Saudi Arabia has declared the start of Dhul Hijjah on Thursday, commencing the countdown to the much-anticipated Eid Al-Adha celebration. The first day of Eid Al-Adha is expected to fall on June 16, with most Gulf countries aligning with Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting. However, Oman has announced a different stance, indicating the celebration will take place on June 17.
Manchester Airport serves as a vital hub for Hajj pilgrims, offering direct flights to Jeddah, the gateway to Makkah. The Hajj pilgrimage, a transformative spiritual journey to Islam’s holiest site, draws thousands of pilgrims from the North region each year. Muslim chaplains at Manchester Airport emphasize the profound significance of Hajj and offer essential advice for travelers.
Indian pilgrims performing Hajj now have access to the Haramain High-Speed Train, offering a quicker and more comfortable journey from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. This significant upgrade from traditional bus transportation has been enabled by the collaboration between the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and Saudi authorities. The high-speed train service, with speeds of up to 300 km/h, significantly cuts travel time in half, providing a more efficient and pleasant pilgrimage experience.
Owners of two Bangladeshi travel agencies, Al-Risan Travels and Dia International, have been banned from international travel after allegedly vanishing with funds from 523 Hajj pilgrims. The incident has raised concerns about the fate of their pilgrimage this year.
Al-Risan Travels registered 448 pilgrims but failed to secure visas for any of them. Despite repeated attempts, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has been unable to contact the agency’s managing director, sparking fears that the pilgrims may have been defrauded.
Similarly, Dia International, based in Rangpur, collected Tk 3 crore from 75 pilgrims but failed to coordinate with the ‘Lead’ agency. As a result, these pilgrims have not received their PIDs (Pilgrim ID). The Ministry of Religious Affairs has requested a travel ban on both agencies’ owners to prevent them from evading justice.
Ithraa Alkhair Company for Pilgrims Services, a provider of Hajj services for non-Arab African pilgrims, recently held a seminar in Birmingham, UK. The event was organized in collaboration with the company’s UK strategic partners and highlighted the company’s commitment to providing high-quality services to pilgrims in line with Saudi leadership directives. The seminar emphasized the importance of the Pilgrim Experience Program as a key aspect of Saudi Vision 2030, with a focus on ensuring the comfort and safety of guests.
Ithraa Alkhair Company for Pilgrims Services, an authorized Hajj service provider for non-Arab African pilgrims, organized its inaugural seminar for European pilgrims in Antwerp, Belgium. The event emphasized the importance of adhering to Saudi Hajj regulations and highlighted the contributions of sheikhs, pilgrims, and guides to the success of Ithraa Alkhair’s direct Hajj initiative. The seminar introduced the company’s new brand identity, promoted its Hajj and Umrah packages, and aimed to attract new clientele in targeted regions.
The Nusuk app is a comprehensive travel and spiritual guide for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah. It offers real-time updates, personalized itineraries, a connected community, safety features, and cultural insights. Nusuk enhances the pilgrimage experience by simplifying planning, fostering connection, ensuring safety, promoting understanding, and supporting sustainable practices.
