Latest news with #Makkah
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
New award honors top Hajj hospitality centers
MAKKAH: Amr Al-Maddah, undersecretary for Hajj and Umrah services at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has launched the inaugural Ekram Excellence Award for Hajj season 2025. The award recognizes top-performing hospitality centers affiliated with Ekram Al-Dayf, a division of Ashraqat company serving Arab pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Adnan Saleh Al-Shehri, adviser for excellence and awards at Ekram Al-Dayf, said the initiative aims to inspire excellence in administration and operations. It seeks to deliver high-quality, sustainable services in line with Vision 2030, the ministry's goals, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and Ekram Al-Dayf's strategy. The award honors outstanding centers, promotes a culture of quality and commitment, and encourages compliance with service standards. It also aims to boost competition among providers, improve performance indicators, and support innovation, according to the SPA. The initiative further promotes social responsibility, volunteerism, and enhances the overall pilgrim experience. It aligns with the ministry's broader efforts to raise hospitality standards and ensure an exceptional Hajj journey.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Haj Permanent Committee discusses early preparations for Haj 2026
MAKKAH - Deputy Emir of Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Saud bin Mishaal chaired a meeting of the committee to discuss early preparations for the Hajj season of 2026. This is in line with the directives of Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah Region, and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. Prince Saud conveyed Prince Khaled Al-Faisal's appreciation to committee members for their efforts during Hajj 1446 AH, which enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. He emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the positive outcomes of this year's Hajj and urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts, enhance cooperation, and begin early planning to meet the aspirations of the leadership through further improving the pilgrimage experience. The committee reviewed key measures to develop the Hajj system further and deliver improved services to pilgrims in the upcoming season. The meeting also examined the operations during pilgrims' departure through various entry and exit points, as well as other items on the agenda. Several recommendations were issued to support continued development and readiness for the next Hajj season. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Heritage Commission registers over 700 new archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH — The Heritage Commission revealed that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, bringing the total to 10,061 across the Kingdom. This milestone highlights the richness and diversity of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage and reflects the commission's continuous commitment to documenting and preserving these sites. The newly registered sites span various regions of the Kingdom, including Riyadh (253), Makkah (11), Madinah (167), Qassim (30), Eastern Province (13), Asir (64), Tabuk (72), Hail (13), Northern Borders (2), Jazan (23), Najran (86), and Al-Jouf (10). The registrations comply with the Antiquities, Museums, and Urban Heritage Law, issued by Royal Decree on 9/1/1436 AH, and follow a resolution by the Heritage Commission's Board of Directors authorizing its CEO to register archaeological and heritage sites. This initiative aims to strengthen protection for sites of historical and cultural value and ensure proper documentation. Emphasizing that community participation is a key pillar in preserving and promoting the Kingdom's national heritage, the Heritage Commission called on citizens and residents to support these efforts by reporting unregistered sites via the Balagh platform, official social media channels, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
Pakistan says resolved over 30,000 Hajj pilgrims' complaints
ISLAMABAD: A facilitation center set up by the Pakistani government in Makkah for this year's Hajj resolved over 30,000 complaints filed by pilgrims, the religion ministry said on Tuesday. This year's Hajj took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy cities in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan sent over 115,000 pilgrims under both the government and private schemes. Ayesha Ijaz, the person in charge of the facilitation center in Makkah, told Pakistan's religious affairs ministry that the center has been specially set up to help Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. 'The facilitation center established by the Government of Pakistan in Makkah to provide exemplary facilities to Pakistani pilgrims during and after Hajj 2025 has successfully resolved over 30,000 complaints,' the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said. It said thousands of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims were provided immediate assistance related to travel issues, lost tickets, accommodation, food and other important matters. 'The center operates round the clock and has various special departments, including the Departure Cell, Zong Desk, Maktab Desk, Madinah Departure Cell, Complaints Cell and 24/7 Call Center,' Ijaz said. Hafiz Obaidullah Zakaria, who is in charge of the Complaints Cell, said 30,147 complaints have been registered so far related to Hajj 2025. 'Of these, 2,446 complaints were resolved within 24 hours, 113 are under process, while 580 complaints were declared inauthentic,' he was quoted as saying by the religion ministry. The religion ministry said this year, multiple channels were provided to pilgrims for registering complaints, including a 24-hour call center, WhatsApp, toll-free numbers and other platforms. It said the number of complaints had been reduced significantly, which reflected impressive arrangements undertaken by the government. 'The timely actions of the facilitation center and effective complaint management have set a new precedent for Hajj operations, which has been appreciated not only by the authorities but also by the pilgrims,' the ministry said. The last Pakistani flight carrying Hajj pilgrims back to the country is scheduled to arrive on July 10.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
‘Game changer': Pakistan says resolved over 30,000 Hajj pilgrims' complaints
ISLAMABAD: A facilitation center set up by the Pakistani government in Makkah for this year's Hajj resolved over 30,000 complaints filed by pilgrims, the religion ministry said on Tuesday. This year's Hajj took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy cities in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan sent over 115,000 pilgrims under both the government and private schemes. Ayesha Ijaz, the person in charge of the facilitation center in Makkah, told Pakistan's religious affairs ministry that the center has been specially set up to help Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. 'The facilitation center established by the Government of Pakistan in Makkah to provide exemplary facilities to Pakistani pilgrims during and after Hajj 2025 has successfully resolved over 30,000 complaints,' the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said. It said thousands of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims were provided immediate assistance related to travel issues, lost tickets, accommodation, food and other important matters. 'The center operates round the clock and has various special departments, including the Departure Cell, Zong Desk, Maktab Desk, Madinah Departure Cell, Complaints Cell and 24/7 Call Center,' Ijaz said. Hafiz Obaidullah Zakaria, who is in charge of the Complaints Cell, said 30,147 complaints have been registered so far related to Hajj 2025. 'Of these, 2,446 complaints were resolved within 24 hours, 113 are under process, while 580 complaints were declared inauthentic,' he was quoted as saying by the religion ministry. The religion ministry said this year, multiple channels were provided to pilgrims for registering complaints, including a 24-hour call center, WhatsApp, toll-free numbers and other platforms. It said the number of complaints had been reduced significantly, which reflected impressive arrangements undertaken by the government. 'The timely actions of the facilitation center and effective complaint management have set a new precedent for Hajj operations, which has been appreciated not only by the authorities but also by the pilgrims,' the ministry said. The last Pakistani flight carrying Hajj pilgrims back to the country is scheduled to arrive on July 10.
