‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 5 months ago

‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

The number of pilgrims this year is expected to break records at more than 2.5 million. The pilgrimage of Hajj has begun as crowds of Muslims donning white robes circle the Kaaba, the cubed structure at the epicentre of Islam’s holiest site, their prayers ringing through the air. The annual pilgrimage began on Sunday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia with the tawaf, the circling of the Kaaba, in an event that is expected to break attendance records. “This year, we will witness the largest Hajj pilgrimage in history,” said an official at the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This year’s Hajj is a challenge, taking place in the nearly 45-degree-Celsius heat, the date for the pilgrimage dependent on the lunar calendar.

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History of this topic

201 Indian pilgrims died during Haj pilgrimage 2024 due to health issues: Govt informs Lok Sabha
4 months, 4 weeks ago

201 Indian pilgrims died during Haj pilgrimage 2024 due to health issues: Govt informs Lok Sabha

India TV News  

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said more than 200 Indian pilgrims died during the Haj pilgrimage 2024, with a majority of the deaths being attributed to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests. "The government of India has placed significant emphasis on the successful conduct of Haj operations and on ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian pilgrims," Rijiju said …

What went wrong with the Hajj pilgrimage this year? | Explained
5 months, 2 weeks ago

What went wrong with the Hajj pilgrimage this year? | Explained

The Hindu  

The story so far: Hajj, a gathering of nearly two million Muslim pilgrims, which falls in the last month of the Islamic calendar, has been in news again. The authorities issued Hajj visas to a little more than 18 lakh people but the Hajj was undertaken by over two million pilgrims. The Saudi authorities insisted that most pilgrims with valid …

Hajj: Deadly heatwaves kill over 1300 Muslims during holy pilgrimage, Saudi accuses travel agencies for deaths
6 months ago

Hajj: Deadly heatwaves kill over 1300 Muslims during holy pilgrimage, Saudi accuses travel agencies for deaths

India TV News  

Cairo: The burnt of extreme climate change has taken the lives of more than 1,300 people during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca. …

Saudi says 1,301 deaths occurred during hajj, mostly unregistered pilgrims
6 months ago

Saudi says 1,301 deaths occurred during hajj, mostly unregistered pilgrims

Hindustan Times  

Saudi Arabia said Sunday that more than 1,300 faithful died during the hajj pilgrimage which took place during intense heat, and that most of the deceased did not have official permits. Medical team members evacuate a Muslim pilgrim, affected by the soarching heat, at the base of Mount Arafat during the annual hajj pilgrimage "Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached …

More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat
6 months ago

More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat

Associated Press  

CAIRO — More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities announced Sunday. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform …

Over 1,000 pilgrims died during Hajj this year due to record-breaking heatwaves, nearly 100 from India
6 months ago

Over 1,000 pilgrims died during Hajj this year due to record-breaking heatwaves, nearly 100 from India

India TV News  

Cairo: More than 1,000 people died during this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to scorching-hot temperatures across the Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, according to officials. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs had clarified that a total of 98 Indian pilgrims had died during the Hajj yatra in Saudi Arabia. Unauthorised travel to Saudi Arabia …

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures
6 months ago

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures

LA Times  

Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, on Monday during the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities said Sunday. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel …

Climate change has made the Hajj pilgrimage more risky
6 months ago

Climate change has made the Hajj pilgrimage more risky

The Hindu  

Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world embark on the haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The 2024 haj pilgrimage has been overshadowed by disaster/tragedy, with the death of at least 900 pilgrims, mostly due to heat exhaustion and related complications. High temperatures make mass gatherings riskier A study documenting deaths and injuries at mass gatherings up …

Cardiovascular disease, heatstroke among reasons for deaths of Indians undertaking Hajj: Centre
6 months ago

Cardiovascular disease, heatstroke among reasons for deaths of Indians undertaking Hajj: Centre

New Indian Express  

NEW DELHI: Cardiovascular disease, pre-existing chronic illnesses, stroke and even heat exhaustion and heatstroke are some of the leading causes for the deaths of Indians who undertook the Hajj pilgrimage in 2023, a government report released Friday said. “Pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage face various health risks, primarily due to the summer timing of the pilgrimage, extreme temperatures reaching up …

Two Haj pilgrims from Bengaluru die in Mecca
6 months ago

Two Haj pilgrims from Bengaluru die in Mecca

Hindustan Times  

Two Haj pilgrims from Bengaluru died from extreme temperatures in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, according to officials in Saudi Arabia. Muslim pilgrims walk with umbrellas on the third day of the Satan stoning ritual, amid extremely hot weather, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina. “They collapsed due to the heat and high temperatures while walking about 50m towards Mecca to …

Death toll tops 1,000 after haj marked by extreme heat: AFP tally
6 months ago

Death toll tops 1,000 after haj marked by extreme heat: AFP tally

The Hindu  

The death toll from this year's haj has exceeded 1,000, an AFP tally said on Thursday, more than half of them unregistered worshippers who performed the pilgrimage in extreme heat in Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities reported clearing hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca this month, but it appears many still participated in the main rites which began last …

Over 1,000 Hajj pilgrims dead amid record-breaking heat in Saudi Arabia
6 months ago

Over 1,000 Hajj pilgrims dead amid record-breaking heat in Saudi Arabia

Hindustan Times  

As sweltering heat continues to prevail in parts of Asia, an AFP tally suggests that over 1,000 people have died during this year's hajj in Saudi Arabia. A man effected by the scorching heat is helped by a member of the Saudi security forces as Muslim pilgrims arrive to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual as part of …

68 Indian pilgrims die during Hajj due to extreme heat, death toll rises to 600
6 months ago

68 Indian pilgrims die during Hajj due to extreme heat, death toll rises to 600

Firstpost  

Fatalities have also been confirmed by Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, though in many cases authorities have not specified the cause Among the 600 people who died during Hajj in Mecca owing to soaring temperatures, 68 were Indian citizens. Fatalities have also been confirmed by Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, though in …

68 Indians among 922 Died during Haj This Year
6 months ago

68 Indians among 922 Died during Haj This Year

Deccan Chronicle  

Riyadh: Friends and family searched for missing haj pilgrims on Wednesday as the death toll at the annual rituals, which were carried out in scorching heat, surged past 900. A diplomat in Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that 68 Indian nationals died during the haj pilgrimage this year marked by searing heat. Relatives scoured hospitals and pleaded online for news, …

Hundreds of Hajj pilgrims die as temperatures touch 51C in Saudi Arabia
6 months ago

Hundreds of Hajj pilgrims die as temperatures touch 51C in Saudi Arabia

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of people have died …

68 Indian pilgrims among 600 people to die during Hajj in Saudi Arabia
6 months ago

68 Indian pilgrims among 600 people to die during Hajj in Saudi Arabia

Hindustan Times  

NEW DELHI: Sixty-eight Indian nationals were among more than 600 people from around the world who died during this year’s Haj pilgrimage that was marked by searing heat and intense high temperatures, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba as they perform Tawaf at the Grand Mosque, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mecca, …

Hundreds died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say
6 months ago

Hundreds died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Hundreds of people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Wednesday as people tried to claim their loved ones’ bodies. Khalid Bashir Bazaz, an Indian pilgrim, speaking near the Grand Mosque on Wednesday, said he “saw a …

Hundreds died during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say
6 months ago

Hundreds died during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say

LA Times  

Muslim pilgrims shield themselves against the sun with umbrellas as they attend the annual Hajj in Mina, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Hundreds of people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Wednesday as people tried to claim their loved …

At least 550 Hajj pilgrims die in scorching temperatures and thousands more treated for heat stress
6 months ago

At least 550 Hajj pilgrims die in scorching temperatures and thousands more treated for heat stress

ABC  

In short: At least 550 pilgrims from Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran and Senegal have died during this year's hajj as temperatures have soared to over 50 degrees Celsius. At least 550 pilgrims from Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran and Senegal have died during this year's hajj as temperatures have soared to over 50 degrees Celsius. At least 550 pilgrims have died …

Muslim pilgrims warp up Hajj with final symbolic stoning of the devil and final circling of Kaaba
6 months ago

Muslim pilgrims warp up Hajj with final symbolic stoning of the devil and final circling of Kaaba

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Muslim pilgrims are wrapping up …

Muslim pilgrims resume symbolic stoning of the devil as they wrap up Hajj pilgrimage in deadly heat
6 months ago

Muslim pilgrims resume symbolic stoning of the devil as they wrap up Hajj pilgrimage in deadly heat

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — Muslim pilgrims used the early morning hours Monday to perform the second day of the symbolic stoning of the devil, hoping to escape the noontime summer heat that caused heatstroke and sunburns among thousands wrapping up the Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrims collected the pebbles, which they have used in the symbolic stoning of pillars, from Muzdalifa, …

More than a dozen pilgrims killed on hajj, several more missing amid extreme heat in Saudi Arabia
6 months, 1 week ago

More than a dozen pilgrims killed on hajj, several more missing amid extreme heat in Saudi Arabia

ABC  

In short: At least 19 people taking part in the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have died and 17 others are missing. At least 19 people taking part in the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have died and 17 others are missing. A number of pilgrims performing hajj in Saudi Arabia have died and many are believed missing, …

WATCH: Pilgrims commence the final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha
6 months, 1 week ago

WATCH: Pilgrims commence the final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha

India TV News  

Masses of pilgrims on Sunday embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia. It came a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims congregated on a sacred hill in Mount Ararat outside the holy city of Mecca, which Muslim pilgrims visit to perform the annual five-day rituals of Hajj. The pillars are in another sacred place in …

Amid soaring temperatures, cooling systems in Mecca bring some relief to Hajj pilgrims I VIDEO
6 months, 1 week ago

Amid soaring temperatures, cooling systems in Mecca bring some relief to Hajj pilgrims I VIDEO

India TV News  

Water misting systems were being used near Arafat Mount in Saudi Arabia to relieve pilgrims from the soaring heat which has coincided with this year's Hajj pilgrimage. Around Al-Rahma hill, tall water-misting columns were spraying water on pilgrims who gathered at Mount Arafat as part of the Hajj rituals for day-long worship and reflection. “We consume lot of cold water, …

Pilgrims begin final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha
6 months, 1 week ago

Pilgrims begin final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha

LA Times  

Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual Hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. “No one wants more than this.” World & Nation Q&A: The hajj pilgrimage in Saudi and what it means in Islam Each year between 2 to 3 million …

Hajj pilgrims 'stone the devil' as Muslims mark Eid al-Adha
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj pilgrims 'stone the devil' as Muslims mark Eid al-Adha

New Indian Express  

MINA: Pilgrims on Sunday performed the last major ritual of the hajj, the "stoning of the devil," in western Saudi Arabia as Muslims the world over celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday. Beginning at dawn, the 1.8 million Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage this year threw seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolising the devil in the Mina valley, located …

Muslim pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches its peak
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslim pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches its peak

Associated Press  

MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia — Following the footsteps of prophets beneath a burning sun, more than 1.83 million Muslims from around the world congregated Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection amid a sweltering heat. Muslim pilgrims rest at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi …

Hajj 2024: Date, 4 key aspects of history associated with Day of Arafah ahead of Eid-ul-Adha or Bakreid
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: Date, 4 key aspects of history associated with Day of Arafah ahead of Eid-ul-Adha or Bakreid

Hindustan Times  

This year, Hajj started on Friday, June 14, with more than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world having already amassed in and around Mecca for the annual Muslim pilgrimage. Hajj 2024: Date, 4 key aspects of history associated with Day of Arafah ahead of Eid-ul-Adha or Bakreid Date: This year, Hajj started on June 14, 2024, after astronomical observatories …

Hajj 2024: In Mecca’s sweltering heat, Muslims start this year’s Hajj pilgrimage
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: In Mecca’s sweltering heat, Muslims start this year’s Hajj pilgrimage

The Hindu  

In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in Mecca converged on a vast tent camp in the desert on June 14, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. “They deprived …

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in the Saudi city of Mecca converged on a vast desert tent camp Friday, officially starting the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 14, 2024. Pilgrims leave after offering prayers outside …

In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimage
6 months, 1 week ago

In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims …

Millions start Hajj in shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza
6 months, 1 week ago

Millions start Hajj in shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza

Al Jazeera  

Rituals expected to draw more than two million pilgrims this year, praying for peace in Gaza, Yemen and Sudan. More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have gathered in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca for the start of Hajj, taking place this year against the harrowing backdrop of Israel’s continued onslaught on the Gaza Strip. The annual pilgrimage began on Friday with crowds …

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war

New Indian Express  

SAUDI ARABIA: In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in Mecca converged on a vast tent camp in the desert on Friday, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. This …

Masses of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia circle the Kaaba ahead of the official beginning of the Hajj
6 months, 1 week ago

Masses of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia circle the Kaaba ahead of the official beginning of the Hajj

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Masses of Muslim pilgrims in the Saudi city of Mecca on Thursday circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, a day before heading to the nearby desert area of Mina to officially open the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage that takes the faithful along a route taken by the Prophet Muhammad. The area around the Grand Mosque …

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Muslims Reach Saudi Arabia’s Mecca For Annual Hajj
6 months, 1 week ago

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Muslims Reach Saudi Arabia’s Mecca For Annual Hajj

News 18  

Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale. Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country by Tuesday, the vast majority by air, from across the world. Saudi officials have said …

Hajj 2024: More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims arrive in Mecca
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims arrive in Mecca

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale. Muslim pilgrims arrive to offer prayers at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Muslim pilgrims …

When are Hajj and Eid al-Adha 2024?
6 months, 1 week ago

When are Hajj and Eid al-Adha 2024?

Al Jazeera  

This year, based on the moon sighting, Hajj will start on June 14, with Eid al-Adha being celebrated on June 16. Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, coinciding with the third day of Hajj and lasts for three days. On the first day of Eid al-Adha, Muslims who can afford sacrifice an animal …

What’s the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?
6 months, 1 week ago

What’s the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?

Associated Press  

Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. Communally, Hajj unites Muslims of diverse races, ethnicities, languages and economic classes from around the world in performing religious rituals and acts of worshipping God at the same time …

Eid ul Adha 2024 date: When will Muslims in Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, US, UK, other countries celebrate Bakra Eid
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Eid ul Adha 2024 date: When will Muslims in Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, US, UK, other countries celebrate Bakra Eid

Hindustan Times  

It is that time of the year again when the rhythm of the takbirs and Muslims' hearts across the world beat in rhyme ahead of Eid-al-Adha, as the month of Zul Hijjah/Dhul Hijjah of Islamic lunar calendar is around the corner and promises blessings transcending space and time while honouring and commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's absolute dedication to Allah. Eid ul …

First Syrian jet in over a decade transports Muslim worshippers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage
6 months, 3 weeks ago

First Syrian jet in over a decade transports Muslim worshippers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — For the first time in over a decade, 270 Syrians traveled on a direct flight early Tuesday from Damascus to Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, the Syrian Transportation Ministry said. The development is part of an ongoing thaw in relations between Damascus and Riyadh, which days ago appointed Saudi Arabia’s first ambassador to war-torn …

Haj 2024: India, Saudi Arabia ink agreement, over 1.75 lakh pilgrims quota fixed for this year
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Haj 2024: India, Saudi Arabia ink agreement, over 1.75 lakh pilgrims quota fixed for this year

India TV News  

Haj 2024: India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral agreement under which New Delhi has been allocated a quota of more than 1.75 lakh pilgrims for the 2024 annual Haj pilgrimage. Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. …

India, Saudi Arabia ink Haj agreement with over 1.75 lakh pilgrim quota for 2024
11 months, 2 weeks ago

India, Saudi Arabia ink Haj agreement with over 1.75 lakh pilgrim quota for 2024

The Hindu  

India and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a bilateral agreement under which New Delhi has been allocated a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for the annual Haj pilgrimage in 2024. Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin …

India, Saudi Arabia sign Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024
11 months, 2 weeks ago

India, Saudi Arabia sign Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024

Firstpost  

In a major diplomatic step, India and Saudi Arabia ratified the Bilateral Haj Agreement for the year 2024 on Sunday. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Minister of Minority Affairs Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in Jeddah. “Pleased to announce the formalisation …

Saudi Arabia eyes aviation expansion to get in on crucial tourism market
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Arabia eyes aviation expansion to get in on crucial tourism market

Al Jazeera  

Making up for lost time, the kingdom is moving to challenge regional players, attract travellers and boost its income. “The government is highly committed to the sector’s development – and it knows that with Saudi Arabia’s incredible and diverse landscapes, tourism could be big,” Phillips told Al Jazeera. But Saudi Arabia’s plans to build over King Khalid International, which has …

This year’s Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief
1 year, 5 months ago

This year’s Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — As hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims walked in the footsteps of the prophets beneath a sweltering sun, contracted cleaners in lime-green jumpsuits held out matching plastic bags to collect their empty water bottles. It takes tens of thousands of cleaners, security personnel, medics and others to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage possible for 1.8 million …

Muslims at Hajj brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil
1 year, 5 months ago

Muslims at Hajj brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday braved intense heat to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. With morning temperatures rising past 42 degrees Celsius, huge crowds of pilgrims walked or took buses to the vast Jamarat complex just outside the holy city of Mecca, where large …

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage
1 year, 5 months ago

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage

Hindustan Times  

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage Muslim pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Monday.. 1 / 8 View Photos in a new improved layout Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, …

Hajj returns to maximum capacity after coronavirus pandemic
1 year, 5 months ago

Hajj returns to maximum capacity after coronavirus pandemic

Al Jazeera  

Muslim pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and then converged on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage, returning to its maximum capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. So far, more than 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world have already amassed in and around Mecca …

Who gets to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia?
1 year, 5 months ago

Who gets to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia?

Hindustan Times  

The Hajj, a religious pilgrimage for Muslims and one of the largest gatherings of humans on Earth, begins in Saudi Arabia on June 26 and ends July 1. Almost 1.5 million pilgrims are already in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj. However, there are around 2 billion Muslims around the world and given the numbers involved, it would be impossible …

What is the Hajj pilgrimage and what does it mean for Muslims?
1 year, 5 months ago

What is the Hajj pilgrimage and what does it mean for Muslims?

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Over 1.8 million Muslims are taking part in this week’s Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings returns to capacity following years of coronavirus restrictions. Saudi authorities had expected some 2 million pilgrims, but official figures released Tuesday put attendance at around 1.8 million, …

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