Latest news with #MoHU
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia: No Umrah visa without approved hotel booking, what pilgrims must Know
Muslim pilgrims offer prayers at top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) In a major policy shift to enhance the Umrah experience and protect the rights of pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that no Umrah visa will be issued to international pilgrims without prior confirmation and documentation of hotel bookings via the 'Nusuk Masar' platform . This new rule came into effect on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH). The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the announcement through its official channels, including an official post on X (formerly Twitter). According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the decision applies to all pilgrims arriving from abroad and mandates that accommodations must be booked only in hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. — MoHU_En (@MoHU_En) All contracts must be electronically submitted and approved through the Nusuk Masar digital platform, the centralized portal for managing all pilgrimage-related services. Objectives of the Policy and Government's Vision The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that this move is intended to: Protect the rights of pilgrims Eliminate unauthorized and fraudulent housing practices Prevent overbooking Ensure a high standard of accommodation Streamline the pilgrimage journey for Umrah visitors In an official statement, the Ministry said: 'The new decision aims to enhance the professionalism of service delivery, improve the experience for both visitors and Umrah performers, and guarantee that pilgrims stay in licensed, compliant facilities.' The initiative is part of broader efforts to align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom's religious hospitality sector by integrating digital innovation and enforcing higher service standards. This policy also reflects close cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism, both of which are working together to ensure a secure, seamless, and regulated pilgrimage experience for all. Role of the Nusuk Masar Platform The Nusuk Masar platform is a key component of this regulatory overhaul. It serves as the official digital gateway for managing pilgrimage-related services and documentation. Through the platform, pilgrims and service providers can: Book and confirm accommodations in Ministry-approved hotels Upload and verify housing contracts Manage permits and logistics related to Umrah Access educational materials in multiple languages This centralized approach ensures better coordination, faster processing, and a more reliable experience for pilgrims and service agents alike. Strict Enforcement and Compliance Measures The Ministry has issued a strong advisory to Umrah service providers, including: Licensed companies Authorized establishments Foreign agents All parties must ensure swift documentation and full compliance with the new directive. The Ministry warned that delays or failure to submit housing contracts through Nusuk Masar could lead to visa rejections, processing delays, or regulatory penalties. This push is also meant to eliminate previous complaints related to substandard accommodation, fraudulent bookings, and last-minute cancellations, issues that have affected the quality of service for many past pilgrims. With the 2025 Umrah season underway, Saudi Arabia's new regulation represents a decisive effort to improve pilgrims' safety and comfort. Beyond ensuring quality accommodations, the policy strengthens overall coordination among service providers and supports the Kingdom's broader vision of elevating religious hospitality by combining tradition with advanced digital and regulatory measures.
Qatar Living
10-05-2025
- Qatar Living
Saudi Arabia announces Umrah season calendar
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in an effort to serve international pilgrims and visitors arriving in the country with Umrah visas, has announced the Umrah season calendar for the year 1447 AH (2025-26). The calendar lists out key dates, including visa issuance, service agreement deadlines, and the final entry and exit dates for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announces the Umrah season calendar for the year 1447 AH, as part of preparations to serve pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque arriving from outside Saudi Arabia with Umrah visas.#Ease_and_Tranquility#No_Hajj_Without_Permit — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) May 9, 2025 International visitors holding an Umrah visa will be permitted to begin performing the rites beginning June 11 (15 Dhul-Hijjah), with visa issuance starting a day earlier, on June 10. The announcement added that all service agreements between Umrah companies and foreign agencies had to be finalised by May 27. Deadlines have been set for various milestones. The final date for issuing Umrah visas will be March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447). The final date for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom will be April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447). All pilgrims must depart the country by April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul-Qi'dah 1447). The timeline is part of the ministry's broader effort to ensure smooth and well-organised Umrah season. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
Al Arabiya
05-05-2025
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia announces fines up to 100,000 riyals for Hajj visa violators
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced hefty fines of up to $26,000 (100,000 SAR) and a possible entry ban into the Kingdom for violators of Hajj visa rules. The ministry emphasized the importance of obtaining an official permit to perform the Hajj pilgrimage for the upcoming season to avoid punishment. Anyone who is caught performing Hajj without an official permit or with a visit visa will be fined $5,332 (20,000 SAR), the ministry said. Anyone who applies for a visit visa for a person who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit will be subject to a fine of up to $26,000 (100,000 SAR), according to the ministry. This also applies to anyone who transports visit visa holders to Mecca or the holy sites during the Hajj period. This includes housing visit visa holders in hotels, apartments, private residences, shelters, or other pilgrim accommodations, as well as hiding them or offering any form of assistance that enables them to stay in Mecca or the holy sites, the ministry said. Your commitment to obtaining a Hajj permit contributes to a well-organized Hajj and helps safeguard the well-being of the Guests of Allah. #Ease_And_Tranquility #No_Hajj_Without_Permit — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) May 3, 2025 'Penalties increase with the number of violations. Violators including residents and overstayers caught attempting to perform Hajj illegally, will be deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years,' a statement from the ministry posted on social media said. Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and is required once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able. This year, Hajj is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, June 6, and end on Wednesday, June 11. Eid al-Adha will commence immediately after Hajj, starting on Sunday, June 8, depending on the moon sighting. It marks the culmination of the pilgrimage and is celebrated by Muslims around the world.
Al Arabiya
13-03-2025
- Al Arabiya
Ramadan: Mecca's Grand Mosque sees record 25 mln worshippers in first 10 days
The Grand Mosque in Mecca has recorded unprecedented numbers of worshippers and visitors during the first 10 days of Ramadan, with more than 25 million people gathering for prayers, Al Arabiya reported, citing The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques. According to the Al Arabiya report, over 5.5 million Muslims performed Umrah in the same period, marking a significant surge in religious activity at the holy site. For more Saudi news, visit our dedicated page. The authority also released new data highlighting the extensive operations in place to manage the growing number of worshippers. Ten days of mercy have passed with peace, ending in prayers and unwavering faith. O Allah, accept from the pilgrims and those who fast. 🤲🏻🌙 #Makkah_And_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You #Ease_And_Tranquility — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) March 12, 2025 More than 11,000 employees have been deployed to organize the mosque's courtyards and walkways, while 350 Saudi supervisors oversee 4,000 workers responsible for cleaning the mosque five times daily. These workers also prepare entrances and pathways, regulate access through escalators, and coordinate with operations teams to direct worshippers to the upper floors and pilgrims to the tawaf area, while ensuring that all safety measures are in place. Scenes from #Taraweeh prayers at Al-Masjid Al-Haram—Night 13 of Ramadan. #Makkah_And_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You #Ease_And_Tranquility — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) March 12, 2025 To accommodate the millions of visitors, the Grand Mosque is equipped with 20,000 dispensers of Zamzam water. The number of electric golf carts available for those in need of mobility assistance has reached 400, all designed to reflect the mosque's spiritual and architectural significance. One of the world's largest cooling systems is also in place to regulate temperatures inside the mosque, with a total capacity of 155,000 tons. The system operates through two main stations: the Al-Shamiya station, which has a production capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad station, which produces 35,000 tons. These advanced cooling systems maintain indoor temperatures between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius, using high-efficiency air filters that remove 95 percent of impurities to ensure clean air circulation. The Grand Mosque's audio system, consisting of 8,000 speakers, ensures the clear transmission of the call to prayer, sermons, and prayers throughout the mosque's three expansions and surrounding courtyards. The mosque also remains illuminated throughout the year by 120,000 lighting units, ensuring a well-lit environment for visitors at all times. As Ramadan continues, these efforts are aimed at enhancing the experience of millions of worshippers and ensuring a smooth and spiritually enriching environment for all visitors, the authority said.
