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 Crown Prince Announces Launch of ‘Riyadh Non-Profit Foundation’

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
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Saudi Crown Prince Announces Launch of ‘Riyadh Non-Profit Foundation’

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, officially launched the Riyadh Non-Profit Foundation on Thursday, forming its Board of Directors. Established by royal decree as an independent entity with special status, the foundation operates under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

The foundation's Board of Directors is led by the Crown Prince, with Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, CEO of the Royal Commission, appointed as Vice Chairman and Secretary General, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Riyadh Non-Profit Foundation is designed to support and advance institutional and social work in various forms. It aims to foster research, studies, and social initiatives while encouraging community participation in the development of non-profit sector programs that align with its objectives. Additionally, the foundation seeks to promote a strong culture of social responsibility and reinforce the values of community engagement, marking a significant step forward in social development and innovation within the non-profit sector.

The foundation’s key focus is on fostering social development by empowering all segments of society, strengthening social cohesion, and preserving Riyadh’s cultural identity. It will collaborate with government agencies and non-profit organizations to create job opportunities in the social sector.

In the long term, the foundation aims to become a regional and global leader in the design, financing, and implementation of innovative social programs. Its areas of focus will include healthcare, education, arts, culture, and sustainability, all contributing to enhancing the quality of life and advancing social development in Saudi Arabia.

By building an integrated ecosystem, establishing research centers and incubators for social projects, and increasing community participation, the foundation aims to optimize the management and performance of its affiliated entities. This will ensure the fulfillment of its mission while aligning with the developmental priorities outlined in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.