Latest news with #HajjandUmrah
Saudi Gazette
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj minister reassures safe departure of Iranian pilgrims in call with head of Iran's Hajj Organization
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH— Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah held a phone call with head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Dr. Alireza Bayat on Sunday. During the call, Al-Rabiah reassured Dr. Bayat the safety and smooth implementation of the pilgrims' transfer plan at all stages of their return, from their departure from Makkah and Madinah through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah to the Jadidat Arar border crossing. Dr. Bayat expressed his deep thanks and gratitude to the King and the Crown Prince for the care and attention extended to the Iranian pilgrims throughout their stay in the Kingdom. He also appreciated the dedication of the minister and his continuous follow-up to facilitate their procedures and ensure their comfort at all stages of Hajj. The Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry's initiative to ensure safe return of the Iranian pilgrims comes in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and based on the recommendation of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to facilitate all the needs of Iranian pilgrims and ensure the provision of all necessary services until conditions are in place for their safe return to their homeland to join their families. The first group of Iranian pilgrims departed on Sunday, as part of the implementation plan overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and monitored by a dedicated operations room that provided care and services to the pilgrims until the moment of their departure.
Arab Times
10-06-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait Airways ensures comfort and smooth procedures for returning pilgrims
KUWAIT CITY, June 10: Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) on Monday received the first group of pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia after performing the Hajj pilgrimage, with all necessary measures in place to guarantee comfort and efficiency during their arrival at Kuwait International Airport. Abdulmohsen Al-Faqan, Chairman of KAC's Board of Directors, affirmed the national carrier's commitment to providing a smooth and convenient travel experience for returning pilgrims. Speaking during the reception of flights arriving at Terminal 4 (T4) from Jeddah, Medina, and Taif, Al-Faqan emphasized the airline's efforts to ensure seamless procedures upon arrival. He praised the collaborative efforts between Kuwait Airways and several key agencies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministries of Interior and Health, and the General Administration of Customs. Al-Faqan credited the success of this year's Hajj season to thorough preparation and coordinated planning among all stakeholders involved. Highlighting the airline's structured approach, Al-Faqan noted that KAC annually forms a dedicated Hajj and Umrah committee drawn from its core departments to monitor and facilitate the pilgrimage season. This committee ensures the smooth operation of flights and provides comprehensive support to pilgrims throughout their journey. Al-Faqan also extended his appreciation to the Kuwaiti leadership for the support extended to pilgrims and congratulated Saudi Arabia on the successful and secure organization of the Hajj season. Meanwhile, DGCA Chairman Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah conducted an inspection tour at Kuwait International Airport to oversee the arrival process of returning pilgrims. Accompanied by Acting Interior Ministry Undersecretary Major General Ali Al-Adwani, Sheikh Humoud underscored the DGCA's dedication to offering high-quality services in cooperation with other government bodies. He highlighted the importance of coordination between administrative and security agencies to ensure an orderly and dignified return for all pilgrims. Sheikh Humoud lauded the performance of airport teams and the atmosphere of organization witnessed during the reception process.
Mint
09-06-2025
- Mint
Hajj 2025: No more temporary ban on visas for Indians as over 1.6 million Muslims conclude Mecca pilgrimage
Hajj 2025: The Hajj 2025 has concluded with over 1.6 million Muslims from more than 150 nations visiting Mecca for the annual Islamic pilgrimage, the Saudi Arabian authorities said on 9 June. As many as 1.75 lakh India had registered for Hajj pilgrimage this year. This includes an arrangement for 1.2 lakh pilgrims through government quota managed by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India The remaining pilgrims (over 50,000 pilgrims) were supposed to travel through Private Tour Operators. 'Hajj 2025 was not just a logistical milestone—it was a glimpse of what the future of pilgrimage can and should be,' said Dr Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement on June 9. The Hajj is a must for those Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. 'Serving over 1.6 million pilgrims with more than 130 digital services, expanding emergency care by 60 percent, and deploying over 20,000 buses and trains isn't only about scale—it's about reimagining the experience itself. Our goal is to make every journey to the holy sites not only safe, but seamless, inclusive, and spiritually enriching. This year was a step forward—and we are already building what comes next,' he said. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city of Islam in Saudi Arabia, which houses the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, is performed during a particular period. The Hajj pilgrimage is held annually between the 8th and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia were between 4 June and 9 June. The main Hajj rituals culminate with the commemoration of Eid al-Adha which falls on 10th Zil-Hajj or June 6 in Saudi Arabia this year. In India Eid al-Adha was on 7 June. Eid al-Adha is the day when the animal sacrifice takes place to honour the act of Prophet Ibrahim several 100 years ago. With the conclusion of Hajj 2025, the temporary suspension on short-term visas for 14 countries including India is over too. In April, to curb unauthorised Hajj pilgrimages and control inbound travel, Saudi Arabia suspended the issue of short-term visas for 14 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco. This temporary restriction was to avoid overcrowding during Hajj 2025. People have in the past travelled to Saudi Arabia on short-term visas and entered Mecca without official permission for the Hajj. Authorities said that many of those who died in the heat during the 2024 Hajj were unregistered and unable to access air-conditioned pilgrim amenities. The restriction was basically a temporary suspension on the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 nations. This measure was in effect until mid-June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. The government clarified on 9 June that temporary restrictions on short-term visas will no longer exist after the Hajj season is over. "As a matter of practice, during the Hajj season, there are temporary restrictions on short-term visas to avoid overcrowding during this season, which end with the conclusion of Hajj," a government source told news agency PTI. Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad's tomb and the second-holiest site in Islam. While not an official part of the Hajj, visiting Medina remains a significant spiritual experience for many devout Muslims. Hajj 2025 was not just a logistical milestone—it was a glimpse of what the future of pilgrimage can and should be. With the successful conclusion of this year's Hajj, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has initiated preparations for Hajj 2026. 'This underscores the Kingdom's commitment to elevating the pilgrim experience under the visionary leadership of its Custodian of the two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina,' the June 9 statement said.
Daily Tribune
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Successful Hajj Season Concludes; Preparations for Next Year Already Underway
His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee for Hajj and Umrah, announced the official success of this year's Hajj season. With the echoes of pilgrims' prayers still in the air, Prince Saud affirmed that preparations for the next Hajj season are already in motion. 'The operational plan greatly facilitated the pilgrims' performance of their rituals,' he stated. Acknowledging the vital role of the pilgrims themselves, he praised their adherence to guidelines, describing them as "partners in the success of this Hajj." He emphasized that the seamless execution of the plan was pivotal in enhancing the pilgrims' experience. Prince Saud extended heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering leadership and support in implementing strategic operational plans that aligned perfectly with the spiritual journey of the pilgrims. In closing, he reiterated, 'We reaffirm that the Kingdom—its leadership, government, and people—remain united in serving this sacred duty.' He also expressed deep appreciation to the security forces, healthcare personnel, service providers, and the army of male and female volunteers whose dedication brought this year's Hajj to life. Meanwhile, on the second day of Tashreeq, early-departing pilgrims began performing the symbolic stoning of the three Jamarat, starting with the smallest and progressing to the largest at Jamarat al-Aqaba. Afterwards, they made their way to the Holy Kaaba to perform the Farewell Tawaf, marking the end of their sacred journey. The Hajj may be complete for this year, but the Kingdom is already looking ahead, with renewed determination to elevate the pilgrim experience year after year.
Saudi Gazette
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Crown Prince calls on international community to end Israeli aggression on Gaza
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the role of the international community in ending the disastrous repercussions of the Israeli aggression on Gaza. He made the remarks while addressing the annual reception for heads of state, leaders of countries and distinguished dignitaries performing Hajj this year at the Royal Court of Mina Palace on Saturday. The Crown Prince delivered the speech on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. "This blessed Eid Al-Adha comes while our brothers in Palestine continue to suffer as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression. We emphasize the role of the international community in ending the disastrous repercussions of this aggression, as well as in protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality where Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions," he said. At the outset of the speech, the Crown Prince said: "It is our pleasure, from the vicinity of the Sacred House of God, to congratulate you and all Muslims around the world on the blessed Eid Al-Adha. We ask God Almighty to accept the pilgrims' Hajj and good deeds," he said. The Crown Prince highlighted Saudi Arabia's lofty position in serving Islam and Muslims, especially the Hajj pilgrims. "God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors. Saudi Arabia has placed this at the forefront of its priorities, devoting all its capabilities to serving the guests of God and facilitating performance of their rituals in ease and comfort," he said while reaffirming that Saudi Arabia, with God's help and guidance, will continue this endeavor, recognizing the great responsibility and honor of service. "We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, and in all Muslim countries and across the world, and to accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the Sacred House of God, and enable them return safely to their families," the Crown Prince added. The reception was attended by several eminent Islamic figures, guests of the King, guests of government agencies, heads of delegations, and pilgrim affairs offices. The dignitaries included President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Vice President of Benin Mariam Chabi Talata Zimi Berima; and former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Hajj Guests Service Program Committee Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Secretary General of the Muslim World League for Jerusalem and Palestine and Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Hussein, and Syrian Minister of Endowments Sheikh Mohammed Abu al-Khair Shukri also spoke on the occasion. In his speech Al-Rabiah highlighted the most notable achievements of this year's Hajj season, including the implementation of 46 new energy projects with a total cost of over SR3 billion, as well as several projects in the transport and health sectors. This is in addition to several infrastructure projects with more than 300,000 square meters of shaded areas and updating of the Nusuk app to provide more than 130 digital services and streamlining of the Nusuk Masar digital platform.
