Rare Qur'anic treasures on display in Jeddah
For centuries, pilgrims crossed the Red Sea by ship to reach Makkah—and a new exhibition in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district reveals the sacred artifacts that accompanied them. From a rare 1506 manuscript of the Two Holy Mosques to intricately decorated Qur’ans from China, Kashmir, and the Ottoman Empire, the Red Sea Museum’s pavilion uncovers a forgotten maritime pilgrimage tradition. Discover how faith, craftsmanship, and the sea converge in one of the world’s most significant spiritual routes.
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Haj Policy 2027 announced; Haj Committee of India invites applications from prospective pilgrims
India has announced its Haj Policy 2027, opening applications today—far earlier than usual—for over 175,000 pilgrim seats. The policy introduces AI-powered assistance in multiple Indian languages, tighter medical screening, and a better support staff ratio, building on the record-breaking success of the 2026 pilgrimage that earned India its first-ever Saudi Labbaytum Award. For the millions on the waiting list, the early start and new fairness measures signal a major shift toward a smoother, more transparent journey to Mecca.
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Syria and Saudi Arabia review Efforts to facilitate Hajj services for Syrian pilgrims
Saudi and Syrian officials met in Makkah to discuss smoother Hajj procedures for Syrian pilgrims—a rare moment of cooperation that could impact thousands of worshippers. With both sides reviewing services and organizational plans, the talks signal a potential easing of logistical challenges for one of Islam’s most sacred journeys.
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First Flight of Makkah Route Initiative Beneficiaries Arrives in Madinah from Türkiye
The first flight of this year’s Makkah Route Initiative has landed in Madinah, carrying pilgrims from Istanbul through a dedicated terminal designed to make Hajj entry nearly seamless. By handling biometric visas, passport checks, and luggage sorting before departure, the program promises to replace airport chaos with direct bus transfers to pilgrims' residences. Now in its eighth year, the Saudi-led initiative is expanding its reach—having already eased the journey for more than 1.25 million pilgrims since 2017.
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Bangladesh Hajj pre-registration surpasses 50,000 in 51 days
Efforts are underway to bring down the costs of Hajj to a more reasonable level, Advisor Rizwana Hasan says
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Saudi Arabia Introduces New Changes to Temporary Work Visas for Hajj & Umrah Services
In a bid to provide more flexibility for the private sector, Saudi Arabia will update regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services.
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Hilton in deal to bring Waldorf Astoria brand to Makkah
Saudi-based Taiba Investments has teamed up with hospitality major Hilton to bring its iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels brand to Madinah. The new property, Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah, boasts over 300 rooms and suites along with other key amenites.
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From 35,000 to 3,500: High costs, economic woes cut Hajj aspirations in J-K
Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee has received only 3578 applications, with last year's total at 8,147 against a quota of 8,200.
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NAHCON: Saudi Arabia will take charge of feeding, accommodation of pilgrims from 2025
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says Saudi Arabia authorities will take over the feeding and accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah and Medina starting from Hajj 2025.
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Saudi Arabia urges vulnerable groups to postpone pilgrimage
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued a stricter health advisory for Haj pilgrims planning to undertake the annual pilgrimage in 2025. It recommended only healthy and physically fit individuals perform the pilgrimage as the arduous and strenuous pilgrimage involves walking up to 25km in a day in the extreme summer heat of Saudi Arabia.
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Religious Affairs Ministry to regulate Haj and Umrah, sets up separate funds
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will regulate the issues relating to Haj and Umrah as per Haj and Umrah Act (Regulation) Act, 2024 and separate funds will be established for Haj and Umrah.
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Registration for Haj season 2025 to open on Sunday
DOHA: The registration for Haj season 2025 will open on Sunday, September 22, 2024, for citizens and expatriates and continue until October 22, 2024, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced.
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