Latest news with #MinistryOfHajj
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Haj Ministry suspends 2 Umrah companies for accommodating pilgrims in unlicensed facility
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended two Umrah companies for violations including accommodating pilgrims in unlicensed housing facilities. The ministry considers this as a serious violation that directly impacts the safety of pilgrims. The ministry has taken legal action against the two companies, including suspending them from operation and summoning them for investigation. This comes as part of the ministry's commitment to ensuring that pilgrims receive their full rights. The ministry emphasized its role in ensuring that services are provided to pilgrims according to the highest standards of quality and professionalism, and will not tolerate any negligence or breach of contractual obligations towards pilgrims. The ministry underlined the need for all Umrah companies and establishments to fully adhere to the approved regulations and instructions and to provide services according to the specified schedules. This will contribute to enhancing the quality of services and achieving the satisfaction and comfort of pilgrims and visitors during their stay in the Kingdom. This comes within the framework of the ministry's ongoing efforts to improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque, and to monitor the implementation of contractual programs concluded with Umrah companies and establishments. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Business
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announces fines and suspensions
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched legal action against several Umrah operators after uncovering significant shortcomings in the accommodation services provided to pilgrims—services that fell short of the standards agreed upon in their approved programs. Action taken includes legal procedures against the violating companies. Penalties included the suspension of operations for four Umrah companies and financial fines on others, depending on the severity and recurrence of the violations. Saudi fines Umrah accommodation violators The ministry stressed its commitment to ensuring Umrah performers receive their full rights and services are delivered per the highest standards of quality and professionalism, reiterating that any negligence or breach of contractual obligations will not be tolerated. The ministry also urged all Umrah companies and establishments to strictly adhere to the approved regulations and instructions and provide services according to the specified timelines, contributing to enhanced service quality and ensuring the satisfaction and comfort of Umrah performers and visitors during their stay in the Kingdom.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi hospitality sector sees record double-digit growth
Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is enjoying record double-digit growth, thanks to the growing global interest in the country as a travel destination, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank. Across Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector, the average daily rate (ADR) climbed by 10.8%, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose by 12.3% in the 12 months to March. This growth has been driven largely by strong demand in the holy cities and the capital. In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed a record 30 million international visitors, highlighting growing global interest in the country as a travel destination. Looking ahead, the target is to attract 70 million international tourists by 2030, stated Knight Frank in its latest report. Makkah remains a critical destination for religious tourism, supported by infrastructure upgrades and increased hotel capacity, it stated. In Q1 2025, ADR rose by 28.9% year-on-year to SAR 859, while RevPAR was up by 35.7% to SAR 673. The surge in performance reflects heightened demand linked to the rise in issued Umrah visas, which grew by 8.3%, according to Ministry of Hajj data. With more than 8,500 rooms under construction across 12 hotel developments, Makkah's total inventory is set to increase from 63,428 to 71,643 rooms by 2027, according to Knight Frank. Large-scale masterplans such as Masar Destination and Rua Al Haram aim to open up Makkah, as the spiritual heart of Islam, to a greater number of visitors, improving access, capacity and guest flow within walking distance of Al Haram, it stated. In Q1, the ADR in Madinah reached SAR891 ($237) – the highest in the Kingdom and an 11.8% year-on-year increase – while RevPAR increased by 15.1% to SAR 724. Madinah currently has 20,673 hotel rooms, and an additional 2,100 keys expected to be delivered by 2027. Major international operators continue to expand their presence, including Hilton and Marriott, with planned openings totalling over 6,000 rooms by these two operators alone. In parallel, Rua Al Madinah, a new giga project located east of the Prophet's Mosque, is set to reshape the hospitality landscape with over 47,000 planned hotel rooms, integrated transit and public realm enhancements, said the industry expert in its report. Amar Hussain, Associate Partner – Research, Middle East, said: "These latest figures point to resilient demand amid limited new supply and further highlight Madinah's pricing strength." "Pilgrim arrivals in the city are expected to reach 30 million by 2030, up from 17.3 million in 2025, reflecting the city's growing role as a global hub for religious tourism," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Business
01-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
New Umrah season: How many visas have been issued so far?
The The Umrah season formally began on Tuesday, 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1446 AH (June 10, 2025), with visa applications opened through the country's integrated digital platform, 'Nusuk'. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goals under Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing religious tourism and modernising services provided to pilgrims. Read- According to a r The early rush of Umrah applications follows a notably successful Hajj season, during which the country implemented streamlined procedures, boosted technical infrastructure, and achieved significant gains in performance and service efficiency. These upgrades contributed to a smoother and more fulfilling experience for pilgrims. Passports directorate launches 30-day grace period for expired visit visas In a related development, the General Directorate of Passports launched a 30-day initiative beginning Muharram 1, 1447 AH, to allow the Eligible individuals must pay any required fees and penalties as per regulations. Applications for extension can be submitted via the 'Tawasul Service' on the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform. Authorities have urged all those affected to take advantage of the grace period and ensure compliance before the deadline to avoid legal complications. Housing contracts now mandatory for Umrah Visa issuance Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a directive requiring Umrah companies, establishments, and international agents to document housing contracts for all Umrah performers. These This new measure aims to improve service quality, protect pilgrim rights, and ensure regulatory compliance. The issuance of Umrah visas is now contingent upon submitting a documented accommodation contract. The policy took effect at the start of the Umrah season and reflects enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism. Authorities stressed that early documentation is crucial to avoid processing delays or potential violations. This initiative is expected to enhance safety, comfort, and the overall experience for Umrah performers from arrival to departure, while also regulating the hospitality sector during peak seasons. Umrah season launch reflects broader Vision 2030 goals The launch of the 1447 AH Umrah season not only signals the return of millions of religious visitors but also underscores Saudi Arabia's push to realize the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, particularly in the area of religious tourism. According to the Ministry, the Nusuk app continues to play a central role in this transformation. It enables pilgrims to obtain permits digitally, access real-time updates, and receive support in multiple languages. Technical preparations began well in advance of the season's opening, with coordination from several government agencies to ensure high service standards. Efforts have also These enhancements are part of a broader plan to position the Kingdom as a leader in smart pilgrimage management, ensuring that visitors to the Two Holy Mosques enjoy a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable experience. As the 1447 AH Umrah season progresses, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is expected to continue introducing reforms and technological innovations to streamline the pilgrimage journey. With early indicators pointing to strong demand, the Kingdom remains committed to offering an elevated level of service, while maintaining safety, efficiency, and transparency across all stages of the Umrah process.
The National
01-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Saudi Arabia opens year-round Umrah access to Gulf citizens and residents
Saudi Arabia 's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that citizens and residents of Gulf countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year. The decision allows citizens of Gulf Co-operation Council states — the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar — to enter the kingdom any time to perform the pilgrimage as long as they apply for permits through the official Nusuk application. The announcement marks an easing of restrictions and is in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to boost the kingdom's role as a religious and cultural hub while diversifying its economy beyond oil. The measures come just weeks after the kingdom resumed international Umrah visa issuance, following the conclusion of this year's Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on Monday that more than 190,000 Umrah visas have been issued to pilgrims from outside the Kingdom since the start of the Umrah season, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. Umrah is a non-mandatory Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar. Although shorter and less complex than Hajj, Umrah holds great spiritual significance for Muslims around the world.
