Latest news with #KingAbdulAzizInternationalAirport
The Star
11-05-2025
- The Star
Saudi Arabia nabs 30 Indonesian 'pilgrims' for visa violation
An employee places a special shoulder strap on the luggage of haj pilgrims on May 6, 2025, at the Donohudan haj dormitory in Boyolali, Central Java. - Antara JAKARTA: Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested 30 Indonesian travellers at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah for entering the country to go on haj without the appropriate visa. Instead of the visas issued specifically for the haj and umrah (minor pilgrimage), the group had arrived on a type of visit visa known as ziarah, which allows foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia for a certain period to pursue non-pilgrimage activities, such as visiting family or travelling to historical sites. The entry date for holders of the ziarah visa ended on April 13, after which only haj visa holders may enter to complete the pilgrimage. But ziarah visa holders can still enter Saudi Arabia for non-pilgrimage activities. 'They paid Rp 150 million [US$9,090] for the visa, despite being fully aware that their visa cannot be used for haj,' Indonesian Consul General in Jeddah Yuson B. Ambary said on Thursday, as quoted by Yusron said the consulate general in Jeddah had previously received a notice from Saudi immigration authorities that 50 Indonesians had tried to enter the country for haj using the seasonal worker visa and were immediately deported. Hilman Latief, director general of haj and umrah organisation at the Religious Affairs Ministry, repeatedly warned potential pilgrims that they would not be allowed to enter Mecca without the haj visa. 'Be careful of parties offering [visa] services without legal clarity to avoid potential fraud,' Hilman said on May 1 during the send-off ceremony for the first group of Indonesian pilgrims, as quoted by Local officials noted that some travel agencies offered a more affordable haj package compared to the government's and promised easier processing, but had provided customers with tourist visas instead. Foreign visitors caught attempting to go on haj without the proper visa can face sanctions such as a maximum fine of 10,000 Saudi Arabian riyal (Rp 440 million), detention or deportation. Riyadh has increased patrols and surveillance in a clampdown on illegal pilgrims for haj 2025, which runs from June 4 to 9. It has granted Indonesia a quota of 221,000 pilgrims this year. An estimated 1.8 million Muslims from across the globe are expected to travel to Mecca for haj this year. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Aleph Hospitality announces the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa has announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah. Conveniently located on King Fahd Road, in the Rabwah District, the hotel offers easy access to Jeddah's downtown, financial districts and top attractions. Just 15 minutes from King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah is poised to become a central hub for both business and leisure travellers. Comprising 112 well-appointed rooms and suites with plush Four Comfort Beds, the hotel promises the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style. Guests can savour a wide range of international and local flavours at the all-day dining restaurant, or enjoy a cosy ambience at the lobby café, offering freshly brewed coffees, teas, light snacks, and pastries.. Meetings and events can be hosted in one of the hotel's five versatile meeting rooms which can be tailored to fit to any occasion. For corporate events and meetings, the hotel features five versatile meeting rooms that can be tailored to fit any occasion. Leisure amenities include a fully equipped rooftop fitness centre with a gym, spa, jacuzzi, sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views over the city. Reflecting Four Points by Sheraton's brand promise of 'travel reinvented', the hotel provides everything that matters most to today's travellers seeking balance on the road, timeless style, and genuine service. Commenting on the opening, Sultan Bin Abdulmohsen, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah, said: 'We are very excited to welcome our first guests and to extend the warm hospitality from the team that has worked incredibly hard over the past months to prepare for the opening. We look forward to giving our guests an unforgettable stay in Jeddah and many memorable moments.' In celebration of the holy month of Ramadan, Aleph Hospitality has introduced a special opening room offer at Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah. This offer, starting from SAR 325++ and inclusive of Suhoor, is valid until the end of Ramadan, catering to corporate, leisure, and group travellers. About Aleph Hospitality Born and based in Dubai, Aleph Hospitality is the leading independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa. Trusted by the world's leading brands, Aleph Hospitality manages hotels directly for owners, either on a franchise basis for branded properties or as a white label operator for independent hotels. Tailored-to-fit management solutions allow owners better control of their assets, clearer operational visibility and more contractual flexibility. Aleph Hospitality manages all aspects of hotel operations at any stage of development - from site and brand selection to technical assistance, pre-opening and day-to-day operations. Aleph Hospitality has earmarked a pipeline of 50 hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2027. To find out more, visit Contact Anne Bleeker, Managing Director, In2 Consulting anne@
