Saudi Arabia restricts Umrah permits to Hajj permit holders

Starting May 24 until June 26, Umrah permits will only be issued to those with a confirmed Hajj permit. (@AlharamainSA)
Starting May 24 until June 26, Umrah permits will only be issued to those with a confirmed Hajj permit. (@AlharamainSA)
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Updated 20 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia restricts Umrah permits to Hajj permit holders

Starting May 24 until June 26, Umrah permits will only be issued to those with a confirmed Hajj permit. (@AlharamainSA)
  • New regulation aims to manage influx during peak pilgrimage period from May 24 to June 26
  • The ministry stated that Umrah permits will not be issued to individuals without a confirmed Hajj permit

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that starting May 24 until June 26, Umrah permits will only be issued to those with a confirmed Hajj permit.
The directive was issued by the ministry to facilitate Hajj pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia from around the world, ensuring their pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Makkah is conducted with ease and comfort.
The ministry stated that Umrah permits will not be issued to individuals without a confirmed Hajj permit.
This measure aims to manage the influx of pilgrims in the holy city during the busy Hajj season, ensuring a smooth experience for all pilgrims.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah posted on X: “Defying Hajj regulations will result in severe and unwavering penalties. A fine of SR10,000 ($2,666) will be imposed on individuals caught in Makkah and the holy sites without a Hajj permit, applicable to citizens, residents, and visitors. The fine will double for repeat offenders, and resident violators face deportation and a ban from entering Saudi Arabia.”


Earlier, the Ministry of Interior announced penalties for those who violated Hajj regulations and instructions, such as those found without a permit in Makkah, the central region, the holy sites, the Haramain train station in Rusayfah, security control centers, sorting centers, and temporary security control centers. These will be effective from June 2 to June 20.
Any citizens, residents or visitors caught within the specified restricted areas without a Hajj permit will be fined SR10,000. In addition, residents face deportation to their home country and a ban from entering the Kingdom for a stipulated period.


Emphasizing the importance of adherence to Hajj regulations and instructions, the ministry stressed that the fine would be doubled for repeat offenders.
Transporting individuals without a permit is a serious offense, with penalties of up to six months in prison and a fine of up to SR50,000. The fine will increase proportionately with the number of people carried. The means of transportation will be seized and expatriate transporters will face deportation and a ban from re-entering the Kingdom for a specified period.
Members of the public are urged to report anyone breaking the rules by calling (911) in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and (999) in the remaining regions.
One of the five pillars of Islam, this year’s Hajj is expected to run from June 14 to June 19.


Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Thursday

Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Thursday
Updated 8 sec ago
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Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Thursday

Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Thursday

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a weather warning for most regions of Saudi Arabia, forecasting continued thunderstorms until Thursday.

Light to moderate rain is expected in the Makkah region, with potential flash floods, hail and strong downdrafts affecting areas such as Taif, Maysan, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudah, Jeddah and Rabigh.

According to the directorate, the Riyadh region may experience moderate to heavy rain, flash floods, hail and strong downdrafts, impacting the capital and other cities, including Diriyah, Dhurma, Al-Muzahimiyah, Shaqra, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majmaah, Ramah and Al-Kharj.

Moderate to heavy rain is also expected in the Eastern Province, Qassim, Hail and the Northern Borders, while Jouf, Madinah and Baha may see light to moderate rainfall.

The Civil Defense has advised the public to take necessary precautions and avoid flood-prone areas such as valleys.

It also urged people to stay updated on weather conditions through its official channels and social media platforms.


KSrelief sends food to Libya, Uganda

KSrelief sends food to Libya, Uganda
Updated 18 February 2025
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KSrelief sends food to Libya, Uganda

KSrelief sends food to Libya, Uganda

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 600 food parcels to 2,907 people in the Libyan town of Suluq, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This distribution is a part of the urgent food-assistance project for families affected by Cyclone Daniel in Libya, conducted in cooperation with the Libyan Red Crescent.

KSrelief also sent 25 tonnes of dates recently to Uganda.

Saudi Arabia’s government, through KSrelief, continues to provide aid to vulnerable communities across the world.


Saudi crown prince receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh
Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh
  • Rubio arrives in Kingdom after visit to Israel, the first leg of his Middle East tour
  • Russia, US delegates  will hold talks in Saudi Arabia in bid to end Ukraine war 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday.

The crown prince and Rubio discussed aspects of relations between their countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The latest regional and international developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability were also discussed. 

The Saudi ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff were among officials present at the meeting. 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

Earlier on in the day, Rubio was received by the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the diplomats reviewed Saudi-US relations and ways to enhance them to serve the interests of both countries.

They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts made in this regard.

Rubio arrived in the Kingdom after a visit to Israel, the first leg of his first Middle East tour in his current position. Next up on his tour will be the United Arab Emirates.


Saudi aid agency sends food to Sudan, clears mines in Yemen

Saudi aid agency sends food to Sudan, clears mines in Yemen
Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi aid agency sends food to Sudan, clears mines in Yemen

Saudi aid agency sends food to Sudan, clears mines in Yemen
  • 30,000 food baskets to Sudan’s Sennar state, 536 mines cleared from war-ravaged Yemen

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has sent 30,000 food baskets to vulnerable people in Sudan’s Sennar state, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The program seeks to support those displaced by the civil war, which is now approaching the two-year mark.

KSrelief’s food-security program helps people returning to their homes in the states of Gezira, Khartoum, Red Sea, Sennar, and White Nile.

Separately, the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance, known as Masam, removed 536 mines from war-ravaged Yemen during the second week of February.

The cleared ordnances included nine anti-personnel mines, 48 anti-tank mines, 478 unexploded ordnance, and one improvised explosive device, the SPA reported.

“Up to 5 million people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen — many of them displaced by the presence of landmines on their land,” stated the project in a release on Monday.

A total of 481,766 explosive devices have been removed from Yemeni territory since the project’s inception in 2018.


UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center

UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center
Updated 18 February 2025
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UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center

UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center
  • Peter Kyle meets medical team responsible for world’s first fully robotic heart transplant
  • Visit follows global recognition of KFSHRC’s medical standing, groundbreaking innovations

RIYADH: The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visited the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Peter Kyle was shown the hospital’s cardiac facilities, which have pioneered advancements in cardiac care and medical innovation.

Kyle visited the Heart Center of Excellence, where he observed cutting-edge technologies and medical breakthroughs that have positioned KFSHRC as a global leader in specialized healthcare.

He was received by Dr. Hani Al-Sergani, the center's executive director, and his deputy, Prof. Feras Khaliel.

The British official met with the medical team responsible for the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, a landmark achievement led by Khaliel.

Kyle also reviewed the latest advancements in minimally invasive organ transplantation, which reduce surgical risks and improve patient recovery times.

His visit follows the international recognition of KFSHRC’s medical milestones, particularly after the groundbreaking robotic heart transplant.

KFSHRC ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for the second consecutive year.

It was also named the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance 2025, and was included in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025 list.