Latest news with #andUmrah
Gulf Insider
2 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Welcomed Pilgrims On 7,000 Flights From 238 Cities
As the annual Hajj pilgrimage draws to a close, Saudi Arabia has revealed that more than 7,000 flights from 238 cities worldwide brought pilgrims to the Kingdom this year, in what is being described as one of the most integrated and technologically advanced Hajj operations to date. Speaking at the annual reception for distinguished Hajj guests hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah emphasized the unprecedented levels of coordination and efficiency that marked the 2025 pilgrimage. Dr. Al Rabiah announced the enhancement of the Nusuk app, which now provides more than 130 digital services to pilgrims from visa facilitation to guidance for every stage of the journey, including their safe return home. The Minister also cited the expansion of shaded areas to more than 300,000 square meters, including 170,000 square meters along pilgrim routes and the planting of 23,000 trees to improve comfort and reduce heat exposure at key sites. Saudi authorities boosted the electric grid's capacity at the holy sites by 95 percent, a project costing over 3 billion riyals, and distributed more than 7 million cubic meters of water across Mecca and the pilgrimage sites. Transportation saw similar upgrades: over 4,700 Haramain train journeys, 2,500 trips on the Mashaer Metro, and a fleet of more than 20,000 buses moved crowds efficiently between sacred locations. Healthcare capacity also reached new heights, with a more than 60 percent increase in hospital beds, the opening of a new emergency hospital, and the deployment of 71 rapid-response medical points throughout the holy sites.
Gulf Business
16-04-2025
- Gulf Business
Travelling for Hajj? Here's what you need to know
Image credit: Getty Images Saudi authorities are currently reviewing the progress of development projects underway at the holy sites across the Kingdom. The first related meeting was that of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, chaired by Deputy Emir of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal. Plans and preparations for Hajj The committee reviewed plans and preparations for Hajj 2025 and evaluated the progress of ongoing projects set to be operational during this year's pilgrimage. Discussions also focused on the full readiness of operational plans from various authorities for the upcoming Hajj season. Read- Some of the development projects reviewed include: Restoration of mosques in Mina and Arafat, along with projects by the Kidana Company Shading of pedestrian paths in Mina, covering around 50,000 square meters Shading and cooling of paths in Arafat, over 60,000 square meters Installation of canopies with mist fans in the Jabal Al-Rahmah area (785 square meters) to mitigate direct sunlight and regulate temperature A heat stress mitigation project at Namirah Mosque, covering 85,000 square meters Afforestation and vegetation projects at holy sites The committee also reviewed afforestation initiatives aiming to plant 10,000 trees to improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and ease conditions for pilgrims. Additionally, the committee examined a project to establish 400 drinking water coolers and rest areas for pilgrims over 28,000 square meters between the holy sites. Emergency and first aid centers As part of the preparations, authorities plan to establish 15 emergency and first aid centers, along with 71 emergency and first aid launch points along the Hajj route. These centers aim to provide urgent medical services, logistical support, water, snacks, and guidance services to pilgrims. Muzdalifah Haram Path Project Special attention was given to the second phase of the Muzdalifah Haram Path Project, which spans 170,000 square meters. This phase includes rubber flooring, green spaces, rest areas, water fountains, and misting fans. The project also entails building 64 two-story restroom complexes and upgrading 135 compactor bin sites in Mina to enhance waste storage capacity during the Hajj season. Passports Directorate begins issuing Makkah entry permits The The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 15. Permits are being issued through the Ministry of Interior's Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal. Tasreeh platform Thanks to technical integration with the Tasreeh platform, expatriates working during Hajj no longer need to visit Jawazat offices in person to obtain their permits. Absher Individuals platform The Absher Individuals platform enables permit issuance for domestic workers, dependents, Premium Residency holders, investors, mothers of citizens, and Gulf Cooperation Council citizens, upon submission of the required documents. Makkah entry permits Permits for workers at Makkah-based establishments are issued through the Muqeem portal. Holders of seasonal work visas and those with contracts for Hajj-related employment can also apply through this portal.
Arab News
15-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience
MADINAH: Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, attended the opening of the second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. In his speech, Prince Salman emphasized the special attention given by the Saudi leadership to Makkah and Madinah, highlighting the ongoing development and construction efforts that reflect their religious, cultural and historical significance. The three-day event, themed 'Enriching the Experience of Umrah Performers and Visitors,' is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Salman reaffirmed the leadership's commitment to serving Islam by ensuring the comfort, safety and security of pilgrims. He also discussed upgrades to the Prophet's Mosque and nearby historic sites to deepen visitors' spiritual connection and enhance their experience. The forum, held at the King Salman International Convention Center until April 16, features more than 150 exhibitors from more than 100 countries. Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors remains a top priority for the leadership, and pointed out that more than 122 million visitors performed Umrah during Ramadan with ease. The forum features more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions led by 100 speakers, alongside the signing of numerous agreements between relevant service providers — all aimed at enriching the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors. It aims to establish new standards for Umrah and visitor services through technological advances, digital transformation and sustainable sector investments. An interactive exhibition displays innovative technical solutions and services, while workshops bring together decision-makers and experts to discuss development opportunities, present cutting-edge solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience and enhancing the sector's overall efficiency.
Al Etihad
29-03-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Over 4.1 million gather at Grand Mosque on 29th night of Ramadan
29 Mar 2025 22:48 MAKKAH (ALETIHAD)The Grand Mosque in Makkah welcomed more than 4.1 million worshippers and Umrah pilgrims on the 29th night of Ramadan — one of the most spiritually significant nights of the holy month, during which the Qur'an completion (Khatm Al-Qur'an) prayers were Gazette quoted Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, as saying that over 3.4 million worshippers gathered for Isha and Taraweeh prayers that night, while more than 646,600 performed addition, around 28,200 people benefited from mobility carts, 135,600 used location guidance services, and more than 42,000 bottles of Zamzam water and 702,000 iftar meals were General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque mobilised all its resources and personnel in coordination with relevant authorities. Measures were taken to guide crowds into designated prayer areas and manage the flow of worshippers, including elderly individuals and those with disabilities.
Gulf Today
29-03-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Over 4.1 million gather at Grand Mosque on 29th night of Ramadan
The Grand Mosque in Makkah welcomed more than 4.1 million worshippers and Umrah pilgrims on the 29th night of Ramadan — one of the most spiritually significant nights of the holy month, during which the Qur'an completion (Khatm Al-Qur'an) prayers were held. Saudi Gazette quoted Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, as saying that over 3.4 million worshippers gathered for Isha and Taraweeh prayers that night, while more than 646,600 performed Umrah. In addition, around 28,200 people benefited from mobility carts, 135,600 used location guidance services, and more than 42,000 bottles of Zamzam water and 702,000 iftar meals were distributed. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque mobilised all its resources and personnel in coordination with relevant authorities. Measures were taken to guide crowds into designated prayer areas and manage the flow of worshippers, including elderly individuals and those with disabilities. WAM
