Saudi Arabia says anyone violating Hajj regulations between June 2-20 will be punished

Violators of Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit during the period June 2- 20 will be punished. (@HajMinistry)
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Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia says anyone violating Hajj regulations between June 2-20 will be punished

  • Citizens, residents, and visitors to the Kingdom caught violating Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit in specified areas will be fined SR 10,000

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday that violators of Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit during the period June 2- 20 will be punished.

Citizens, residents, and visitors to the Kingdom caught violating Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit in Makkah, the area around the Grand Mosque, Hajj sites, the Haramain station in Al-Rusayfah, security control centers, sorting centers, and temporary security control centers during the specified period will be fined SR 10,000 ($2,666).

Residents violating the rules will be deported to their countries and banned from reentering the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Ministry of Interior said violators will be fined a further SR 10,000 each time they broke the rules, stressing the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations and instructions so that pilgrims can carry out their rituals in safety, security, and comfort.

Anyone who is caught transporting violators of Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit will be imprisoned for a period of up to six months and fined up to SR 50,000 riyals.

An order will be made to confiscate the vehicle used and the violator will be deported after serving a prison sentence if an expat. The fine will increase in line with the number of people illegally transported.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 48 min 8 sec ago
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.