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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 Inspects 33,000 Retail Outlets for Hajj

    Saudi Arabia Inspects 33,000 Retail Outlets for Hajj

    RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has carried out more than 33,000 inspection tours in Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques since the beginning of Dhul Qada (April 19). This was part of the ministry’s proactive inspection plan for the 2026 Hajj season to monitor the sufficient availability of goods, products, and their alternatives, and the readiness of markets to receive pilgrims. The inspection tours covered commercial establishments, sales outlets, central markets, car service centers, and gold and jewelry shops. During the inspections, the ministry officials verif

  • 22,000 Ministry Employees Prepare for Hajj to Welcome Pilgrims

    22,000 Ministry Employees Prepare for Hajj to Welcome Pilgrims

    RIYADH — Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said that the ministry has fielded more than 22,000 personnel to offer the best possible services for the Hajj pilgrims. Addressing the government press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday, Al-Hogail stated that the ministry, in partnership with the Holy Makkah Mayoralty and Madinah Regional Mayoralty, has mobilized its municipal capabilities to improve the pilgrim experience through integrated regulatory, operational, and field efforts. The minister affirmed that the Hajj system has witnessed significant progress in integration and r

  • Saudi Arabia Tests Hajj Roads Using Load Simulator

    Saudi Arabia Tests Hajj Roads Using Load Simulator

    RIYADH — Saudi Arabia deploys a heavy vehicle simulator to stress-test Hajj routes for 20-year longevity, the first of its kind in the Middle East. In a video posted on the Saudi Press Agency’s official X account, the Roads General Authority announces the launch of the Heavy Traffic Load Simulator, an advanced system that enables the replication of traffic conditions for more than 20 years into the future. According to the video, the Simulator is meant to be a practical solution for testing new asphalt mixes. With high operational capacity, the simulator completes 26,000 load cycles in just 24

  • Digital Contract System for Umrah on the Masar Nusuk Platform

    Digital Contract System for Umrah on the Masar Nusuk Platform

    The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a new digital contract system for the Umrah season on the Masar Nusuk platform. The service covers the entire accreditation and contract conclusion process for approved foreign agents, eliminating the need for paper documentation at all stages. What the new system does? Now all stages of contract conclusion take place in digital format through the Masar Nusuk platform. Contracts are processed according to a unified electronic model and confirmed using a QR code linked to the Nusuk platform. This allows agents and authorities to quickly and conveniently verify the details of agreements. A separate service for Saudi companies involved in Umrah will also be launched through the same platform, enabling them to directly conclude contracts with local service providers. The system covers the entire process.

  • Autonomous Robobus at Quba Mosque: Technology in Service of Pilgrimage

    Autonomous Robobus at Quba Mosque: Technology in Service of Pilgrimage

    🤖 An autonomous 'robobus' has been launched in the courtyards of Quba Mosque. ✳️ The pilot project lasts for 60 days. ✳️ The 700-meter route runs through the mosque's courtyards. ✳️ The robobus operates on AI, modern sensors, and high-resolution cameras for maximum safety. ✳️ Special stops, passenger boarding zones, and a charging station are provided. 🌴 @SaudiaUAE

  • When does the Umrah season start and how to save on pilgrimage

    When does the Umrah season start and how to save on pilgrimage

    Friends asking when the new Umrah season starts and when prices are lower. The new Umrah season opens around June 10, after the Hajj season ends. Typically, Umrah packages become cheaper after the Hajj season. Due to the heat in Saudi Arabia, Umrah packages are relatively cheaper in June, July, and August, and there are fewer pilgrims, making it much easier to approach the Kaaba. During the summer months, Mecca and Medina provide opportunities for pilgrims to cool down, and there are no issues with performing Umrah during these months. If you can endure the heat but want a good deal, I recommend going for comfortable packages in June, July, and August. Licensed MUHTASHAM TRAVEL offers special packages for these months.