Saudi Commission for Tourism addressed 14,633 complaints in 2018
JEDDAH: The tourism contact center of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) addressed 14,633 complaints filed in 2018 through the center’s 24-hour unified number 19988, which receives all complaints and suggestions from end users. The complaints were related to services provided in tourist establishments, and mainly focused on accommodation services,
Read article
20 teams progress in KAUST Hajj and Umrah contest in Jeddah
JEDDAH: Twenty teams have been chosen to progress to the next phase of an innovation and entrepreneurship initiative at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), which aims to support and develop projects to deliver smart services for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia during Hajj and Umrah.
Read article
Haramain train to increase trips in Ramadan
The trains currently run four trips in each direction five days a week. The railway added eight new trips between Makkah and Madinah from Feb. 13.
Read article
Banks to start receiving Hajj applications from Monday
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony will start receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme from Monday, February 25.
Read article
Saudi Arabia issues more than 4.1 million Umrah visas
JEDDAH: The number of Umrah visas issued this year by Saudi Arabia has reached more than 4.1 million. According to data provided by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the total figure for approved visas stands at 4,116,827, of which 3,672,648 pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom. There are 439,785 pilgrims still in the country, with 302,263 of them in Makkah and 137,522 in
Read article
Zamzam water to be supplied in 5-liter cans
Pilgrims can obtain Zamzam water from filling station in Kudai in Makkah, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah.
Read article
Union minister urged to act against illegal Haj operators
Having been bombarded with complaints, Congress MLA Amin Patel has approached Union minister of minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to act against unregistered and unauthorized tour operators duping Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
Read article
Egypt re-opens Port Tawfiq-Jeddah line after 14 years
CAIRO: The Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority has announced the re-opening of the Port Tawfiq-Jeddah navigation line between Egypt and Saudi Arabia after a 14-year hiatus. Prior to 2006, Port Tawfiq was a private maritime port for travelers between Suez and Jeddah. The line was suspended in that year, however, after the sinking of the ferry Al-Salam Boccaccio 98. About 1,000
Read article
Hajj now ‘more affordable’ for Muslim Filipinos
MANILA: The annual Hajj pilgrimage is now “more affordable” for Muslim Filipinos thanks to reforms instituted by the Philippines’ National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and successful talks with Saudi Arabia, said NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan. Steps taken by the Philippine government have resulted in an “unprecedented” reduction in Hajj fees and better
Read article
2019 Hajj: NAHCON to begin biometric data capturing of intending pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have finalised arrangements to kick off biometric capturing of the 2019 intending pilgrims soon.
Read article
Maldives authorises 25 companies for Umrah pilgrimage
Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Monday granted permission to 25 companies to send pilgrims on the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah to Mecca, Saudi
Read article
Kano begins sensitisation for intending pilgrims of 2019 hajj
Kano State Government has begun arrangements to make the 2019 hajj exercise free of hitches. The Executive Secretary, Kano State Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Mohammad Abba Dambatta, said areas already receiving attention include sensitization for early payment, pilgrim’s enlightenment, biometric registration and pilgrims’ general welfare.
Read article