travel accessibility. Commenting on the strategic importance of the partnership, Mr. Abdul Qadir Al Sumali, Chief Retail & Premier Banking Officer of Sohar International, stated: "Today, banking is no longer just transactional; it must be transformative. At Sohar International, our strategy is rooted in a clear and impactful philosophy—to enrich the lives of those we serve by building integrated ecosystems where finance intersects seamlessly with lifestyle. Our partnership with SalamAir, a leading national low-cost carrier that caters to the travel needs of a broad and diverse customer base, brings this vision to life—delivering everyday value through enhanced convenience, satisfaction, and integrated experiences. More than just a customer offer, this initiative contributes to stimulating domestic air travel, supporting local tourism, and reinforcing our role in advancing Oman's economic diversification agenda in line with Oman Vision 2040." Reiterating this sentiment, Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer of SalamAir, added: 'We are proud to collaborate with Sohar International on this meaningful initiative. SalamAir remains deeply committed to supporting the local economy, infrastructure, and financial ecosystem of Oman. This partnership not only reinforces our dedication to making travel more accessible and affordable for the people of Oman but also strengthens domestic tourism, particularly to destinations like Salalah, which play a vital role in the country's tourism sector. By extending this offer to all Sohar International and Sohar Islamic debit and credit cardholders, we aim to promote inclusive travel, encourage local exploration, and contribute to Oman's long-term development goals in line with Oman`s Vision 2040.' Through this strategic collaboration, Sohar International and SalamAir reinforce their commitment to building cross-sector partnerships that enhance customer value and expand the role of banking and aviation beyond traditional boundaries. By aligning financial solutions with evolving travel lifestyle needs, both parties continue to lead with a forward-looking approach that integrates relevance, innovation, and impact into its service offerings. About Sohar International Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at About SalamAir SalamAir currently operates a fleet of 13 Airbus A320/321 aircraft, with over 80 daily flights. In 2025, the airline will expand its fleet with two new aircraft scheduled for delivery in July 2025. SalamAir announced a 10-aircraft order in February 2025, aiming to grow its fleet to 25 aircraft by 2028 For more information, visit or .
Arabian Business
20 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia announces new credit card rules
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced updated credit card rules. The updated regulations will be for credit card issuance and operation, targeting cost reduction for customers whilst increasing disclosure and transparency levels, and will take effect within 30 to 90 days. Under the updated framework, credit card issuers must notify customers of fee changes via SMS, with customers permitted to terminate their agreements within 14 days of receiving such notices. E-wallet top-ups via credit cards will no longer incur charges. Saudi Central Bank announces new credit card rules to lower customer fees The regulations establish new fee structures for cash withdrawals. For amounts below SR2,500, fees are capped at 3 per cent of the transaction value. For withdrawals of SAR2,500 or more, fees are limited to a maximum of SAR75. This represents a change from previous rules where cash withdrawals carried fees of SAR75 for transactions up to SAR5,000 and 3 per cent of the transaction amount for sums over SAR5,000, with a maximum fee of SAR300. International purchases will carry a 2 per cent fee of the transaction value under the new system. Customers may now deposit amounts above their credit limit and withdraw them without charges. SAMA worked with global payment companies to assess and reduce transaction costs, forming part of its mission to enhance Saudi Arabia's digital payment ecosystem and provide payment options for customers and visitors. The transparency measures require issuers to notify customers immediately of financial transactions and send account statements via SMS. Issuers must provide tools enabling customers to estimate rewards and international charges before purchases. Regarding repayment terms, customers may pay their full outstanding balance without late fees, with a mandatory grace period of at least 25 days guaranteed. The regulations unify disclosure templates for all fees, charges, and benefits within credit card agreements, promoting clarity for consumers. Additional charges under the new system include SAR25 for invalid transaction disputes and account statement requests.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Arabian Business
UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week
From escalating regional tensions disrupting UAE airline routes to flexible work weeks reshaping the Dubai summer, this week has brought a mix of major developments across the Gulf. Dubai's real estate market continues its record-breaking momentum, while Abu Dhabi quietly asserts itself as a rising investment magnet. Saudi Arabia has unveiled new food transparency rules, the UAE confirmed the Hijri New Year public holiday, and outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan gave a headline-shifting interview on Gaza, Israel and Trump. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news here and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Dubai announces 4-day week and flexible hours for some workers The Dubai Government has announced new working hour rules for employees. Flexible operating hours and a four-day week will be available to some employees throughout the summer as part of an initiative to enhance work-life balance. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced the implementation of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative across all Dubai Government entities, following the success of its pilot phase in 2024. UAE announces Hijri New Year holiday for public and private sector The UAE has announced a private sector holiday to mark the Hijri New Year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Friday, June 27 will be an official paid holiday for private sector companies in the UAE on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. It means a 3-day weekend for many, with an extended break from June 27 to 29. It follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) to designate the same day as a holiday for public sector workers. The FAHR issued a circular to all ministries and federal entities, stating that the Hijri New Year holiday for the year 1447 AH will fall on Friday, June 27, 2025. Saudi Arabia announces major new food and dining rules Saudi Arabia is set to introduce major new food rules and guidelines for restaurant and café menus from July 1. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced the imminent implementation of new technical regulations for food. These regulations are designed to enhance food transparency and provide consumers with comprehensive information when dining out, empowering them to make informed nutritional decisions. SFDA noted that starting July 1, 2025, food establishments will be mandated to display detailed nutritional information on their menus. This includes placing a 'saltshaker' label next to meals high in sodium as a clear guide, disclosing the caffeine content of beverages, and indicating the estimated time required to burn off the calories from a meal. The great wealth migration: How Dubai became the world's top millionaire magnet In recent times, Dubai has seen sharp growth in the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating to the country. The UAE has solidified its position as the top destination for millionaires, with an increasing inflow of wealthy individuals — more than any other country in the world. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes Dubai, said: 'Wealth is moving where it's treated best. Dubai's appeal to HNWIs lies in a rare combination: zero income tax, political stability, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location within an 8-hour flight to two-thirds of the world's population. It's not just about escaping taxes — it's about building a secure, global life. The city now offers what few others can: capital preservation, mobility, and clarity in an uncertain world.' According to a recent report by Betterhomes, the UAE emerged as the 14th largest wealth market globally, housing 130,500 dollar millionaires, indicating a 98 per cent surge in the last decade. Piers Morgan on Gaza, Israel and Trump: 'Unacceptable' war must end as global opinion shifts It wasn't a soundbite or a headline that signalled Piers Morgan's evolving stance on Gaza. It was a shift in tone – a colder assessment, a sharper demand for accountability, and a firmer insistence on facts. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Morgan, never one to back away from controversy, appeared less concerned with provocation, and more concerned with principle. For a man long associated with Western media orthodoxy, Morgan's recent commentary on Israel's military campaign has marked a significant pivot. Though he never explicitly said 'I changed my mind,' the message was clear throughout – the facts have changed, and so has he. 'What they're doing now is unjustified, unacceptable, probably illegal – and it needs to stop,' he says of the Israeli military campaign. This statement represents a marked departure for a media figure whose initial reaction to Hamas' October attack reflected the narrative of Israel's 'right to defend itself.' That shift, from supportive understanding to public criticism, mirrors a broader transformation taking place across Western capitals, newsrooms, and public opinion. UAE offers Corporate Tax fine waiver — but deadline looms The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is urging corporate taxpayers across the UAE to register for corporate tax and file returns within the legal deadline to avoid administrative penalties, under a limited-time waiver introduced by Cabinet Decision. The waiver applies to both taxable entities and exempt persons required to register, provided they submit their corporate tax registration and file their first tax return or annual declaration within seven months from the end of their first tax period. The FTA clarified that the exemption from late registration fines only applies to the first tax period, regardless of whether the due date falls before or after the decision came into effect. Dubai real estate: Sales of homes worth more than $2.7m increase tenfold in 4 years; top millionaire neighbourhoods revealed Dubai's prime residential property market has entered its fourth consecutive year of growth, with Savills Middle East reporting sustained increases in both value and volume across the city's most exclusive neighbourhoods. According to the newly released Savills Dubai Prime Residential 2025 report, the number of AED10m+ ($2.7m+) home sales rose from 469 in 2020 to a record-breaking 4,670 in 2024 — a tenfold increase. In Q1 2025 alone, more than 1,300 such properties changed hands, up 31 per cent year-on-year. Dubai real estate: Metro Blue Line to turn infrastructure into wealth generator, says fäm Properties CEO Construction has begun on Dubai's Metro Blue Line expansion, with a property expert predicting the infrastructure project will transform the emirate's urban economy and turn connectivity into real estate currency. Firas Al Msaadi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the Blue Line will have implications for Dubai's real estate market as the city advances its position as a global, liveable, and investable destination. Construction began last week with the laying of the foundation stone for the first station at Dubai Creek Harbour. Abu Dhabi is driving 'significant opportunity' amid UAE real estate surge, experts say While the UAE's real estate spotlight has long been focused on Dubai, Abu Dhabi has been crafting a quieter, yet no less powerful, growth story. In a series of exclusive interviews, leading real estate experts revealed how the capital's property market is becoming a magnet for both domestic and international investors—driven by smart planning, long-term vision, and a wave of infrastructure and lifestyle upgrades. 'Abu Dhabi has surpassed Oslo to become the city with the highest concentration of sovereign wealth,' Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency in Abu Dhabi told Arabian Business.
