The number of Muslims undertaking the Hajj has doubled in 20 years. How is Mecca coping?
As gradual globalisation and cheaper air travel makes the world smaller, more and more of the devout are making the pilgrimage, known as the Hajj, every year. In 1997, around 1.2m visited the city during this period. This year, the largest Hajj to do date, saw 2.35m pilgrims – 20,000 of them British – make their way to the city.
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Saudi Arabia wants to be top tourism destination for Muslim travelers
Saudi Arabia wants to be the top global destination for Muslim tourists by the end of the decade according to a top official. It comes amid a massive push to develop the Kingdom’s Red Sea coastline and maximize tourism spending among the millions of Muslims who already visit the Kingdom each year as part of Hajj and Umrah.
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Saudi Embassy: Hajj, Umrah visa available whatever the airline
The previous policy on issuance of Hajj and Umrah visa has been revoked so that Maldivian pilgrims will be issued Hajj and Umrah visa no matter what the airline, says Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Maldives.
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OIC calls for urgent action to save remaining Islamic cultural heritage
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently called on member countries for urgent action and appropriate ways of protecting the remaining Islamic cultural heritage against loss and neglect. OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen made the call during an international conference on “Islamic Action for the Protection of Cultural Heritage” held in Istanbul, Turkey, November 1-2.
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Pakistan- Saudi Arabia delays biometric verification for Umrah pilgrims
The Saudi government has delayed the implementation of condition of biometric verification for intending Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan till December.
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Ministry receives complaints against 90 hajj agencies
Various allegations of irregularities, including bad performance, have been found against some 100 hajj agencies in a recent probe conducted by the Religious Affairs Ministry, with recommendations to prevent them from taking part in the next year's hajj management.
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Minority Urges Gov't To Put Hajj Under Zongo Ministry
The Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 was read for the second time on Thursday, with the minority leader and minority chief whip strongly urging the government to put the management of Hajj pilgrimage under Minister for Zongo and Inner City Development.
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NCPC Congratulates NAHCON Over Newly Acquired Property
The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has congratulated the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on its newly acquired building property from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). A property to be used as the commission’s corporate headquarters.
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Saudi Arabia hopes to rival Dubai as holiday hotspot with new tourist visas
Saudi Arabia could become easier to visit with the introduction of new tourist visas, reports Al Watan. The Arabic newspaper's story (translated by Lonely Planet) suggested that initially the visas would be obtainable only for those travelling as part of a tour group with a government-licensed tour operator.
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Biometric verification of Umrah pilgrims challenged in SHC
Secretaries of religious and foreign affairs ministries directed to file replies
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Makarem Hotels scoops threeindustry awards at WTA 2017
Makarem Hotels, the Saudi-grown hotel chain specializing in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah owned by Dur Hospitality, have received three prestigious awards during the 2017 World Travel Awards ceremony, the leading travel and tourism event both nationally and internationally.
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Saudi Arabia archaeological award-winners named
The General Secretariat of the Abdul Rahman Al-Ansari Award announced winners of the first session of the award which honors pioneers and young archaeologists in the field of archaeological research and field work in Saudi Arabia.
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