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News for pilgrims

Visa rules, Nusuk and Rawdah changes, transport and season dates — short, with what it means for your trip.

  • King Salman Invites 1,000 Pilgrims for Umrah at His Expense

    King Salman Invites 1,000 Pilgrims for Umrah at His Expense

    RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has approved the hosting of 1,000 male and female Umrah pilgrims from around the world at his personal expense under the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit. The initiative will be implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.The first group under the program, which will be carried out in four phases during the 1448 AH year, includes 250 Umrah pilgrims hailing from 16 Asian countries: Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, L

  • Mountain Regions of Saudi Arabia: A Refuge from Summer Heat

    Mountain Regions of Saudi Arabia: A Refuge from Summer Heat

    THE SAUDI MOUNTAIN REGIONS ATTRACT TOURISTS WITH COOL WEATHER IN SUMMER The regions of Al-Baha and Asir experience an influx of tourists in the summer season due to the mild climate, picturesque mountains, green parks, and numerous cultural events. Authorities have prepared hundreds of public spaces for recreation and enhanced tourist infrastructure. In Al-Baha, visitors can access 143 parks and gardens, over 45 walking and sports routes, with a total area of green spaces exceeding 3 million square meters. In Asir, 671 parks and public gardens have been prepared for the summer season, with over 1500 employees engaged to serve tourists. Additionally, historical villages, observation points, and natural attractions are popular. The summer festival in Unayzah starts on July 2.

  • Saudi Arabia Launches Incubator for 33 AI Startups

    Saudi Arabia Launches Incubator for 33 AI Startups

    SAUDI ARABIA RELEASED THE FIRST 33 AI STARTUPS FROM A SPECIAL INCUBATOR The Small and Medium Enterprises Authority of Saudi Arabia announced the release of the first cohort of the artificial intelligence startup incubation program. Training and support were successfully completed by 33 companies working on AI solutions across various industries. The six-month program was implemented in collaboration with the National Technology Development Program and aimed at fostering innovation, implementing advanced technologies, and strengthening the local artificial intelligence sector. Participants received comprehensive support — from idea development to product market entry. The startups represented eight areas, including healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, education, logistics, tourism, and more.

  • Buying Real Estate in Medina for Foreigners: Permitted Areas

    Buying Real Estate in Medina for Foreigners: Permitted Areas

    Buying real estate in Medina for foreigners: permitted areas 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia has approved areas where foreigners can legally own real estate. 📄 Ownership conditions: - Residential and commercial properties can be purchased. - Ownership rights are granted for 99 years. - Ownership share can be up to 100%. - Transactions are formalized according to current laws and established procedures. 📍 Permitted areas: - Rauda Al-Madina - City of Al-Marifa - Mishraf - Garra - Diyar Al-Muqarr - Al-Mahwiya - Dar Al-Hijra - Downtown - Medina Zone 1 - Medina Zone 2 @Makka

  • Electronic Visa for British Citizens to Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know

    Electronic Visa for British Citizens to Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know

    RIYADH — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the launch of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) service for British citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia, effective July 1, 2026. As an extension of the historic and distinguished relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, the ministry said the service builds on the travel facilitation measures previously introduced by the British government for Saudi citizens. The ETA is available to holders of all British passport types traveling to the Kingdom and covers travel for tourism, short-term study, and business purposes. The auth