The inaugural group of pilgrims invited by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz has arrived in the holy city of Mecca ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. This distinguished delegation comprises 305 individuals from 33 countries, marking the beginning of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj. According to Abdullah Al Anzi,
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially declared that the sacred Hajj pilgrimage for this year will commence on Tuesday, June 4, following the sighting of the crescent moon which signifies the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The announcement was made during a press briefing
Recent international media reports have sparked widespread speculation that Saudi Arabia is preparing to partially lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol as part of its broader efforts to attract tourism and prepare for hosting global events such as Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034. However, conflicting statements from Saudi officials have cast
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has introduced the Makkah Route Initiative, a strategic program designed to ease the pilgrimage process and improve the overall Hajj experience for foreign pilgrims. The initiative enables pilgrims to complete essential immigration, customs, and health formalities in their home countries before arriving in Saudi Arabia, significantly reducing wait times upon
In a significant step towards improving the digital experience of pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that all worshipers performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage corresponding to the Islamic year 1446 AH will be granted free access to high speed internet at all major holy locations, including the revered Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and
Saudi Arabia has stopped Kaduna-based Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi from performing the 2025 Hajj and deported him back to Nigeria. Sheikh Gumi confirmed this in a post made on Monday, May 26, 2025, via his Facebook page. He said the Saudi government had granted him a visa to enter the country for Hajj, but
Saudi Arabia has received a total of 890,883 international pilgrims as of the end of Friday for the 1446H Hajj season, according to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). The steady influx of pilgrims through airports, land borders, and seaports underscores the Kingdom’s robust preparations for the annual pilgrimage. Of the total, 846,415 pilgrims arrived
In a bold stride toward blending faith with futuristic innovation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced a new wave of technological advancements at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, including the launch of a second-generation artificial intelligence-powered robot designed to provide Islamic guidance. The latest development, which aligns with the kingdom’s ongoing digital transformation agenda,
In a heartwarming demonstration of international goodwill, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has brought its acclaimed humanitarian eye care initiative to Lagos State, offering free surgeries and treatment to thousands of residents. The programme, spearheaded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) under the “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer mission, is currently underway
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian arm, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has provided free eye care services to 4,000 residents of Lagos State as part of its ongoing blindness prevention campaign in Nigeria. The initiative, which includes eye screenings, cataract surgeries, and the distribution of prescription glasses, is part
