Skip to content

News for pilgrims

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

  • Foot Care During Pilgrimage in Mina: Health Ministry Tips

    Foot Care During Pilgrimage in Mina: Health Ministry Tips

    MINA—The Saudi Ministry of Health advised pilgrims to pay close attention to foot care by regularly checking their feet, choosing comfortable footwear, and washing and drying their feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. The ministry also advised pilgrims to avoid walking barefoot, noting that people with diabetes are among the groups most vulnerable to cuts and ulcers. Female pilgrims were urged to wear appropriate socks to help prevent blisters and skin irritation, thereby reducing injuries associated with walking and movement during Hajj rituals. The ministry also encouraged pilgrims to

  • Saudi Arabia Launches Technology Competition for Hajj

    Saudi Arabia Launches Technology Competition for Hajj

    The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, through the Center for Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE), has launched a technology competition inviting entrepreneurs and developers to create modern digital solutions for the Hajj and Umrah sector. The competition is divided into three directions: 🟢 smart management of pilgrim flows 🟢 improving the pilgrim experience 🟢 language and communication technologies Participants are expected to provide solutions that help: 🟢 improve service efficiency 🟢 ease the pilgrim's journey 🟢 enhance coordination among services operating during Hajj and Umrah Program participants will receive: 🟢 assistance in developing business models 🟢 direct access to organizations in the field of Hajj and Umrah 🟢 mentorship from experts 🟢 technical training related to technologies for Hajj and Umrah

  • The Third Day of Hajj: Five Main Rituals of Pilgrimage

    The Third Day of Hajj: Five Main Rituals of Pilgrimage

    On the third day of Hajj on Wednesday, pilgrims started performing five main rituals of Hajj—the obligatory rituals of stoning at Jamrat, shaving or trimming hair, and sacrificing of animal, and two remaining pillars of Hajj—Tawaf Al-Ifadah and Sai.

  • Kiswah of the Kaaba: Art and Craft Embroidered in Gold

    Kiswah of the Kaaba: Art and Craft Embroidered in Gold

    The Kiswah of the Kaaba (Kiswah) for the year 1448 AH was fully completed at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the production of the Kiswah of the Kaaba, located in the Umm al-Jud area of Mecca, about 17 kilometers from the city center. It takes up to 10 months to make one Kiswah. About 200 specialists participate in the process: embroiderers, weavers, technicians, designers, tailors. For each Kiswah, approximately: 🟢 670 kg of natural silk dyed black 🟢 about 120 kg of 21-carat gold threads 🟢 about 100 kg of silver threads The finished covering consists of 47 separate pieces of black silk with 68 verses of the Quran embroidered in silver threads with a 24-carat gold coating. The total weight of the Kiswah is about 1415 kg. The manufacturing process goes through seven main stages.

  • Holy Sites of Mecca: Cultural Heritage of Pilgrimage

    Holy Sites of Mecca: Cultural Heritage of Pilgrimage

    Guests of the Hajj and Umrah Program and visitors to the Keeper of the Two Holy Mosques visited the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Production of the Kaaba Cover and the Revelation Exhibition in the cultural district of Hira in Noble Mecca. This took place as part of a cultural and educational program aimed at enriching the spiritual experience of pilgrims and introducing them to important Islamic and historical landmarks. Guests learned about the stages of making the cover of the Sacred Kaaba and were shown the artistic work performed by national specialists. At the Revelation Exhibition, visitors became acquainted with the events of the prophetic biography and the history of the revelation using modern interactive technologies. All activities are part of a comprehensive service system provided.

  • Extreme Heat in Saudi Arabia: How to Prepare for 50 Degrees

    Extreme Heat in Saudi Arabia: How to Prepare for 50 Degrees

    DAMMAM — The National Center for Meteorology said some governorates in the Eastern Province could record temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius on Wednesday as a severe heatwave continues across the region. Official spokesman Hussein Al-Qahtani said the hot weather conditions are expected to persist until Friday, according to forecasts issued by the center. Al-Qahtani said temperatures are expected to range between 47°C and 50°C, urging the public to follow safety instructions issued by relevant authorities and monitor weather updates, particularly during the Eid Al-Adha holiday period. In a