What to do in Madina

Madinah International Book Fair 2025 is underway and welcoming readers, families, and culture lovers from across the Kingdom. Now in its fourth edition, the fair runs until August 4 at the King Salman International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Entry is free, and the fair is open daily from 2 PM to midnight. Visitors will find an extensive range of titles across literature, science, Islamic studies, and more. There’s also a diverse cultural programme including: Seminars Dialogue sessions Poetry evenings Creative workshops Prominent authors and cultural figures will join these events, offering a deeper look into various topics and ideas. At...

Residents in Saudi Arabia can now start planning for Eid Al Adha 2026. The holiday’s start date has been confirmed after the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon was sighted on Sunday evening. Here are all the dates for the upcoming holiday period: Dhul Hijjah begins on Monday, May 18 Day of Arafah: Tuesday, May 26 Eid Al Adha 2026 in Saudi Arabia: Wednesday, May 27 The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. With the Eid Al Adha 2026 start date now confirmed in Saudi Arabia, holiday plans and family gatherings...

Getting ready for Hajj 2026? Vaccinations are one of the few steps you can’t afford to delay, and missing a required one can stop your trip before it starts. The rules apply to all pilgrims aged one year and above. Here’s the list of required and recommended vaccines. Hajj 2026 mandatory vaccines what every pilgrim must have Meningococcal ACYWRequired for all pilgrims. Must be taken at least 10 days before arrival, with valid proof of vaccination. Polio vaccineRequired only for travellers from countries where polio is still circulating. The dose must fall within the approved timeframe before travel. Yellow fever...

Saudi Arabia’s dining scene is taking things up a notch, and this time, Madina is in the spotlight. The city is about to welcome the arrival of CZN Burak Gurme, the global Turkish brand created by chef and internet sensation Burak Özdemir. Known for his energetic personality and massive online following, Chef Burak is bringing his signature take on Turkish comfort food to one of the Kingdom’s most historic cities. Located on Artaah Ibn Al Munther, the new restaurant will soon open its doors to offer a gourmet twist on traditional Turkish dishes. View this post on Instagram A post...

Even if you prepare well for your pilgrimage trip, plenty of questions can still come up once you arrive. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has expanded direct support for pilgrims with a hotline number that's available all day and night. Pilgrims can now get information, assistance, and service-related reports using number 1966. The hotline is available 24/7 Free support for pilgrims Assistance in 11 languages, including Arabic, English, French, Turkish, Urdu, Indonesian, Bengali, Hausa, Amharic, and Hindi The ministry says trained staff handle calls through an integrated system connected with relevant authorities. The process helps pilgrims receive assistance...

Hajj is a journey most people prepare for long before the time comes. If you’re ready to take that step now, registration is open for citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia. You can submit your application online through the Nusuk app or on the official website https://hajj.nusuk.sa. Before applying, make sure you meet the following: You must be at least 15 years old (Gregorian calendar) You must meet the approved health requirements Residents must have a valid residency permit (iqama). Priority will be given to those whose iqama was issued more than one Gregorian year ago You can read more...

Planning Umrah for the upcoming season? Saudi Arabia has now confirmed the official timeline for Umrah visas, entry dates, and final deadlines for pilgrims for 1448 AH arriving from outside the Kingdom. Here are the main dates confirmed for the 1448 AH Umrah season: May 31, 2026: start of Umrah visa issuance (14 Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH) June 1, 2026: pilgrims with Umrah visas can enter Mecca and receive permits March 9, 2027: final deadline for issuing Umrah visas March 23, 2027: last date for pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia April 7, 2027: deadline for pilgrim departures Last year, Saudi...

Saudi Arabia is launching a new project that offers a rare opportunity for those looking to connect deeply with one of the most significant events in Islamic history. It offers a chance to trace the Hijrah route, the same path of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, spanning 470 km. If you decide to go on this journey, here’s what you can expect: 305 km on foot Passing through 41 historic landmarks Visiting 59 historical and enrichment stations Exploring 5 key event locations from the Hijrah The project aims to bring history to life with augmented reality, workshops, and...

Planning to visit Mecca this week? You’ll need a valid permit to enter. Starting Monday, April 13, residents and expatriates without official permits are not allowed to enter Mecca. Saudi authorities confirmed that only people with proper documentation can pass through checkpoints. Entry is limited to: Individuals with a valid Hajj permit Residents with a Mecca-issued residency ID Workers holding permits for the Holy Sites Without the permit, entry is not possible. Eligible individuals can obtain permits through the Absher Individuals platform: Premium Residency holders investors GCC citizens non-Saudi mothers of Saudi citizens non-Saudi family members domestic workers Mecca is...

With crowds and constant movement during Hajj, keeping track of important items and belongings isn’t always simple. Saudi Arabia is reducing one concern for pilgrims. The General Directorate of Passports confirmed that Hajj pilgrims can now use a digital visitor ID instead of carrying a physical passport while traveling within the country. Pilgrims can get the digital ID through the platform called Absher. Once issued, the ID stays on the phone and can be shown whenever needed. The digital version works the same way as a passport for movement inside Saudi Arabia. The update removes the need to carry a...