Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Govt to compensate over 60,000 pilgrims with priority in 2026

Govt

  ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to give priority in the next Hajj to more than 60,000 intending pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj this year. The decision was discussed during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, held under the chairmanship of Malik Amir Dogar. Federal Minister for … Read more

55,642 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

55,642 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

55,642 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims have landed in Saudi Arabia so far via 244 flights. Religious Affairs’ Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said 4,558 more pilgrims are scheduled to arrive today through 19 flights. He said the Hajj flight operation will continue till 31st of this month. The spokesperson said that preparations are going well to … Read more

Pakistan reduces Hajj assistants count as pilgrim numbers drop

55,642 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to reduce the number of Hajj assistants for the 2025 pilgrimage by 50%, following a significant drop in the number of Pakistani pilgrims. Originally, 840 assistants were chosen through a National Testing Service (NTS) exam to help 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj. But since 67,000 people from Pakistan … Read more

‘90,000 Pakistanis to perform Hajj this year’

55,642 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, announced that 90,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj this year under the official government scheme. During a press conference in Lahore, he stated that Hajj flight operations are set to begin from April 29. He added that preparations including vaccination and training are in full swing, with Hajj … Read more

Government announces final cost of Hajj packages

Government announces final cost of Hajj packages

Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Tuesday announced the final cost for the long and short Hajj packages for the year 2025. The change came days after Islamabad and Riyadh signed the annual Hajj agreement 2025 to provide the best facilities to Pakistani pilgrims. Under the agreement, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims would perform Hajj … Read more

Reema Khan Shares Beautiful Moments From Madinah Munawarrah

Reema Khan

Reema Khan is a Prominent Star in Pakistan. She married the USA-based doctor Dr. Tariq Shahab. Reema Khan in Madinah before Hajj 2024. Reema Khan, one of the country’s biggest superstars, has had a prolific career as both a film star and a director. At the height of her career, she married Dr. Tariq Shahab, … Read more

PIA hajj flight makes emergency landing in Riyadh after emergency alarm

PIA eyes quick return to European routes post-approval

PIA Hajj flight made an emergency landing in Riyadh. Passengers were accommodated in the airport lounge. Recent incidents in the aviation sector have raised safety concerns. A Hajj flight operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), designated PK 839, was compelled to land unexpectedly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a late Friday evening after a warning … Read more

Indonesia introduces app for Hajj Pilgrims to enhance communication

Indonesia introduces app for Hajj Pilgrims to enhance communication

Indonesia has launched a mobile app, Kawal Haji, for Hajj pilgrims. The app aims to streamline communication and coordination during the pilgrimage season. Indonesia expects over 4,400 Hajj officers to cater to its pilgrims this year. On Monday, Indonesia launched a mobile app dedicated to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims as officials seek to streamline communication for … Read more

Al-Sudais launches presidency’s largest plan yet for Hajj season

Al-Sudais launches presidency’s largest plan yet for Hajj season

The Presidency launched its operational plan for the Hajj season. The plan is described as the largest religious operational plan. The plan includes 120 religious enrichment initiatives. Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs, described plan for the Hajj season as the largest religious operational plan yet undertaken by the presidency. The plan is … Read more

Saudi Arabia Sets Up 4,000 Kilometers of Roads Ahead of Hajj Season

Saudi Arabia Sets Up 4,000 Kilometers of Roads Ahead of Hajj Season

Arrangements for the upcoming Hajj season in Saudi Arabia are now complete, with the General Authority for Roads finishing wide-ranging work on the roads leading to Makkah. The main purpose of these efforts is to make the hajj experience better for all those participating. They’ve done a lot of work, enlightening a total of 4,000 … Read more

Indonesia celebrates expanded Makkah route access as Pilgrims went for Hajj

Indonesia celebrates expanded Makkah route access as Pilgrims went for Hajj

The pilgrims will be sent to Saudi Arabia for the spiritual journey, one of the five pillars of Islam. The initiative, launched in 2019, assists pilgrims in meeting visa, customs, and health requirements at the airport of origin. This year, over 128,000 Indonesian pilgrims departing from the three selected cities will benefit from the initiative. … Read more

Passport Issuance Begins for Hajj Pilgrims in Pakistan

Hajj

The initiation of passport issuance in Pakistan for individuals preparing to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage marks a significant milestone and source of happiness for many devout Muslims. This process not only facilitates their spiritual journey but also brings a sense of relief and anticipation as they prepare for this sacred endeavor. The establishment of … Read more

Private Hajj Booking in Pakistan Starts Today: Apply by February 25, 2024

hajj 2024

In a highly anticipated announcement, private organizers in Pakistan are getting ready to start booking slots for Hajj 2024, the sacred pilgrimage journey. Led by Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, the PM’s aide on Religious Affairs, the news was revealed during a significant press conference with the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP). Starting from … Read more

22-day short Hajj being introduced to facilitate pilgrims: Aneeq

22-day short Hajj being introduced to facilitate pilgrims: Aneeq

KARACHI: Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmad on Thursday said that all out efforts are being made to extend maximum facilities to Pakistani pilgrims. They will feel visible difference this year as first time in the history of this country,  22-day short Hajj is being introduced, he said while talking … Read more

Saudi Hajj Minister arrives in Pakistan on four-day visit

Saudi Hajj Minister

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Taufeeq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiya along with a delegation arrived in Islamabad on Sunday on a four-day visit. He was cordially invited by Caretaker Federal Minister for religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmad and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Al-Malki at the airport. During the visit, the Saudi delegation will discuss … Read more

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Commends Efforts To Help Pilgrims During Hajj

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a reception at the royal court of Mina Palace. The Crown Prince received several princes, military officials and other dignitaries. Crown Prince lauded the great sacrifices being made by them to safeguard Saudi Arabia. MAKKAH: On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulazaiz Al … Read more

Hajj package will be Rs11, 75000 for current year

Hajj package

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy for 2023. The ECC gave its approval in its meeting held here on Monday with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the chair. Earlier, Ishaq Dar had assured Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor to provide max facilitation … Read more

There is no number limit for pilgrims to perform Umrah says Hajj Ministry

Saudi Arabia

There is no number limit for pilgrims to perform Umrah, said Saudi’s Hajj Ministry. Tourists, or those who are on work visa are permitted to perform Umrah. In October 2020, Saudi government allowed  limited number of pilgrims to perform Umrah. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that there is no number … Read more

Online registration for Hajj pilgrims from 58 countries is now available

Hajj
  • Saudi Arabia has unveiled an e-platform.
  • The e-platform will assist the entrance of Muslim pilgrims from 58 countries.
  • There will be no restrictions on the number of pilgrims.

Cairo: Saudi Arabia has unveiled an e-platform to assist the entrance of Muslim pilgrims from 58 countries for this year’s Hajj, according to local media.

As part of the kingdom’s early attempts to ease procedures for the 2017 Hajj season, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the establishment of the hajj.nusuk.sa website for pilgrims from Europe, the Americas, and Australia.

The government announced that those pilgrims might register through the portal beginning Wednesday.

According to the ministry, the new facility allows pilgrims from these countries to apply, make bookings, and make e-payments, as well as select packages of Hajj-related services such as housing, catering, flights, guiding, and transportation.

France, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Australia, Bulgaria, Argentina, Greece, Georgia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Denmark, Venezuela, Ukraine, Norway, Trinidad and Tobago, Finland, Colombia, Ireland, Romania, Croatia, New Zealand, Serbia, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Panama, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Cuba, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Nicaragua are among the countries covered by the platform.

Registration started

Saudi Arabia started registration for Muslims residing within the kingdom to enroll for this year’s Hajj ceremonies last month.

Saudi authorities have stated that there will be no restrictions on the number of pilgrims from around the world for the 2018 Hajj season, reversing previous restrictions imposed in the previous two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of Muslims permitted to conduct the Hajj ceremonies in the last two years in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19. In the pre-pandemic era, approximately 2.5 million Muslims would perform Hajj each year.

Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing Hajj must do so at least once in their lifetime.

[embedpost slug=”/saudis-can-rent-out-their-residential-units-for-hajj-pilgrims/”]

Read more

Saudis can rent out their residential units for Hajj pilgrims

Saudis
  • Saudi Arabia issued a bylaw this month.
  • Saudi citizens can obtain a permit to rent out their residential units.
  • The decision is taken in order to boost the private hospitality industry.

Riyadh: Saudi citizens can now rent out their residential units to Hajj pilgrims, according to local media.

The Pilgrims’ Housing Committee in Mecca announced that it has begun accepting citizen requests to rent out Saudis residential units.

The committee urged owners of residential units who want to rent them out to contact designated engineering offices in order to complete the necessary permit procedures.

The mayoralty of Mecca has stated that it will continue to accept applications. The mayoralty and Civil Defence-accredited engineering consulting firms will inspect the housing units to ensure they meet the regulations and issue a ‘fitness certificate.’ The Pilgrims’ Housing Committee will issue permits for the units based on this.

The committee encouraged citizens to contact it for information on permit requirements and for building owners to meet all necessary safety and security requirements under construction regulations.

Saudi Arabia issued a bylaw this month allowing its citizens to rent out their housing units to tourists in order to boost the private hospitality industry.

According to the bylaw on private tourism hospitality approved by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudis can obtain a permit to rent out their residential units to tourists for a fee.

The number of permits issued to a single person on a single property will not exceed three.

Citizens applying for a permit must meet certain conditions, including submitting an electronic title deed or an electronic lease contract proving ownership or use of the property pertaining to the permit.

[embedpost slug=”/saudi-arabia-set-to-receive-2m-hajj-pilgrims-this-year/”]

Read more

Saudi Arabia set to receive 2m Hajj pilgrims this year

Saudi Arabia
  • There will be no restrictions on the number of pilgrims from all over the world
  • Individual pilgrims are expected to be able to apply for this year’s Hajj via electronic registration.
  • Saudi Arabia will provide the best health and logistics services to all pilgrims

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is preparing to receive 2 million Muslim pilgrims for this year’s Hajj, after lifting pandemic-induced restrictions, according to a senior government official.

The number includes 41,300 Algerian pilgrims, according to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabeah during a visit to Algiers.

The official cited Saudi Arabia’s facilities for Muslims wishing to enter the kingdom for Umrah or minor pilgrimage, such as holders of various visas and the issuance of related visas in less than 24 hours.

Regarding pilgrim services, Al Rabeah mentioned SR200 billion projects designed to meet an expected increase in pilgrim numbers, as well as a high-speed rail service connecting the holy cities of Makkah and Medina.

“The ministry and all parties involved in the Hajj and Umrah system are eager to provide the best health and logistics services to all pilgrims in a time and effort-saving manner,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has announced that there will be no restrictions on the number of pilgrims from all over the world for the upcoming Hajj season, reversing earlier restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of Muslims permitted to perform Hajj in the last two years in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Electronic registration is available

Individual pilgrims from other countries are expected to be able to apply for this year’s Hajj via electronic registration soon, according to Saudi media.

Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing Hajj must do so at least once in their lifetime.

Saudi Arabia has recently unveiled a set of facilities for Muslims who want to perform umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and visit religious sites throughout the kingdom.

Muslims with various types of entry visas, such as personal, visit, and tourism visas, are permitted to perform Umrah.

Saudi Arabia has recently launched an electronic platform to make Umrah services, such as visits to Makkah and Medina, more accessible.

Saudi authorities have also increased the duration of the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 days, allowing holders to enter the kingdom via all land, air, and sea routes.

Saudi Arabia has announced that its citizens can now apply to invite friends from other countries to visit the kingdom and perform umrah.

Millions of Muslims who cannot physically or financially afford the Hajj rites travel to Saudi Arabia each year to perform Umrah.

[embedpost slug=”/saudi-arabia-health-insurance-cover-of-sr100000-for-umrah-pilgrims/”]

Read more

Saudi Arabia: Health insurance cover of SR100,000 for Umrah pilgrims

Saudi Arabia
  • Pilgrims are covered up to SR100,000.
  • The policy provides maximum coverage (SR5,000) for emergency dental treatment cases.
  • The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah lists 11 health insurance benefits.

Saudi Arabia: Umrah pilgrims can now enjoy a number of privileges during their stay in Saudi Arabia, including a maximum health insurance coverage of SR100,000, according to local media.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently authorized the Umrah pilgrims’ health insurance policy, which lists 11 health insurance benefits available to pilgrims throughout their stay in the Kingdom.

Pilgrims are covered up to SR100,000 in the event of hospitalization or medical evacuation both within and beyond the Kingdom. Among the benefits are maximum coverage for the patient’s daily housing and subsistence, including the cost of the bed, nursing care, medical visits, and medical supervision. The policy also covers the cost of prescription drugs and medical supplies, with a shared room costing no more than SR600.

Furthermore, the policy provides maximum coverage (SR5,000) for emergency dental treatment cases, travel expenses for a patient’s first-degree relative, treatment of premature newborns, injuries from traffic accidents, expenses for dialysis in emergency cases, and medical evacuation both within and outside of the Kingdom.

The health insurance benefits also cover pregnancy and emergency birthing expenditures up to a limit of SR5,000 during the policy period. The policy also covers the expense of returning pilgrims’ bodies to their native homes, up to a maximum of SR10,000.

[embedpost slug=”/saudi-arabia-limits-the-number-of-loudspeakers-in-mosques-to-four/”]

Read more

Saudi Arabia: Hajj packages are 30% cheaper than previous year

Packages
  • More than 90% of economic Hajj packages have been sold so far.
  • This year’s Hajj packages are 30% less expensive than last year’s.
  • Domestic pilgrims will be able to pay for their Hajj packages in three installments.

Dubai: According to local media, Saudi Arabia‘s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has declared that more than 90% of economic Hajj packages have been sold so far.

According to Dr. Amr bin Reda Al Maddah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj and Umrah Services, this year’s Hajj packages are 30% less expensive than last year’s.

Earlier this week, the ministry announced that domestic pilgrims will be able to pay for their Hajj packages in three installments rather than the whole sum ahead, as was previously required.

Prospective pilgrims must pay a deposit of 20% of the total cost within 72 hours of registering to reserve their spot. The second installment of 40% must be paid by 7/7/1444 AH, with the remaining 40% due by 10/10/1444 AH.

Each payment will be invoiced separately, and the Hajj status will be changed to “confirmed” if payments are received on schedule. The reservation will be canceled if payments are not completed.

Saudi Arabia has also restored all limitations on the Hajj pilgrimage, which had been scaled back for three years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tawfiq Al Rabiah, the minister in charge of the Hajj, stated that pilgrim numbers would recover to pre-pandemic levels once restrictions, such as age limits, were relaxed.

Before the pandemic, over 2.5 million Muslims from all over the world would gather each year in Mecca for the Hajj, Islam’s largest congregation.

Last year, over one million pilgrims performed the Hajj after it was reopened to Muslims from other countries.

[embedpost slug=”/gold-rate-in-saudi-arabia-todays-gold-price-in-sar-16-jan-2023/”]

Read more

Saudi Arabia: Hajj numbers will reach pre-pandemic levels in 2023

Hajj
  • The annual religious commemoration of Hajj will return to pre-pandemic levels.
  • No coronavirus vaccines or tests are required, and pilgrims must be immunized against other diseases.
  • Pilgrims must be immunized against other diseases.

According to Saudi authorities, the annual religious commemoration of Hajj will return to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions hampered the yearly religious commemoration due to coronavirus worries.

The Hajj, which is mandatory for all able-bodied Muslims once in their lives, is one of the world’s largest gatherings of people. Prior to the pandemic, the pilgrimage drew millions of people each year to Islam’s holiest city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

“I bring you two bits of good news in this meeting. The first: the return of the numbers of pilgrims to what they were before the pandemic without any age restrictions,” Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah said on Monday evening, according to the source.

“Also, allowing any Hajj mission from around the world to deal with any licensed company that meets the requirements of the pilgrims of those countries,” he added.

In 2019, almost 2.4 million people participated in the pilgrimage. However, because of the coronavirus lockdowns in 2020, the Gulf nation dramatically reduced the Hajj. It was an unusual step, even during the 1918 flu outbreak, which killed tens of millions worldwide.

Last year, nearly 900,000 pilgrims were welcomed to Islam’s holiest cities of Mecca and Medina for the pilgrimage.

However, only those under the age of 65 with coronavirus immunization and a negative test might enter the country.

It was not immediately obvious what health measures would be taken for the Hajj, which falls according to the lunar-based Islamic calendar this year at the end of June. While no coronavirus vaccines or tests are required, pilgrims must be immunized against other diseases.

[embedpost slug=”/hajj-expo-2023-minister-discusses-provision-of-better-travel-facilities-to-pilgrims/”]

Read more

Nearly 180,000 Pakistanis to perform Hajj this year

Hajj

Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota for Hajj pilgrims 179,210 Pakistanis will perform Hajj in 2023 The first Hajj flight will depart on 1st Zil-Qadah, JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota of nearly 180,000 pilgrims to Pakistan to perform the annual Hajj in 2023. Government of Pakistan signed a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia … Read more