Makkah governor praises officials on successful Umrah season
Some 3 million worshippers, including more than 2 million local and foreign pilgrims, visited the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. In a strategic plan implemented by the committee, the ministries of interior, health, Umrah and Haj, Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, civil defense and other private sector organizations took part in the program.
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Over 1 million lab tests conducted on pilgrims at Makkah hospitals during Ramadan
More than 1 million laboratory tests were conducted on pilgrims at Makkah hospitals during Ramadan, the Ministry of Health announced here on Friday. According to figures revealed by the ministry, a total of 362,457 samples were received and 1 million clinical reports were disbursed by these hospitals during Ramadan.
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Emaar to open Address Hotels + Resorts site near Grand Mosque in Mecca
Emaar Hospitality Group has signed a deal with Jabal Omar Development to operate a new Address Hotels + Resorts project in Mecca, close to the Grand Mosque. The Jabal Omar Address Makkah property will have 1,490 hotel rooms and suites – some of which will be available for freehold purchase. It is scheduled to open in 2019.
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Makkah’s tunnels ready for visitors
The municipality has completed its maintenance work on Makkah tunnels to ensure that all devices and equipment are in order for the safety and comfort of pilgrims and visitors, said Makkah Municipality Deputy Secretary Khalid Al-Haij.
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Nokia deploys new tech to help Umrah and Hajj pilgrims better navigate their journey
The gear maker said that busy events can create challenges for operators as many people attempt to access the mobile network at the same time. With millions making the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage each year, this challenge is elevated.
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Jeddah airport serves 5.2m Umrah pilgrims
As many as 5.2 million Umrah pilgrims have arrived and departed through King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah since the beginning of the Umrah season on Nov. 1, according to the airport’s management.
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Indian govt panel to submit report on reducing Haj cost
The Indian government is working on a mechanism where Haj pilgrims can perform their rituals at a reasonable cost, which also includes accommodation and travel to Saudi Arabia.
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High cost of hajj excludes many in SA
In 1989, an elderly man walked into a fish and chips shop in Jo’burg’s inner city and offered the owner, Fazel Ebrahim, this advice: “Always save your shiniest coin.” Since then, Ebrahim plucked the glossiest coin from the till and dropped it into a tin. By the time he went on hajj in 2011, he had saved R150 000 for him and his wife to make the religious Islamic pilgrimage.
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Umrah season extended by one month
Saudi Arabia’s Haj and Umrah Ministry has extended Umrah season by one month in order to give more opportunities to Muslims to perform the ritual.
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Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel opens in Saudi
Hilton has opened Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel in Saudi Arabia, with coveted views overlooking the Sacred Mosque. The hotel also boasts of the largest ballroom and convention centre in the city.
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King approves building Qur’an Oasis in Madinah
MADINAH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman approved the establishment of an iconic Qur’an Oasis project in Madinah.
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Haj Ministry working to increase bed capacity in Madinah hotels
MADINAH — The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has announced that it is working on increasing the capacity of hotel beds in the prophet's city to 700,000.
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