Latest news with #Pilgrims
UAE Moments
16-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
UAE Rolls Out Stricter Hajj Campaign Rules for 2026
Planning to go on Hajj in 2026? The UAE just shook things up. A brand-new system is now in place for selecting and accrediting Hajj campaign organizers—part of the country's bigger mission to make the pilgrimage smoother, more organized, and better all around. Quality Over Everything The new rules are clear: only the best will be approved. Campaigns will be judged based on service quality, admin strength, financial readiness, and how well they performed last season. So if a campaign was all over the place in 2025, chances are they won't make the cut this time. Tailored for You (Yes, You!) Organizers who offer flexible and diverse service packages—catering to all kinds of pilgrim budgets and needs—are more likely to get that approval stamp. Basically, UAE wants you to have options, and good ones at that. Why It Matters For most UAE pilgrims, joining an accredited Hajj group is the only way to go. From handling logistics to offering spiritual support, these campaigns shape your entire experience. The new system makes sure only the best organizers are allowed to take you on that journey. Stepping Up After Past Complaints Let's be real—past Hajj seasons had their fair share of issues. Disorganization, lack of updates, confusing processes. UAE authorities heard the complaints and responded with stricter monitoring, performance checks, and even digital tracking. This latest move is the next big step.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
‘Slapstick of the year' – Plymouth keeper trialist scores humiliating own goal as fans moan ‘kids' stuff'
PLYMOUTH'S trialist goalkeeper had a horror first run out in an Argyle shirt after letting in "the worst own goal ever seen". The Pilgrims, who were relegated to League One last term, began their pre-season tour on Friday, facing Bundesliga side Eintracht Braunschweig. 2 Tom Cleverley suffered a defeat in his first game in charge following his departure from Watford, with his new side losing 1-0. And unfortunately for the Pilgrims' trialist, he was to blame for the goal. Plymouth were passing the ball back to the newcomer, with the final pass back to the goalkeeper coming from what should have been an easy angle for a routine recycle of play. Footage shows the glovesman looked to hit the ball first time along the ground and back up the pitch. However, he unfortunately mishit his pass, sending the ball into the inside of his own net. To be fair, it was quite a good finish. Fans watching from home - some clearly still reeling from their relegation - were furious. One said: "Ah wow, that's awful. Kids stuff." A second replied: "It might be the worst own goal I've ever seen." A third added: "Slapstick of the year." A few fans decided to laugh rather than cry though, with one joking: "That's it, we're going to win the league!" One more quipped: "Picks out the bottom corner wonderfully from a tight angle. "Stick him up top for the second-half!" According to the Plymouth Herald, it was former Fulham goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond in between the sticks. The 24-year-old never made a first team appearance for the Cottagers but played 48 times for their Under-21s. After numerous loans in the EFL, including with Crawley Town, Notts County and Gillingham, he was released by the Premier League club at the end of last season.
Arab News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan deadline for registration of intending Hajj pilgrims to expire tomorrow
ISLAMABAD: A deadline for intending Pakistani pilgrims to register for next year's Hajj pilgrimage will expire on Wednesday, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry. Intending pilgrims can register themselves through 15 approved banks and only registered candidates will be considered eligible for Hajj 2026, according to the ministry. After the registration, intending pilgrims will be able to opt for the government or private Hajj scheme. No fee will have to be paid for Hajj registration. 'One day is left for mandatory registration of pilgrims for Hajj 2026,' the religious affairs ministry said on Tuesday. 'Intending Hajj pilgrims can also complete registration online from home.' The expenses and other terms and conditions of Hajj 2026 will be issued separately as per the Hajj policy, according to the statement. Registration is mandatory for pilgrims who were left out of the private scheme this year as well as Pakistanis residing abroad. Pakistan received a quota of 179,210 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025, which was evenly divided between the government and private Hajj operators. While the government filled its full allocation of over 88,000 pilgrims, a major portion of the private quota remained unutilized due to delays by companies in meeting payment and registration deadlines.
Condé Nast Traveler
30-06-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Provincetown, Cape Cod's Historic LGBTQ+ and Arts Haven
A lot of beach towns can feel similar to each other, but there truly isn't anywhere else like Provincetown, Massachusetts. Getting here requires a deliberate effort, as it's nestled at the outermost tip of Cape Cod, about sixty-five miles down Route 6 from the mainland's Sagamore Bridge. There's no accidentally finding yourself here—but seek and you shall find. Today, Provincetown remains one of the most vibrant and beautiful destinations on the East Coast, albeit something of a chameleon. It has a reputation as both an LGBTQ+ summer colony and a niche artists' enclave. But Provincetown is, in fact, also deeply entwined with the American narrative: It was Provincetown Harbor where the Pilgrims first anchored before landing at Plymouth, and it was in these waters that they signed the Mayflower Compact, the first document to establish self-government in the New World. People of all persuasions and expressions have been coming here for centuries to live freer lives. If your own journey brings you to Provincetown, you'll find that this is one of the most welcoming beach towns in the country, if not the world. It's certainly the only place where you might go to the beach and find VIPs like Ryan Murphy or Ken Fulk, next to a local family, next to a gaggle of drag queens. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is welcome to be themselves in P-town. Here's where we suggest you eat, stay and explore for the best things to do in Provincetown. Getting to (and around) Provincetown Yes, you can drive, but with Cape traffic, the journey can easily take twice as long as it should, and nobody deserves to start off a P-town trip in a sour mood. The ferry is the way to go: It's scenic, serves drinks, and the journey takes about ninety minutes. There are two available from Boston: Bay Stay Cruises from the World Trade Center in the Seaport, and City Cruises from Long Wharf next to the New England Aquarium (and if you're early for the ferry and have an hour or so to kill, the Aquarium is totally worthwhile). If you don't mind spending a little more—sometimes three or four times the cost of the ferry—the fastest way is to fly. Cape Air offers regular service in the summer months from Logan International Airport and Westchester County Airport in New York. Provincetown Art Association and Museum (pictured) is an ideal place to familiarize yourself with Provincetown's truly robust arts scene. Provincetown Office of Tourism The best things to do in Provincetown First things first: Climb the Pilgrim Monument. The largest all-granite structure in the United States, this 252-foot tower stands in the center of town. The climb up can be a bit strenuous, but at the top you'll enjoy truly breathtaking views. On a clear day, it really contextualizes just how remote Provincetown is, here at the far end of Cape Cod. The beach, too, is a huge draw here. Rent some bikes from Provincetown Bike Rentals or The Bike Shack then head north to the Province Lands Bike Trail, which winds its way through sand dunes, cranberry bogs, and coastal forests. You'll ultimately end up on the northern edge of the peninsula at Race Point Beach, which truly feels like the ends of the earth. Not a biker? Uber is also available, but if you're traveling without a car, bikes make the journey quicker, as cellphone reception at Race Point can be limited. Another popular option (that's more easily accessed on foot) is Herring Cove Beach. And if you're craving a long walk, head towards Long Point Beach. But you'll want to be careful because it's accessed via a three-mile hike along the stone dike at the end of Commercial Street, and can get pretty hairy if high tide is rolling in.
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Wayne Rooney pictured looking glum on holiday with Coleen & pals
WAYNE Rooney looks short of holiday spirit on a sunshine break with smiling wife Coleen and their jolly band of pals. The ex-England and Man United ace, 39, seemed glum in the snap in Ibiza, and was covered up in a T-shirt and cap. Advertisement Yet his gang of chums — including old team-mates John O'Shea and Michael Carrick — and partners bared the flesh and supped cocktails. But many spotted Rooney has been tipped for a shock return to management - in non-league. Advertisement Read More on Sport He was Rooney left the Pilgrims bottom of the Championship after a dismal seven-month spell. The 39-year-old won just five of his 25 games in charge at Home Park. Plymouth were eventually Advertisement Most read in Football SunSport transfer expert 1 Wayne Rooney, pictured with Coleen and pals, looks short of holiday spirit on a sunshine break Credit: Instagram
