Ministry to start Hajj evaluation and preparations for Umrah soon
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will assess the experience it gained in organizing this year’s exceptional Hajj within two weeks and will try to benefit from lessons it learned.
Read article
Front line coronavirus workers reflect on an emotional Hajj journey
Two medical professionals share their thoughts on an extraordinary Hajj
Read article
‘Hajj experience was beyond our expectations’
For Japanese pilgrims, Zineb el Farissi and her husband Yasser el Farissi, Hajj 2020 was something very unique and special. “The whole Hajj experience was beyond expectation. Applying for Hajj this year amid the pandemic was special indeed.”
Read article
Restricted Hajj hits Somalia’s struggling livestock economy
The annual Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah is a time for celebration, not least among Somalia’s livestock herders and traders who export millions of livestock to feed pilgrims.
Read article
Makkah museums tell story of holy city’s past and present
Historic Makkah has welcomed pilgrims for thousands of years and detailed records of its past and present are contained in the holy city’s museums. Ten museums housing many rare artifacts showcase the culture and heritage of the city through fascinating collections and displays.
Read article
Hajj pilgrims to perform final Kaaba ritual in Makkah’s Grand Mosque
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj pilgrims will move back to Makkah’s Grand Mosque on Sunday to perform the last circumambulation of the Kaaba - when worshippers walk around the Kaaba seven times – marking the completion of this year's Hajj pilgrimage
Read article
Services par excellence and beyond imagination, says Turkish pilgrim
Muhammad Qasim Omsha, a Turkish national of Syrian origin, expressed his extreme joy and delight over getting an opportunity to perform this year’s exceptional Hajj.
Read article
Dreaming of a ‘green Haj’
A smaller carbon footprint, less waste and more environmentally friendly – this year’s pilgrimage to Makkah, dramatically scaled down due to coronavirus, has opened up the prospect of a “green Haj”.
Read article
One crew with a hundred and one stories to tell, Hajj unites all
Joining a procession of millions taking part in their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, three Arab News female staff members embarked on a very personal, spiritual and professional journey in 2019.
Read article
Pilgrims perform stoning at three Jamarat as Hajj enters final phase
As the annual pilgrimage of Hajj reached its final phase on the fourth day on Saturday, pilgrims threw stones at all the three pillars or Jamarat, symbolizing Satan.
Read article
6,250 cameras capture all field details at Grand Mosque and holy sites
As many as 6,250 cameras are operational to document all field details at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the holy sites of the human and technical components in a seamless manner during this year’s exceptional Hajj.
Read article
Saudi Arabia provides Hajj pilgrims with ‘smart’ cards for their safety and security
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued wearable “smart” cards to pilgrims in its bid to provide qualitative services to them and facilitate them in performing their Hajj rituals while taking advantage of the latest technologies.
Read article