Latest news with #pilgrims
Arab News
13 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia welcomes 1.2 million Umrah pilgrims
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that more than 1.2 million pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah since the season launched. The faithful have traveled from 109 countries worldwide, reflecting surging international interest and the Kingdom's enhanced service capabilities for religious visitors. Ministry data shows a significant 30 percent jump in Umrah visa holders entering Saudi Arabia this year compared to the same period last year. Visa issuances also climbed 27 percent, while more than 4,200 partnership agreements were executed between domestic Umrah service providers and international agents, bolstering the Kingdom's capacity to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. The Umrah season was launched with digital visa processing handled through the government's Nusuk platform. The scheme represents the latest advancement in Saudi Arabia's efforts to streamline religious tourism as part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom's comprehensive modernization blueprint. Pilgrims have been able to secure Umrah permits directly through the Nusuk mobile application, which functions as a centralized digital gateway for pilgrim services. The platform offers streamlined booking and permit processing, complemented by additional digital tools designed to improve the overall pilgrimage experience.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Over 19mln passengers transported by air during Hajj
The Saudi Arabia General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the implementation of its operational plan for the Hajj season, revealing that over 19 million passengers and pilgrims were transported by air through more than 128,000 flights. The extensive operation took place between April 29 and July 10, 2025, and involved the participation of 116 air carriers from around the world, reported SPA. GACA confirmed that more than 1.4 million pilgrims arrived at six major international airports across the Kingdom, utilising 12 dedicated departure terminals. The achievement was made possible through the close coordination of over 25 government, security, and operational entities, supported by a workforce of more than 18,000 male and female employees. Their efforts ensured a seamless and efficient travel experience for the pilgrims, in line with Saudi Arabia's long-standing commitment to facilitating the Hajj journey. These accomplishments were highlighted during a ceremony held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, under the patronage of GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. The event honored the various entities that contributed to the success of the operational plans for the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Among the key services that stood out this year was the 'Passengers with No Bags' initiative, which aimed to streamline the pilgrim journey by managing luggage transport directly from airports to pilgrims' places of residence. The number of beneficiaries surpassed one million, with more than 1.6 million pieces of luggage transported. Additionally, the initiative facilitated the pre-shipment of over 856,000 bottles of Zamzam water. Another milestone was the initiative to connect Hajj flights with the Haramain High Speed Railway, in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). This initiative enabled 253,000 pilgrims to travel comfortably and efficiently between the airports and the holy sites, improving the overall transportation experience and reducing congestion on traditional ground routes. GACA also played a key role in the Ministry of Interior's 'Makkah Route' initiative, one of the flagship programs under the broader 'Pilgrims Experience Program' within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030. GACA designated six international airports to receive pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The latter two served as key hubs for connecting pilgrims' flights. In close coordination with relevant government agencies, the air transport system worked diligently to ensure the highest levels of operational efficiency throughout the Hajj season. The authority participated as a member of the supervisory committee and designated special terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah for the reception of pilgrims arriving through the initiative. Flights were carefully scheduled to avoid overlapping arrivals, contributing to a streamlined entry process. Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Tens of thousands of Catholics head to Vatican's Jubilee of Youth
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV made a surprise appearance in a crowd of 120,000 young Catholics who gathered on Tuesday in Rome for the Vatican's Jubilee of Youth — an event that takes place every 25 years. The week-long event is taking place just over two months after Leo XIV became the head of the Catholic Church and the first American pope. Since Monday, groups of pilgrims — chanting and draped in flags of their countries — have flooded the streets of Italy's capital and the corners of the Vatican City. The Vatican had last week said it expected some half a million people from more than 150 countries to take part, with this year's events dedicated to faith and culture. Some 120,000 people attended the opening mass at St. Peter's Basilica Tuesday evening, according to the Vatican, where the Pope said he had a special welcome for people from regions affected by war, naming Ukraine and Palestine. Afterwards, he made a surprise appearance in the crowd aboard his 'Popemobile.' The week will culminate with a giant mass led by Pope Leo on Sunday. The Jubilee of Youth is aimed at people aged between 18 and 35. Pilgrims told AFP the subjects they most wanted to discuss at the events were wars, climate change, social inequalities and the dangers linked to AI. 'The most important topic for me is war. Everyone is talking about it, thinking about it, and we want to know what the pope thinks about it and what he expects from us,' said 25-year-old Tiago Santos from Portugal. The event is taking place after almost two years of Israeli bombardment of Gaza, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and UN groups warning of starvation in the blockaded territory. Thousands have also been killed in Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, with Moscow continuing deadly attacks despite Western pressure to end its campaign. Teophanie Nasta, a 26-year-old from Lebanon traveling overseas for the first time, said that despite the conflicts in the Middle East she was filled with 'faith in humanity by seeing so many young people' gathered for the church. In an unprecedented move, the Vatican dedicated a series of events to Catholic influencers — a sign of growing importance of social media for the church. Speaking to them on Tuesday morning, Pope Leo warned against the dangers of undermining 'human dignity' in the AI era.
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
The best European walking trails you should try this year
As the weather (finally) heats up, many travellers are itching to get outdoors and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Rediscovering the joys of slow travel is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of a landscape. Walking allows you to take time to observe your surroundings and stop to admire the views. This spring and summer, consider exploring some of Europe 's most iconic hiking trails, paths trod for centuries by pilgrims, traders, and travellers, connecting historical sites and breathtaking landscapes. As the days lengthen, it's the perfect time to lace up your boots and experience the continent's beauty on foot. Here are some of Europe's best walking trails to try: The Camino de Santiago, Spain For centuries, pilgrims have traversed the ancient pathways leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the burial site of St. James the Apostle. The most renowned of these routes, the 500-mile Camino Francés, or French Way, begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, nestled in the French Pyrenees. Marked by the ubiquitous scallop shell, the Camino winds through medieval towns, vineyards, and picturesque countryside, echoing the journeys of countless pilgrims over millennia. Modern-day walkers continue the tradition, carrying pilgrim passports and collecting stamps at albergues (hostels) along the route. For those seeking a less arduous experience, numerous companies offer organised tours, handling luggage transport between accommodations. While the Camino's origins are steeped in religious tradition, today's pilgrims embark on the journey for a variety of reasons. Beyond the spiritual aspect, the Camino offers a unique opportunity to forge connections and experience the camaraderie of fellow travellers, creating a shared experience of challenge and discovery. The South West Coast Path, UK Britain's longest National Trail stretches 630 miles, offering breathtaking coastal scenery from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. Originally carved out by coastguards patrolling for smugglers, the path hugs the coastline, traversing through Devon and Cornwall before reaching its final destination. Hikers can experience a diverse range of landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of North Devon and the historic tin mines of Botallack, Cornwall, to the lush tropical gardens of the Cornish Riviera and the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door in Dorset. The trail also boasts numerous beaches and secluded coves, perfect for rest and reflection. For those planning to explore this extensive route, the South West Coast Path website provides detailed information on different sections, along with recommendations for accommodation along the way. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, Italy Connecting five colourful fishing villages on the Ligurian coast, this trail attracts more than 2.5 million visitors per year. Originating in medieval times, these paths were once the only way local people could travel between the villages before the railway was built in the 1870s. Sections of the trail range in length, starting at just a few miles. The most popular Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) runs for seven miles, where the Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Lane) section delivers sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Take time to stop in the key villages – gasp at Riomaggiore's houses cascading to the sea; sip wine on Manarola's terraces; and explore Vernazza's natural harbour dominated by its medieval castle. West Highland Way, Scotland Journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands on the iconic West Highland Way, a 96-mile trek from Glasgow to Fort William showcasing breathtaking scenery. This popular route offers hikers a diverse landscape of pristine lochs, desolate moorlands, and glacier-carved valleys like the dramatic Glencoe, all while offering glimpses of local wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles. Starting in Milngavie, the trail skirts the shores of Loch Lomond, Britain's largest lake, before traversing the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor. The path then leads through Glencoe, a valley steeped in history and marked by the tragic 1692 massacre, where hikers can admire the distinctive pyramid-shaped mountains. A challenging climb up the Devil's Staircase, the highest point on the trail at 539metres, rewards hikers with panoramic views.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Crowd surge at Hindu temple in northern India leaves at least 6 dead
LUCKNOW, India (AP) — A crowd surge at a popular Hindu temple in northern India left at least six people dead and others injured, local authorities said Sunday. The incident in the pilgrimage city of Haridwar occurred after a high-voltage electric wire reportedly fell on a temple path, triggering panic among the large crowd of devotees. Vinay Shankar Pandey, a senior government official in Uttarakhand state, confirmed the deaths and said worshippers scrambled for safety following the incident. Local officials said thousands of pilgrims had gathered at the hilltop temple, which is a major site for Hindu devotees, especially on weekends and festival days.
