Saudi Arabia Celebrates Successful Hajj Season
Rabat — Saudi Arabia's authorities are celebrating a successful Hajj season at all levels, which ensured security and health for pilgrims.
Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Mecca region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj, extended his congratulations to all people who contributed to the success of Hajj this season.
'My thanks to my colleagues in the security, health, and service sectors,' as well as the volunteers who ensure access to the Hajj rituals.
He also extended his appreciation to pilgrims, describing them as 'key partners in this success through their commitment and adherence to the regulations.'
About two million Muslims performed the Hajj this season.
The Saudi General Authority for Statistics said over 1,673,230 people carried out Hajj rituals, among them being 1,506,576 foreigners who traveled from around the world to Saudi Arabia.
The number of Saudi citizens and residents who performed Hajj this season reached 166,654.
As for Morocco, the Ministry of Equipment announced a quota of 34,000, with 22,400 pilgrims managed through official government channels and 11,600 through travel agencies. Crowd control crackdown
Saudi authorities faced many challenges with unauthorized pilgrims this season. Emerging reports detail that many people across the world have flocked to the Gulf countries to perform the Hajj without going through the official procedure and selection measures.
Earlier this month, Saudi authorities reportedly expelled over 205,000 people who attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit.
Saudi Public Security also identified over 415 fake Hajj offices and turned back more than 269,000 pilgrims without permits. Those who broke the law faced penalties, including arrest measures against at least 1,239 individuals who attempted to transport unauthorized pilgrims.
In April, Morocco's General Consulate in Jeddah urged Moroccan citizens regarding entry and residence regulations, detailing strict measures implemented by authorities in Saudi Arabia.
'Holders of Umrah visas are prohibited from entering Saudi territory starting April 13, 2025. Those already in the country before this date must leave Mecca and Saudi territory completely by April 29,' the consulate warned in its statement.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior also announced strict financial penalties against anyone violating regulations regarding Hajj .
Among the penalties are a fine estimated at $5,331 to those caught performing, or attempting to perform, Hajj without a permit.
An estimated fine of $26,658 is also imposed on people who apply for a visit visa on behalf of someone who 'performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit,' Gulf Business reported recently.
The same fine applies to anyone who travels and stays in Mecca during the restricted period. Tags: Hajj 2025Hajj pilgrimage
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
Gnaoua Festival Kicks Off with a Parade Full of Color, Rhythm, and Soul
Essaouira – Today marked the spectacular kickoff of the 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, and Essaouira rose to the occasion with a heartbeat all its own. The medina transformed into an open-air stage as the Gnawi parade 'à la marocaine' spilled into the streets, drawing locals, tourists, and lovers of music into a living, breathing celebration of culture and spirit. The Gnaoua artists presence alone could command silence — if not for the hypnotic pulse of the krakebs and guembri that followed him. Dressed in a deep navy tunic embroidered with gold, El Kasri led with a quiet authority and timeless energy that stirred even the most jaded smartphone holders into real-time reverence. And then came the voice. Gliding into the rhythm with grace and power was Moroccan songstress Abir El Abed, adding a celestial layer to the deeply grounded Gnaoua beats. Draped in jewel-toned silks that fluttered with every step, she moved through the procession like poetry — equal parts fire and water. Her voice, soft and sharp in all the right ways, floated above the percussion like a blessing. They weren't alone. Troupes of maalems — each representing a different city, lineage, or school of Gnaoua — marched alongside, radiating individuality through their traditional attire. From flamboyant purples to desert ochres and seafoam greens, the color palette was as diverse as the rhythms. Some wore cowrie-covered hats, others clutched talismans passed down generations. One moment you were clapping to the beat; the next, you were caught in a trance. The crowd? An eclectic blend of generations and geographies. Elderly men in djellabas nodded with recognition at ancestral songs. Gen-Z fashionistas filmed TikToks with krakebs in hand. French, Spanish, and American tourists clapped to beats they didn't know but felt deep in their bones. It wasn't just a parade. It was a pulse. And Morocco World News was right there in the middle of it all, gathering all of the moments. Whether you're on your couch in Casablanca or tuning in from Tangier, consider us your front-row pass to everything this weekend has to offer. Expect exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes peeks, and style deep-dives. The maalems are the soul of this festival — so if you've ever wondered how it feels to carry a musical legacy through centuries, or how Gnaoua mixes with jazz and soul, you'll want to stay tuned for our conversations with them. . So comment away. Want spiritual insight? Want to know what everyone's wearing? Dying for a soundbite from backstage? You dream it, we'll chase it. The Gnaoua and World Music Festival is officially in full swing — and trust us, you don't want to miss a beat. Tags: Gnaoua Festival 2025
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Reimagined Spaces: Le Medina MGALLERY Essaouira Introduces MPOOL
Rabat — In a city where the Atlantic whispers to ancient ramparts and the trade winds carry centuries of stories, Le Medina MGALLERY Essaouira continues to evolve gracefully. Rooted in a proud legacy as a retreat for celebrities, discerning globetrotters, and style-conscious families, our property has always been more than just a place to stay. It is an experience where timeless charm meets modern elegance. Today, MGALLERY is proud to unveil the rebirth of one of its most beloved features: MPOOL, the newly renovated swimming pool oasis. A New Era of Coastal Sophistication MPOOL has been thoughtfully redesigned to reflect the soul of Essaouira while embracing contemporary aesthetics. Wrapped in soft hues inspired by the sea and sky, and surrounded by serene architecture, the space now offers an elevated ambiance where relaxation meets refined design. Whether basking in the Moroccan sun, enjoying a handcrafted cocktail poolside, or taking a quiet morning swim with the horizon as your backdrop, guests will rediscover the art of indulgence in every detail. Elegance with Purpose The renovation goes beyond beauty — it's about experience, intention, and emotion. From custom-made loungers to curated lighting and textures that mirror the medina's rhythm, every element of MPOOL has been reimagined to foster connection, serenity, and that sense of 'just right' that MGALLERY guests seek. Legacy Meets Modernity Le Medina MGALLERY believes it has always celebrated stories — those that walk through its doors and those that linger in the breeze. With the unveiling of the new MPOOL, the hotel honors that legacy while stepping boldly into a new chapter. One of inspiration. One of renewal. One where luxury is felt, not flaunted. This is not just a pool. It is a destination within a destination. Tags: African touristsagadir tourism
Maroc
4 days ago
- Maroc
Royal Air Maroc Expands Summer Capacity to Record 6.6 Million Seats Amid Travel Surge
Morocco's national carrier, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), will offer a record 6.6 million seats for summer 2025, up by more than 700,000 from last year, as part of a major ramp-up to meet surging travel demand, particularly from the Moroccan diaspora, the airline said Monday. The expanded schedule includes over 95 destinations, with new long-haul routes to São Paulo, Beijing, Toronto, and Catania, and additional domestic and African frequencies. RAM also added a third London route via Stansted, supplementing its existing services from Heathrow and Gatwick. The carrier is modernizing its fleet with eight new aircrafts, including two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and six Boeing 737 MAX 8s, reducing reliance on leased aircraft. It will, however, wet-lease four additional planes for the season to cover peak demand across Casablanca, Tangier, Nador, and Oujda. RAM is also overhauling its Casablanca hub operations with new scheduling windows to improve connectivity—dedicating overnight slots to European routes and daytime slots to African destinations. The expansion is part of RAM's broader strategy to position Morocco as a strategic aviation hub and improve the passenger experience, CEO Hamid Addou said. Ticket sales for the summer program are now available across all official channels. MAP: 16 June 2025
