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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.

  • Saudi Arabia Introduces Fees on Vacant Properties

    Saudi Arabia Introduces Fees on Vacant Properties

    RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved the executive regulations for vacant property fees as part of efforts to improve the efficient use of real estate assets and strengthen balance in the property market.The move comes in line with directives by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aimed at regulating the real estate sector and improving the balance between supply and demand.The ministry said the regulations are designed to encourage the utilization of vacant buildings and increase the supply of residential and commercial units, helping curb practices that negatively af

  • Fines and Bans on Entering Mecca Without Hajj Permission

    Fines and Bans on Entering Mecca Without Hajj Permission

    This is an official warning from the Saudi authorities before Hajj. "Anyone holding a visit visa of any type who attempts or enters the city of Mecca and the holy sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah) or stays there without Hajj permission will be fined up to 20,000 Saudi riyals.". This concerns people arriving on: tourist visas, family visas, business visas, visit visas, etc. During the Hajj season, entry to Mecca is allowed only for: holders of official Hajj permission, residents of Mecca, workers with authorization. Currently, control is very strict: checkpoints, document checks, fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

  • Automated Slaughterhouse in Mecca for Hajj 2026

    Automated Slaughterhouse in Mecca for Hajj 2026

    The Saudi sacrifice project in Mecca is ready for the full scale of Hajj 2026. This facility, dubbed the world's largest automated slaughterhouse in terms of technology and staff, has already received orders for 800,000 sacrifices ahead of the pilgrimage season. How the complex works? The project operates on 10 sites and employs 25,000 staff, including 17,000 experienced butchers. Each animal undergoes inspection before slaughter to confirm compliance with Sharia requirements regarding age and veterinary control. Any carcass weighing less than 9 kg is excluded from the process after slaughter. After slaughter, carcasses are processed through automated cleaning lines and packaged in boxes of 2.5 kg. The complex has a central refrigerated warehouse

  • Dialysis for Pilgrims at Hajj 2026: Comprehensive Medical Support

    Dialysis for Pilgrims at Hajj 2026: Comprehensive Medical Support

    The medical cluster in Medina has prepared a special dialysis room at the Kidney Center at King Fahd Hospital in Medina to provide medical assistance to pilgrims with kidney diseases during Hajj 2026. What does the center offer? The room is equipped with 13 dialysis machines and can perform up to 25 procedures a day. In addition to hemodialysis, the center provides: 🟢 peritoneal dialysis; 🟢 monitoring for pilgrims after kidney transplantation; 🟢 a full range of medical assistance for kidney diseases during the Hajj. 24/7 emergency assistance The hemodialysis department at King Fahd Hospital operates 24 hours a day to receive emergency cases. Pilgrims who experience complications related to their kidneys will be able to receive help without delays at any time of day. Full

  • Visa-Free Travel to Saudi Arabia: How It Changes Tourism

    Visa-Free Travel to Saudi Arabia: How It Changes Tourism

    A visa-free regime has been established between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Now, entry into the kingdom is possible simply with a passport. You can stay in the country for up to 90 days as a tourist. Naturally, a visa or residence permit is required for living in Saudi Arabia.