Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateOfPassports
Zawya
27-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Over 1.1mln pilgrims land in Saudi Arabia as preparations are in full swing for Hajj
The General Directorate of Passports announced that a total of 1,102,469 pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia from abroad through the Kingdom's air, land, and sea entry points by the end of Monday, May 26. It stated that out of this total, 1,044,341 pilgrims arrived through airports, 53,850 via land border crossings, and 4,278 through sea ports. The directorate also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to facilitating entry procedures for pilgrims by equipping all international ports with advanced technologies operated by highly trained, multilingual personnel. Saudi Arabia has completed elaborate preparations and flawless arrangements for a hassle-free Hajj, featuring seamless pilgrim experience and digital integration. The Saudi authorities have reiterated the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to leveraging all capabilities to serve pilgrims within an integrated system. They stated that these efforts reflect the wise leadership's directives and align with Saudi Vision 2030's goals to facilitate Hajj rituals and enhance quality of services so as to enable the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The National
26-05-2025
- The National
Saudi Arabia calls on Muslims to sight Dhu Al Hijja Moon ahead of Hajj
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has called on Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon on Tuesday evening that would signal the start of the Muslim lunar month Dhu Al Hijja ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage season. Tuesday is the 29th of Dhu Al Qadah and if the crescent moon is sighted that day, the month of Dhu Al Hijja, during which Hajj takes place, will start on Wednesday May 28. In this case, the first day of Eid Al Adha will take place on Friday June 6. If the crescent moon is not sighted on Tuesday evening, Dhu Al Hijja will start on Thursday and the first day of Eid will be on Saturday June 7. The court also urged anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to promptly report to the nearest court and submit their testimony. A total of 961,903 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the kingdom's General Directorate of Passports has announced. About 912,598 pilgrims entered through airports, 45,028 through land crossings, and 4,277 by sea, according to the directorate, and reported by Saudi Press Agency Spa. The directorate said it is committed to enabling smooth entry procedures by equipping all international entry points with advanced technology and posting highly trained, multilingual staff. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be undertaken by all Muslims who have the means at least once in their lives. It is one of the world's largest religious gatherings. The kingdom had announced a range of penalties for people violating regulations during the event, one of the largest mass gatherings in the world. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry said on Monday that security troops arrested five residents and nine citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 44 individuals without Hajj permits. The ministry said that seasonal administrative committees issued decisions against the transporters, their accomplices and the unauthorised pilgrims, Spa reported. Penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 riyals (26,666 US dollars), public naming of the violators and deportation of resident offenders with a 10-year re-entry ban to Saudi Arabia after serving their sentences, the ministry said The ministry also initiated judicial measures to confiscate the vehicles used in the offences and imposed a fine of up to 20,000 riyals on visitors who attempt to perform Hajj without a permit. The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure a safe and secure Hajj for all. Preparations in full swing The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has announced the readiness of the Mataf (circumambulation area) to receive pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, Spa reported. The authority confirmed that the Mataf area is now equipped to accommodate up to 107,000 circumambulatory per hour across several levels, including the ground floor, first floor, first mezzanine, second mezzanine and rooftop. The total worshipper capacity across all levels has reached 203,000. It further noted that the entire Mataf area has been dedicated exclusively for circumambulation, with several primary and secondary entrances allocated to enable access. Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid has been appointed preacher at this year's Hajj on the Day of Arafah (the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah), the Presidency of Religious Affairs announced. Mount Arafat is a granite hill about 20km from the Kaaba. Ascending it is the most important rite in the annual pilgrimage of Hajj for millions of Muslims. The Day of Arafah takes place on the second day of Hajj, when pilgrims make their way to Mount Arafat where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Zawya
Saudi: Over 960,000 arrive as influx of pilgrims gains momentum ahead of Haj
MAKKAH — The General Directorate of Passports has reported that as of Saturday, May 24, a total of 961,903 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj of 2025 through air, land, and sea ports. According to the directorate, 912,598 pilgrims entered via airports, 45,028 through land crossings, and 4,277 by sea. The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating smooth entry procedures by equipping all international entry points with advanced technology and deploying highly trained, multilingual staff. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Business
26-05-2025
- Gulf Business
Nearly 962,000 pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj
Image: Getty Images A total of 961,903 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, according to the General Directorate of Passports, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on May 25. The directorate said 912,598 pilgrims entered the kingdom via airports, 45,028 through land crossings, and 4,277 by sea, as the kingdom prepares to host one of the world's largest religious gatherings. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth arrival experience by equipping all international entry points with advanced technology and deploying highly trained, multilingual staff. Kingdom cracks down on Hajj regulation violaters Meanwhile, the Seasonal administrative committees have issued decisions against the transporters, their accomplices, and the unauthorised pilgrims. Penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to SAR100,000, deportation of resident offenders with a The Ministry of Interior further warned that individuals who shelter or attempt to shelter holders of any type of visit visa in residential accommodations—including hotels, apartments, private homes, or pilgrim housing — within Makkah and the holy sites from Dhu Al-Qi'dah 1 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14 will face penalties of up to SAR100,000. The fines will increase based on the number of individuals sheltered or assisted. The ministry reiterated the importance of following Hajj regulations and encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Syrian pilgrims arrive at Jeddah airport
RIYADH: The first flights of pilgrims from the Syrian Arab Republic for the 2025 Hajj season have arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This Hajj season is the second since pilgrimage for Syrians resumed in 2024 after a 12-year hiatus, and the first following the implementation of a new regime under the leadership of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in January, marking a new era of relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia. All entry procedures were completed in an orderly and trouble-free manner, a reflection of the Kingdom's continuous efforts for providing a safe journey for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The General Directorate of Passports has eased entry procedures by utilizing multilingual personnel to assist pilgrims from around the world, and supplying advanced technologies at entry points. The directorate has reaffirmed its preparedness to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims at all of the Kingdom's international airports, land border crossings, and seaports. It has also stressed that it is working in cooperation with all relevant authorities in the Kingdom to guarantee a smooth and honorable pilgrimage for all.
