Makkah Clock Royal Tower won the title of ‘Best luxury hotel, KSA' at the Arabian Travel Awards 2024
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Gulf Business
a day ago
- Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia: How many have arrived for Umrah since June 12?
Image credit: Saudi Press Agency /Website The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that more than 1.2 million pilgrims have entered Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah since the beginning of the current season, which started on Dhu Al Hijjah 15 (June 12) and continued through the end of Muharram 30. Pilgrims have arrived from 109 countries, underscoring the global significance of the pilgrimage. Read- The ministry reported a 30 per cent increase in the number of pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the number of Umrah visas issued rose by 27 per cent. To support this influx, over 4,200 contracts have been signed between Umrah companies and international agents, bolstering operational capacity to accommodate the growing demand, Improved services and digital transformation The current Umrah season officially began on Dhu Al Hijjah 14, 1446 AH, with the issuance of visas through the Nusuk platform, which aims to streamline the pilgrimage experience as part of broader goals under Saudi Vision 2030. The ministry noted that this season follows a successful Hajj marked by seamless coordination, enhanced procedures, and the development of advanced technical infrastructure. It emphasised that preparations for the Umrah season began well in advance in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and organised experience for all pilgrims. In addition, the ministry has expanded awareness campaigns and digital services in multiple languages. These efforts reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring the highest standards of comfort, safety, and satisfaction for worshippers.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Gulf Business
Saudi airspace sets new traffic record during Hajj season
Image: Saudi Press Agency Saudi Arabia's airspace witnessed record-breaking air traffic during the 1446 AH Hajj season, underscoring the scale and success of coordinated national efforts to facilitate the journey of pilgrims. The surge in activity reflects the Kingdom's sustained commitment, under the direction of its leadership, to delivering a safe and seamless Hajj experience from arrival to departure. The Saudi Air Navigation Services company was instrumental in managing the intense operational demands, deploying both technical infrastructure and skilled personnel to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flows throughout the season. A total of more than 140,000 domestic and international air movements were recorded during the arrival and departure phases—an 8 per cent increase compared to the previous year. During the arrival period, from Dhu Al-Qidah 1 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 8, 1446 AH, air movements surged by 15 per cent year-on-year to reach 74,902. The departure phase, spanning Dhu Al-Hijjah 23 to Muharram 15, 1447 AH, saw 66,072 flights, reflecting a 2 per cent increase. Read: A single-day record was set on Dhu Al-Hijjah 2, 1446 AH, with 2,338 air traffic movements—up 4% from the same date last year. The company extended its air navigation services to 213 airlines, showcasing the growing number of international partnerships and the expanding global connectivity through Saudi airspace during the pilgrimage season. This strong operational performance highlights the advanced preparedness of the Kingdom's air navigation sector, reinforcing its strategic role in managing critical peak seasons such as Hajj with precision and reliability.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Over 19mln passengers transported by air during Hajj
The Saudi Arabia General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the implementation of its operational plan for the Hajj season, revealing that over 19 million passengers and pilgrims were transported by air through more than 128,000 flights. The extensive operation took place between April 29 and July 10, 2025, and involved the participation of 116 air carriers from around the world, reported SPA. GACA confirmed that more than 1.4 million pilgrims arrived at six major international airports across the Kingdom, utilising 12 dedicated departure terminals. The achievement was made possible through the close coordination of over 25 government, security, and operational entities, supported by a workforce of more than 18,000 male and female employees. Their efforts ensured a seamless and efficient travel experience for the pilgrims, in line with Saudi Arabia's long-standing commitment to facilitating the Hajj journey. These accomplishments were highlighted during a ceremony held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, under the patronage of GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. The event honored the various entities that contributed to the success of the operational plans for the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Among the key services that stood out this year was the 'Passengers with No Bags' initiative, which aimed to streamline the pilgrim journey by managing luggage transport directly from airports to pilgrims' places of residence. The number of beneficiaries surpassed one million, with more than 1.6 million pieces of luggage transported. Additionally, the initiative facilitated the pre-shipment of over 856,000 bottles of Zamzam water. Another milestone was the initiative to connect Hajj flights with the Haramain High Speed Railway, in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). This initiative enabled 253,000 pilgrims to travel comfortably and efficiently between the airports and the holy sites, improving the overall transportation experience and reducing congestion on traditional ground routes. GACA also played a key role in the Ministry of Interior's 'Makkah Route' initiative, one of the flagship programs under the broader 'Pilgrims Experience Program' within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030. GACA designated six international airports to receive pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The latter two served as key hubs for connecting pilgrims' flights. In close coordination with relevant government agencies, the air transport system worked diligently to ensure the highest levels of operational efficiency throughout the Hajj season. The authority participated as a member of the supervisory committee and designated special terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah for the reception of pilgrims arriving through the initiative. Flights were carefully scheduled to avoid overlapping arrivals, contributing to a streamlined entry process. Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
