Latest news with #MinistryofIslamicAffairs
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Umrah 2025: How Saudi Arabia is making the pilgrim experience safer with smart bracelets and apps
New digital tools, safety measures, and stricter standards mark Saudi Arabia's people-first approach to Umrah 2025/ Representative Image TL;DR Saudi Arabia has launched new digital and safety tools to improve the Umrah experience in 2025. Major upgrades focus on elderly support, crowd control, and pilgrim services in Makkah and Madinah. The Ministry of Tourism is also cracking down on unsafe accommodations to protect visitors. With the new Umrah season starting in 2025, Saudi authorities are making clear that the focus is not just on numbers, but on the people behind them. The aim this year is simple: make the pilgrimage safer, easier, and more spiritually fulfilling. While millions are expected to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the Kingdom is working to remove the usual stress points, whether it's confusion at busy mosques, difficulty for elderly visitors, or problems with hotel bookings. Instead of big slogans or ambitious promises, this year's changes are grounded in real action. From helpful digital tools to safety gear for vulnerable groups, Saudi Arabia is pushing practical solutions. And with tighter inspections on tourist services, there's also a clear message: quality and safety matter more than ever. These new moves show how the Kingdom is managing modern challenges without losing sight of the spiritual heart of Umrah. The Promotion of "Rushd" app One of the main upgrades this year is digital, and very hands-on. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has rolled out a campaign in Madinah to promote the "Rushd" app, designed specifically for pilgrims. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo What the app offers: Electronic Quran and daily prayer times (based on Umm Al-Qura) Qibla direction via mobile A multilingual virtual reality guide to help users learn how to perform Umrah and Hajj An Islamic e-library and access to trusted religious reference sources The campaign is being run at key visitor areas around the Prophet's Mosque, including historic locations. It's not just about downloading an app, it's about helping people use it in a meaningful way while they're on their journey. Bracelets That Help, Not Just Track To support vulnerable pilgrims, like children, the elderly, and visually impaired visitors, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has launched smart safety bracelets. Here's what they do: Store emergency contact information Allow for quick help if someone is lost or in distress Offer peace of mind for families and groups during prayer or movement in crowded areas This isn't about surveillance. It's about safety, especially in a setting where it's easy to get separated or overwhelmed. Fixing the Basics: Infrastructure, Training, and Tech A lot of what makes or breaks a pilgrim's experience is behind the scenes: how smooth the transport is, how well the crowd is managed, or how clean and accessible public areas are. To that end, 16 new initiatives have been rolled out in Madinah under the Pilgrim Experience Program. What's being improved: Road access and pathways near religious sites AI-powered crowd management tools On-ground staff training in visitor care Faster emergency response systems In total, 89 different projects across 23 government agencies are currently active, covering everything from security and tourism to health and logistics. According to officials, 95% of these projects are already completed or in final stages. Tougher Standards for Accommodation in Makkah Pilgrims shouldn't have to worry about where they're staying, especially in a city as sacred as Makkah. That's why the Ministry of Tourism has stepped up inspections and closed 25 non-compliant facilities just this July. The reasons included: Operating without a license Poor building maintenance Fire safety concerns This crackdown is part of the wider "Our Guests Come First" campaign, which also encourages pilgrims to report issues through the Unified Tourism Center (dial 930). Support That's Easy to Reach It's easy to feel overwhelmed in a huge place like the Prophet's Mosque, especially if you're a first-timer or don't speak Arabic. That's why two service centers within the mosque courtyards have played a key role in helping pilgrims feel supported. In 2024 alone, these centers: Assisted over 188,000 visitors Offered support in multiple languages Provided wheelchairs and mobility aids Gave out wristbands for children and elderly visitors These centers focus on what matters most, comfort, clarity, and calm during worship. FAQs 1. What is the 'Rushd' app and how do I get it? Rushd is a free mobile app launched by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. It includes tools like Quran access, prayer times, and a 3D guide for Umrah and Hajj. It's available on most app stores and promoted at major sites in Madinah. 2. Are the safety bracelets required for all visitors? No. They are offered mainly to children, elderly pilgrims, and those with disabilities. You can request one through mosque authorities or service centers. 3. What do I do if my hotel in Makkah has issues? Contact the Unified Tourism Center by calling 930. The Ministry of Tourism encourages feedback and will follow up on any complaints related to safety or service quality.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia steps up for Umrah 2025: Focus on safety, simplicity, and support for pilgrims
New digital tools, safety measures, and stricter standards mark Saudi Arabia's people-first approach to Umrah 2025/ Representative Image TL;DR Saudi Arabia has launched new digital and safety tools to improve the Umrah experience in 2025. Major upgrades focus on elderly support, crowd control, and pilgrim services in Makkah and Madinah. The Ministry of Tourism is also cracking down on unsafe accommodations to protect visitors. With the new Umrah season starting in 2025, Saudi authorities are making clear that the focus is not just on numbers, but on the people behind them. The aim this year is simple: make the pilgrimage safer, easier, and more spiritually fulfilling. While millions are expected to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the Kingdom is working to remove the usual stress points, whether it's confusion at busy mosques, difficulty for elderly visitors, or problems with hotel bookings. Instead of big slogans or ambitious promises, this year's changes are grounded in real action. From helpful digital tools to safety gear for vulnerable groups, Saudi Arabia is pushing practical solutions. And with tighter inspections on tourist services, there's also a clear message: quality and safety matter more than ever. These new moves show how the Kingdom is managing modern challenges without losing sight of the spiritual heart of Umrah. The Promotion of "Rushd" app One of the main upgrades this year is digital, and very hands-on. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has rolled out a campaign in Madinah to promote the "Rushd" app, designed specifically for pilgrims. What the app offers: Electronic Quran and daily prayer times (based on Umm Al-Qura) Qibla direction via mobile A multilingual virtual reality guide to help users learn how to perform Umrah and Hajj An Islamic e-library and access to trusted religious reference sources The campaign is being run at key visitor areas around the Prophet's Mosque, including historic locations. It's not just about downloading an app, it's about helping people use it in a meaningful way while they're on their journey. Bracelets That Help, Not Just Track To support vulnerable pilgrims, like children, the elderly, and visually impaired visitors, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has launched smart safety bracelets. Here's what they do: Store emergency contact information Allow for quick help if someone is lost or in distress Offer peace of mind for families and groups during prayer or movement in crowded areas This isn't about surveillance. It's about safety, especially in a setting where it's easy to get separated or overwhelmed. Fixing the Basics: Infrastructure, Training, and Tech A lot of what makes or breaks a pilgrim's experience is behind the scenes: how smooth the transport is, how well the crowd is managed, or how clean and accessible public areas are. To that end, 16 new initiatives have been rolled out in Madinah under the Pilgrim Experience Program. What's being improved: Road access and pathways near religious sites AI-powered crowd management tools On-ground staff training in visitor care Faster emergency response systems In total, 89 different projects across 23 government agencies are currently active, covering everything from security and tourism to health and logistics. According to officials, 95% of these projects are already completed or in final stages. Tougher Standards for Accommodation in Makkah Pilgrims shouldn't have to worry about where they're staying, especially in a city as sacred as Makkah. That's why the Ministry of Tourism has stepped up inspections and closed 25 non-compliant facilities just this July. The reasons included: Operating without a license Poor building maintenance Fire safety concerns This crackdown is part of the wider "Our Guests Come First" campaign, which also encourages pilgrims to report issues through the Unified Tourism Center (dial 930). Support That's Easy to Reach It's easy to feel overwhelmed in a huge place like the Prophet's Mosque, especially if you're a first-timer or don't speak Arabic. That's why two service centers within the mosque courtyards have played a key role in helping pilgrims feel supported. In 2024 alone, these centers: Assisted over 188,000 visitors Offered support in multiple languages Provided wheelchairs and mobility aids Gave out wristbands for children and elderly visitors These centers focus on what matters most, comfort, clarity, and calm during worship. FAQs 1. What is the 'Rushd' app and how do I get it? Rushd is a free mobile app launched by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. It includes tools like Quran access, prayer times, and a 3D guide for Umrah and Hajj. It's available on most app stores and promoted at major sites in Madinah. 2. Are the safety bracelets required for all visitors? No. They are offered mainly to children, elderly pilgrims, and those with disabilities. You can request one through mosque authorities or service centers. 3. What do I do if my hotel in Makkah has issues? Contact the Unified Tourism Center by calling 930. The Ministry of Tourism encourages feedback and will follow up on any complaints related to safety or service quality.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Gulf Business
Planning Umrah 2025? Here's what Saudi authorities want you to know
Image credit: Getty Images As the Umrah season for 1447 AH begins, Saudi authorities have rolled out a series of initiatives designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience in Makkah and Madinah. Combining digital innovation, improved safety measures, and infrastructure upgrades, these efforts reflect the country's dedication to providing pilgrims with a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching journey. Introducing the 'Rushd' App In Madinah, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a campaign to raise awareness about the 'Rushd' app, coinciding with the start of Umrah. Read- This app offers pilgrims multiple digital services including an electronic Quran, prayer times based on Umm Al-Qura, Qibla direction, and a multilingual 3D virtual reality guide for Hajj and Umrah education. It also features an Islamic e-library and access to the S The campaign is active in key locations around Madinah, including historic mosques and areas near the Prophet's Mosque, helping visitors make full use of the app to enhance their spiritual journey, Smart bracelets enhance visitor safety Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque introduced smart safety bracelets aimed at vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and visually impaired visitors. These bracelets store emergency contact information, enabling quick assistance if needed and providing reassurance during worship. This Infrastructure and services expand in Madinah The With 89 initiatives underway across 23 government entities, covering areas like security, transport, healthcare, tourism, and emergency response, the program is showing strong progress, with a 95% completion rate on its projects. Tourism ministry closes non-compliant facilities To maintain high standards, the Ministry of Tourism carried out inspections in Makkah, The ministry's ongoing campaign, 'Our Guests Come First,' encourages visitors to provide feedback via the Unified Tourism Center (930), helping improve service quality and visitor satisfaction. Service centers support pilgrims in Madinah In Madinah, two service centers within the Prophet's Mosque courtyards served nearly 188,000 visitors in 2024. These efforts are part of the General Authority's broader mission to enhance environmental and human aspects of service within the mosque. Through a combination of digital innovation, safety enhancements, regulatory enforcement, and improved infrastructure, Saudi Arabia continues to elevate the experience of pilgrims during Umrah. These initiatives demonstrate the Kingdom's commitment to serving millions of worshippers with care, efficiency, and hospitality in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Leaders
13-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Islamic Affairs Ministry Holds Religious Course in Malé, Maldives
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is conducting a scientific course in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, from July 12 to 14. The course aims to clarify the core principles of authentic Islamic belief and is part of a larger academic initiative to promote sound doctrinal understanding, along with the values of moderation and tolerance. Related Topics: NCA Launches Interactive Cybersecurity Awareness Exhibition for Hajj Pilgrims Saudi Arabia Named 'Country of the Year' After Record-Breaking Leap in StartupBlink Index Haramain Railway Boosts Hajj 2025 Capacity by 25% Operation Gideon Chariots: Israel Intensifies War amid Dire Conditions in Gaza Short link :
Gulf Insider
05-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Introduces Lottery System For 1447 AH Hajj Registration Through Sahel Platform
Kuwait's Ministry of Islamic Affairs (MoIA) has announced new registration procedures for the 1447 AH Hajj season, introducing a lottery-based system designed to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for pilgrims. The decision, outlined in an official circular issued last Wednesday, follows recommendations from the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee during its first meeting of the Islamic year. The new system will be implemented through Kuwait's unified e-government platform, Sahel, and will remain open across multiple phases until all applicants are processed. Registrants will retain their lottery ranking throughout the process until they are selected and confirm participation. Under the revised framework, only Kuwaiti nationals who have not previously performed Hajj will be eligible to apply. Each applicant may register in a group of up to five relatives, and women may include one mahram (male guardian) who has already completed Hajj. One resident relative may also be added to each group. To initiate the application, registrants must pay a non-refundable fee of 10 Kuwaiti dinars. Successful applicants will then be required to pay 1,500 Kuwaiti dinars (around $4,900) to secure their spot. Failure to meet the payment deadline will result in automatic cancellation. Pilgrims will be allowed a one-time campaign change prior to January 15, 2026, depending on availability. The replacement candidate, selected based on lottery rank, will have three days to complete payment. Cancellations made before January 18, 2026, will be eligible for a refund; cancellations beyond that date will forfeit the full amount. The MoIA emphasised that notifications and application updates will be communicated exclusively via the Sahel platform. Additional circulars will be issued in the coming months, detailing payment procedures and firm registration deadlines.
