Security forces crack down on illegal Hajj entry

The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent people without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites. (X/@insharifain)
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Updated 27 May 2025
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Security forces crack down on illegal Hajj entry

  • Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested six residents and 14 citizens for transporting 99 individuals without Hajj permits
  • Ministry of Interior urged full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrim safety

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent people without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized.

Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested six residents and 14 citizens for transporting 99 individuals without Hajj permits, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In a separate incident, the forces arrested two citizens for transporting 15 individuals in violation of Hajj regulations and attempting to bring them into Makkah.

Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), the public naming of violators, deportation of residents and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing.

The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transportation and fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

It urged full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrim safety and reminded the public that entering Makkah between April 29 and June 10 without a permit is prohibited.


‘Flying Over Saudi’ launches cinematic aerial experience of Saudi landmarks

Updated 5 sec ago
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‘Flying Over Saudi’ launches cinematic aerial experience of Saudi landmarks

RIYADH: The Flying Over Saudi experience was launched on Thursday at Boulevard City as part of Riyadh Season, introducing visitors to the first experience of its kind in the Kingdom. 

The attraction provides a cinematic aerial journey using immersive technologies and multisensory effects that display Saudi Arabia’s most significant natural and urban landscapes from a new perspective, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The experience takes guests on a visual journey over the Kingdom’s diverse terrain, taking in Saudi Arabia’s vast deserts, towering mountains, lush valleys, modern cities, and expansive coastlines, in addition to special views of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. 

The film is presented in 8K resolution, featuring high-quality footage that captures the Kingdom’s geographic and cultural richness in a matter of minutes.

Each ride lasts about eight minutes, enhanced by sensory effects such as wind, water mist, and natural scent elements, along with innovative seat motion that intensifies the sense of realism and creates an experience close to actual flight. 

The visual and audio technologies work seamlessly together to immerse visitors fully in the scenes presented.

By combining its immersive elements with footage filmed over diverse landscapes, Flying Over Saudi offers Riyadh Season visitors a new perspective of the Kingdom, one that merges advanced technology with local visual identity and highlights one of the widest natural maps extending from north to south and from the coastlines into the heart of the cities.

The launch of this experience exemplifies Riyadh Season’s commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment built on innovation and advanced presentation techniques. It further contributes to introducing visitors, from the Kingdom and abroad, to the beauty and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s destinations, reinforcing the season’s position as a leading platform for world-class immersive experiences.