Latest news with #Hajj1446
Saudi Gazette
27-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia facilitates return of 65,000 Iranian pilgrims after Hajj
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has successfully facilitated the return of nearly 65,000 Iranian pilgrims following the completion of Hajj 1446, with another 11,000 scheduled to depart in the coming days. The coordinated effort reflects royal directives by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at ensuring safe and efficient travel procedures for all pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that over 2,000 shuttle trips were organized between Arar Airport and the Jadidat Arar Port, while 200 buses completed more than 1,500 journeys across Iraqi territory to the Iranian border. The Ministry of Interior and General Directorate of Passports also deployed extensive support to ensure the process proceeded safely and smoothly.
Saudi Gazette
08-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia announces successful and incident-free Hajj 1446
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy emir of the Makkah Region and vice chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, announced the successful conclusion of Hajj 1446, declaring it free of any security, health, or service-related incidents. Speaking from the governorate's headquarters in Mina, Prince Saud extended congratulations to the Kingdom's leadership, saying: 'On behalf of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and emir of the Makkah Region, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, minister of interior and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee — and in the name of all Hajj workers — I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the distinguished execution of the operational plans, which enabled pilgrims to perform their rites in safety and peace.' Prince Saud expressed gratitude to members of the security, health, and service sectors, as well as to the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the season, emphasizing their sincerity and commitment to serving the guests of God in accordance with the directives of the Kingdom's leadership. He also praised the pilgrims themselves, noting their cooperation and compliance with the regulations and instructions, which played a key role in the success of the season. In closing, Prince Saud affirmed that preparations for next year's Hajj will begin immediately. 'The Kingdom — its leadership, government, and people — takes great pride in serving the holy sites and their visitors,' he said. 'We ask God Almighty for success in all our efforts moving forward.'
Leaders
06-06-2025
- Health
- Leaders
Drones Successfully Transport Medicines between Hospitals during Hajj 2025
The Makkah Health Cluster announced that the pilot operation of a drone-powered medication transport program between healthcare centers and hospitals has succeeded in the holy sites, according to Sabq News. This success represents a remarkable milestone in boosting the efficiency of healthcare services during Hajj 2025. The process consists of several stages, starting with the preparation stage in which authorities determine the required quantities and contact with healthcare facilities. Then, the program employs the latest technologies in compliance with the requirements of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Therefore, medicines, medical supplies, and laboratory equipment can be easily reserved, dispensed, and delivered to healthcare facilities in the holy sites. To ensure that the process runs properly, the authorities can control the drone through a monitoring screen. Related Topics: Saudi Crown Prince Arrives in Mina to Oversee Hajj Services INTERVIEW: A Spiritual Awakening — One Pilgrim's First Steps Toward Hajj Royal Saudi Naval Forces Support Hajj 1446 Security Operations Short link : Post Views: 3 Related Stories
Khaleej Times
06-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
Hajj pilgrim turnout lowest in 3 decades, excluding Covid years
More than 1.6 million Muslims are performing the sacred Hajj pilgrimage this year - with majority of them from outside Saudi Arabia, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The figures mark the lowest number of pilgrims in over three decades, according to AFP. They do not, however, include the years of Covid restrictions from 2020-2022, when only a limited number of attendees were allowed out of concern for the health and safety of the pilgrims. Prior to the pandemic, Hajj attendance would regularly exceed 2 million. Official figures noted 1.8 million Muslims took part in the Hajj last year. Meanwhile, the record for the highest turnout was set in 2012 when 3.16 million pilgrims took part. A total of 1,673,230 male and female pilgrims from all around the world stood on the sacred plains of Arafat and performed the rituals of Hajj 1446 AH with #Ease_And_Tranquility. — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 5, 2025 Stricter rules Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota basis and distributed to individuals by a lottery system. Authorities in Saudi have been working to ensure the highest standards of health and safety for those who undertake the pilgrimage, considered one of the five pillars of Islam. Higher penalties have been imposed this year for anyone attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, arrest, and deportation. The kingdom also suspended short-term visas for 14 countries earlier this year, and security personnel can be seen across holy sites like Makkah. Despite these stringent measures, the high costs of Hajj packages see many continue to attempt to enter the country illegally. More than 50 expats were arrested on June 4 for trying to sneak into Makkah on foot. Climate impact This year's Hajj saw authorities also implementing a range of heat mitigation efforts, from expanding shaded areas to deploying over 400 cooling units. The measures are aimed at preventing a repeat of last year's Hajj that saw 1,301 people die in temperatures that hit 51.8°C. Saudi authorities said a majority of those deaths were among pilgrims who slipped into Makkah illegally and lacked access to accommodation and other services aimed to keep pilgrims safe and protected from the searing desert heat. This year's turnout underscores the ongoing efforts to balance the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage with necessary health, safety, and regulatory measures. Pilgrims continue to embrace this sacred journey, and authorities remain committed to ensuring a safe and meaningful experience for all who participate.
Leaders
04-06-2025
- General
- Leaders
Royal Saudi Naval Forces Support Hajj 1446 Security Operations
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) are actively contributing to the security operations for Hajj 1446, under the broader framework of the Ministry of Defense's comprehensive security plan. Their involvement focuses on supporting government agencies at seaports to facilitate the safe and secure entry of pilgrims. As part of their responsibilities, RSNF personnel are conducting inspections of suspicious packages and employing advanced technologies to detect and identify explosives, leveraging their expertise in maritime security. Specialized RSNF divers will also collaborate with Civil Defense teams in search and rescue missions, particularly in response to flash floods or heavy rainfall at the holy sites. Through the Western Fleet, the RSNF is deploying infantry units, special forces, drone aviation teams, naval military police, and other specialized personnel to assist internal security forces in a range of critical support roles throughout the pilgrimage. Related Topics: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces update its fleet Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations Riyadh Global Health Exhibition to Bring Together Int'nal Healthcare Experts Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Governor New Chapter Unfolded: Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Intensive Care Unit Short link :
