These systems are aligned with broader smart government goals and integrate with national platforms such as Nusuk and Tawakkalna
With the Umrah season in full swing, pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah are being welcomed with a carefully coordinated network of services
The platform complements existing channels such as qualified travel agents by giving users the freedom to customise their trips
The relaunch follows a comprehensive upgrade to services and guest touchpoints
This development will positively impact the pilgrim experience by empowering users to manage their journey with greater ease and convenience
The ministry reported a 30 per cent increase in the number of pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas compared to the same period last year
In Madinah, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a campaign to raise awareness about the “Rushd” app, coinciding with the start of Umrah
Service providers have been urged to comply promptly, with the ministry warning that delays or failures in documentation could result in visa processing issues or penalties
This is in accordance with the official Umrah calendar announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the year 1447
Target markets include Europe, the Gulf, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and Indonesia, in line with the National Tourism Strategy
The ministry issued a warning, stating that any delays beyond the specified date will be considered a violation
Effective March 1, the airline launched the service in partnership with Saudi Ground Services (SGS)
In March, the number of flights between the UAE and Saudi Arabia reached 383 weekly flights compared to 338 weekly flights in February
The annual pilgrimage to the holiest city in Islam takes place during the Islamic calendar month of Dhu Al Hijja which is expected to fall in June next year
The Saudi Pro League’s various clubs have gone on an international acquisition spree and signed a string of big names that have brought Europe’s top footballers to the kingdom
Nationals of these countries can apply for a Saudi visitor visa ahead of their journey via the official e-visa portal
The kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj has launched an electronic application process to facilitate travel for the upcoming Umrah season
People visiting the kingdom with an Umrah visa can now visit any city in Saudi Arabia, and any visitor to the country will be allowed to perform Umrah at any time
The decision coincides with the start of the Umrah season for the current year
The visit visa for Umrah will be issued now within 24 hours and applications can be submitted from outside Saudi Arabia through the app
The new directive will come into effect on 1am, February 9, 2022
The directive is effective October 10 onwards
Foreign pilgrims who are fully vaccinated will be permitted to perform Umrah starting from August 9
The kingdom reopened the Grand Mosque in Makkah to domestic Umrah pilgrims on Sunday, July 25
Visitors are subject to strict Covid-19 precautionary protocols
The kingdom’s minister of Hajj and Umrah received the Covid-19 vaccine in Jeddah
The kingdom resumed Umrah in a phased manner in October
The number of pilgrims allowed to perform Umrah has increased to 15,000 per day
The kingdom resumed the Umrah pilgrimage on October 4 in phases
The registration of Umrah pilgrims for the first 10 days has been completed