Bangladesh makes Covid-19 vaccine mandatory for Hajj pilgrims
16 March 2021

Bangladesh makes Covid-19 vaccine mandatory for Hajj pilgrims

The government has made coronavirus vaccination mandatory for people willing to perform Hajj later this year.

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New techniques, special materials used to sterilize Grand Mosque
16 March 2021

New techniques, special materials used to sterilize Grand Mosque

The technical and service affairs agency at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques carries out maintenance works at the Grand Holy Mosque, using up-to-date techniques of sterilization and disinfection.

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Saudi Budget boss sees recovery in car hire market helped by pilgrims in second half of year
15 March 2021

Saudi Budget boss sees recovery in car hire market helped by pilgrims in second half of year

The Saudi car hire market will recover in the second half of the year led by short term rentals from Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, Budget CEO Fawaz Danish, told Asharq Business.

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Permits to be issued for iftar meal distribution in Makkah
15 March 2021

Permits to be issued for iftar meal distribution in Makkah

The emirate of Makkah announced on Monday its decision to issue permits for holding iftar meals at the Grand Mosque in Makkah as well as in residential neighborhoods, main thoroughfares, and streets across the holy city.

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Saudi experts set to uncover secrets of ancient trail to Makkah
14 March 2021

Saudi experts set to uncover secrets of ancient trail to Makkah

With some of Saudi Arabia’s hidden history still waiting to be discovered underneath the sands, the secrets of one ancient trail are being uncovered with help from archaeologists, one rock at a time. The Zubaida Trail, also known as the Kufi pilgrimage route, is a historic trail that stretches more than 1,600 km from Kufa in Iraq to Makkah.

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Ticket booking for Haramain Train from tomorrow as service set to begin on March 31
14 March 2021

Ticket booking for Haramain Train from tomorrow as service set to begin on March 31

The Haramain High-Speed Train service will resume service between Makkah and Madinah from March 31 (Shaban 18).

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Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in Prophet's Mosque is disinfected and sterilized
14 March 2021

Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in Prophet's Mosque is disinfected and sterilized

The carpets of Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah are replaced every 10 days, in addition to implementing preventive and precautionary measures via placing 300 signs of physical distancing throughout the areas of Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah and Al-Salam Gate corridor.

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Ramadan Umrah hopes end as Saudis extend flight ban till May 2021
13 March 2021

Ramadan Umrah hopes end as Saudis extend flight ban till May 2021

All hopes of Muslims from India, Pakistan and other parts of the world to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan this year ended Saturday after Saudi Arabia extended flight ban till May 2021

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Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed, acting Saudi minister of Hajj and Umrah
12 March 2021

Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed, acting Saudi minister of Hajj and Umrah

Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed, Saudi state minister and Cabinet member, was named acting minister of Hajj and Umrah by royal decree. He succeeds Mohammed Saleh Benten, who has been relieved of his duties.

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Umrah and Hajj minister relieved of his duties by royal decree
12 March 2021

Umrah and Hajj minister relieved of his duties by royal decree

King Salman issued several royal decrees removing various ministers and heads of state organizations from their posts on Friday. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammed Saleh bin Taher Benten was relieved of his duties.

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International flights to resume normal operations from May 17, GACA confirms
11 March 2021

International flights to resume normal operations from May 17, GACA confirms

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has confirmed May 17 (Shawwal 5) as the date for the resumption of international airports and the complete opening of airports all over the Kingdom.

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Jabal Omar agrees $426m finance to complete four towers in Makkah
10 March 2021

Jabal Omar agrees $426m finance to complete four towers in Makkah

Jabal Omar Development Company has agreed a SR1.6 billion ($426 million) financing deal for its vast construction project in Makkah.

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