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Gulf News
02-05-2025
- Gulf News
Saudi Arabia: Rare stillness at the mataf as Hajj season begins, Umrah season ends
Dubai: In an unusual and rare scene, the mataf — the white marble-paved area surrounding the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca — has recently seen nearly empty, marking a rare moment of calm ahead of the annual Hajj season. Only a small number of foreign pilgrims arriving on the first day of permitted Hajj entry were seen performing tawaf, the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba. Video footage captured the near emptiness of the mataf, a space typically thronged with worshippers throughout the year. The scene is the result of strict entry measures enforced by Saudi authorities to prepare for Hajj 1446H (2025). As of April 29, individuals not holding a Hajj visa or official permit are barred from staying in or entering Mecca. The Ministry of Tourism has instructed all travel agencies and hospitality providers in the holy city to refrain from booking or checking in anyone without valid Hajj documentation or authorised work or residency permits in Mecca. These measures follow an earlier directive issued by the Directorate of Public Security banning all expatriates without official permits from entering Mecca starting April 23. The measures are part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to ensure the safety, security, and ease of movement for Hajj pilgrims. By restricting access solely to those with the proper documentation, authorities aim to maintain order and enable the smooth organisation of the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Tuesday, April 29, was also the final day for Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom. It reiterated that all visa holders, aside from those issued Hajj visas, are now prohibited from entering or staying in Mecca. Additionally, Umrah permit issuance through the Nusuk platform has been suspended until June 10 for both Saudi citizens and residents, as well as holders of other visa types. As the Hajj season officially begins, the number of pilgrims in the Grand Mosque is expected to increase steadily in the coming days as pilgrims from across the globe continue to arrive in the Kingdom for their once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey.
Saudi Gazette
30-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Mataf nearly empty as entry to Makkah restricted to Hajj visa holders
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The mataf (the white marble-paved circumambulating area around the Holy Kaaba) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah is witnessing a rare scene of nearly empty of pilgrims and worshipers on Tuesday, Dhul Qada 1, corresponding to April 29. Only a small number of foreign Hajj pilgrims who landed on Tuesday, the first day of the pilgrims' arrival, were seen performing their ritual of tawaf on the day, marking the beginning of the annual Hajj season and end of the Umrah season. Video footage showed a scene in the mataf as it was largely free from the usual crowding. This is caused mainly because of the enforcement of a ban on non-Hajj visa holders to stay in Makkah from April 29 until the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Grand Mosque will witness a gradual increase in the number of foreign pilgrims over the coming days when pilgrims from several countries start flocking to the holy city undertaking their lifetime spiritual journey. The Saudi authorities have issued directives to impose ban on accommodation for non-Hajj visa holders in Makkah during the Hajj season 2025. The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that from April 29, until the end of the Hajj, all travel and tourist agencies and accommodation facilities in Makkah must not complete booking or check-in procedures for incoming or resident visa holders, except for those who hold a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency in Makkah during the Hajj season. One week ago, the Directorate of Public Security had imposed a ban for all expatriates, without an official permit, for entering Makkah effective from April 23. All these measures come as part of Saudi Arabia's preparations for the Hajj season. It has implemented a number of arrangements and measures aimed at preserving the safety of pilgrims and enabling them to perform the Hajj rituals in ease and comfort. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Tuesday was the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom. All visa holders, except those with Hajj visas, are prohibited from entering or remaining in Makkah. The ministry had already suspended the issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform for citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom, and holders of other visas, until Dhul Hijjah 14.
Saudi Gazette
30-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Mataf nearly empty after the ban for non-Hajj visa holders to stay in Makkah comes into effect
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The mataf (the white marble-paved circumambulating area around the Holy Kaaba) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah is witnessing a rare scene of nearly empty of pilgrims and worshipers on Tuesday, Dhul Qada 1, corresponding to April 29. Only a small number of foreign Hajj pilgrims who landed on Tuesday, the first day of the pilgrims' arrival, were seen performing their ritual of tawaf on the day, marking the beginning of the annual Hajj season and end of the Umrah season. Video footage showed a striking scene in the mataf as it was largely free from the usual crowding. This is caused mainly because of the enforcement of a ban on non-Hajj visa holders to stay in Makkah from April 29 until the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Grand Mosque will witness a gradual increase in the number of foreign pilgrims over the coming days when pilgrims from several countries start flocking to the holy city undertaking their lifetime spiritual journey. The Saudi authorities have issued directives to impose ban on accommodation for non-Hajj visa holders in Makkah during the Hajj season 2025. The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that from April 29, until the end of the Hajj, all travel and tourist agencies and accommodation facilities in Makkah must not complete booking or check-in procedures for incoming or resident visa holders, except for those who hold a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency in Makkah during the Hajj season. One week ago, the Directorate of Public Security had imposed a ban for all expatriates, without an official permit, for entering Makkah effective from April 23. All these measures come as part of Saudi Arabia's preparations for the Hajj season. It has implemented a number of arrangements and measures aimed at preserving the safety of pilgrims and enabling them to perform the Hajj rituals in ease and comfort. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Tuesday was the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom. All visa holders, except those with Hajj visas, are prohibited from entering or remaining in Makkah. The ministry had already suspended the issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform for citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom, and holders of other visas, until Dhul Hijjah 14.
Gulf Insider
24-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: Expats Without Official Permits Now Banned From Entering Mecca
Saudi Arabia's Directorate of Public Security has announced that expatriates without official permits are now barred from entering Mecca. Only individuals with: A Mecca-issued residency or work permit (iqama) Or an official Hajj permitwill be allowed entry into the holy city. As part of Hajj 2025 preparations, security checkpoints at all entry points to Mecca will turn back any non-compliant individuals. The move is part of broader efforts to manage the flow of pilgrims and maintain public safety during the pilgrimage season. Permits for entry must be obtained through the official 'Absher', 'Muqeem', or 'Tasreeh' digital platforms. The Ministry of Interior emphasized that no visa types, other than an approved Hajj visa, will be accepted for entry into or residence in Mecca during this period. The ministry also warned that sponsors who fail to report overstaying expatriates could face up to six months in prison and fines of SR50,000.
Saudi Gazette
23-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Expatriates, without an official permit, banned from entering Makkah
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Directorate of Public Security has announced that expatriates, without an official permit, are banned from entering Makkah, effective from Wednesday, April 23. The directorate stated that those residents who hold one of the following documents will be exempted from this ban: a work permit or a residency permit (iqama) issued in Makkah, or a Hajj permit. Expatriates without the required permits will be turned back from the security checkpoints at the entry points of Makkah. The enforcement of this regulation aims to regulate access to Makkah during the Hajj season and ensure smooth movement and security for pilgrims. Permits for entering Makkah during the Hajj season are issued electronically through the 'Absher Individuals' platform and the 'Muqeem' portal, in coordination with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, 'Tasreeh.' The Ministry of Interior also renewed its warning that it is prohibited to enter or stay in the city of Makkah for holders of all types of visas, with the exception of those arriving with a Hajj visa, starting next Tuesday, April 29.
