Latest news with #Ihram
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Airports Launches Major Operational Plan to Support Hajj Pilgrims
Dubai Airports has activated a large-scale operational plan at Dubai International (DXB) to ensure a smooth and seamless travel experience for over 3,100 pilgrims departing for Hajj 2025. The initiative, launched in coordination with government and airline partners, is designed to manage one of the busiest travel periods of the year, coinciding with Eid Al Adha and the summer peak. Pilgrims will travel on 28 dedicated flights operated by Emirates, flydubai, Saudia, and flynas. The official Dubai Government delegation will depart on 1 June from Terminal 3. Dubai Airports, working alongside the oneDXB community—which includes Dubai Police, GDRFA, Customs, dnata, and others—has implemented several key measures. These include dedicated check-in counters across Terminals 1, 2, and 3, multilingual support staff, prayer rooms, and Ihram changing facilities. Designated baggage belts have also been assigned for the safe handling of Zamzam water. Pilgrims are advised to arrive at DXB at least four hours before departure and carry essential documents such as a passport, Emirates ID, Hajj permit, and vaccination certificate. Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said the collaborative effort aims to ensure pilgrims 'depart with confidence and return with ease.' Return flights are expected between 9 and 12 June, with preparations in place to provide coordinated baggage support and a warm reception, including a token of appreciation. The Hajj travel period is expected to overlap with a sharp rise in overall passenger traffic, further emphasizing the importance of this well-coordinated operation. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Saudia launches transformative expansion of Hajj operations
KARACHI: Saudia Airlines has announced a transformative expansion of its Hajj operations, marking what the company calls a 'new era' in pilgrimage travel that extends far beyond traditional air transportation services. For the Hajj 2025 season, scheduled for June 4-9 pending lunar observations, the Saudi national flag carrier is positioning itself as a comprehensive service partner rather than merely an airline, introducing revolutionary products and services designed to enhance the spiritual journey for millions of pilgrims worldwide. The airline has allocated over one million seats across its modern fleet of 158 aircraft, targeting a market share of up to 35% while serving pilgrims from more than 100 global destinations. The operation will mobilize over 11,000 frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians across a 74-day operational window. 'Hajj remains one of our top national priorities,' said H.E. Engr Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia. 'This year, we are proud to not only manage air operations at full capacity but to also extend our role to become a direct service provider to pilgrims.' The airline is investing over SAR 100 million (approximately USD 26.7 million) in infrastructure and services across Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, creating what Al-Omar describes as 'thoughtfully curated service packages' that will redefine the concept of Hajj service delivery. Perhaps the most striking innovation is Saudia's introduction of 'The Coolest Ihram' — the world's first high-tech Ihram garment, unveiled on World Creativity and Innovation Day. Developed in collaboration with design firm Landor and textile technology company brrr, the garment represents a significant advancement in pilgrim comfort and safety. The revolutionary Ihram incorporates patented cooling minerals, active wicking technology, and rapid-drying capabilities that can reduce skin temperature by up to 2°C (3.6°F). The garment also provides UPF 50+ sun protection while maintaining full compliance with Islamic requirements for both men and women. The product will be available to Saudia passengers beginning in June 2025. This innovation addresses a critical need, as pilgrims often face extreme heat conditions during the Hajj, with temperatures in Saudi Arabia frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the pilgrimage season. Saudia's transformation extends well beyond transportation. The airline is establishing dedicated rest areas, restaurants, and coffee lounges inspired by its premium AlFursan airport lounges at the holy sites. These facilities will be staffed by multilingual personnel to ensure seamless communication with the diverse international pilgrim population. The enhanced service portfolio includes specialized accommodation arrangements, diverse halal meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and educational programs developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Morocco World
23-05-2025
- Morocco World
Moroccan Pilgrims to Enter Ihram During Flight as Hajj Trips Head Straight to Mecca
Rabat – The Moroccan Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has announced that starting Monday, May 26, all Moroccan pilgrims traveling under the official Hajj program will fly directly from airports in Morocco to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. All these flights will land at Jeddah Airport, after which pilgrims will go straight to Mecca, according to a statement from the ministry. Pilgrims are required to carry their Ihram garments and wear them on the plane, as they will enter the state of Ihram during the flight when they pass over the Miqat zone of Rabigh. The first flight to follow this new route will be SV3320, departing from Rabat-Sale International Airport at 5:05 a.m. on Monday, May 26. Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. It is a deeply spiritual journey, where Muslims from around the world gather to worship, reflect, and seek forgiveness. Pilgrims, also known as 'Hajjis,' wear simple white garments called Ihram to show unity and equality. The journey includes a series of rituals performed over several days in and around Mecca. As the Hajj season begins, King Mohammed VI recently addressed Moroccan pilgrims with a message reminding them that they are ambassadors of Morocco and urged them to represent their country with dignity and honor. The King called on the pilgrims to display values of tolerance, respect, solidarity, and discipline throughout their journey. He said that these values reflect the true image of Morocco and its culture. Tags: HajjihramMoroccoSaudi Arabia
Al Arabiya
20-05-2025
- Al Arabiya
Hajj 2025: All you need to know about the annual pilgrimage to Mecca
Millions of Muslims around the world are preparing for Hajj 2025, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the most significant spiritual journeys in the religion of Islam. Hajj is expected to take place from June 4 to June 9, pending confirmation from Saudi Arabia's official moon-sighting committee. A pilar of Islam Hajj is one of the 'Five Pillars' of Islam, making it obligatory for all physically and financially able Muslims at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage occurs during Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, and involves a series of rituals performed over five to six days. The Hajj pilgrimage encompasses several significant rituals: Ihram: Pilgrims begin by entering a state of spiritual purity known as ihram. This includes wearing simple, white garments and abstaining from certain actions such as cutting hair or nails, arguing, and engaging in sexual activity. Tawaf and Sai: Pilgrims perform seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba (tawaf), followed by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa (sai). Mina: Pilgrims travel to Mina, a tent city outside Mecca, and spend the night in prayer and reflection. Arafat: The Day of Arafat, which falls on the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, is considered one of the most important days, not just of Hajj, but of the entire Islamic calendar. After making the 15-kilometer journey from Mina, pilgrims then spend the day at Jabal Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahmah – or Mount of Mercy – in reverent prayer known as wuquf. The site is particularly revered as the place where the Prophet Mohammed delivered his last sermon. Many Muslims around the world also choose to fast on this day. Muzdalifah: After sunset, pilgrims then proceed to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles for the next day's ritual and spend the night under the open sky. Ramy al-Jamarat: After arriving back to Mina, pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of the devil by casting pebbles at three pillars, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Satan's temptation. Eid al-Adha: Eid al-Adha will take place on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. The date of the holiday is yet to be determined. Animal sacrifice: Pilgrims partake in the ritual slaughter of a lamb, reflecting Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform another circumambulation of the Kaaba, signifying a deeper purification. Farewell Tawaf: Before departing Mecca, pilgrims perform a final tawaf, marking the conclusion of their pilgrimage. Warnings against fraudulent Hajj visas, unauthorized agents Ahead of the 2025 season, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued stern warnings against dealing with unauthorized travel agents and fraudulent Hajj campaigns. Pilgrims have been urged to book exclusively through the official Nusuk platform to secure legitimate Hajj packages. The Ministry of Interior announced that individuals found assisting or sheltering holders of invalid visas, such as tourist or visit visas, during the Hajj season may face fines up to $26,600 (100,000 SAR). Repeat offenses could lead to increased penalties. Additionally, misleading advertisements on social media promoting fake Hajj services have been reported. Pilgrims are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any Hajj-related offers and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: Fashion Commission launches research into sustainable recycling of Ihram clothing
RIYADH — The Fashion Commission has released a research paper titled "Recycling Ihram Clothing: Environmental Sustainability in Hajj and Umrah," which focuses on the Sustainable Ihram Initiative launched by the commission in February 2025 and its potential to radically change textile recycling management both within Saudi Arabia and abroad. This initiative represents Saudi Arabia's first steps in the field of recycled fashion, as it combines and preserves the religious aspect, aspects of cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility. It also seeks to transform discarded ihram clothing into sustainable clothing for the guests of God, embodying a commitment to rational resource management while preserving and emphasizing the great spiritual significance of this sacred ritual. Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, explained that the Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a vivid embodiment of the power of cooperation and concerted efforts between local and international partners, and their unwavering commitment to advancing the circular economy and developing the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia. Mustafa Bukhari, CEO of Tadweem, the Fashion Commission's partner in the Sustainable Ihram Project, pointed out that recycling and reusing ihram garments goes beyond being mere clothing for worship; it represents an authentic expression that blends the depth of faith with the principles of responsible environmental stewardship. By aligning the values of faith with sustainability practices, it establishes a legacy based on the optimal use of resources, while preserving the profound spiritual essence of the Hajj and Umrah rituals. The research paper analyzes the deep cultural symbolism of Ihram garments, their status, and their importance to pilgrims and Umrah performers visiting the Holy House of God. It also examines the promising potential for expanding Ihram garment recycling projects, assessing their effective impact in reducing the growing volume of textile waste, and reviewing strategies to promote and encourage the use of recycled Ihram garments. It also raises awareness of the importance of this initiative among pilgrims, highlighting the pivotal role of technology and innovation in developing recycling processes to produce high-quality, sustainable recycled textiles and products. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
