Saudi Arabia launches visa app for Hajj, Umrah pilgrims in Tunisia

A launch ceremony was held in Tunis in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz Al-Sager. (SPA)
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Updated 10 March 2022
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Saudi Arabia launches visa app for Hajj, Umrah pilgrims in Tunisia

TUNIS: A new smartphone app that makes it easy for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to apply for visas to enter Saudi Arabia is now available in Tunisia.

The Saudi Visa Bio app allows applicants to register their biometric data prior to travel and saves them having to visit a visa issuance centers. On arrival they have only to match their data with the information stored on the app, which speeds up the border control process.

The app was launched last year by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and is in line with the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to offer the best possible services and facilities for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia is the first country in the world to allow registration of biometrics via smartphones for the issuance of electronic visas.

A launch ceremony was held in Tunis in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz Al-Sager, Tunisian Minister of Religious Affairs Ibrahim Al-Chaibi and Director of Hajj and Umrah at the Tunisian Ministry of Religious Affairs Suad Al-Gharibi. 


SEC strengthens infrastructure readiness for Aramco Stadium ahead of World Cup

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SEC strengthens infrastructure readiness for Aramco Stadium ahead of World Cup

  • Project contributes to enhancing stability, efficiency of site’s electrical supply

RIYADH: Saudi Electricity Company has announced the completion of a power transmission station for Aramco Stadium in Alkhobar, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The step provides a pivotal role in enabling energy infrastructure for major national projects and supporting the readiness of vital facilities to host international events.

The project was implemented by the National Grid Company, the operational arm of Saudi Arabia’s electricity transmission system, under the supervision of the Saudi Electricity Project Development Company and within an integrated framework that meets the highest standards of reliability and operational sustainability.

The project contributes to enhancing the stability and efficiency of the stadium’s electrical supply, ensuring its operational readiness during sporting events and peak times. This aligns with national efforts to improve readiness as the Kingdom progresses its preparations to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Work has included the construction of a 115/13.8 kilovolt substation and its connection to the electrical grid via more than 2.4 km of underground cables.

The project has also incorporated advanced protection and operational systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, and communications technologies, to enhance supply reliability and ensure service continuity, in line with international best practices.

The company said that the project was completed within an 18-month timeframe in accordance with approved technical and regulatory requirements, with national engineering and technical teams participating in all phases from design to operational testing, underscoring the Kingdom’s expanding capabilities in power transmission.

According to the SPA, the project’s completion reflects Saudi Electricity Company’s commitment to developing the power transmission system, supporting the operation of sports and service facilities, and enhancing infrastructure readiness in the Eastern Province.

This aligns with the Kingdom’s long-term objectives and its vision to host world-class events to the highest standard.