Bangladesh-Saudi flights to rise to 84 a week
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have struck a new aviation deal that will expand weekly passenger flights between the two countries by more than 70 percent, from 49 to 84. The agreement goes far beyond flight frequencies, adding cargo services, fifth-freedom traffic rights, and new provisions for code-sharing and leasing—moves that could ease chronic seat shortages for millions of expatriates and Hajj pilgrims, open fresh export routes for Bangladeshi goods, and reshape competition on one of the region's busiest travel corridors.
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Makkah to Madinah cycling journey celebrated in film premiere
They braved desert heat, fierce winds, and a gruelling 503-kilometre route between Islam’s holiest cities—but for the 12 Australian cyclists who made history on the 2025 Makkah to Madinah ride, the real mission was saving lives in Gaza. Now, a moving new documentary celebrates the brotherhood and compassion behind their extraordinary journey, and why the road they travelled is far from finished.
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Green Spaces in Makkah Enhance Urban Comfort for Visitors
In a city that welcomes millions of pilgrims each year, Makkah is quietly transforming its urban landscape—boasting 290 public parks designed to offer shade, cool relief, and breathing room amid the heat. These green spaces are more than just scenic escapes; they are a vital part of making the holy city more comfortable for residents, visitors, and the endless flow of worshipers navigating its streets. As the city grows, these parks may hold the key to easing the journey for those who come from around the world.
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Historic Al-Halawani Viewpoint in Al-Hada Preserves Makkah Residents' Memories
On the cloud-wrapped heights of Al-Hada, where the road bends between Makkah and Taif, Al-Halawani Viewpoint has quietly witnessed generations of residents seeking refuge in the cool mountain air. More than a scenic overlook, it is a living archive of family gatherings and shared summer escapes—a tradition that still binds the holy capital to its misty highland sanctuary.
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Govt fixes Hajj package at Rs1.2m
The government has fixed the cost of performing Hajj at Rs1.2 million for the 40-day scheme and Rs1.3 million for the shorter 20–25 day package, setting the financial bar for Pakistani pilgrims this season. With the first installment collection slated to begin August 17, authorities are promising modern technology and world-class facilities for a comfortable stay in the Holy Land — but can the faithful afford the new price tag?
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Hajj 2027: Kano Secures 3,600, Sets New Date for Acceptance of Passports
Kano State’s Hajj board has set a hard August 25, 2026 deadline for passport submission—warning that registered pilgrims who miss it may lose their seat for the 2027 pilgrimage. With only 3,600 slots allocated by NAHCON, the board is racing to complete data capture before Saudi Arabia’s registration server shuts down. But will the tight window leave some intending pilgrims behind?
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Over 100 private Hajj operators seek accreditation in Pakistan for 2027 pilgrimage
More than 100 private operators have rushed to apply for Pakistan’s 2027 Hajj slots, but the government is signaling that only financially muscular companies need apply. With new minimum-capacity rules and multimillion-dollar capital requirements, regulators are betting that fewer, stronger firms will finally fix the service failures that have long plagued pilgrims.
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UAE to open registration for 2027 Hajj season on September 14
UAE citizens hoping to perform Hajj in 2027 have a limited two-week window to secure their place, with registration opening September 14. The General Authority has announced that a automated screening system will determine who gets selected — and with preparations starting more than a year in advance, the early deadline could catch many off guard. Don't miss the key dates and what it takes to be approved.
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Ant International’s Bettr and Muslim Pro Launch Shariah-Compliant Umrah Financing in Malaysia
Millions of Malaysian Muslims now have a new way to fund their Umrah pilgrimage—one that stays true to Islamic finance principles. Ant International's Bettr has teamed up with the widely used Muslim Pro app to offer flexible, Shariah-compliant installment plans, helping families cover travel costs without sacrificing their savings. But this digital-first solution isn't just about convenience; it's designed to extend access to gig workers and small business owners who have long been left out of traditional credit systems.
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Saudi Arabia Invites Danantara to Invest in Madinah Airport
Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara has been invited to take an equity stake in Saudi Arabia's Madinah Airport, CEO Rosan Roeslani revealed Thursday. The proposal, which surfaced during high-level talks in Makkah and Madinah, is set to move into technical discussions — but the size and value of the stake remain undisclosed, adding intrigue to a potential milestone in the two nations' deepening investment partnership.
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Saudi's Al Henakiyah 1 solar plant to power 190,000 homes annually
A massive new solar plant in the Saudi desert is now powering nearly 200,000 homes—and doing so at a price that signals a dramatic shift in the Kingdom’s energy landscape. The 1,100-megawatt Al Henakiyah 1 facility is a centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push to remake its electricity grid, with implications that reach far beyond Madinah.
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King Abdulaziz International Qur'an Competition opens in Makkah
The world’s largest Qur’an memorization competition has returned to Makkah with a record 334 contestants from 133 countries — and, for the first time in its history, women will compete independently. Under King Salman’s patronage, the 46th edition carries a prize pool exceeding SR10 million, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in serving the Holy Qur’an. But this year’s historic format shift may be just the beginning of a new era for the contest.
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