New Umrah program to boost pilgrim experience

The program supports service providers, encouraging companies to adopt professional destination management and trip organization. (SPA)
The program supports service providers, encouraging companies to adopt professional destination management and trip organization. (SPA)
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Updated 20 August 2024
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New Umrah program to boost pilgrim experience

New Umrah program to boost pilgrim experience
  • Initiative ensures top-quality services without intermediaries

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the Direct Umrah Program, which allows companies to serve pilgrims directly, ensuring high-quality standards without intermediaries.

The aim is to enhance pilgrims’ experiences through visits to historical sites linked to the Prophet’s life and discovering the Kingdom’s attractions.

The program supports service providers, encouraging companies to adopt professional destination management and trip organization, after 13.5 million pilgrims were recorded in 2023.

HIGHLIGHT

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah held the second Umrah organizations’ gathering in Makkah to address challenges and propose solutions to ensure top-quality services and introduce companies to new tools and indicators for monitoring performance.

In collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030, the ministry held the second Umrah organizations’ gathering in Makkah, led by Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.

This meeting aligned with the ministry’s strategy to enhance the Umrah experience and empower the private sector to provide services year-round, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It also streamlines procedures and enforces commitment and compliance standards throughout the Umrah journey.

The meeting addressed challenges and proposed solutions to ensure top-quality services, introducing companies to new tools and indicators for monitoring performance. It also discussed strategic directions for the Umrah season and launched innovative services.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to enhance Umrah services, with the intention each year to welcome more pilgrims and provide a rich, unique faith journey in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

 


Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays

Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays
Updated 15 sec ago
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Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays

Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays
  • Penalties can reach SR100,000 and will be multiplied based on the number of individuals who violate their departure deadlines
  • Matarat Holding Co. announced that more than 6.8 million passengers and Umrah performers passed through four Saudi airports from the first of Ramadan until the seventh of Shawwal

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior has emphasized that Hajj and Umrah service companies and establishments must strictly adhere to all relevant regulations and instructions in Saudi Arabia.

The ministry said that financial penalties will be imposed on any company or establishment serving pilgrims and Umrah performers that delays reporting individuals who remain in the Kingdom beyond their authorized stay to the relevant authorities.

Penalties can reach SR100,000 ($26,600) and will be multiplied based on the number of individuals who violate their departure deadlines, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

On Monday, Matarat Holding Co. announced that more than 6.8 million passengers and Umrah performers passed through four Saudi airports from the first of Ramadan until the seventh of Shawwal.

These included King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, and Taif International Airport.

Passenger traffic was split between international flights, with over 4.6 million passengers, including arrivals and departures, and 2.1 million passengers on domestic flights.


Drug smuggling operations foiled across Kingdom

Drug smuggling operations foiled across Kingdom
Updated 52 min 14 sec ago
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Drug smuggling operations foiled across Kingdom

Drug smuggling operations foiled across Kingdom
  • Patrols in the Asir region led to the arrest of four Ethiopians for smuggling 122,550 tablets regulated for medical circulation
  • Border Guard authorities in Al-Raboah, Asir, arrested six Ethiopians for smuggling 225 kg of qat plants

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have carried out multiple drug-related arrests across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

Border Guard patrols in the Al-Dayer sector of the Jazan region resulted in the arrest of 11 Ethiopians for smuggling 288 kg of qat. In another operation, the smuggling of 504 kg of qat was thwarted.

Patrols in the Asir region led to the arrest of four Ethiopians for smuggling 122,550 tablets regulated for medical circulation. A firearm was seized.

Border Guard authorities in Al-Raboah, Asir, arrested six Ethiopians for smuggling 225 kg of qat plants. Another attempt to smuggle 175 kg of qat was also thwarted.

The General Administration of Mujahideen in the Eastern Province arrested a citizen for selling hashish, while, in Makkah, two citizens were arrested with 2,475 tablets regulated for medical circulation.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and all seized items handed to the relevant authorities.

The public is urged to report drug smuggling or sales by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be submitted confidentially to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.


Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah

Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah
Updated 07 April 2025
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Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah

Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah
  • ‘Your Passport to the World’ celebrates traditions from Sudan, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh

Riyadh: A cultural festival hosted by Saudi Arabia will bring the rich traditions of Sudan, India, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to Alkhobar and Jeddah.

Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the “Your Passport to the World” event will celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of expatriate communities in the Kingdom.

The month-long festival will offer an immersive experience that reconnects participants with their roots, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through a series of performances, culinary showcases, traditional crafts, and hands-on workshops, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate global traditions.

The festival will debut in Alkhobar, with each community featured for four days throughout April, according to the SPA.

The Sudanese pavilion will kick off the event from Wednesday to Saturday, followed by India from April 16-19, the Philippines from April 23-26, and Bangladesh from April 30 to May 3. Afterward, the festival will move to Jeddah.

Each cultural showcase will offer a holistic experience, incorporating folkloric patterns, textiles, natural elements, and architectural heritage unique to each nation, the SPA reported.

Specialized zones will highlight heritage clothing, dance performances, authentic cuisine, crafts, open-air markets, performance theaters, and interactive installations.

The initiative aims to celebrate cultural diversity, foster connections, provide an engaging family experience, and highlight cultural heritage through art and cuisine.

With its festive atmosphere and vibrant showcases, the event is expected to attract large crowds, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance entertainment and improve quality of life for residents.


Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners

Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners
Updated 07 April 2025
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Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners

Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners
  • Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University to celebrate contributions in science, arts, economic, humanities

RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh will host a ceremony on Wednesday to honor the winners of the seventh Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, will be hosted at the university’s Conference and Convention Center and will be attended by Princess Fahda bint Falah Al-Hathleen, the spouse of the king.

This year’s award will recognize outstanding contributions in six categories: Natural sciences, health sciences, social initiatives, artistic works, economic projects and humanities.

The categories, covering both theoretical and practical fields, were opened for nominations last October, according to the SPA.

This year’s award marks a milestone, receiving a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom, highlighting the increasing recognition and impact of the initiative.

Last year, the award introduced refined evaluation and selection processes, adopting more precise and objective criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.

The award framework was also updated to reflect national priorities and global developments, further enhancing credibility and reach.

The Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence aims to highlight the accomplishments of Saudi women and recognize distinguished and creative people.

It also seeks to support outstanding women-led efforts and inspire future generations of women to contribute to comprehensive national development.


New program to boost tech skills of Saudi leaders

New program to boost tech skills of Saudi leaders
Updated 07 April 2025
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New program to boost tech skills of Saudi leaders

New program to boost tech skills of Saudi leaders
  • The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation

RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy has launched the Future Tech Leaders program, a six-month course designed to enhance the technical skills of professionals in leadership roles, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sponsored by the National Technology Development Program and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the program is conducted in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley.

It uses a hands-on learning approach to equip CEOs and IT managers with skills to keep pace with emerging technologies, according to the SPA.

The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation — fields that are increasingly in demand.

Tuwaiq Academy seeks to develop national leadership in modern technologies through professional programs and bootcamps.

It partners with global leaders such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Stanford University to train skilled professionals across various sectors.

The academy also offers additional programs for various age groups, available at tuwaiq.edu.sa.

The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the rapid evolution of modern technologies and the needs of the labor market.