Umrah pilgrim bus crashes

Arab News said the early morning accident occurred while the bus carrying pilgrims belong to different nationalities including Pakistanis, Indians and Bangladeshis was heading to Makkah for the pilgrims to perform Umrah.

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He said nine of the injured have been transported to various hospitals in Taif for treatment while other cases were taken to Dhalam General Hospital.

Citilink introduces umrah flight service

Jakarta Post said low-cost carrier Citilink Indonesia has opened a new route to Saudi Arabia from Jakarta for umrah (minor haj) pilgrims.

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Citilink acting president director Albert Burhan said the route -- which connects Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Banten, west of Jakarta, west King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah -- would operate six times a week, with transits in Medan, North Sumatra and Mumbai, India. The airline has dedicated two Airbus A320-200 from its fleet to service the new route.

Saudi Commission plan Umrah pilgrims aim to improve Umrah services

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is working on a plan to license buildings which will accommodate Umrah pilgrims and visitors with the aim to improve services for the guests of God.

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Hamad Al-Semaeel, acting vice president at the SCTA, said the commission is working in collaboration with investors and government partners to provide better services to pilgrims who stay in these buildings.

Saudi Council approves loans for hotel and tourism sector

Al Arabiya said the Saudi Council of Ministers on Monday endorsed sanctioning of loans by the Ministry of Finance to implement hotel and tourism projects in underdeveloped cities and regions, as well as at new tourism destinations.

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Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Toraifi said that the Cabinet also stressed that the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has to take necessary measures to grant licenses to those buildings that are licensed to accommodate Haj pilgrims to be used for housing Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the holy city.

Saudi Arabia confirmed million pilgrims arrived Umrah season in December

Customs Today news said customs authorities of Saudi Arabia confirmed more than over million pilgrims arrived or departed through King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) since the Umrah season started in December.

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Customs authorities at airport said that 523,672 pilgrims are still in the Kingdom performing Umrah in Makkah or visiting Madinah while 484,613 have departed for their respective homes.