Saudi Arabia takes measures to improve Hajj and Umrah media coverage, eases facilities for UAE residents

The Centre for Government Communication (CGC) at the Saudi Ministry of Media has launched the ‘Hajj and Umrah MEDIATHON‘ – an initiative aimed at fostering innovative ideas, projects and solutions to address challenges surrounding the Hajj and Umrah media coverage.

Featuring stages from launch to selection, marathon days, qualification and bridging, the MEDIATHON invites participation through the official portal. It seeks to advance the media representation of religious events by collaborating with various stakeholders.

Umrah facilities for UAE residents

In recent days, Saudi Arabia has announced a string of initiatives to facilitate Umrah pilgrimages for residents of the UAE. Emiratis can perform Umrah through the multi-entry e-visa – a facility allowing them to extend their stay in the Kingdom to up to 90 days annually.

There have also been several developments in terms of connectivity. Saudi Airlines has decided to commence operations of 3 weekly flights from Dubai to Medina, and there are plans to increase the connectivity to daily flights during the holy month of Ramadan.

In addition, low-cost flights have been allocated from the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi to Medina and the Saudi port city of Jeddah on Flynas Airlines, enhancing accessibility and affordability. The flight schedule between Dubai and Jeddah is also likely to see a major boost.

Efforts to streamline travel procedures

The latest developments surfaced during Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah’s official visit to the Emirates, during which he explored a number of major topics including the prospect of expanding Tasheer Saudi visa centres in the emirate.

Efforts to streamline travel procedures were on the agenda. Discussions also revolved around enabling UAE expatriates to register their fingerprints before entering the Kingdom to reduce waiting times for pilgrims at land and air ports.

Both sides also discussed elevating the quality of services at the ports for those arriving by land, and accelerating and shortening entry procedures. The overall talks in the UAE centred on ensuring the best possible experiences for pilgrims.

Nusuk platform helping pilgrims organise entire trips

The Saudi minister also inaugurated the Nusuk platform exhibition. Launched by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in December 2022, the electronic platform provides services for both local and international pilgrims, helping them organise the entire trip.

Furthermore, a couple of workshops on “Crowd Management and Grouping of Pilgrims” and “Rights of Pilgrims” have been conducted. The events highlighted key aspects of controlling pilgrim crowds and ensuring their rights are respected throughout the journey.