Latest news with #ChamberofTourismCompanies
Economic Key
3 days ago
- Economic Key
Alaa Mohdar, Five-Star Hajj Mutawwif, Begins Receiving Mina and Arafat
Saudi mutawwif Alaa Al-Din Mohdar, responsible for serving Egyptian pilgrims under the premium (5-star) tourism Hajj program, announced that the process of receiving the designated camps in Mina and Arafat has officially begun. He confirmed that preparations are underway in full compliance with the regulations set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, as well as the guidelines issued by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Mohdar emphasized the strong cooperation between all relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who are working tirelessly to ensure a successful Hajj season and to provide exceptional services to pilgrims. In a media statement, Mohdar revealed that this year's camps will feature pleasant surprises for pilgrims, including the introduction of new technologies and first-time services that mark a significant advancement in the field of mutawwif services and pilgrim care. These efforts align with the directives of the Saudi government and its commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of the guests of Allah. He noted that these initiatives are being closely monitored around the clock by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with relevant Egyptian entities responsible for the 5-star Hajj category — particularly the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Chamber of Tourism Companies. Mohdar also mentioned that several coordination meetings have been held between the Egyptian Chamber of Tourism Companies, Saudi service providers, and support centers, with the goal of ensuring the highest standard of service for Egyptian pilgrims. 'During these meetings, all concerns were addressed, and efforts were aligned to provide reliable catering, accommodation, and transportation services — ensuring a safe and successful Hajj season for Egyptian pilgrims,' he said. He concluded by extending his gratitude to all parties supporting pilgrim services, particularly the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. He also praised the collaboration between Egyptian tourism companies and Saudi service providers, stating that this partnership is a strong indicator of an outstanding and successful Hajj season for Egyptian pilgrims — especially those in the premium (5-star) programs. تم نسخ الرابط
Egypt Independent
27-04-2025
- Egypt Independent
Tourism delegation reviews Hajj preparations in Saudi Arabia
A delegation from Egypt's Chamber of Tourism Companies concluded a visit to Saudi Arabia to review preparations for Egyptian pilgrims ahead of the Hajj season. The delegation held meetings with Saudi tawafa companies, including Al-Mashariq Al-Masiya and Al-Rajhi, to discuss organizational and service arrangements, covering hospitality, transport, and religious guidance for tourism pilgrims. Talks addressed ways of improving facilities at Mina and Arafat, focusing on upgraded tents with air conditioning and enhanced logistical support. The delegation also inspected the camps designated for Egyptian pilgrims to assess infrastructure readiness. Both sides agreed to maintain coordination to ensure services meet the highest standards during the pilgrimage.
CairoScene
23-04-2025
- CairoScene
Grand Egyptian Museum to Close in June for Final Preparations
The museum will close from June 15th to July 5th to complete final preparations ahead of its long-awaited official opening. Apr 23, 2025 The Grand Egyptian Museum will temporarily close its doors from June 15th to July 5th, 2025, to carry out final preparations ahead of its full public opening. According to an official notice issued by Egypt's Chamber of Tourism Companies, travel agencies have been instructed not to include the museum in any tour itineraries during this period. The closure is intended to allow for crucial logistical and administrative work as the museum finalises exhibition layouts, visitor services, and technical operations ahead of its grand inauguration. This marks one of the final phases before the museum opens in full to the public, after years of anticipation and phased soft openings. The Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Giza Plateau, is set to become one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. It will house more than 100,000 artefacts, including the complete collection of items from the tomb of Tutankhamun, many of which will be on display together for the first time. In the same notice, the Chamber also reminded tourism companies of final administrative deadlines related to the 2025 Hajj season. Documentation and visa issuance processes for pilgrims are expected to conclude by April 24th. The Grand Egyptian Museum is seen as a cornerstone of Egypt's strategy to revitalise its tourism sector, offering a state-of-the-art cultural experience that reflects the scale and legacy of the country's ancient civilisation.
Times of Oman
08-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Saudi Arabia halts short-term visas for 14 nations including India and Pakistan, ahead of Hajj
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary halt on issuing new short-term visas to citizens of 14 countries -- including India, Pakistan, and Egypt -- as part of its efforts to better manage the flow of travellers ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, Gulf News reported. The suspension, which comes into effect on April 13, will apply to business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas. Other countries affected by the ban include Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya. According to Saudi officials, travellers from these countries who already hold valid visas will still be allowed entry into the Kingdom until April 13, but must leave no later than April 29, reported Gulf News. The move comes in response to logistical issues and overcrowding experienced during the last Hajj season, when a significant number of pilgrims reportedly entered the country using non-Hajj-specific visas. Authorities say the restriction aims to improve coordination and ensure a safer and more organised pilgrimage this year. Basil Al Sisi, a member of Egypt's Chamber of Tourism Companies, said during a televised interview, "Authorities have identified the countries that contributed to the crisis last year," referring to individuals who performed Hajj using short-term or non-Hajj-specific visas. In a related update, Saudi Arabia has issued revised guidelines for Umrah visa issuance and travel. The new regulations state that Umrah visas will be issued each year starting on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and will close by the 1st of Shawwal. Entry for Umrah pilgrims will be permitted from Dhu Al Hijjah 14 until Shawwal 15, and all pilgrims must exit by the 1st of Dhu Al Qa'dah, Gulf News reported. The Kingdom has reiterated that all individuals performing religious pilgrimages must obtain the appropriate visa type and warned of legal consequences for those who fail to comply.
Gulf Insider
07-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Suspends Short-Term Visas For 14 Countries, Including India And Pakistan, Ahead Of Hajj Season
Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension on issuing new short-term visas — including business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas — for citizens of 14 countries, as part of ongoing efforts to regulate travel ahead of the upcoming Hajj season. The moratorium, set to take effect on April 13, 2025, applies to nationals of India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya. Travellers from these countries who currently hold valid visas may still enter the Kingdom until April 13, and must exit no later than April 29. The move follows logistical challenges and overcrowding witnessed during the last Hajj season, when large numbers of pilgrims reportedly entered the country using visas not intended for pilgrimage purposes. Saudi authorities said the new restrictions aim to better coordinate arrivals and ensure the safety and organization of the upcoming pilgrimage. Basil Al Sisi, a member of Egypt's Chamber of Tourism Companies, said during a televised interview that the decision stems from lessons learned during the previous Hajj season. 'Authorities have identified the countries that contributed to the crisis last year,' he said, referring to individuals who performed Hajj using short-term or non-Hajj-specific visas. In a related announcement, Saudi officials issued updated guidance regarding Umrah travel logistics. The issuance of Umrah visas will begin each year on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and conclude by the 1st of Shawwal. Entry for Umrah pilgrims into the Kingdom will be permitted from Dhu Al Hijjah 14 until Shawwal 15, with all pilgrims required to leave by the 1st of Dhu Al Qa'dah. The Kingdom has repeatedly emphasized the importance of obtaining the appropriate visa type for religious travel and warned of legal consequences for those who fail to comply.
