Pilgrims Can Now Activate eSIM Cards Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom can activate eSIMs instantly through local telecom apps, bypassing in-person service centres.
Pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah can now digitally activate eSIM cards upon arrival, thanks to a new initiative launched by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and licensed telecom providers.
The system allows pilgrims to request eSIMs from local operators and verify their identity using biometric data through the Absher platform, enabling activation without the need to visit a store or wait until reaching their accommodation.
The move aims to simplify access to mobile services, ensuring pilgrims are connected from the moment they enter the Kingdom. It forms part of CST's wider strategy to enhance digital services for pilgrims in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
16 hours ago
- CairoScene
GCC Citizens Can Perform Umrah Any Time via Nusuk App
GCC citizens can now perform Umrah at any time using simplified procedures, with permits issued through the Nusuk app and entry allowed through any Saudi port. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now permitted to perform Umrah at any time of the year. As part of this new arrangement, Umrah permits must be obtained through the official Nusuk mobile application, which serves as the central platform for managing pilgrimage-related services. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to simplify procedures and enhance accessibility for GCC pilgrims. In addition to citizens, residents of GCC countries holding any valid visa type may also perform Umrah under the updated guidelines. Those intending to visit Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif in the Prophet's Mosque are required to schedule an appointment through the Nusuk app as well.
CairoScene
20-06-2025
- CairoScene
Top Hajj Hospitality Centres Honoured With New Excellence Award
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the Ekram Excellence Award to encourage innovation and service quality among hospitality centres serving Arab pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the first edition of the Ekram Excellence Award for the 2025 Hajj season, a new initiative aimed at recognising outstanding hospitality centres affiliated with Ekram Al-Dayf—a division of Ashraqat company focused on serving Arab pilgrims. The award seeks to promote administrative and operational excellence among Hajj service providers, aligning with the ministry's broader Vision 2030 objectives and the Pilgrim Experience Program. By highlighting performance benchmarks and best practices, the initiative aims to foster healthy competition and improve service delivery during the pilgrimage. In addition to operational quality, the award criteria emphasise innovation, social responsibility, and volunteer engagement. These standards reflect a commitment to sustainable development and elevate the role of hospitality centres in shaping the overall pilgrim experience.
Egypt Today
20-06-2025
- Egypt Today
All Egyptian pilgrims return home within one week amid regional escalation
File- The first group of Egyptian pilgrims of this year, 2023, boarding the plane to Saudi Arabia- press photo CAIRO – 20 June 2025 – Amid ongoing military escalation in the region between Iran and Israel, all Egyptian pilgrims who traveled through tourism companies for Hajj have safely returned home from Saudi Arabia within a single week. Samia Sami, Assistant Minister for Tourism Companies and Head of the Official Egyptian Hajj Tourist Mission, stated that the pilgrimage concluded in record time due to the regional situation. A total of 80 tourist buses, carrying approximately 7,500 pilgrims, departed smoothly from Mecca and Medina and traveled via the Halat Ammar land crossing on the Saudi-Jordanian border, continuing through the Jordanian port of Aqaba and arriving at Egypt's Nuweiba port. Sami noted that the Central Emergency Operations Room—established by the Hajj mission under ministerial directives—closely monitored all bus movements from Saudi Arabia to Egypt. This was done in full coordination with Saudi, Jordanian, and Egyptian authorities to ensure a safe and organized return. She emphasized that the success of this expedited operation was made possible through continuous coordination between all relevant agencies across the three countries. As a result, the entire overland pilgrimage concluded without significant delays or congestion. Sami expressed her deep appreciation to the authorities and agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Arab Republic of Egypt. She also extended gratitude to the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies and Agencies, and to the tourism companies responsible for organizing this year's overland Hajj trips, for their swift response and effective collaboration with the mission. Regarding pilgrims returning via air travel, Sami confirmed that arrangements are ongoing to facilitate their return on scheduled flights. The final groups are expected to arrive within the coming days, with continued efforts to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the process.
