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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.

  • New Wildlife Observation Routes in Saudi Arabia

    New Wildlife Observation Routes in Saudi Arabia

    NEW WILDLIFE OBSERVATION ROUTES OPEN IN SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Arabia launches new ecological routes and sites for wildlife observation. Visitors will have access to safaris, bird watching, and rare animals in their natural habitats. According to the National Center for Wildlife, the kingdom has over 65 ecosystems and more than 12,000 species of living organisms. In recent years, over 10,000 wild animals have been released into the wild, and the network of protected natural areas has significantly expanded. Among the new destinations is the Farasan Islands Reserve for bird watching, as well as the Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz Reserve, where one can see the Arabian oryx and other rare animals. Saudi Arabia plans to

  • Women Volunteers at the Mosque of Mecca: New Opportunities for Service

    Women Volunteers at the Mosque of Mecca: New Opportunities for Service

    🤎 RECRUITMENT OF WOMEN VOLUNTEERS OPENED AT THE SACRED MOSQUE OF MECCA The Administration of the Sacred Mosque in Mecca has announced the recruitment of women for professional volunteer positions to serve female pilgrims and visitors of the al-Haram Mosque. Applications can be submitted by both Saudi citizens and foreign women. The minimum age is 18 years. Before applying, it is necessary to register on the National Volunteer Activity Platform. Recruitment is open in six areas: 🟢 design and creativity 🟢 photography and media production 🟢 digital technologies and digital transformation 🟢 data analysis 🟢 artificial intelligence 🟢 digital user experience and archiving Not only individual specialists but also professional associations and organizations can participate. First, it is necessary to register on the Nat

  • Date Harvest Season in Al-Ahsa Oasis: Tradition and Yield

    Date Harvest Season in Al-Ahsa Oasis: Tradition and Yield

    🌴 THE DATE HARVEST SEASON HAS BEGUN IN AL-AHSA OASIS The first batches of fresh dates from the new harvest have arrived at the central markets of Al-Ahsa oasis, marking the start of one of the region's most important agricultural seasons. Every year, over 2 million date palms in Al-Ahsa produce more than 120,000 tons of dates, which are supplied throughout the Eastern region and other areas of Saudi Arabia. Thanks to high summer temperatures, farmers have already begun harvesting over 20 known varieties of dates. The price of the products depends on the quality, size, color, and taste characteristics of the fruits. To support producers, the Ministry of Environment, Water Resources, and Agriculture, together with the municipality of Al-Ahsa, has organized special trading platforms, seasonal date festivals, and farmers' markets.

  • Saudi Arabia's GDP Reached $1.31 Trillion in 2025

    Saudi Arabia's GDP Reached $1.31 Trillion in 2025

    RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s real GDP reached $1.31 trillion in 2025, while non-oil activities accounted for 55% of the economy. The figures were highlighted in the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2025 Annual Report, which showcased progress across economic development, investment, tourism, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and quality of life indicators. The report noted that foreign direct investment inflows climbed to $35.5 billion in 2025, nearly five times higher than in 2017, while non-oil GDP expanded by 4.9% during the year. More than 700 international companies have

  • Extreme Heat in the East: How Travelers Should Prepare for 50°C

    Extreme Heat in the East: How Travelers Should Prepare for 50°C

    JEDDAH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecasts maximum temperatures ranging between (47 - 50)°C over parts of the Eastern Region starting Wednesday, until Sunday. According to a map the NCM shared on its official account on X, extreme heat will specifically affect Hafar Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, Dammam, and Al-Ahsa. This forecast comes after the NCM released a report on long-term monitoring of June weather patterns in Saudi Arabia, finding that the month was among the Kingdom's hottest.

  • The Heritage Commission Discovered 1,774 Artifacts in Medina

    The Heritage Commission Discovered 1,774 Artifacts in Medina

    RIYADH — The Heritage Commission has concluded the second season of archaeological survey work in Al-Mahd governorate in the Madinah region. During the survey work, it has documented 1,774 archaeological discoveries across three survey areas, namely Al-Suwayriqiyah, Al-Muwayhiyah, and Hadhah. The survey recorded 156 new archaeological sites, yielding 461 Islamic inscriptions, 34 Thamudic inscriptions, 1,259 rock art panels, 11 stone structures, three historical palaces, two caravan routes, and four wells. Among the most notable finds are rock inscriptions bearing the name of the second Islamic