Latest news with #IslamicHajj
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Gulf News
Hajj 2025: When should pilgrims make customs declaration?
Cairo: With the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage season looming in sight, Saudi authorities have spelt out customs regulations for the faithful to make their holy journey smooth. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on foreign Muslims set to arrive in the kingdom to perform the Hajj rites to complete a customs declaration at the ports of entry and exit if they are carrying more than SR 60,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. The ministry has also called for completing a customs declaration when the pilgrim carries luggage and gifts in commercial quantities, the value of which exceeds SR 3,000. Under Saudi regulations, it is also necessary to submit a customs declaration when the passenger carries items that require the approval of the competent authorities, such as pharmaceutical products. Saudi authorities have warned against possessing prohibited items during the Hajj trip, pointing out that this could cause legal troubles and disrupt the smoothness of the journey. The Ministry of Hajj has urged pilgrims to abide by related instructions and avoid carrying unauthorised drugs, counterfeit currency, rare precious metals, and eavesdropping devices. The ministry has advised pilgrims to visit the website of the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (Zatca) for more details.
Gulf News
26-04-2025
- Gulf News
Hajj 2025: Smart book on pilgrimage launched
Cairo: Saudi Arabia has unveiled a smart guide in several languages for the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, as part of the kingdom's preparations for the annual religious congregation, due this year in early June. The "Smart Book of Hajj Rituals" initiative is an electronic guide available in six languages — Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Malayalam, and Turkish. The guide is accessible in electronic libraries in mosques and aboard flights of the Saudi national carrier, Saudia. It aims to educate pilgrims about the rules and rites of Hajj. The initiative was launched by Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Sheikh Abdullatif Al Al Sheikh, who also heads the ministry's Supreme Committee for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Affairs. It was introduced during a meeting with officials serving in Mecca, home to Islam's holiest mosque. The meeting reviewed Hajj-related plans, including preparations of mosques along pilgrims' routes, various guidance programmes, deployment of translators in international languages at land, sea, and air ports, and the distribution of awareness-raising publications. Hajj is one of Islam's five obligatory duties. Muslims who are physically and financially able must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia launches smart guide for pilgrims
Listen to article Saudi Arabia has launched an electronic guide in six languages to assist pilgrims preparing for this year's Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, set to take place in early June. The "Smart Book of Hajj Rituals" is available in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Malayalam, and Turkish. The guide can be accessed via electronic libraries in mosques and on board flights operated by Saudi Arabia's national carrier, Saudia. The initiative aims to educate pilgrims about the rules and rituals of Hajj. The project was unveiled by Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Sheikh Abdullatif Al Al Sheikh, who also chairs the ministry's Supreme Committee for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Affairs. The launch took place during a meeting with officials serving in Mecca, home to Islam's holiest mosque. The meeting also reviewed broader preparations for the pilgrimage, including the readiness of mosques along pilgrims' travel routes, the rollout of guidance programmes, the deployment of translators in multiple languages at land, sea, and air entry points, and the distribution of educational materials. Hajj is one of Islam's five mandatory pillars. Every Muslim who is physically and financially capable is required to perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. According to official Saudi figures, around 1.8 million Muslims performed Hajj last year, with approximately 1.6 million coming from outside the kingdom.
Gulf Insider
19-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudis Crack Down On Violating Warehouses Ahead Of Hajj
Saudi authorities have shut down 95 unlicensed warehouses of equipment used for serving pilgrims during the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage due this year in June. The violating warehouses were detected during an inspection campaign launched by municipal authorities in the city of Mecca, home to Islam's holiest mosque. The campaign aims to ascertain the compliance of these facilities, providing tents and air conditioning units during the Hajj season, with regulations, a local official has said. 'We have launched a correctional campaign to monitor the warehouses and check their compliance with the health requirements,' spokesman for the Mecca Municipality, Osama Zaytouni, told Saudi television Al Ekhbariya. The campaign, targeting warehouses in Mecca and affiliated governorates, also aims to set up a database on them, he added. Violations detected in the shut warehouses included failure to have efficient safety systems, poor storage and decline in cleaning standards, Al Ekhbariya reported. Saudi Arabia is maximising preparations for the upcoming Hajj season amid iron-clad measures against violators. Earlier this week, authorities started issuing online permits for residents who will be engaged in the Hajj-related works in and around Mecca. The Saudi General Directorate of Passports said it is receiving applications from such workers to obtain entry permits to Mecca through the Ministry of Interior's electronic platform 'Absher' and the Muqeem portal. Entry permits to Mecca are issued through the Muqeem portal to workers in establishments based in the city, holders of seasonal work visas, and those who have employment contracts with those establishments during the Hajj season.
Gulf Insider
18-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Hajj 2025: Friday Deadline For Domestic Pilgrims To Pay Fees
Friday is the deadline for domestic pilgrims to pay the last instalment of fees for the upcoming Islamic Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, authorities in the kingdom have said. The third and final installment constitutes 40% of the fees for the four main packages allocated to domestic pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has said. These packages are available for citizens and Muslim expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia who have chosen to pay the fees over three installments. The first package is pertaining to camps set up in Mina, a valley located around six kilometres east to the holy city of Mecca, to provide a high-quality service with shared accommodation. Prices start from SR10,366, excluding the cost of the transportation programme. The second includes hospitality camps with shared accommodation. Prices start from SR8,092 excluding transportation cost. The third package includes six towers located near the multi-level structure of the Jamarat Bridge where the Hajj symbolic stone-throwing rite is performed. Offering shared accommodation, this package starts with the price of SR13,150, excluding the transportation cost. The fourth package provides accommodation at the Kadana Al Wadi Towers, equipped with advanced facilities and personal services. This package entails meals and shared accommodation options. Its prices start from SR12,537. In February, the ministry opened registration for Saudis and Muslim foreign residents wishing to perform this year's Hajj rites due in June. The ministry said priority in registration is given to those who had not previously performed Hajj, except for the escort of the eligible pilgrim.
