Author: Editorial Team
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that the total number of pilgrims for Hajj 2026 reached 1,707,301, with international pilgrims arriving through various entry points making up 1,546,655, while domestic pilgrims, comprising citizens and residents, reached 160,646. According to GASTAT statistical results for the 2026 Hajj season, the total headcount of domestic and international pilgrims comprised 893,396 male pilgrims and 813,905 female pilgrims. Regarding statistics on international pilgrims, GASTAT outlined that 1,485,729 arrived through air entry points, 54,429 arrived through road entry points, and 6,497 arrived through sea entry points. GASTAT relied on the Ministry of Interior’s administrative records as its…
JEDDAH—Saudi Arabia has provided $150 million in urgent support in the form of petroleum derivatives to cover the diesel and fuel oil needs of power plants across Yemen’s governorates. This initiative comes as an extension of Saudi Arabia’s support for the Yemeni people in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the follow-up of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman. The support, channeled through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, aims to bolster the stability of the electricity grid, improve the…
MINA—The Saudi Ministry of Health advised pilgrims to pay close attention to foot care by regularly checking their feet, choosing comfortable footwear, and washing and drying their feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. The ministry also advised pilgrims to avoid walking barefoot, noting that people with diabetes are among the groups most vulnerable to cuts and ulcers. Female pilgrims were urged to wear appropriate socks to help prevent blisters and skin irritation, thereby reducing injuries associated with walking and movement during Hajj rituals. The ministry also encouraged pilgrims to contact the 937 service number for assistance and medical consultations. The…
After sunset on Tuesday, pilgrims bid farewell to Arafat as they continued their spiritual journey to Muzdalifah. The movement to Muzdalifah saw millions of pilgrims traveling along pedestrian routes in white ihram garments at the third stage of the Hajj journey. The pedestrian pathways in the holy sites, stretching 25 kilometers from Jabal Al-Rahmah in Arafat to Mina via Muzdalifah, are regarded as the world’s longest pedestrian route and witness the largest annual human movement during the Hajj season. Along the route, water misting stations are distributed to cool the atmosphere and ease the heat. Source: Riyadh Daily
CAIRO — The Saudi Embassy in Cairo oversaw the medical evacuation of three critically ill Saudi citizens to the Kingdom. The airlifting was undertaken, in coordination with the Consulate General in Alexandria and in cooperation with the relevant Egyptian authorities, to complete their medical treatment. The Embassy explained that two patients were airlifted via Cairo International Airport and one via Alexandria Airport on a Ministry of Defense medical evacuation aircraft to the Kingdom so as to enable them continue receiving necessary medical treatment. Source: Saudi Gazette
MINA — The Ministry of Health called on Hajj pilgrims to avoid sharing shaving tools with others during tahallul (exiting from Ihram) to preserve their safety and prevent the transmission of infection through personal items. The ministry stressed the importance of adhering to preventive guidelines during ritual performance, including carrying an umbrella, drinking water regularly, wearing a mask in crowded areas, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours. Inspections of barbershops at holy sites The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by the Holy Makkah Mayoralty, has continued its operational and oversight plans at the holy sites on Eid…
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 1,500 cartons of dates to displaced individuals in Sheikan Locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan, benefiting 7,622 individuals. The aid comes within the framework of the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Sudanese people amid the humanitarian crisis. Source: Riyadh Daily
Sudheer Padiyar. SunTec Business Solutions outlines how the UAE’s 4-Corner eInvoicing model is set to streamline compliance, reduce operational inefficiencies, and support cross-border digital trade. The UAE’s move toward a structured eInvoicing ecosystem marks a significant step in the nation’s broader digital transformation agenda. Built around the 4-Corner model and aligned with international interoperability standards such as OpenPeppol, the framework is expected to modernise how businesses exchange invoice data, manage compliance, and conduct cross-border transactions. Organisations are now preparing for the July 1, 2026 pilot phase, which will require stronger alignment between finance, tax, and technology functions. Sudheer Padiyar, Regional…
MINA — Inspection teams from the Ministry of Commerce carried out field inspections and supply monitoring tours at the holy sites to ensure market readiness and the availability of goods needed to serve pilgrims during the Hajj days. The ministry reported an abundant availability of food products, supplies, and essential commodities, noting that more than 622 million essential items have been supplied since the beginning of Dhul Hijjah. These include bread, bottled water, dairy products, juices, soft drinks, and ice. Source: Saudi Gazette
MINA — The air medical evacuation department, operating under the General Directorate for Health Services at the Ministry of Defense, is participating in this year’s Hajj season with four fully equipped aircraft dedicated to delivering advanced emergency medical care to pilgrims. These aircraft operate in direct coordination with field hospitals, medical centers, and ambulance units deployed across the holy sites to ensure rapid response times and the timely delivery of critical medical care. The air medical evacuation fleet continues to carry out patient transfers both within and outside the Kingdom as part of the integrated healthcare system operated by the…