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.



UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
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UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed bolstering "brotherly" ties with Syria during the first official visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Emirati state news agency WAM reported.

The two ministers also discussed the overall developments in Syria since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition factions on Dec. 8.

The UAE's foreign minister reiterated the country's support for Syria's independence and sovereignty, WAM added.

Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, head of intelligence Anas Khattab and the UAE's minister of state for defense affairs, Mohammed Fadel al-Mazrouei, also attended the meeting.

The UAE is part of Shibani's second foreign tour, which earlier took him to Qatar and will also include a visit to Jordan. He said the visits aim to "support stability, security, economic recovery and build distinguished partnerships", according to his account on X.

Shibani made his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia last week, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support Syria's political transition.