What to do in Madina - Latest News

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...

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...

As Saudi Arabia gears up for this year’s Hajj season, pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina are being welcomed by a new high-tech helper. Meet Manara 2, an AI-powered robot designed to answer religious questions in real time. Manara 2 is part of an initiative to integrate cutting-edge technology into the spiritual journey of millions of Muslims visiting Islam’s holiest sites. The robot can respond to Islamic and Sharia-related questions in several languages using a carefully reviewed database of answers. If someone asks something more specific or outside its stored information, the robot...

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...

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...

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...

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...

If you’re looking for something memorable to do with family or friends, Yanbu is in full bloom right now, which means the return of Yanbu Flower Festival. Until April 23, you get the chance to admire its large floral displays and hands-on activities. There's a small train that moves visitors across the site and its multiple areas: Bird Garden, Flower Hills, Flower Village, and Flower Volcano. One section, called “Around the World,” draws inspiration from international flower gardens and includes cultural elements such as live performances, theatre, and shows scheduled throughout the day. Plan to stay until the evening to...

Crowds are part of Mecca, especially during pilgrimage seasons. Getting in and around the city is not always simple. For a while, there've been plans to build an airport and metro system in the city. And now, they have become one step closer to reality. Authorities say both projects are officially moving into the next phase. Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Mecca City and the Holy Sites, confirmed that teams have completed the airport studies. Authorities are now working with private sector partners to define how they will build and operate the hub. Work on the metro...

As the final days of Ramadan approach, many pilgrims are preparing for Umrah at the Great Mosque in Mecca. However, with a large number of worshippers expected, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to be mindful of peak hours to ensure a more comfortable experience. If you're planning your trip during this time, here are the best (and the busiest) hours to visit. Recent data shows that the busiest times at the Great Mosque are: 4 PM to 10 PM 5 AM to 8 AM For those looking for a quieter experience, moderate crowds are usually...