Saudi Public Security: Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Denied Entry to Holy Sites During Hajj 

Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (AP)
Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (AP)
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Saudi Public Security: Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Denied Entry to Holy Sites During Hajj 

Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (AP)
Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (AP)

Saudi Arabia’s Public Security announced on Tuesday stricter measures to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj this year.

Unauthorized vehicles will be prohibited from entering the holy sites as of midnight on Tuesday and until June 19.

According to the Public Security, individuals transporting pilgrims without valid Hajj permits will face imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to SAR50,000 for each unauthorized pilgrim transported.

Court rulings may also include confiscation of the vehicle and deportation of the transporter if they are a resident with a subsequent temporary entry ban.

Pilgrims lacking valid Hajj permits will be fined SAR10,000. For residents, this will be followed by deportation and a temporary entry ban.

The Public Security emphasized the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure a secure, safe, and comfortable environment for all pilgrims.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.