E-system aims to make Hajj, Umrah simple
28 November 2017

E-system aims to make Hajj, Umrah simple

Pilgrims can now finalize Hajj e-system booking procedures through the Hajj offices approved in their respective countries, an official source at the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah told Arab News. He said the ministry is seeking to achieve the required transparency for pilgrims at all levels and types, and that the electronic path shows the costs of the Hajj services.

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Selfies banned at Islam's two holiest sites in Saudi Arabia
26 November 2017

Selfies banned at Islam's two holiest sites in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian government has banned pilgrims from taking photos and videos using any devices for any purpose at Islam's two holiest mosques.

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KSA to ease immigration process for Bangladeshi pilgrims
26 November 2017

KSA to ease immigration process for Bangladeshi pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has decided to ease the immigration process for the pilgrims, to be effective from next year of the holy hajj, said a high official of the religious affairs ministry. The Saudi authorities have decided that the pilgrims will get pre-clearance for immigration and custom at departing airports in Bangladesh.

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Airfares surge due to Umrah rush
26 November 2017

Airfares surge due to Umrah rush

The airfares from the Indian subcontinent to Jeddah and Madinah peaked with the rush of Umrah pilgrims heading to the Kingdom ahead of the Eid Milad-u-Nabi.

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Eateries in densely populated Makkah districts lack hygiene
26 November 2017

Eateries in densely populated Makkah districts lack hygiene

Many of the densely populated neighborhoods of Makkah are filled with dozens of restaurants and shops that sell food and meat of different varieties in unhygienic conditions.

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Approved Haj Policy 2018 released a day after it was challenged in Supreme Court
26 November 2017

Approved Haj Policy 2018 released a day after it was challenged in Supreme Court

The Haj Committee of India Thursday published on its website the new Haj Policy for the period of 2018-2022 a day after it was challenged in the Supreme Court of India.

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Writer of the Saudi national anthem, Ibrahim Khafaji, dies
24 November 2017

Writer of the Saudi national anthem, Ibrahim Khafaji, dies

The writer of the Saudi national anthem, Ibrahim Khafaji, has died at the age of 90 at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah after a long struggle with illness.

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Saudi aims to issue tourist visas next year, official says
24 November 2017

Saudi aims to issue tourist visas next year, official says

A senior official said the move would target people who want to experience "the grandness of this country"

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Makkah – Madinah high speed line demonstration service planned
24 November 2017

Makkah – Madinah high speed line demonstration service planned

SAUDI ARABIA: A demonstration service on the 450 km Haramain High Speed Rail line between Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah is planned by the end of the...

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Indian Haj aspirants to get more embarkation point options
22 November 2017

Indian Haj aspirants to get more embarkation point options

Union minority affairs minister said the option is being made available for the first time

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Lagos fixes N1.3 million as fare for 2018 Hajj
22 November 2017

Lagos fixes N1.3 million as fare for 2018 Hajj

The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has announced N1.3 million as the tentative fare for the 2018 Hajj exercise.

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Hajj documentary released
22 November 2017

Hajj documentary released

National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD) in partnership with the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yesterday announced the launch of ‘The Duty of Care,’ a documentary providing a rare insight into the single largest congregation in the world and highlighting the role of the Ministry of Health in safeguarding the well-being and health of over 2.5 million devout pilgrims who undertake the annual Hajj journey. 

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