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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.

  • Kiswa of the Kaaba 2027: the beginning of the creation of the sacred covering

    Kiswa of the Kaaba 2027: the beginning of the creation of the sacred covering

    PREPARATIONS FOR THE NEW KISWA OF THE KAABA FOR 2027 HAVE BEGUN In the King Abdulaziz complex for the production of the kiswa of the Kaaba in the Umm al-Jud area of Mecca, work has started on the new covering for the Kaaba for 2027. Preparation began just a few days after the installation of the current kiswa. The creation of one kiswa takes up to 10 months. About 200 specialists, including embroiderers, weavers, designers, technicians, and tailors, are involved in the work. Approximately 670 kg of premium natural black silk is used to create the covering, and Quranic verses are embroidered with about 120 kg of 21-carat gold threads and 100 kg of silver threads. The finished kiswa consists of 47 separate embroidered panels made of black silk and weighs about 1415 kg. It includes an outer layer of decorated silk and an inner cotton lining.

  • Where to Watch the World Cup in Saudi Arabia

    Where to Watch the World Cup in Saudi Arabia

    The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup has arrived, with fans gathering in homes, cafés, restaurants, and public venues to cheer on their favorite teams and countries as they compete on football's biggest stage. To help create an atmosphere that captures the excitement of the tournament, Saudi Arabia has designated eight fan zones across Riyadh and Jeddah, with an additional fan zone set to launch in Makkah. Each venue offers a unique experience, giving fans the opportunity to watch matches, take part in activities, and celebrate the World Cup in a lively and organized setting.

  • Saudi Arabia Achieves 98% Internet Connectivity: Digital Revolution 2025

    Saudi Arabia Achieves 98% Internet Connectivity: Digital Revolution 2025

    RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has been witnessing comprehensive breathtaking digital transformation, according to the latest report of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The latest statistics on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) penetration and usage among Saudi establishments, released by GASTAT, revealed that 98.1 percent of Saudi establishments have an active internet connection, reflecting a significant expansion in the adoption of digital services. Reliance on e-government services reached 93.2 percent, while internet usage for transactions and e-banking stood at 79.1 per

  • Midday Work Ban in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know

    Midday Work Ban in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announced that the midday work ban under direct sunlight for all private-sector establishments will be in effect from June 15 to September 15.

  • Inflation in Saudi Arabia: What Pilgrims Need to Know

    Inflation in Saudi Arabia: What Pilgrims Need to Know

    Saudi Arabia's annual inflation rate or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded an increase of 1.8 percent in May 2026 compared with May 2025, according to the data released on Monday by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

  • Fan Zones in Parks: Saudi Arabia Prepares for the 2026 World Cup

    Fan Zones in Parks: Saudi Arabia Prepares for the 2026 World Cup

    RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has launched an initiative to support the Saudi national team and bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 atmosphere to fan viewing sites across Saudi Arabia's regions, cities, and governorates. The initiative involves designating and equipping viewing sites in public squares, parks, municipal waterfronts, and public facilities prepared by municipalities to receive fans wishing to follow Saudi national team matches in attractive environments equipped with supporting services. The initiative aims to enable neighborhood residents to watch Saudi national