Saudi Arabia Opens Hajj Registration for Applicants within the Kingdom

Pilgrims keeping social distance and wearing face masks, perform farewell Tawaf around the holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, after completing their extended Hajj, "Hajj Al Kabeer", during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, July 22, 2021. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Pilgrims keeping social distance and wearing face masks, perform farewell Tawaf around the holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, after completing their extended Hajj, "Hajj Al Kabeer", during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, July 22, 2021. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
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Saudi Arabia Opens Hajj Registration for Applicants within the Kingdom

Pilgrims keeping social distance and wearing face masks, perform farewell Tawaf around the holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, after completing their extended Hajj, "Hajj Al Kabeer", during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, July 22, 2021. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Pilgrims keeping social distance and wearing face masks, perform farewell Tawaf around the holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, after completing their extended Hajj, "Hajj Al Kabeer", during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, July 22, 2021. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Thursday the opening of early online registration for the Hajj 2023 season for pilgrims within the Kingdom through the Nusuk application.

This is part of the ministry’s efforts to facilitate the application procedures, upgrade the services’ quality, and enrich the religious and cultural experience of the pilgrims.

The ministry said in a press release on Thursday that there will be four categories of packages available for pilgrims. The economic package starts at 3,984 Saudi riyals ($1,060) and the most expensive package starts at 11,453 Saudi riyals ($3,042).

Pilgrims can choose to make one total payment or opt for three installments.

The ministry said that women will be able to perform Hajj without a mahram, or close male relative, to accompany them.

The minimum age for the online Hajj application is 12 years.

Priority will be given to pilgrims who have not performed Hajj before.

Pilgrims are also required to complete Covid-19 and influenza vaccines, in addition to having a valid Meningococcal ACWY vaccine certificate at least 10 days before arriving at the holy sites.

The ministry has urged pilgrims to only go through companies and institutions licensed by the Ministry for any Hajj-related services.

Registration for Hajj must be done by pilgrims themselves.



Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh

Saudi Crown Prince and Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh

Saudi Crown Prince and Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on Wednesday following his arrival in Riyadh for a visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed regional developments and coordinated efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region. They also reviewed Saudi-Iraqi relations and ways to enhance cooperation across various fields, particularly security coordination between the two countries to address potential regional security challenges.

According to a statement issued by the Iraqi government, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq's firm position that it would not allow its territory to be used as a launching point for any attacks or actions that threaten the security of Saudi Arabia or other countries in the region.

He stressed Iraq's commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and respect for its own sovereignty and that of brotherly and friendly countries.

Al-Zaidi also expressed the Iraqi government's condemnation of the attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, as well as any harm inflicted on civilians and civilian facilities during conflicts, warning that such actions threaten regional security and stability.

The Iraqi prime minister had arrived in Riyadh earlier with an official delegation for the official visit to Saudi Arabia.


Coalition Continues to Intercept Houthi Terrorist Attacks

Damage to a residential home in Riyadh after debris fell from the interception of a missile on Tuesday (SPA)
Damage to a residential home in Riyadh after debris fell from the interception of a missile on Tuesday (SPA)
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Coalition Continues to Intercept Houthi Terrorist Attacks

Damage to a residential home in Riyadh after debris fell from the interception of a missile on Tuesday (SPA)
Damage to a residential home in Riyadh after debris fell from the interception of a missile on Tuesday (SPA)

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said Wednesday that a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh was intercepted and destroyed.

Earlier Wednesday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense stated that its teams in Riyadh responded on Tuesday to falling debris from two cruise missiles launched by the Houthis after they were intercepted and destroyed.

Four people were injured — two women, a man, and a child — and 15 homes sustained limited material damage. Standard procedures for such incidents were followed.

On Tuesday, the Coalition intercepted several ballistic and cruise missiles, and drones.


Saudi, Polish Defense Ministers Discuss Ways to Support Regional Security

 Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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Saudi, Polish Defense Ministers Discuss Ways to Support Regional Security

 Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held on Tuesday a telephone call with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

They reviewed military and defense cooperation between their countries and discussed ways to support regional security and stability.

They also condemned the terrorist attacks launched by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia.