Saudi Arabia Begins Issuing E-Visas for Umrah

Umrah pilgrims will start arriving in the Kingdom by July 19 (SPA)
Umrah pilgrims will start arriving in the Kingdom by July 19 (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Begins Issuing E-Visas for Umrah

Umrah pilgrims will start arriving in the Kingdom by July 19 (SPA)
Umrah pilgrims will start arriving in the Kingdom by July 19 (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started issuing e-visas for Umrah, as part of its efforts to enable more Muslims to come to the Kingdom to perform the Umrah pilgrimage and facilitate its procedures for them.

This comes along with raising the quality of Umrah services to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The ministry stated that people who seek electronic visas can submit applications at the Nusuk platform, so they can start arriving in the Kingdom by July 19.

The Nusuk platform facilitates the arrival procedures for Muslims worldwide to visit Makkah and Madinah, provides housing choices, residence and transportation services, in addition to easy access to a package of enrichment information and interactive maps in several languages.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah previously announced, in cooperation with the concerned authorities, that holders of tourist visas from the Gulf Cooperation Council of Arab states and holders of Schengen visa can book Umrah appointments via the Nusk application.

The Hajj and Umrah Ministry also facilitates procedures for holders of different types of visas.

Facilities provided by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to the Umrah performers are a part of new legislation that is recently adopted and include reducing the insurance fees for Umrah performers by 63% while maintaining the sustainability of health services for them, issuing the Umrah visa in less than 24 hours, and extending the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 days, with no health requirements.

The updated procedures of Umrah also permit women to perform the Umrah without a male guardian (mahram). The new rules also allow Umrah performers to visit the unique sites of the Kingdom to learn about the country's cultural diversity and enrich their religious and cultural experiences.



Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Syria Mosque

A view shows an interior of a damaged mosque after several people were killed in an explosion, as the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said, in Homs, Syria December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Ali Ahmed al-Najjar
A view shows an interior of a damaged mosque after several people were killed in an explosion, as the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said, in Homs, Syria December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Ali Ahmed al-Najjar
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Syria Mosque

A view shows an interior of a damaged mosque after several people were killed in an explosion, as the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said, in Homs, Syria December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Ali Ahmed al-Najjar
A view shows an interior of a damaged mosque after several people were killed in an explosion, as the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said, in Homs, Syria December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Ali Ahmed al-Najjar

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the deadly terrorist attack that targeted the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque during Friday prayers in the Syrian city of Homs.

In a statement, the ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of terrorism and extremism in all their forms, including attacks on mosques and places of worship and the targeting of innocent civilians.

It also expressed the Kingdom’s solidarity with Syria in this tragic incident and its support for the Syrian government’s efforts to uphold security and stability.

The ministry extended the Kingdom’s sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Syria, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured and expressing hope for security and peace for Syria and its people.


New Saudi Aid Convoy Arrives in Central Gaza Strip

The aid was received by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage in preparation for distribution to the most vulnerable families. SPA
The aid was received by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage in preparation for distribution to the most vulnerable families. SPA
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New Saudi Aid Convoy Arrives in Central Gaza Strip

The aid was received by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage in preparation for distribution to the most vulnerable families. SPA
The aid was received by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage in preparation for distribution to the most vulnerable families. SPA

A new Saudi aid convoy carrying essential food supplies, provided by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has arrived in the central Gaza Strip as part of the campaign to support the Palestinian people.

The aid was received on Thursday by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s implementing partner in the Gaza Strip, in preparation for distribution to the most vulnerable families.

This comes amid severe weather conditions that have caused flooding in the tents of displaced persons. In response, the center has set up several camps to shelter affected families and provide for their basic daily needs, aiming to alleviate the impact of the worsening humanitarian situation.

The initiative underscores the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment, through its humanitarian arm KSrelief, to supporting the Palestinian people in times of crisis and hardship.


Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Libyan Presidential Council on Death of Chief of Staff

Turkish search and rescue team members arrive to the crash site of a jet carrying Libya's army chief of staff Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad near Kesikkavak village, Türkiye, December 24, 2025. (Reuters)
Turkish search and rescue team members arrive to the crash site of a jet carrying Libya's army chief of staff Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad near Kesikkavak village, Türkiye, December 24, 2025. (Reuters)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Libyan Presidential Council on Death of Chief of Staff

Turkish search and rescue team members arrive to the crash site of a jet carrying Libya's army chief of staff Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad near Kesikkavak village, Türkiye, December 24, 2025. (Reuters)
Turkish search and rescue team members arrive to the crash site of a jet carrying Libya's army chief of staff Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad near Kesikkavak village, Türkiye, December 24, 2025. (Reuters)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Friday a cable of condolences to President of Libya's Presidential Council Dr. Mohamed Al-Menfi on the death of the Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army and his companions following a plane crash in Türkiye earlier this week.

King Salman extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the president and the families of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent A-Menfi a similar cable.

Experts have started analyzing the black boxes recovered from the jet crash in Türkiye that killed eight people, including western Libya’s military chief, the Turkish defense ministry said Thursday. The probe was being done in coordination with Libyan officials.

The private jet with Gen. Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, four other military officers and three crew members crashed on Tuesday after taking off from Ankara, killing everyone on board.

Libyan officials said the cause of the crash was a technical malfunction on the plane.