Makkah
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia rolls out extensive Haj 2026 service improvements
As millions of Muslims prepare for Haj 1447 AH/2026, Saudi Arabia has intensified preparations across the holy sites with a series of infrastructure, transport and technology upgrades aimed at improving pilgrim safety,…
- Middle East
Haj Suvidha smartwatch leaves Indian pilgrims frustrated
Several Indian Haj pilgrims have raised concerns over the performance of the Haj Suvidha Smartwatch, citing battery, charging and connectivity issues during the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The GPS-enabled smartwatch was introduced…
- Lollywood
Bilal Abbas Khan takes break, Pak actor in Saudi Arabia for Haj
Islamabad: Pakistani actor Bilal Abbas Khan often wins hearts, not just for his acting but also for his spiritual side. The actor, who was recently loved for his role as Kamyaar in…
- Television News
Aly Goni turns emotional as parents leave for Haj ‘Was my dream’
Mumbai: Television actor Aly Goni turned emotional as his parents departed for Saudi Arabia to perform Haj this year. The actor took to Instagram on Saturday to share glimpses of the farewell…
- Middle East
‘Wastewater in rooms’: Indian Haj pilgrims flag hygiene crisis
Indian Haj pilgrims staying in the Azizia area of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, are facing mounting concerns over accommodation standards, with allegations of overcrowding and poor hygiene. The matter came to light after…
- World
Jeffrey Epstein obtained Islamic artifacts for a ‘mosque’ on his island
Embroidered tapestry cloth of the Kaaba. Tiles from a mosque in Uzbekistan. A golden dome built to look like a medieval Syrian bathhouse. These were not museum acquisitions – they belonged to…
- India
Ghaziabad Hindus shower love as elderly Muslim couple leave for Haj 2026
Uttar Pradesh: For every Muslim, embarking on a Haj pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This annual pilgrimage to Makkah serves as the fifth pillar of Islam. It is considered a transformative journey…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia warns of SR 100,000 fines, 10-year ban for Haj permit violations
Makkah: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) has announced stringent penalties for individuals attempting to perform Haj without a permit, as well as for those facilitating such violations, ahead of the 1447…
- Middle East
Saudi transit visa facility for Indians in Kuwait suspended
Kuwait: The Embassy of India in Kuwait has suspended its facilitation service for Saudi transit visas for Indian nationals with immediate effect, citing preparations for the upcoming Haj 2026 season. In an…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia bans expats entry to Makkah without official permits
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has enforced new restrictions on entry to Makkah, barring expatriates and residents without valid permits as preparations intensify for the Haj 1447 AH/2026 season. In a post on X,…
- Middle East
Makkah set to get its own airport as Saudi Arabia approves plan
Makkah: Saudi Arabia has approved plans to develop an airport in Makkah, marking a significant step in expanding transport infrastructure and improving access for millions of pilgrims. Saleh Al-Rasheed, chief executive of…
- Middle East
Rare ship-shaped Quran manuscript on display in Makkah
Makkah: In a remarkable display of Islamic artistic heritage, the Holy Quran Museum at the Hira Cultural District in Makkah has unveiled a rare manuscript of the Holy Quran uniquely inscribed in…
- Middle East
Overstaying Umrah visas in Saudi Arabia may lead to jail, fines
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has issued updated guidelines to streamline the departure of Umrah pilgrims as the season draws to a close, while reiterating strict penalties for visa…
- Middle East
Two Holy Mosques witness huge turnout on 27th night of Ramzan
A large congregation of worshippers gathered at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Sunday night, March 16, marking the 27th night of Ramzan 1447 AH/2026, widely…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia sets deadline for issuing Umrah visas
Makkah: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has announced the final deadlines for issuing Umrah visas, as well as the entry and departure of pilgrims, as the current Umrah season 1447…
