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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.

  • Pomegranates of Saudi Arabia: 39,700 Tons of Summer Harvest

    Pomegranates of Saudi Arabia: 39,700 Tons of Summer Harvest

    RIYADH — More than 1.3 million productive pomegranate trees in Saudi Arabia produce over 39,700 tons annually, meeting growing consumer demand during the summer season. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture said that pomegranates are among the Kingdom’s promising economic crops. As part of its “Sweet in Season” campaign, cultivation is concentrated in Asir, Makkah, Tabuk, Qassim, and Al-Baha, with varying production levels in other regions. The campaign aims to introduce consumers to the Kingdom’s diverse local fruits and their peak seasons throughout the year, promote national p

  • Saudi Arabia is 92% Ready for Health Preservation

    Saudi Arabia is 92% Ready for Health Preservation

    Saudi Arabia has achieved its 2030 target early in terms of prevention and public health, with health departments across the regions reaching 92 percent readiness to address health risks.

  • Saudi Arabia Reduced Road Fatalities by 60% in Nine Years

    Saudi Arabia Reduced Road Fatalities by 60% in Nine Years

    There has been a historic drop of more than 60 percent in traffic fatalities in Saudi Arabia during the period between 2016 and 2025, according to the 2025 annual report of the Ministerial Committee of Traffic Safety.

  • Saudi Arabia Opens Parks for Commercial Activities

    Saudi Arabia Opens Parks for Commercial Activities

    RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing intends to permit a number of commercial activities within public parks overlooking residential streets. Under the new move, permitted activities will be classified according to the size of the park. Parks with an area of 5,000 square meters or more may accommodate gyms and sports centers for men and women, entertainment centers, childcare facilities, non-residential senior citizen centers, and daycare centers for people with disabilities. The new initiative is aimed to support economic activities in residential neighborhoods and enhance

  • 22 Saudi universities entered the QS 2027 ranking

    22 Saudi universities entered the QS 2027 ranking

    RIYADH — The QS World University Rankings 2027 included 22 Saudi universities among the world's leading higher education institutions. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals topped the list of Saudi universities, ranking 63rd globally and securing a place among the world's top 100 universities. King Saud University ranked 107th globally, followed by King Abdulaziz University in 200th place, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University in 421st place, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in 474th place. The rankings also included several other Saudi universities with a global presence, inclu

  • How to Properly Store Shoes in the Mosque of Medina

    How to Properly Store Shoes in the Mosque of Medina

    A small reminder from Medina: Always bring your shoes with you when entering the mosque. There are places to leave shoes at the base of the columns inside the mosque. Be sure to take a photo before placing them there. If you need to move forward to fill the row during a gathering, you won't have to search for your spot.