MAKKAH
Quote of the Day by Ali Ibn Abi Talib: 'A brother is like gold and a friend is like diamond; if gold crack you can melt it and...' – a lesson on relationship and trust
Quote of the Day by Ali Ibn Abi Talib: A quote from Ali ibn Abi Talib compares family bonds to gold, which can be reshaped after damage, and friendships to diamonds, which cannot be restored once cracked. This highlights the enduring nature of family ties versus the fragility of friendships built on trust, urging careful nurturing of connections.
Saudi Arabia restricts Makkah entry from April 13; permit mandatory for residents and foreign nationals
Saudi Arabia has implemented new Hajj season regulations. Foreign nationals and residents without official permits are barred from entering Makkah from April 13. This measure aims to manage pilgrim flow and ensure safety. Umrah visa holders must depart by April 18. Makkah entry will be restricted to Hajj visa holders from April 18. Strict adherence to rules is urged.
INS Malwan delivered: Features of navy’s ASW shallow water craft key to coastal defence
India has received 'Malwan', the second of eight new anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft. Built in India, this vessel strengthens the nation's naval power. It is designed for coastal defence and will replace older ships. The delivery marks a significant step in modernizing the Indian Navy's fleet and enhancing maritime security.
PM Modi should play important role in stopping war in Iran, says Asaduddin Owaisi
The Hyderabad MP termed the "assassination" of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayotallah Ali Khamenei as an "immoral and unlawful act."
Saudi Arabia issues Umrah guide in 16 languages for overseas pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has launched a new digital guide for international pilgrims performing Umrah. This guide is available in 16 languages, making it accessible to a wider audience. It offers step-by-step instructions for rituals and practical information. The initiative aims to simplify the pilgrimage experience for millions of Muslims. The guide also includes details on crowd management and travel support.
M K Stalin's Rs 5,000 payout draws opposition criticism
Opposition leaders of Tamil Nadu slam Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for his early morning declaration of a Rs 5,000 payout aimed at women beneficiaries. They termed it as a sign of election fatigue and fear of imminent defeat in the upcoming 2026 Assemblt polls.
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Shab-e-Barat 2026: When will the Night of Forgiveness be celebrated in India? History, significance and wishes
Muslims will observe Shab-e-Barat in 2026 from February 3 to February 4. This significant night, also known as the Night of Forgiveness, involves prayer, Quran recitation, and seeking mercy from Allah. Believers reflect on their actions and prepare for the year ahead. Special prayers like Salat ul Tasbih are offered.
Foreigners can now buy property in Saudi Arabia as new ownership law comes into effect
Saudi Arabia opens its doors to foreign real estate ownership starting January 2026. A new law permits non-Saudis to buy residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties. Restrictions apply to certain holy cities and specific locations. This move signals a significant shift in property ownership rules for international investors and residents.
How travellers can perform Umrah using Saudi Arabia’s free stopover transit visa
Saudi Arabia has launched a free stopover visa for international travelers flying with Saudia Airlines and Flynas, allowing up to 96 hours to perform Umrah or visit Makkah and Madinah during flight layovers. This initiative, automatically processed during booking, aims to boost travel and pilgrimage accessibility as part of Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia introduces new law allowing foreigners to own property
Saudi Arabia has enacted a new law opening its real estate sector to foreign ownership, effective in 180 days. It allows foreign individuals, companies, and organizations to own property in designated zones, subject to restrictions. While maintaining restrictions in Makkah and Madinah, the law replaces the 2000 Royal Decree and introduces a framework for property transactions involving non-Saudis.
Saudi Arabia resumes e-visa, Umrah visa services after Hajj concludes
Saudi Arabia has reactivated its e-visa system for tourists and Umrah pilgrims after the Hajj pilgrimage concluded, starting June 10. Travelers with valid Schengen, UK, or US visas, or residency in those regions, can now obtain visas on arrival.
World’s Tallest Skyscrapers in 2025: Here’s a look at the highest buildings on Earth
In 2025, the Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world. Other major skyscrapers include Merdeka 118, Shanghai Tower, and the Makkah Royal Clock Tower.
Saudi Arabia imposes heavy fines for sheltering visit visa holders during Hajj 2025
Saudi Arabia has declared strict penalties, including fines up to SAR 100,000, for anyone providing shelter to visit visa holders in Makkah and holy sites during the Hajj season, spanning from Dhu Al-Qidah 01 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14.
Saudi Arabia bans stay for non-Hajj visas-holding tourists in Makkah
Saudi Arabia is preparing for the 2025 Hajj. New rules will be in place from April. Only those with Hajj permits can book accommodations in Makkah. Expatriates need permits to enter Makkah. There are exceptions for Makkah residents and workers. Checkpoints will enforce these rules. Violators may face penalties. Authorities want to ensure a safe and organized Hajj.
Saudi Arabia opens foreign property investments in holy cities Makkah and Madinah
Saudi Arabia is now allowing foreigners to invest in publicly-traded companies owning real estate in Makkah and Madinah, aiming to attract overseas investment. Foreign ownership is capped at 49%. The move aligns with Saudi's Vision 2030 goals to boost the capital market and accommodate 30 million worshippers annually by 2030.
Haj 2024: Saudi Arabia bans visit visa holders from entering Makkah with immediate effect
Saudi Arabia has announced a restriction barring individuals with any type of visit visa from entering or remaining in Makkah starting from Thursday. The advisory, released by the Saudi Ministry, is effective from May 23 to June 21, corresponding to specific dates in the Hijri calendar. Only holders of a Haj permit are permitted to enter Makkah during this period, with all other forms of visit visas deemed inadequate. This measure aims to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, and violators will face fines of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.
Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to all visa holders
Saudi Arabia has expanded access to Umrah pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, allowing individuals with any type of visa to participate. The Ministry of Haj and Umrah emphasized the ease of performing Umrah from any location and with any entry visa, including personal, family, transit, labor, and e-visas. Pilgrims are encouraged to use the Nusuk application for Umrah permits and follow designated ritual timings at the Grand Mosque.
Saudi advances expiry date of Umrah visas for Hajj pilgrims; validity starts from date of issuance
Umrah visas now expire on Dhul Qadah 15, validity from issuance. Ministry-Foreign Affairs cooperation improves Hajj visa process. 2024 Hajj scheduled for June 14-19, dependent on moon sighting.
Union Minister Smriti Irani attends Haj and Umrah conference in Saudi Arabia
Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Smriti Irani, participated in the third Haj and Umrah Conference in Jeddah. In discussions with the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and the Minister of Haj and Umrah, Irani explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation to improve facilities for Indian pilgrims.
Ramzan 2023: When is Ramadan starting? Here is everything you should know about this holy month
During the entire month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, but the fast is not just about food it's also the time for sacrifice, introspection, self-discipline and empathy for those less fortunate. The annual month-long celebration of Ramadan is one of the 'Five Pillars of Islam'.
Saudi Arabia prohibits men from marrying women from Pakistan, 3 other nations: Report
Saudi Arabia has prohibited its men from marrying women from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Chad and Myanmar, Dawn reported citing a report in Saudi media. According to unofficial figures, there are about 500,000 women from these four countries currently residing in the kingdom.
Pak to issue multiple, on-arrival visas to Sikh pilgrims: PM Imran Khan
Khan said the government will provide Sikh pilgrims maximum possible facilities during their pilgrimage to the holy sites in Pakistan, the News International reported.
Record 2 lakh Haj pilgrims from India this year: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
1.40 lakh pilgrims will go through the Haj Committee of India,.
India slams OIC for references to J-K in its Makkah summit declaration
MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the OIC has no locus standi in matters relating to Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that the state is an integral part of India.
IHCL launches first Taj property in Makkah
The proposed hotel is situated within walking distance of the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram), the attraction for over 6 million pilgrims who visit the city each year.
Iranian President to address people in Hyderabad mosque this Friday
After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Mohammad Khatami became the first Iranian President to visit Hyderabad (January 28, 2004), but he did not participate in the Friday congregation.
Indian mission to soon open 3 new passport centres in Jeddah
Under the new arrangement, the new outsourcing agency, VFS Global, would open three centers in Jeddah, Abha and Tabuk.
IL&FS Engineering surges over 13% on Rs 464 cr order win
Shares of IL&FS Engineering surged over 13 per cent in trade after its subsidiary bagged Rs 464 crore order in Saudi Arabia.
MISA bags contract to construct Abraj Kudai project in Saudi
Maytas Infra Saudi Arabia (MISA) has received a contract from Saudi Binladin Group for construction of Abraj Kudai Project--P1360, Makkah, in Saudi Arabia.
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