Latest news with #Hajj-related
Saudi Gazette
21-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Railways transports 8 million passengers, 15 million tons of freight in H1 2025 performance
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced record operational results for the first half of 2025, transporting 7.93 million passengers across over 21,000 trips on its North, East, and Haramain High-Speed train networks — an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The strong performance was bolstered by exceptional service during the Hajj season, which saw 1.2 million pilgrims transported via the Haramain line and 1.8 million via the Mashair Metro, totaling over 2,100 Hajj-related train journeys. On the freight side, SAR moved 14.93 million tons of minerals and goods — up 13% year-on-year — helping remove over 700,000 truck trips from the Kingdom's roads. This shift resulted in fuel savings exceeding 72 million liters and a reduction of 190,000 tons in carbon emissions, supporting Saudi Arabia's environmental sustainability goals and logistics efficiency targets. SAR CEO Dr. Bashar Al-Malik said the figures reflect the company's commitment to providing sustainable, efficient transport solutions in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. Beyond operations, SAR continues to deliver long-term economic and environmental impact. Its local content initiative, part of the 'Asasat' program, is on track to surpass 60% by the end of the year, supporting national industries and creating quality job opportunities for Saudi talent. Al-Malik also emphasized SAR's vital role in advancing the Saudi Green Initiative by reducing emissions, lowering reliance on conventional trucking, and offering cleaner alternatives that enhance quality of life in cities across the Kingdom.
Gulf Insider
11-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Warns Pilgrims: Leave Before Hajj Visa Expires Or Face Penalties
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on all pilgrims to leave the Kingdom before the expiration of their Hajj visas, highlighting the importance of respecting regulations and avoiding legal consequences associated with overstaying. In an official statement, the ministry said that timely departure is not only a legal obligation but also a respect for the Kingdom's regulations and the annual pilgrimage season. 'Abiding by the designated departure period preserves the integrity of Hajj procedures and ensures ongoing facilitation for all guests of God,' the ministry said. The ministry further stressed that pilgrims must comply with all relevant laws, use their visas strictly for the purposes of Hajj, and avoid any involvement with unlicensed agents or activities beyond the permitted period. Failure to comply could result in legal penalties or future travel restrictions. Government authorities have launched an extensive departure operation, with the General Directorate of Passports deploying staff and advanced technologies across all international air, land, and sea exit points. 'We have mobilized personnel and security systems to ensure an efficient and orderly exit process for pilgrims,' the directorate said. In the Medina Region, local authorities have started farewelling pilgrims departing via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Many are spending time in the city after Hajj to visit the Prophet's Mosque before returning home. To streamline the process, a dedicated program coordinates transfers from residences to the airport, overseen by the regional Hajj and Visit Committee. The airport saw significant traffic during the pre-Hajj phase, welcoming 719,400 pilgrims, nearly half of all air-arriving Hajj pilgrims this year on 1,910 flights from 196 cities across 53 countries. That figure represented 60 percent of all Hajj-related flights arriving at Saudi airports this season.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to leave before Hajj visa expiry; warns of legal action for overstay
Saudi Arabia 's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a clear reminder to all pilgrims to exit the Kingdom before their Hajj visas expire. The ministry emphasised that leaving on time is not only a legal requirement but also a gesture of respect for the Kingdom's rules and the sacred nature of the pilgrimage. In an official statement, the ministry said, 'Abiding by the designated departure period preserves the integrity of Hajj procedures and ensures ongoing facilitation for all guests of God.' Authorities have warned that failure to depart before the visa's expiration can lead to legal penalties and possible travel restrictions in the future. The ministry reiterated that Hajj visas are strictly for pilgrimage purposes. Pilgrims must not engage in unauthorized activities or work, and must avoid unlicensed agents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Side Sleepers With Neck Pain: Try This "Pillow Trick" Tonight Sleep Digest Publication Learn More Undo To manage the exit process, the General Directorate of Passports has launched a wide-scale departure operation. This includes deploying personnel and advanced technology across all international air, land, and sea exit points. 'We have mobilized personnel and security systems to ensure an efficient and orderly exit process for pilgrims,' the directorate said in an official statement. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) In Medina, local authorities have started assisting departing pilgrims at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Many pilgrims stay in the city post-Hajj to visit the Prophet's Mosque before heading home. A dedicated transport program is facilitating smooth transfers from residences to the airport, coordinated by the regional Hajj and Visit Committee. Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU Saudi Arabia reopens Umrah visas from June 10 after concluding Hajj season Saudi Arabia imposes no travel ban on Indians; Temporary restrictions linked to Hajj season: Sources Saudi Arabia prepares for 'worst case scenario' as extreme heat looms over Hajj 2025 This year, the Medina airport played a key role in the Hajj season, welcoming 719,400 pilgrims on 1,910 flights from 196 cities across 53 countries, accounting for 60% of all Hajj-related air traffic in Saudi Arabia. Authorities continue to remind visitors that Hajj regulations are strictly enforced to ensure the safety, order, and spiritual focus of the pilgrimage.
India.com
02-06-2025
- India.com
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia denies permission to 269678 Muslims from entering Mecca, imposes penalties on..., revokes licenses of...
Hajj 2025 Mecca: Authorities in Saudi Arabia are cracking down on illegal journeys to Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage after a larger number of deaths last year due to extreme summer heat. Saudi Arabia has barred more than 269,000 unauthorized individuals from entering Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The government holds unauthorized pilgrims responsible for overcrowding during Hajj. The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorised pilgrimages, as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently an estimated 1.4 million Muslims in Mecca, with more expected to arrive in the coming days. 1.4 Million Muslims Arrive in Mecca Around 1.4 million Muslims have arrived in Mecca so far, according to the officials. Anyone attempting to perform Hajj without official permission may face penalties, including a fine of up to 5,000 US dollars and other punitive actions such as deportation. At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering. Only permit holders are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round. Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies. Fines Imposed on Saudi Residents as Well The officials have added that they prevented 269,678 Muslims without proper permits from entering the city. According to regulations, only those with valid permits are allowed to perform Hajj, even if they have been residing in the city for a year. Authorities have fined more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj rules and have revoked the licenses of 400 companies involved in Hajj-related services. Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. This period falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, although the exact timing may vary slightly based on the lunar cycle.
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- 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.
