Gulf Air offering free Umrah packages

Travel Daily Media said the deal free, comprehensive Umrah packages including flights, accommodation and dedicated guides, if needed.

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Official bodies will identify and select the list of beneficiaries, Bahrainis, who are unable to finance a Umrah pilgrimage.

Nigeria maintain her 76,000 Hajj quota forthcoming

All africa news said the Saudi Minister of Hajj Affairs, Dr Bandar bin Hajai, on Friday said that Nigeria would maintain her 76,000 quota in the forthcoming Hajj.

He explained that the ministry's decision to allot 76,000 slots to Nigeria was as a result of the ongoing renovation work at the holy sites in Makah and Madinah.

The minister, however, said that Nigeria could request for more slots for consideration by the Saudi Government.

The two ministers had admitted that last year's Hajj was successful and had promised that this year's Hajj would be better.

Studies new design for Madinah Metro system

Construction Week Online said the pair have been appointed by the Madinah Metro Development Authority to design a system that will have three lines (green, red and blue) and will stretch over 95km. Some 25km of this will be underground and 48km will run on overhead lines.

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The consortium will work up feasibility studies and preliminary designs for the netro, including the preparation of tender documents for design and build contractors. The work is expected to take 12 months, driven by a project team in Madinah.

Set licensing for Umrah accommodation

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has decided to activate the resolution by the Council of Ministers which will facilitate issuing licenses to Haj buildings and using them to accommodate Umrah pilgrims and visitors.

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Hate Qadi of the Haj Ministry told a local newspaper that the removal of buildings surrounding the Two Grand Mosques had forced officials to find alternatives to accommodate the growing number of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.

Madinah festival focus on heritage

Arab News said Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman launched a festival here Monday highlighting the rich traditions of the city, including its architecture, food and ancient landmarks. Prince Faisal toured the Traditional Neighborhood Festival at King Fahd Park in the city, and then walked around old parts of the city. He praised the organizers of the event and said that they should continue to expand it.

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Madinah Mayor Khaled Taher said the project preserves the urban heritage of the region, as ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the crown prince and deputy crown prince. He thanked Prince Faisal for supporting the event and other heritage initiatives in the region.

Many Umrah firms face closure

Arab News said the Ministry of Haj may close down 48 companies thought to hold a monopoly on the Umrah market, according to a reliable source.

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The ministry is working on a list of regulations that include opening up the religious market to new companies after a decade in which no licenses were issued to Haj transportation firms.

Penalties set for Umrah firms flouting regulations

Arab News said The Ministry of Haj recently confirmed that Umrah companies that do not follow rules will be closed temporarily, as the government wants to regulate religious tourism to the Kingdom. Authorities will close these establishments for a period of 12, 24 or 48 hours until the owners comply with regulations.

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Undersecretary for the Ministry of Haj for Umrah affairs, and director of the ministry’s branch in Jeddah, Abdullah Mirghalani, said any such closures are temporary, to make sure the companies are committed to offering quality services for Umrah pilgrims, and implement the articles of the service contract.

Protection sought for heritage sites in Makkah and Madinah

Arab News said there should be further measures taken to punish those who destroy the country’s archaeological sites in Makkah and Madinah, a top Saudi official said recently.

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Abdul Aziz Kaki, winner of the King Faisal International Prize for Islamic Studies, said there have been several important landmarks destroyed over the years in the two cities.