Latest news with #DhulQi'dah
Gulf Insider
29-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Launches 1447 AH Umrah Season Plan To Enrich Pilgrims' Spiritual Journey
Saudi Arabia's Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has officially launched its operational plan for the 1447 AH Umrah season, aiming to enhance the spiritual experience for millions of pilgrims and visitors. The plan, announced during a ceremony at the Presidency's headquarters in Mecca, is designed to provide a smooth and fulfilling religious journey for all. Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, President of Religious Affairs, said the 1447 AH Umrah season will be guided by a service-centric approach, with the enrichment of spiritual and devotional experiences forming the plan's central objective. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between various government agencies and strategic partners to ensure unified and efficient implementation. The eight-month plan will unfold in three distinct phases, running until the end of Sha'ban 1447 AH, after which the separate Ramadan operational plan will take effect. On June 10, Saudi Arabia resumed issuing Umrah visas, followed by the start of Nusuk permit applications on June 11. The Ministry clarified key dates within the Umrah calendar: the deadline for approving contracts between Umrah companies and overseas agents is the first day of Sha'ban; the issuance of Umrah visas will cease on the first of Shawwal; and the final entry date for pilgrims will be the 15th of Shawwal. All pilgrims must depart the Kingdom by the first of Dhul Qi'dah.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Now perform Umrah any day of the year; if you're from the GCC
Saudi Arabia has announced that citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year. Pilgrims can enter the Kingdom through all land, air, and sea ports, with permits available via the official Nusuk app . The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to streamline pilgrimage procedures and enhance the overall experience for worshippers. GCC residents can now perform Umrah using various visa types, including Umrah visas from transit visas issued in partnership with Saudi Airlines and Flynas, and tourist visas available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' portal ( by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Should You Pay A Cleaner To Clean Your Apartment in Serbia? Cleaning | Search Ads Search Now Undo To access the holy sites, all pilgrims, whether citizens or residents, must obtain prior permits via the Nusuk app to perform Umrah and offer prayers at Rawdah Al Sharifah in the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The Ministry resumed issuing Umrah visas for international pilgrims on June 10 and began issuing Nusuk Umrah permits the following day, June 11. Live Events For the current Umrah season, the last day to issue Umrah visas is the first of Shawwal. Pilgrims will be allowed to enter until the 15th of Shawwal, and they must depart the Kingdom by the first of Dhul Qi'dah. The Ministry also confirmed that new applications from external agents will not be accepted. Contracts must be finalised and documented by the first day of Shaaban next year. About Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic union of six Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Established in 1981, the council aims to promote cooperation among its member countries across various fields, including economics, security, culture, and social matters.
Gulf Insider
29-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Welcomes First Group Of Indian Pilgrims In Medina
The first group of Indian pilgrims arriving for Hajj 2025 was warmly welcomed at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina today as Saudi Arabia begins implementing a comprehensive logistical and service framework to accommodate millions of worshippers arriving for the annual pilgrimage. A total of 262 Indian pilgrims arriving from Hyderabad aboard Saudia Airlines were greeted with flowers, commemorative gifts, and an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. Senior officials were on hand to receive the group, including Dr Abdulaziz Wazzan, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Visit Affairs, and Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, alongside representatives of various government agencies. Airport procedures were completed smoothly and efficiently thanks to the integrated coordination between service agencies operating at the facility. This marks the beginning of the seasonal influx through Medina's airport. Saudi Arabia stressed that all operational plans have been activated to manage the growing number of pilgrims expected over the coming days. These plans include full-scale readiness in healthcare, logistics, guidance, and hospitality services, part of a broader national effort to ensure that pilgrims perform their religious rites with ease, safety, and dignity. Separately, the Ministry of Interior announced that beginning today, Tuesday, April 29 (1 Dhul Qi'dah), entry to the holy city of Mecca is prohibited for all non-Hajj visa holders. Authorities also warned visitors against penalties for overstaying visas. Individuals who remain in the Kingdom beyond the expiration of their entry permit may face fines of up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation.
