logo
Saudi announces SAR100,000 fine for sheltering visit visa holders during Hajj

Saudi announces SAR100,000 fine for sheltering visit visa holders during Hajj

Gulf Today02-06-2025
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that individuals found sheltering visit visa holders in the Holy City of Makkah or the Holy sites during the Hajj 2025 season will face strict penalties.
This measure applies to any form of accommodation — including hotels, apartments, private residences, lodging centres, or Hajj housing sites — or who conceals them or provides assistance enabling them to remain in Makkah and the Holy sites from Dhu Al-Qidah 01 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Monday, violators may be fined up to SAR100,000.
The ministry warned that penalties will increase based on the number of violating individuals accommodated, sheltered, or assisted.
A Muslim pilgrim enters the Grand Mosque ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah on Monday. AP
The ministry also urged the public to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions, which are designed to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.
Muslim pilgrims prepare to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AP
It also called on the public to report any violations of these regulations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering the Holy City of Makkah, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city.
The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorised participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat.
There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Makkah officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

10 fabulous activities to do in Dubai this weekend
10 fabulous activities to do in Dubai this weekend

Emirates Woman

time18 hours ago

  • Emirates Woman

10 fabulous activities to do in Dubai this weekend

Your ultimate weekend guide in Dubai, July 4 to 6, 2025. Unwind at this summer staycation Redefine your summer with an indulgent stay at Dubai's most intimate beachfront resort. Surrounded by lush gardens and serene pools, One&Only The Palm offers the perfect setting for a restorative escape. This exclusive summer staycation is designed with thoughtful extras to elevate every moment from generous resort credit and complimentary sundowners to tailored experiences for families. All guests receive Dhs1,000 resort credit per stay for villa bookings and Dhs5,00 resort credit per stay for suite bookings with daily access to the waterpark and compilmentary sundowners. For more information visit Swim under the moonlight Without limiting outdoor pools to winter, Dubai is always a step ahead when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities such as a night swim even during summer. Ideal for relaxing after work or starting your weekend, night swims offer spectacular skyline and sea views, cool waters, and the laid-back glamour that defines the emirate's warmer months. Overall, night swims have emerged as the city's chicest way to cool down from the week, offering a blend of serene ambience, skyline views, and elevated leisure. Whether it's a twilight dip at SĀN beach with panoramic vistas of the Palm, a curated evening affair at La Cantine Beach, or the understated luxury of Drift's moonlit lounging, these after-dark escapes redefine summer in the city. Find out where are the best spots for a night swim here. Indulge in this summer tasting menu CÉ LA VI Dubai now offers a newly launched 6-course Summer Tasting Menu, available Sunday to Thursday from 6 PM to 11 PM at Dhs395 per person. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking city views, this culinary experience begins with the indulgent Wagyu Beef Tataki, followed by a signature Black Truffle 'Sushi Rice' Risotto featuring butternut squash, shimeji mushrooms, truffles, and parmesan mousse. The third course presents a perfectly cooked Miso Chilean Sea Bass with Szechuan green chilli sauce, followed by a palate-cleansing Lime Curd and Caviar Ice Cream. For dessert, guests can enjoy the Exotic Cake, a delightful blend of guava mousse, calamansi insert, coconut biscuit, and passion fruit coulis rounded off with a seasonal Assortment of Sweets. For more information visit Experience the finest bubbles and oysters This summer, BISOU presents La Dame de Blanc—a five-chapter champagne tasting curated with Ben Champagne, featuring labels like Robert Moncuit, Henri Giraud, and Marguet. Priced at Dhs850, the journey ends with a golden glass of Ratafia. Add oysters and caviar on brioche for Dhs500. Set in the heart of Downtown Dubai, BISOU offers a modern French gastronomic escape shaped by Tristan Du Plessis' elegant design. La Dame de Blanc is available all summer from 6 PM, exclusively at BISOU. Available all summer from 6 PM in the heart of Downtown Dubai. For more information visit Savour a lazy weekend lunch Step into Ronin, the bold Irezumi-inspired Japanese restaurant at FIVE LUXE, JBR, and experience the all-new Lazy Weekend Lunch available every Friday to Sunday from 1 PM to 4:30PM. Surrounded by red lanterns and Japanese folklore art, guests can savour a standout lineup of ramen bowls, including A5 Wagyu Shabu-Shabu, Angry Chicken Spicy Ramen, and Vegan Mushroom Yuzu Kosho, starting from Dhs60. Prefer something lighter? Ronin's signature hand rolls and shareable classics are also on offer, making it the perfect midday indulgence with stunning views of Ain Dubai. For more information visit Give your skin the love it deserves Hortman Clinics spotlights the transformative power of Morpheus 8, a leading non-surgical treatment that tightens skin, refines texture, and enhances facial contouring with minimal downtime. Integrated into personalised, multi-phase treatment plans, Morpheus 8 is often paired with advanced technologies such as Ultherapy and diluted Radiesse to stimulate collagen and deliver comprehensive results. 'Morpheus 8 is a cornerstone of our skin tightening approach,' says founder Anastasiia Hortman. Harnessing fractional radiofrequency microneedling, Morpheus 8 penetrates deep into the skin to remodel collagen and elastin, effectively treating skin laxity in the jawline, cheeks, and neck, smoothing acne scars, and reducing early signs of aging around the eyes and mouth, making it a go-to solution for patients and professionals alike. For more information visit – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @

1 in 3 UAE residents plans to travel abroad at least twice this year
1 in 3 UAE residents plans to travel abroad at least twice this year

Al Etihad

timea day ago

  • Al Etihad

1 in 3 UAE residents plans to travel abroad at least twice this year

3 July 2025 23:40 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Most UAE residents intend to go on a trip abroad this year, with a third even planning to travel at least twice in the next 12 months, according to the Allianz Partners Travel Index on a survey of 500 respondents in the UAE, conducted between February 11 and 19, the report explores residents' travel plans, preferences, and concerns for the year earners are likely to take up to five or more trips annually, the findings showed. While travel budgets vary with household income, 34% of respondents plan to spend more than $3,000 (approximately Dh11,000) on their next Middle East and North Africa remain the most popular outbound travel regions for UAE travellers, attracting 30% of respondents, followed by the UK and Europe at 26%, the report said. Younger travellers under 30, however, are increasingly drawn to Central America and the Caribbean Islands, signalling emerging destination trends among Gen Z and millennials. The average holiday duration ranges between nine and 15 days, with most travellers preferring to go with family or planning spans up to three months for most respondents, who rely on recommendations from family, friends, and social media platforms - particularly YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram - for travel inspiration. When it comes to travel apps, 45% of respondents say that the most useful feature is the ability to store travel documents digitally. The report also revealed that safety and peace of mind are emerging as top priorities for UAE travellers, influenced by ongoing global events and financial safety is the top concern, cited by 44% of respondents, followed by fears of extreme weather events, financial constraints, and flight travellers are particularly cautious about geopolitical tensions, while younger travellers place importance on securing travel documents and digital assets while abroad. The survey showed that interest in travel insurance is growing, with 26% of respondents planning to purchase policies through travel websites. Among those purchasing insurance, half say their main motivation is to ensure security and peace of mind. Meanwhile, 35% of respondents highlight medical emergency benefits and coverage limits as the most crucial factors influencing their insurance purchase, especially for extended international trips.

UAE climbs to joint second spot in Global Muslim Travel Index as demand surges
UAE climbs to joint second spot in Global Muslim Travel Index as demand surges

Al Etihad

timea day ago

  • Al Etihad

UAE climbs to joint second spot in Global Muslim Travel Index as demand surges

3 July 2025 23:33 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The UAE has cemented its place as one of the world's leading destinations for Muslim travellers, jumping three spots to a joint second place in the latest Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025. The country shares the second spot with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, each achieving a score of 78, the index ranking underscores the UAE's strategic push to attract faith-conscious tourists through investments in infrastructure, digital innovation, and tailored hospitality - positioning the Emirates as a global hub for halal travel at a time when demand is soaring.'The UAE offers an environment that seamlessly blends Muslim-friendly services and modern luxury,' the report said. 'For Muslim travellers, the destination features widespread availability of prayer facilities in public. Halal restaurants and diverse cuisines cater to dietary needs while celebrating Islamic cultures,' it added. The annual index which analyses over 153 destinations on various metrics predicts the market for Muslim travel will reach 245 million arrivals by 2030, from 176 million in 2024. The UAE is well placed to capitalise on this trend, as it continues to challenge Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye for the top position. The Emirates score highly across the GMTI's ACES framework - Access, Communications, Environment, and Services - the key pillars used to evaluate the quality of destinations for Muslim travellers. It was particularly strong in 'access' where it ranked first, with world-class air, rail, and road infrastructure making the country easily accessible to a large portion of the world's Muslim travellers. Another standout area highlighted in the report is the UAE's digital innovation in the tourism sector. Initiatives such as smart apps, integrated travel platforms, and real-time digital services have improved both convenience and confidence for faith-conscious travellers, setting the UAE apart from many competitors. Moreover, the country's simplified visa processes and targeted marketing campaigns have also paid dividends, broadened the UAE's appeal, and facilitated a smoother travel experience. Investments in cultural experiences, including museums, heritage sites, and Islamic art centres, were noted for further strengthening the UAE's offering, catering to a new generation of Muslim travellers seeking experiences that combine leisure with cultural enrichment and religious values.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store