JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed the possibility of issuing Umrah and visit permits to residents coming from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, who obtained a visitor visa for the purpose of tourism through the Etmarna app.
This comes as part of efforts to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims from all countries around the world, enrich their experience and raise the quality of services provided to them within a variety of solutions and options, in order to achieve the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the ministry said in a statement issued by the Saudi Press Agency.
The ministry said that those who obtained visitor visas for the purpose of tourism from residents of GCC countries, as well as those who obtained visas to enter the Schengen countries, the US, and UK, can, before coming to the Kingdom, book appointments to perform Umrah and visit holy sites using the app.
The procedures for the arrival of pilgrims to perform Umrah this year included several types of visas available to those who obtain them to perform Umrah, including visas for family visits for residents inside the Kingdom, personal visits to Saudi nationals, electronic tourist visas, and tourist visas upon arrival for holders of other types of visas.
Umrah pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom can choose the package of services through the “Maqam” platform, in addition to booking through local agencies approved in the pilgrim’s home country.
Saudi Arabia to issue Umrah, visit permits for GCC residents who obtained tourist visa via app
https://arab.news/rxnyf
Saudi Arabia to issue Umrah, visit permits for GCC residents who obtained tourist visa via app
- This comes as part of efforts to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims from all countries around the world
- Umrah pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom can choose the package of services through the “Maqam” platform
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
