Hajj Ministry Announces Opening of Registration for Local Pilgrims

Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)
Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)
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Hajj Ministry Announces Opening of Registration for Local Pilgrims

Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)
Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Friday the opening of registration for pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia.

Eligible citizens and resident must not be older than 65 years of age and have a valid residence permit.

The ministry added that priority will be given to those who have not previously performed the Hajj and are fully immunized against the coronavirus.

In a press statement, the ministry said that registration can be obtained electronically through its website or through the “Eatmarna” application.

Those interested can review all programs for domestic pilgrims, and choose the appropriate program, and service providing companies and institutions.

The Eatmarna app allows pilgrims to review all available packages, create a list of preferred packages and choose from them, add companions, as well as ensure that all the registrants' data, immunization status, and requirements are met.

An application will be dismissed if any of the requirements are omitted or are not met.

The ministry called on all applicants to ensure the accuracy of information when registering and choosing packages.

The ministry stressed that there will be no additional advantages to the date of registration, and all applications will be processed after the registration deadline expires.



Saudi Arabia, India Discuss Bolstering Bilateral Relations

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, India Discuss Bolstering Bilateral Relations

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received in Jeddah on Tuesday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks on regional developments and efforts exerted towards achieving security and stability.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations between their countries and means to develop them in various fields. They exchanged views on issues of common interest.

They later chaired the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council.

Modi had arrived in the Kingdom on an official visit earlier on Tuesday at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed. This is his second visit to Saudi Arabia in nine years following trips in 2016 and 2019.

“India values our historic relations with Saudi Arabia. Bilateral ties have gained significant momentum in the last decade,” Modi said in a statement ahead of departing for the Kingdom.

“Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defense, trade, investment, energy and people to people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability,” he added.

“I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and build upon the highly successful State visit of my brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in 2023,” he continued.

“I am also eager to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia that continues to serve as the living bridge between our nations and making immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties,” he stressed.

“This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia,” Modi said in a post on the X platform upon arriving in the Kingdom.