Hajj attracts more than 1.8m pilgrims, says minister

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 June 2023
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Hajj attracts more than 1.8m pilgrims, says minister

  • Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that the transportation of pilgrims from Mina had been a success and all had arrived at Arafat by 10 a.m
  • Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah: This advancement in technology can, for sure, help us to provide better services, and also enriches the experience of pilgrims

ARAFAT: The Kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revealed that this year’s Hajj attracted 1,845,045 worshippers from 150 countries.

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the ministry’s camp at Arafat, said that the transportation of pilgrims from Mina had been a success and all had arrived at Arafat by 10 a.m.

He expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership for helping to provide the best possible services to visitors, and the efforts of more than 40 government entities and other private sector companies.

He added: “These efforts have facilitated the pilgrims’ movement in peace, tranquility and good health.”

Al-Rabiah said the ministry had started its preparation for Hajj at the conclusion of last year’s event.

He added: “We have set up a task management center and its main job is to coordinate with all the participating agencies. That is why the pilgrims’ transportation process went smoothly and easily.

“We have also expanded the use of smart cards that help pilgrims to know which services are provided to them. It also assists them in reaching their camps and finding locations.”

Al-Rabiah said that technology was proving to be an invaluable tool for pilgrims during Hajj.

He added: “This advancement in technology can, for sure, help us to provide better services, and also enriches the experience of pilgrims.”


Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

Updated 10 January 2026
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Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

  • The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16

ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.

The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.

It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.

The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.

The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.

It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.

The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.