Local News
Hajj visas for the 1447 AH season will begin to be issued next Sunday
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announces the start of issuing Hajj visas for the 1447 AH season next Sunday, with the completion of contracts and the preparation of camps to serve the guests of God in accordance with Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the commencement of issuing Hajj visas for the 1447 AH season, starting next Sunday, 20 Sha'ban, corresponding to February 8, 2026. This early step, approximately four months before the start of the Hajj rituals, comes as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the readiness of the services provided to pilgrims and ensuring a smooth Hajj journey from arrival to departure.
These measures fall under the objectives of the "Guests of God Service Program," one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to bring about a qualitative shift in the Hajj and Umrah experience. The early issuance of visas reflects a fundamental change in operational planning mechanisms, allowing pilgrims and Tawafa companies ample time to arrange all logistical and technical preparations before peak times.
Digital readiness and completed contracts
In the context of field preparations, the Ministry revealed significant digital and organizational achievements for this season, including the completion of 100% of contracts for services at the Holy Sites for pilgrims from abroad, in addition to the approval of all accommodation and transportation contracts. The unified government platform "Nusk" played a pivotal role in facilitating these procedures, enhancing transparency and improving the efficiency of services provided.
Official statistics show that 750,000 pilgrims have registered so far, with 30,000 pilgrims booking packages directly from their home countries, reflecting the success of digital transformation in reducing bureaucratic procedures. Additionally, 485 camps have been allocated for pilgrims from abroad in the holy sites, and essential contracts have been finalized for 73 Hajj affairs offices, amidst ongoing coordination with service providers both within and outside the Kingdom.
Strategic dimensions and expected impacts
This early announcement carries important implications at both the local and international levels. At the local level, the early completion of the arrangements contributes to easing the pressure on infrastructure and service facilities during the last days before the season, allowing the concerned authorities to focus their efforts on operational, security and health aspects more precisely.
On the international level, issuing visas months in advance of the Hajj season grants Hajj missions and travel agencies worldwide significant flexibility in booking flights and scheduling trips, thus reducing costs for pilgrims and sparing them the challenges of late bookings. This approach underscores the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to dedicating all its material and human resources to serving pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques and providing a leading global model in crowd management and the organization of major religious events.
Local News
Visiting times to the Prophet's Mosque during Ramadan 1446 and how to book an appointment
Find out the visiting times for the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah) during Ramadan for men and women. The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announces the schedules for the first twenty days and the last ten days, and the booking process through Nusuk.
The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque officially announced the approved timetable for visiting the Noble Garden during the holy month of Ramadan, as part of its operational plan for the Umrah and visitation season, with the aim of ensuring smooth movement and providing the opportunity for the largest number of Muslims to pray in this holy place in a safe and convenient faith-based atmosphere.
Visit schedule during the first twenty days of Ramadan
The authority explained that the visitation schedule relies on precise time intervals separating men and women to ensure privacy and comfort. For the first twenty days of Ramadan , the times were set as follows:
- For men: Two periods daily; the first is morning and evening, extending from 11:20 am to 8:00 pm, and the second is nighttime, from 2:00 am to 5:00 am.
- For women: There are two periods as well; the first from 11:00 PM until 1:40 AM, and the second in the morning from 6:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
Visiting times during the last ten days
Due to the expected high density in the last ten days of Ramadan, the authority made slight adjustments to accommodate the numbers, and the times are as follows:
- For men: three periods; the first from 11:20 am to 8:00 pm, the second from 11:00 pm to 12:00 am, and the third from 2:00 am to 5:00 am.
- For women: One morning period has been allocated, extending from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The importance of the Holy Garden and its spiritual significance
Visiting the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah) holds immense importance in the hearts of Muslims, for it is the place about which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.” Praying there is among the most significant spiritual experiences for visitors to Medina, especially during Ramadan, when rewards are multiplied. Pilgrims from all corners of the earth are keen to seize the opportunity to be in this blessed space for supplication and prayer, making the organization of entry and exit a vital necessity to maintain the tranquility of the place and the safety of visitors.
Technical organization through “Nusk” and the Kingdom’s efforts
The authority emphasized that entry to the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah) is contingent upon booking an appointment in advance through the Nusuk app, stressing the importance of adhering to the time specified in the permit. This regulation is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to utilize technology to serve pilgrims, aiming to eliminate overcrowding and achieve the highest standards of safety and security, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to facilitate the journey of pilgrims and visitors and enrich their religious and cultural experience.
Local News
Details of Abdullah Al-Qubai's death and the arrival of his body... Abdo Khal reveals the secret
The body of journalist Abdullah al-Qubai'i arrived in Jeddah. Novelist Abdo Khal reveals details of his pulmonary embolism and why he kept it a secret from his family before his sudden death in London.
In moments of profound grief that enveloped the Saudi media community, the body of the late journalist Abdullah Al-Qubai' arrived in the Kingdom this morning from London, following his sudden death on February 15th. Media professionals, intellectuals, and admirers of the deceased are preparing to accompany his body to its final resting place in Al-Faisaliyah Cemetery in Jeddah after the noon prayer on Thursday, in a scene that encapsulates a rich professional and personal legacy.
As the body arrived, renowned novelist Abdo Khal, a close friend of the deceased, revealed poignant details surrounding Al-Qubai's final days, shedding light on a hidden aspect of his health struggles. A recent private conversation between them revealed that Al-Qubai had suffered a severe pulmonary embolism, which caused him to fall into a coma that lasted several days. Although he showed temporary signs of recovery, fate intervened, and he departed this world, leaving behind a fragrant legacy and a positive impact.

In a detail that reflects his noble character and selflessness, Abdo Khal noted that Al-Qubai’ deliberately concealed his illness and deteriorating health from everyone, including his children and siblings, informing only a very small circle of acquaintances. This behavior stemmed from his deep desire to avoid causing worry or sadness to his loved ones, which explains the shock with which the media received the news of his death, as the majority were unaware of the critical stage he was going through.
The death of Al-Qubai' holds particular significance in the local media landscape, not only because he was a journalist who worked quietly and diligently for years, but also because his passing serves as a reminder of the values of loyalty and camaraderie that bind members of the same profession. His relationship with the novelist Abdo Khal exemplifies a deep friendship that transcends professional boundaries, reaching into strong human connections, as their communication remained constant until their final moments.
A large gathering of the deceased's colleagues and friends is expected at Al-Faisaliyah Cemetery in Jeddah on Thursday afternoon, as they come to offer their condolences, recalling his virtues and his calm demeanor that always instilled a sense of peace in those around him. Abdullah Al-Qubai's passing while abroad and his return carried on the shoulders of love represent a sad chapter, but one that immortalizes the memory of a humane journalist who chose to suffer in silence so that those around him could remain at peace.
Local News
Crowds of worshippers at the Grand Mosque celebrate the first night of Ramadan
The Grand Mosque witnessed a large influx of worshippers to perform the Isha and Taraweeh prayers on the first night of Ramadan, amidst an integrated system of services that ensures the comfort of the guests of God.
The sides of the Grand Mosque in Mecca witnessed a large influx of worshippers and pilgrims with the arrival of the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, as the courtyards and prayer areas were crowded with the guests of God who were keen to perform the Isha and Taraweeh prayers in this pure place, amidst an atmosphere of faith filled with reverence, tranquility and spirituality that characterizes the holy month.
The movement of worshippers was distributed with high smoothness and remarkable ease throughout the Grand Mosque and its outer courtyards, thanks to the precise field monitoring and well-organized plans that contributed to facilitating entry and exit operations, organizing the corridors, and directing worshippers to the vacant places and designated prayer sites, thus preventing overcrowding and ensuring everyone’s comfort.
An integrated service system for the comfort of the pilgrims
The relevant authorities and the management of the Two Holy Mosques were keen to provide a comprehensive package of field and organizational services aimed directly at enhancing the quality of the worship experience for visitors. These efforts included intensifying supervision of the courtyards and prayer areas, managing crowds with high professionalism, and doubling the cleaning, sanitizing, and continuous disinfection of all mosque facilities and courtyards around the clock, to ensure a healthy and safe environment for worshippers.
Ramadan in Mecca: The Qibla of hearts and the focus of attention
The holy month of Ramadan holds a unique and profound significance for Muslims worldwide at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, as their eyes and hearts turn towards the Kaaba. This massive influx on the first night is a testament to the exalted status of the Holy Mosque, where Muslims eagerly seek to benefit from the blessings of this time and place, hoping for the multiplied rewards and divine mercy bestowed during this blessed month.
Leadership and Architecture of the Two Holy Mosques
These tremendous efforts and high-quality services are a continuation of the wise leadership's (may God protect them) profound care and constant attention to the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. These scenes embody the integrated roles of various organizational, service, and security sectors in serving the pilgrims, harnessing all human and technological resources to provide a complete spiritual atmosphere that enhances their worship experience from the very first moments of the Taraweeh prayers during this blessed Ramadan season.
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