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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.

  • Artificial Intelligence in Weather Forecasts for Hajj Pilgrims

    Artificial Intelligence in Weather Forecasts for Hajj Pilgrims

    JEDDAH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced that it is continuing to advance its digital and innovative services during the current Hajj season by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into weather forecasts and awareness bulletins. Additionally, the center has launched specialized reports and a multilingual application to enhance the quality of climate services provided to pilgrims.Dr. Turki Habibullah, director general of Research, Development, and Innovation at the NCM, stated that the center began utilizing AI technologies in weather forecasting last year,

  • Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia Reduces Time Between Adhan and Iqamah

    Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia Reduces Time Between Adhan and Iqamah

    The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has reduced the time between the adhan and iqamah in the mosques visited by Hajj 2026 pilgrims. The order applies to Mecca, the central area, and the holy places. New intervals ✳️ between the adhan and iqamah for Fajr is now 15 minutes ✳️ for Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha — 5 minutes each. The time for the Friday khutbah and prayer is also limited: their total duration must not exceed 15 minutes. As millions of pilgrims move between holy places during Hajj 2026, long waits in mosques create additional pressure on already crowded areas in extreme heat. Reducing the time between the adhan and iqamah allows pilgrims to pray faster and continue their journey, reducing crowding at mosque entrances and surrounding areas.

  • Abbasid-era Gold Jewelry Found in Qassim

    Abbasid-era Gold Jewelry Found in Qassim

    The Saudi Heritage Commission announced the discovery of a collection of Abbasid-era gold jewelry at the archaeological site of Diriyyah in the Qassim region during the fourth season of excavation and survey work.

  • Hajj 1447: How Telecommunications Transform Pilgrimage

    Hajj 1447: How Telecommunications Transform Pilgrimage

    •stc group has completed preparations for Hajj 1447 AH, with a comprehensive plan to enhance network efficiency and expand coverage across Makkah and Madinah.•The readiness plan includes more than 450 outdoor network expansions deployed along the pilgrimage route to ensure seamless connectivity for pilgrims. stc group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, has completed its preparations for the Hajj 1447 AH season through a comprehensive operational plan designed to enhance network efficiency and expand coverage across Makkah and Madinah. Leveraging advanced infrastructure and the latest tec

  • The Arafat Sermon Will Be Translated into 35 Languages and Broadcast Online

    The Arafat Sermon Will Be Translated into 35 Languages and Broadcast Online

    MAKKAH — The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that the Arafat sermon during this year’s Hajj will be translated into 35 languages and broadcast via its digital platforms and affiliated channels. This aimed to deliver the sermon’s themes to Muslims worldwide and convey Islam’s message of moderation, according to Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency. Sheikh Al-Sudais said that the translation initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims and highlights the leadership’s care for pilgrims. It also he