More than 2.5m Umrah visas issued so far
5 January 2019

More than 2.5m Umrah visas issued so far

JEDDAH: The number of Umrah visas issued this year has reached 2,555,201, of which 2,183,031 pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom, according to data provided by the Hajj and Umrah Ministry. There are 408,611 pilgrims still in the Kingdom, with 286,568 in Makkah and 122,043 in Madinah. Most pilgrims — 1,991,448 — came to the Kingdom by air, while 184,580 entered by land and

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"Five-fold increase" in Indian women Hajj applicants after travel condition lifted
4 January 2019

"Five-fold increase" in Indian women Hajj applicants after travel condition lifted

India is witnessing a rise in the number of women Hajj applicants after a condition of guardian is lifted, with applications expected to increase five-fold compared with the previous numbers. Over 100 women signed up from the Uttar Prades­h state alone, says report­

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KEC unit in deal to transfer land for Haramain rail project
4 January 2019

KEC unit in deal to transfer land for Haramain rail project

Al Gharra International for Real Estate Development Company, an affiliate of Saudi's Knowledge Economic City (KEC), has signed an agreement with Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) for the transfer of land to build a railway station in Madinah.

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The physics of fluids explains how crowds of marathon runners move
3 January 2019

The physics of fluids explains how crowds of marathon runners move

This type of research could lead to new insight into other crowd formations, including those packed more tightly than marathon crowds, with pedestrians literally shoulder to shoulder. Such crowds sometimes result in deadly stampedes, such as the 2015 event at the hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

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New tourism investments spark a travel boom in Saudi Arabia
3 January 2019

New tourism investments spark a travel boom in Saudi Arabia

DUBAI: As Saudi Arabia gets ready to open its doors to tourists from around the world, its own citizens are expected to take their travels to the next level in coming years. With travel bookings in the Kingdom considered the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) — worth more than $25 billion each year — the power of the Saudi traveller shows no sign of slowing

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Hajj, Umrah Ministry pavilion showcases projects
2 January 2019

Hajj, Umrah Ministry pavilion showcases projects

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to receive visitors at its pavilion in Jeddah’s Cultural Park, introducing its initiatives and future projects. The pavilion takes visitors on a 3D virtual tour of the holy sites, and briefs them on the services and equipment provided by the Kingdom at those sites. The pavilion showcases the programs dedicated to receiving and

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Thunder and dust storm weather warning for Makkah
2 January 2019

Thunder and dust storm weather warning for Makkah

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorologists warned on Wednesday that thunder and dust storms will hit Makkah and other nearby areas overnight. The General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection issued a warning to residents in Makkah, Khalees, Rabegh and Al-Jumoom that the storm would start early evening and last until 1 am local time. Makkah's Department of Civil

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Emir receives head of Grand Mosque security
1 January 2019

Emir receives head of Grand Mosque security

Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal receives the newly appointed head of Grand Mosque security, Brig. Gen. Yahya Al-Akeel at his office in Jeddah.

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IDF prepares for crossing of 10,000 Palestinians through Jordan to Mecca
1 January 2019

IDF prepares for crossing of 10,000 Palestinians through Jordan to Mecca

The Coordinator of Government and Activities in the Territories (COGAT) completed preparations for passage of 10,000 Palestinians to the pilgrimage to the Al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, COGAT said in a statement released Monday.

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Haramain Railway considering  30 daily trips by end of 2019
31 December 2018

Haramain Railway considering 30 daily trips by end of 2019

The Public Transportation Authority approved the prices of the train ticket. The cost of a trip between Jeddah and Makkah is SR40 for economy class and SR50 for business class, excluding tax. The cost of the ticket between Makkah and Madinah is SR150 for economy class and SR250 for business.

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27 engineering offices to approve fitness of pilgrim accommodation
29 December 2018

27 engineering offices to approve fitness of pilgrim accommodation

27 engineering offices to approve fitness of pilgrim accommodation

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146 buildings selected in Makkah for Telangana's Haj pilgrims
29 December 2018

146 buildings selected in Makkah for Telangana's Haj pilgrims

Telangana State Haj Committee (TSHC) Special Officer Prof. S.A. Shukoor informed that 146 buildings in Makkah have been selected for accommodation of Haj pilgrims.

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