Latest news with #Hajj-related
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
FM Araghchi: Iran won't allow any disruption in relations with Saudi Arabia
Saudi Gazette report TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that relations with Saudi Arabia have become a matter of significant concern in light of recent developments, reported. He emphasized that Tehran is keen on maintaining bilateral relations and ensuring that the Hajj season is not affected. Araghchi emphasized that Iran will continue its fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia and will not allow any disruption to them. "The issue of relations with Saudi Arabia is receiving critical attention due to the recent developments. I am in contact with our friends in the mission of the Supreme Leader as well as with the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, to ensure that there is no disruption to the process of sending Iranian pilgrims or Hajj-related arrangements," he said. "We are completely serious about relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The neighborhood policy we initiated some time ago is a very important policy, and Saudi Arabia occupies a very important position in this policy," he added. It is noteworthy that the visit of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Iran and meeting top Iranian leaders last month was instrumental in further improving the bilateral relations between the two countries. During his official visit to the Iranian capital, the Saudi minister met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri.
Leaders
5 days ago
- Leaders
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Sets New Rules, Requirements, Key Changes
In order to ensure safety and order during Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has set new rules, strict deadlines, permit requirements, and penalties for non-compliance. Age Restrictions The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has banned children from accompanying pilgrims during Hajj 2025 season, Gulf News reported. The ministry indicated that the ban aims basically to protect children from every year's crowding during Hajj seasons. 'This measure is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to avoid exposing them to any harm during the pilgrimage,' the ministry added. Hajj Priority The ministry also announced that priority for 2025 Hajj participation will be as always for those who have not performed the Hajj before. Permit Requirements Since April 23, 2025, entry into Makkah was restricted to individuals with valid permits. The Kingdom said that People could enter through city checkpoints if they carry one of the following: A permit to work at the holy sites, issued by authorized bodies A residency card showing Mecca as their registered city A valid Hajj permit obtained through official channels Visa Cut-offs Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah specified April 13 as the final date for Umrah entry to Saudi Arabia, according to Arab News. The ministry also designated April 29 as the final date for Umrah pilgrims to depart the Kingdom in order to intensify the Kingdom's preparations ahead of Hajj 2025. As a result, those who overstay beyond the specified deadlines shall face statutory penalties. In this context, the ministry advised pilgrims and Umrah companies to abide by regulations and instructions. Companies will have to pay an up to SR100,000 fine if they did not report those pilgrims who stay at the Kingdom after the end of their residency period. The authorities also advised all Hajj-related companies and establishments to strongly adhere to the Kingdom's Hajj and Umrah regulations and instructions. According to the statement, fines can reach up to SR100,000, and they vary depending on the number of pilgrims and Umrah performers who violate their departure dates. Apart from this, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has stressed that visit visa holders cannot perform Hajj 2025 according to the official regulations. Based on the new regulations, citizens, residents, and visitors who try to enter Mecca without valid Hajj permits will have to pay a SR10,000 fine. Furthermore, entering main religious sites such as the Holy City, the Central Haram Area, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Haramain Train Station in Rusayfah, and other Hajj-related locations like security control centers and temporary checkpoints requires a Hajj permit. Health Requirements Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has updated the health requirements for the 2025 Hajj season to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims. The new updates seek to boost preventive health, provide high-quality healthcare services, and enhance the efficiency of medical care. Therefore, they will provide guests of Allah with a safe and healthy environment to enjoy their spiritual journey and smoothly perform their rituals in the Holy Sites. Importantly, the updated requirements feature health fitness, vaccinations, preventive measures, and various general health guidelines for those coming to the Kingdom for Hajj or seasonal work in Hajj sites. Recently, the Ministry has also issued health requirements for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom to perform Hajj, visit the Prophet's Mosque, or both. Such requirements include mandatory medical guidelines and precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health. To review the ministry's health requirements, kindly visit the link below: Related Topics: Makkah's Hajj Gifts Ritual Exhibition Attracts over 25,000 Visitors Saudi Arabia Launches AI-Powered App for Hajj 2025 Saudi Arabia Unveils New App Showing Hajj Permits Digitally Short link : Post Views: 2
See - Sada Elbalad
11-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pakistan Cancels 150 Flights Despite Ceasefire Agreement with India
Israa Farhan Pakistan has cancelled about 150 domestic and international flights across the country on Sunday, despite the official reopening of its airspace following a ceasefire agreement with India. According to aviation authority sources, the widespread disruption has affected dozens of routes, including those designated for Hajj pilgrims. The cancellations were primarily attributed to ongoing uncertainty and logistical constraints, as reported by The Nation newspaper. Among the affected services were ten Hajj-related flights, with three scheduled departures from Lahore, two from Islamabad, and one from Multan. The disruption has sparked concern among pilgrims and their families. Airport authorities and airline operators are continuing to closely monitor the situation. Further updates are expected later in the day as efforts are made to stabilise operations and address passenger concerns. The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan had raised hopes of smoother aviation activity in the region, but the current wave of cancellations highlights persistent logistical hurdles within Pakistan's aviation infrastructure. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Gulf Insider
05-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
5 Expats Held for Promoting Fake Hajj Campaign
Saudi authorities are stepping efforts to crack down on fraudulent Hajj activities, arresting five expatriates in Khamis Mushayt, Asir region, for orchestrating a fake Hajj campaign. The group — comprising four Bangladeshi nationals and one Sudanese — was referred to the Public Prosecution after legal procedures were completed. Investigations revealed that the suspects used social media platforms to publish misleading advertisements targeting potential pilgrims. These ads falsely claimed to provide housing and transportation within the holy sites in Mecca, creating a serious risk of financial exploitation and logistical confusion during one of the most sensitive and highly regulated religious events in the Kingdom. Authorities warned that such unlawful campaigns not only endanger pilgrims but also disrupt the efforts of licensed Hajj service providers. Public Security reiterated the importance of verifying all Hajj-related services through official channels and urged the public to report any suspicious activity. Violations can be reported by calling 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom. The government remains committed to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience for all. Also read: African National Arrested for Transporting 4 Women Expats to Makkah Without a Hajj Permit
Arab News
02-05-2025
- Arab News
Saudi Ministry of Interior warns of strict penalties for Hajj permit violations
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Friday it had launched a campaign to prevent violations of Hajj regulations, warning of strict penalties for individuals attempting to perform the pilgrimage without the required permits. As part of its efforts, the ministry has begun enforcing measures aimed at stopping violators from entering or remaining in Makkah and surrounding sacred sites. Authorities have been instructed to arrest violators and take legal action against them, and anyone who assists in the breach of Hajj rules. The ministry announced that individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including those holding any type of visit visa, face fines of up to SR20,000 ($5,333). The crackdown also targets those facilitating unauthorized access to Makkah and the holy sites. Those found guilty of aiding violators, whether by applying for visit visas on their behalf, transporting them, housing them in hotels, apartments or pilgrim accommodations, or otherwise helping them remain in restricted areas, may be fined up to SR100,000. The ministry clarified that penalties will be determined based on the number of violators involved. Offenders, including residents and individuals who overstay or breach Hajj protocols, will face deportation and a ban from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years. In addition, Saudi courts will be asked to confiscate vehicles used in transporting violators if owned by the carrier or any accomplice. Officials have urged the public to strictly follow all Hajj-related regulations, stressing that the measures are in place to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of pilgrims. The ministry has also called on the public to report any violations. Residents in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province can contact authorities via 911, while those in other regions are advised to call 999.
