Hajj minister hails royal decree on Saudi visas

Muslim pilgrims pray around the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque ahead of the annual haj pilgrimage in Makkah Sept. 22, 2015. (Reuters)
Updated 11 September 2019
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Hajj minister hails royal decree on Saudi visas

  • The decree canceled repeat Umrah fees
  • The royal decree aims to facilitate the arrival of Muslims to perform Hajj and Umrah

JEDDAH: The Saudi minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Mohammad Salih Bentin, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for issuing a royal decree canceling repeat Umrah fees.

Bentin said: “The royal decree is part of the leadership’s keenness to facilitate the arrival of Muslims from all over the world to perform Hajj and Umrah.”

He added that the decree reflects the Kingdom’s readiness to receive the increasing number of pilgrims due to huge infrastructure projects and the development of services in Makkah, Madinah and the holy places.

Bentin said the decree supports efforts to achieve one of the most important objectives of the Vision 2030 reform plan, which is to receive 30 million Umrah pilgrims by that year, and to provide them with great services so they can perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility.


Saudi FM receives phone call from Afghanistan’s FM

Prince Faisal bin Farhan (R) and Amir Khan Muttaqi. (SPA)
Updated 28 February 2026
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Saudi FM receives phone call from Afghanistan’s FM

  • They discussed recent regional developments and the ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in support of the region’s security and stability

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call on Friday from Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
During the call, they discussed recent regional developments and the ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in support of the region’s security and stability.