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Tag: hajj

  • Egypt Targets Haj Trip Scams

    Egypt Targets Haj Trip Scams

    The statement did not detail which agencies or concerned persons were behind organising such trips through fraudulence or other illicit means for unregistered pilgrims to Mecca…reports Asian Lite News

    The Egyptian government is set to ban the operation of 16 travel agencies for arranging “fraudulent” Haj trips to Saudi Arabia for unregistered pilgrims.

    At a Haj deaths crisis unit meeting held on Saturday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said he has ordered the license of these agencies to be revoked and those involved persons and entities transferred to public prosecution, according to an Egyptian cabinet statement.

    The statement did not detail which agencies or concerned persons were behind organising such trips through fraudulence or other illicit means for unregistered pilgrims to Mecca, Xinhua news agency reported.

    Madbouly updated that among more than 50,000 registered Egyptian pilgrims, a total of 31 people with “chronic diseases” were confirmed dead.

    The move came amid media reports of more than 600 deaths among unregistered Egyptian pilgrims during their performance of Haj over the past week under the extreme heatwaves in the Saudi city. The temperatures there at times hit 51 degrees Celsius.

    Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the meeting that the crisis was most deadly to unregistered pilgrims, claiming that the tourism companies transporting them “did not provide any services”.

    He noted that his Ministry would continue to coordinate with the Saudi authorities to find missing Egyptian pilgrims as soon as possible and ensure the home return of all Egyptian pilgrims.

    Haj, a pillar of Islam, is annually performed in Mecca by crowds of pilgrims from all over the world.

    The number of pilgrims has exceeded 1.8 million this year, according to Saudi authorities.

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  • Pilgrims depart Makkah after completing spiritual journey

    Pilgrims depart Makkah after completing spiritual journey

    Departing pilgrims expressed their deep gratitude for the exceptional organization and services provided….reports Asian Lite News

    Makkah witnessed the departure of pilgrims who successfully completed their Hajj rituals. They were transported by buses provided by the General Syndicate of Cars, equipped with modern amenities.

     This year’s Hajj was a success thanks to the combined efforts of the Saudi government’s authorities, Saudi Press Agency reported.

    The Saudi government has implemented massive expansions in the Grand Mosque and holy sites to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj for all.

     Departing pilgrims expressed their deep gratitude for the exceptional organization and services provided.

     They offered heartfelt thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for their unwavering support. Pilgrims were particularly impressed by the exceptional facilities, dedicated services, and warm treatment they received throughout their journey.

     They concluded by praying for the continued well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince, seeking divine reward for their service to Islam and Muslims.

    Following the completion of Hajj rituals, many pilgrims embarked on a journey to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and other mosques and historical landmarks deeply connected to the Prophet’s life.

     Among these cherished destinations is the Quba Mosque, which holds immense significance as the first mosque established by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

    41 Jordanians die amid soaring heat

    At least 41 Jordanians have died due to heatstroke during the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, Jordan officials said on Tuesday, as temperatures soared in recent days.

    The authorities are following the procedures for burying the Jordanian pilgrims in Mecca who died due to heatstroke. Search operations are continuing for the missing pilgrims.

    On Monday, Saudi authorities issued warnings to pilgrims to avoid the sun and urged them to postpone the rituals till after 4 p.m. (local time).

    Islam’s holiest city recorded 51.8-degree Celsius on Monday, while other nearby holy sites recorded 48-degree Celsius maximum temperature.

    Some 1.8 million pilgrims took part in this year’s Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, which began in Mecca on Friday evening amid the blistering heat.

    Buses and trains are used to help transport the many worshippers to the holy sites, but the large crowds and intense heat still pose a challenge for the pilgrims and law enforcement officers.

    In recent decades, there have also been several major tragedies with hundreds of deaths due to crowding.

    Saudi begins preparations for next Hajj season

    The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Makkah, in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, celebrated the successful conclusion of the Hajj season with a prestigious “Misk Closing Ceremony” on Tuesday. Individuals and organisations who excelled in providing exceptional services to pilgrims were honoured during the ceremony.

    Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah outlined plans for the upcoming Hajj and Umrah seasons. He said preparations for the start of Umrah season on 14th of Dhu al-Hijjah and for Hajj season 1446 AH officially commenced. Dr. Al-Rabiah also unveiled a new platform, “Nusuk Masar,” designed to streamline services for worshippers performing Umrah and Hajj. This platform aims to create a unified and efficient experience for all stakeholders involved in serving pilgrims.

     For the second year in a row, Hajj Affairs offices, starting from Tuesday, will receive preliminary arrangements documents outlining pilgrim quotas well in advance of the season for better planning and resource allocation, he said.

     To ensure consistent quality, service providers will be required to offer three-year contracts, with fixed allocations for camps and catering services bundled into the service package. Additionally, Hajj Affairs offices will be mandated to partner with Ministry of Health-licensed medical providers, guaranteeing comprehensive medical care for pilgrims.

     Dr. Al-Rabiah expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit that made this year’s Hajj season a success. He said: “Thanks to Allah, and through the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the close follow-up of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, we were able to have this success”.

     He also acknowledged the vital contributions of various sectors, agencies, and international Hajj Affairs offices that collaborate to provide a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims.

    ALSO READ: UAE leaders congratulate Saudi King on successful Hajj

  • UAE leaders congratulate Saudi King on successful Hajj

    UAE leaders congratulate Saudi King on successful Hajj

    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his sincere congratulations on the success of the Hajj season this year…reports Asian Lite News

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of the success of the Hajj season of 1445 AH.

    “His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his sincere congratulations on the success of the Hajj season this year, which was achieved by the grace of Allah the Almighty, and thanks to the generous care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his wise government and its institutions, to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals in tranquillity and safety.”

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also dispatched similar messages to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

    Heat stress

    Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel has urged pilgrims to avoid peak sun hours (11 am to 4 pm) when performing their remaining Hajj rituals. He urged them to avoid direct sun exposure and stay away from hot surfaces, stressing that prevention is key.

    The ministry’s spokesperson reported that 2,764 cases of heat stress were treated on the first day of Eid.

    “Pilgrims have undertaken a tremendous journey to perform Hajj,” said the spokesperson as quoted by Saudi Pres Agency (SPA).

    “Our role is to support them fully. We believe in prevention before treatment. We urge pilgrims to follow safety guidelines, such as using umbrellas during rituals and staying hydrated.”

    The spokesperson further reassured the public that the overall health of pilgrims remains positive. No significant public health challenges or disease outbreaks have been reported.

    The ministry also reminded pilgrims of symptoms of heat stress and sunstroke, including nausea, headache, excessive sweating, and severe sneezing.

    Muscle fatigue from frequent movement and walking long distances is another potential concern. To prevent this, the ministry advises pilgrims to rest after completing each ritual, avoid carrying heavy items, wear comfortable shoes, and drink water before performing rituals.

    Services for elderly, disabled

    To ensure a safe and fulfilling Hajj experience for all, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has expanded services for elderly pilgrims and pilgrims with disabilities, with the full participation of government and private entities.

    The Kingdom is prioritizing accessibility at the holy sites. Upgrades include access features like buses with specialized equipment, clearly marked routes for stoning the Jamarat, and accessible pathways throughout the holy sites.

     Furthermore, pilgrims with disabilities benefit from dedicated medical and health teams that accompany them throughout their journey. A network of over 6,500 volunteers is also on hand to assist pilgrims. These volunteers are trained to prevent overcrowding and prioritize the well-being of elderly pilgrims and pilgrims with disabilities. Support includes preferential entry to and exit from the holy sites, and priority boarding buses, and general assistance to those who need it.

     Spokesperson for the Authority of People with Disability Khalid Khabrani said the authority is working closely with other Hajj stakeholders to ensure accessibility for pilgrims with various needs. Through this collaboration a range of services is provided, including sign language translation, electric wheelchairs, and copies of the Quran in Braille.

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  • Hajj pilgrims perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah

    Hajj pilgrims perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah

    The pilgrims performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah (circumambulation) yesterday amid a system of services inside the Grand Mosque.

    Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said that the General Presidency of the Care of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs and other concerned authorities organised pilgrims’ entry to the Grand Mosque through specific doors for each group of pilgrims to perform the Tawaf around the Holy Kaaba, which contributed to the flow and facilitation of pilgrims’ movement.

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  • Over 1.8M pilgrims perform Haj this year

    Over 1.8M pilgrims perform Haj this year

    The ministry has prepared the Al-Mishaar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, equipping it with air conditioning and a sterilization system, and furnishing it with luxurious carpets…reports Asian Lite News

    The Saudi Arabian government announced that more than 1.8 million pilgrims from over 150 countries have performed Haj so far this year.

    The General Authority for Statistics said Tuesday said that the number of pilgrims from Arab countries has reached more than 346,000, or 21 per cent of the total, reports Xinhua news agency.

    Among the pilgrims, more than 1 million from Asian countries, making up 63.5 per cent of the total, while nearly 223,000 others, or 13.4 per cent , came from African countries excluding the Arab nations.

    More than 36,500 pilgrims travelled from Europe, the US, Australia and other unlisted countries to Saudi Arabia, representing 2.1 per cent of the total, according to the General Authority for Statistics. 

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced the arrival of all pilgrims at the holy site of Muzdalifah after descending from Mount Arafat.

     The ministry said that the entry and exit movements of pilgrims to the plains of Muzdalifah was smooth and sound, and they performed the Maghrib (sunset) and Isha (evening) prayers combined at the Al-Mishaar Al-Haram Mosque, following the Sunnah of the Prophet, in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.

    The ministry has prepared the Al-Mishaar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, equipping it with air conditioning and a sterilization system, and furnishing it with luxurious carpets.

    Meanwhile, worshippers performed Eid Al-Adha prayer in the Grand Holy Mosque, the Prophet’s Holy Mosque and in various other parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

     In Makkah, worshipers performed the prayer in the Grand Holy Mosque, led by imam Sheikh Dr. Yasir bin Rashid Al-Dosari.

     In Madinah, worshipers performed Eid Al-Adha prayer in the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, led by imam Sheikh Dr. Hussein bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh. Governor of Madinah Region Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz prayed at the mosque alongside worshippers.

     Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz and Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz performed the first day of Eid prayer alongside worshippers at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

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  • Hajj pilgrims flock to Mount Arafat

    Hajj pilgrims flock to Mount Arafat

     Various government sectors taking part in the Hajj season have provided all medical, emergency and catering services for pilgrims….reports Asian Lite News

    Hajj pilgrims on Tuesday began flocking to Mount Arafat. They were accompanied by a direct security follow-up carried out by the personnel of the various security sectors to organize the movement, and guide pilgrims and ensure their safety.

     Various government sectors taking part in the Hajj season have provided all medical, emergency and catering services for pilgrims.

     At sunset today, the pilgrims will start moving to Muzdalifah, where they will perform Maghrib and Isha prayers and will stay there until the dawn of tomorrow, 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH.

    Meanwhile, Ministry of Interior Security Spokesman Colonel Talal bin Shalhoub announced that the first phase of the plan to transport pilgrims to the holy sites during the eighth day of Dul-Hijjah has been carried out with complete smoothness and tranquility.

     The spokesman also said that the transport of pilgrims from Makkah and the Grand Mosque to Mina to spend the day of Tarwiyah (Quenching Thirst) there in preparation for their march to Mount Arafat to perform the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage on the evening of Tuesday, the eighth day of Dul-Hijjah, has completed. He said the ascension of pilgrims from Makkah to Arafat, where they will spend the night of 9th day of Dul-Hijjah has already begun and was ongoing.

     He noted that all security and government agencies are carrying out their duties at the holy sites to ensure a smooth performance of the Hajj rituals according to relevant plans, adding that the Hajj security agencies are moving ahead with their duties in verifying that pilgrims have obtained the necessary permits for Hajj.

     The spokesman said the security bodies will continue to carry out their tasks at all entrances leading to Makkah and the roads and passages leading to the Grand Mosque and impose a tight security cordon around the holy sites until the end of the Hajj season.

     He also said that some people had been caught at the entrances to Makkah and the holy sites for attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, adding that they have been fined and returned according to relevant laws and regulations. He warned that those caught transporting people with no Hajj permits will face a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of SAR50,000 as well as defamation and deportation if he is an expatriate, and will be prohibited from entering the Kingdom according to the periods specified by law.

     The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs, Dr. Ayed Algwinm, said that all preparations had been put in place, including well-equipped camps, to ensure that pilgrims perform their Hajj rituals with complete peace and tranquility.

     He explained that 65 percent of the pilgrims had ascended to Mina, with the remaining 35 percent to be headed to Arafat according to their wish, stressing that the ministry is continuing its efforts to ensure the well-being of pilgrims and that they receive high-quality services.

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  • ‘Largest Hajj in history’ begins

    ‘Largest Hajj in history’ begins

    This year’s Hajj pilgrimage is set to be the largest, signalling a full return after the years disrupted by Covid-19 pandemic….reports Asian Lite News

    The annual Hajj pilgrimage season commenced as millions of pilgrims arrived at the Grand Mosque in Mecca to perform Tawaf Al-Qudum.

    Pilgrims today flocked to Mina to spend the day of Tarwiyah (water provision). Various agencies operating during this year’s Hajj season 2023, have already wrapped up preparations for the pilgrims’ arrival in Mina to spend the Day of Tarwiyah on Monday, the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah.

    Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah earlier said that this year’s Hajj will be the largest gathering in history, according to Al Jazeera.

    Mina, a historical and religious landmark, covers an area of around 7.82 square kilometers, of which 4.8 square kilometers are exploited, representing about 61 percent of the Valley’s area.

    The other 39 percent of Mina’s land is composed of rugged mountains with elevations of around 500 meters high above the valley surface.

    Tents in Mina are established based on security, safety, and suitability for the surrounding environment, with 30,000 fire-fighting sprinklers and over 3,000 surveillance cameras.

     The tents have 12,000 headphones for guidance and alerts and over 15,000 air conditioning and ventilation units.

     The camps also have toilets, places for wudu (ablution), electrical power distribution equipment, kitchens, and areas for trash.

     Tents in Mina are typically 8 square meters in size but also six by 8 or 12 by 8 meters.

     The masses of pilgrims in Mina enjoy medical and treatment services with 97 ambulance centers affiliated with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority.

     A fleet of 320 ambulances, six air ambulances, nine motorcycles, four golf carts, four medical supply vehicles, 16 response vehicles, and service cars exist for the pilgrims in Mina, supported by 1,288 medical cadres.

    Meanwhile, King Salman has issued an order to host 1,000 pilgrims from Saudi families of martyrs who participated in the Determination Storm Operation, as well as 1,000 pilgrims from the families of martyrs from the Yemeni forces.

    This initiative is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program, which is annually supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.

     The Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, the program has already hosted 4,951 Islamic personalities, influencers, and prominent individuals, as well as families and relatives of martyrs from Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and other nations this year.

    The total number of pilgrims hosted under this program, at the expense of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has now reached 62,338. The Ministry has established a comprehensive package of services in Mecca and Madinah to ensure a fulfilling and comfortable pilgrimage experience for all guests.

    Medical care

    Over 49,000 pilgrims have received medical care services in seasonal health centres and facilities in Madinah since the beginning of the month of Dhul Qaeda, 1444 AH. The Ministry of Health has provided comprehensive medical care services to the pilgrims during their stay in the province of Madinah. Since the beginning of the previous Hijri month, a total of 43,445 pilgrims have received healthcare services in the seasonal health centres near the Prophet’s Mosque and in the central area, as stated by the Ministry of Health.

    Furthermore, the emergency departments of hospitals have attended to 5,654 pilgrims during the same period. The medical services in Madinah have included six open-heart surgeries, 88 cardiac catheterizations, 76 other surgeries, and 134 dialysis sessions. 192,552 pilgrims have received health education and awareness services in their hotels, shelters, shuttle buses, and public facilities.

    These medical care services complement the comprehensive services by the government to ensure the highest quality standards are met around the clock at all air and land arrival and departure ports during the Hajj season, according to the Ministry.

    The Ministry deploys medical personnel at these ports and offers awareness, educational, and field health guidance services to pilgrims and visitors in Madinah before their departure to Mecca for Hajj. On Saturday, the Ministry launched a medical convoy of 16 ambulances to transport pilgrims admitted to hospitals in Madinah to Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital in the Arafat area.

    The convoy has a specialised medical team comprising 83 doctors, nurses, and paramedics. Furthermore, four additional ambulances are stationed on the Hijra Highway that connects Madinah and Mecca. These ambulances are supported by two ICU ambulances, an integrated oxygen cabin, a mobile first aid unit, and a bus to transport patients’ escorts.

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  • India’s first all-women Haj flight makes history

    India’s first all-women Haj flight makes history

    The female crew carried out the safety and ground operations before the flight took off and handled the flight dispatch and aircraft maintenance. ..reports Ritika Joshi

    The all-women Haj flight departed from Kozhikode, Kerala at 6:45 pm and landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at 10:45 pm. Air India shared images of the smiling all-women flight crew and passengers at the airport.

    The Air Indian Express flight IX 3025 had Captain Kanika Mehra and First Officer Garima Passi piloting the flight. They were assisted in the cabin by Sushma Sharma, Bijitha M B, Sreelakshmi, and Subhangi Biswas.

    The female crew carried out the safety and ground operations before the flight took off and handled the flight dispatch and aircraft maintenance.

    As per Air India, women constitute over 40 percent of the airline’s workforce, and 15 percent of the 1,825 pilots are women, making it the airline with the highest number of female pilots. India also has the highest percent of female pilots in the world at 12.4 percent.

    Earlier, the airline made history with its first non-stop flight. The 2021 flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru was flown by four women pilots and was the longest non-stop flight by an Indian airline. The all-women cockpit crew consisted of Captain Zoya Agarwal, Captain Papagari Thanmai, Captain Shivani Manhas, and Captain Akansha Sonaware.

    Captain Manhas revealed that the flight almost took 17 hours and Captain Agarwal revealed that the route had saved 10 tonnes of fuel.

    In 2020, Captain Zoya Agarwal volunteered to lead rescue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and co-piloted the first rescue flight by Air India. The captain also made history when she piloted the airline’s first Boeing 777 aircraft over the Hindu Kush mountain range.

    Captain Zoya Agarwal’s accomplishments made her the first Indian woman to be accepted into the US Aviation Museum. Agarwal is also the only living person to be honoured by the SFO Aviation Museum.

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  • flynas reveals plans to transport more than 100,000 pilgrims during Hajj

    flynas reveals plans to transport more than 100,000 pilgrims during Hajj

    The company has completed its preparations to ensure providing the best service and experience to the guests of the Holy Mosque since boarding its aircraft and during the stages of reception and departure after performing the Hajj…reports Asian Lite News

    flynas, the Saudi air carrier and the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, has revealed plans to transport more than 100,000 pilgrims from more than 13 countries during the Hajj season of 1444 AH (2023 AD), bringing the total number of pilgrims and Umrah performers flown by the carrier to more than two million since its establishment in 2007.

    The nations from which flynas will transport pilgrims in 1444 AH are spread across Asia and Africa and include Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Niger, Comoros, India, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan.

    The company has completed its preparations to ensure providing the best service and experience to the guests of the Holy Mosque since boarding its aircraft and during the stages of reception and departure after performing the Hajj. Also, a specialized executive team will be available and working around the clock from the main operations control center to follow up on the operational processes, meet the pilgrims’ needs, and provide all the capabilities necessary for their comfort in cooperation with the administrations of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, and the concerned governmental authorities.

    Gearing up for the Hajj season, flynas has taken delivery in early May of its fourth wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, boosting the operational capacity and increasing the number of passengers on new medium-to-long-haul destinations, in line with the National Civil Aviation Strategy to reach 330 million passengers and increasing the number of international destinations connected to the Kingdom to more than 250 destinations by 2030.

    Through its growth and expansion strategy launched in early 2022, under the slogan “We Connect the World to the Kingdom” flynas aims to reach 165 domestic and international destinations.

    flynas currently connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations and has flown more than 60 million passengers since its launch in 2007.

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  • 194,000 pilgrims in Madinah post-Hajj

    194,000 pilgrims in Madinah post-Hajj

    The ministry figures also revealed that thousands of pilgrims left Madinah for their respective countries, while around 80,000 remained in the city…reports Asian Lite News

    Around 194,000 pilgrims have arrived in Madinah after completing their Hajj rituals in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

    Statistics from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah showed that the Madinah immigration center received almost 182,000 worshippers who arrived by bus, more than 8,000 made their way overland to the Land Pilgrim Reception Center and nearly 4,000 traveled on the Haramain high-speed railway.

    The ministry figures also revealed that thousands of pilgrims left Madinah for their respective countries, while around 80,000 remained in the city.

    This year, the Kingdom allowed up to 1 million people to perform Hajj, welcoming foreign pilgrims for the first time in two years following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions that had forced the annual pilgrimage to be limited to residents of Saudi Arabia.

    During their stay, many pilgrims visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, located near the Prophet’s Mosque.

    The museum, which is open 24 hours a day, offers an introduction to the Prophet Muhammad through displays and interactive screens in a variety of languages. One hall includes rare items and ancient artifacts from the Two Holy Mosques.

    ALSO READ-171,000 pilgrims visit Madinah after performing Hajj