BIZARRE: Umrah event - You Need To See This

Makkah Control Room established for Indian Umrah pilgrims amid Saudi flight disruptions

Due to the recent flight disruptions, India has established a dedicated control room in Makkah to provide support for Indian Umrah pilgrims. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah maintains its 24-hour control room services. Travellers are encouraged to confirm flight details directly with airlines and remain alert to safety advisories issued…

The Economic Times · Oct 15

Riyadh airport strike: New footage shows missile hitting terminal as pilgrims waited

New footage has been released by news outlet Al Arabiya showing the moment a strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as passengers, including Umrah pilgrims preparing to board their flights, waited inside the terminal.

The Times of India · Oct 12

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan & Turkey sign 'Mecca' pact for mutual defence; India reacts

The agreement was signed following a joint defence summit attended by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, who attended after performing the Umrah pilgrimage in the city. According to Pakistan's foreign ministry, the pact is "guided by the longstanding…

The Times of India · Aug 7

Saudi Arabia records 22.5% rise in Umrah arrivals as over 1.27 million pilgrims visit kingdom

Saudi Arabia has reported a sharp increase in Umrah arrivals at the start of the new season, with the number of pilgrims entering the Kingdom on Umrah visas rising by 22.5% compared with the previous year.

The Times of India · Jul 19

Govt aids victims of Umrah scam

The government is assisting about 150 Muslim pilgrims from Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat who were duped into buying Umrah tour packages, with losses estimated at 3.7 million baht.

Bangkok Post · Jul 4

Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia suspends 21 Umrah companies over rule violations, poor performance

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 companies providing services to Umrah pilgrims after inspections and performance reviews uncovered regulatory violations and declining service standards.

The Times of India · Jun 14

Saudi Arabia opens Umrah visa applications for new season; pilgrim arrivals begin

Saudi Arabia has opened Umrah visa applications for the 1448 AH season, with international pilgrims allowed to begin arriving from May 31, 2026. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said visas will be issued until March 9, 2027, while pilgrim entry will continue until March 23. Authorities will manage permits…

The Economic Times · Jun 1

Saudi Arabia to resume Umrah visa services from May 31; announces 2026-27 pilgrimage dates

Saudi Arabia has unveiled the Umrah calendar for the 2026-27 season, resuming visa issuance on May 31, 2026. Pilgrims can enter Mecca from June 1, 2026, with visa issuance closing on March 9, 2027, and final departures set for April 7, 2027. Permits are mandatory via the Nusuk app for…

The Economic Times · May 21

Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia halts Makkah entry, suspends Umrah visas and sets strict rules for pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has implemented strict entry restrictions into Makkah ahead of Hajj 2026, suspending Umrah visas to manage crowds and ensure safety. Only those with valid Hajj permits or official work/residency documents will be allowed entry from April 13. This move aims to prevent overcrowding and unauthorized participation during the…

The Times of India · Apr 13

Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Ministry unveils discount initiative for pilgrims via Nusuk Card

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk Card initiative, offering pilgrims deals and discounts across various sectors like retail, transport, and hospitality. This official identification card enhances pilgrim experience by providing access to special offers and ensuring smoother movement throughout the holy sites, reflecting a commitment to…

The Times of India · Apr 9