Electronic Umra Visa will be issued from 1st Safar, 1429H, corresponding to the 8th February, 2008. Any company which has fulfilled the required Ministry procedures and has had their contractrs with licensed Saudi representatives approved and notarized by the Ministry will be able to start sending their electronic Umra visa applications.
Hajj flights would start from November 13 from Lahore taking at least, 40,000 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia under the government and private Hajj schemes, said Hajj Director Lahore Faroogh Aftab Zaidi.
Addressing a Hajj training workshop, he said the intending pilgrims would not be allowed to carry daily use items like toothpaste, powder, perfume-oil, cigarettes and other eatable goods.
The intending pilgrims could carry 35 kg weight and would have to pay Saudi Riyal 20 (Rs330) per kg on excess weight, Zaidi said.
He said the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would provide full gown (Abaya) to female intending pilgrims and Ihram to male pilgrims as a gift while commercial banks would give handbags to the pilgrims.
Arrangements would be made for the intending pilgrims to wear Ihram at the airport, he said and added they would have to reach the Hajj lounge at least 10 hours before their flight to fulfill the travel requirements.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz laid here today the foundation stone for the project of King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology (KAUST).
On arrival at the venue, the King was welcomed by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the Governor of Makkah region, other princes and senior officials.
Speaking on the occasion, King Abdullah said "In line with the eternal principles of Islam which advocates science and knowledge and development of the earth, after depending on Allah Almighty, we would like to announce the establishment of King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology (KAUST)."
"We hope that it will become a center for knowledge and a bridge for enhancing contacts among the civilizations and nations. We also hope it will perform its noble humanitarian mission in a clear atmosphere with the help of Allah Almighty and the enlightened people from all places without differentiation or distinction.
In line with the traditions of the educational institutions in the ages of the glorious Arab and Islamic civilization, we have established an endowment to spend its revenues on the university. We are only looking for pleasing Allah Almighty as well as benefiting the citizens in this dear country -- the cradle of Islam, as well as benefiting the entire humanity.
I pray to Allah Almighty to make this university a house of wisdom and forum for scientists, and a center which diffuses knowledge for the coming generations."
Shoura Council commends Government on services to Umrah performers
Riyadh, 21 Oct 07
The Shoura Council held here today its ordinary 42nd session under the chairmanship of its Chairman Sheikh Dr Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid.
In his statement, Dr bin Homaid commended the great efforts exerted by governmental bodies in the service of Umrah performers and visitors during the blessed month of Ramadan….
The council valued the decision of U.S. congress considering Islam as one of the greatest religions in the world and containing respect for Muslims in the United States of America and all over the world, solidarity with them on the blessed month of Ramadan and respect for this month.
The Council welcomed this initiative endorsed by Congress, considering it as a positive step for enhancing relations between the United States of America and the Muslim world as well as strengthening of cooperation between the American people and Muslim peoples….
Dr Asghar highlights the decision of King Abdullah pertaining to the Prophet's Mosque
Holy City of Makkah, 11 October 07
Dean of the institute of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques for Hajj research at Makkah-based Ummal Qura university Dr Atef Asghar said the directives of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to leave the doors of the Prophet's Mosque open around the clock embodies the great attention the King has been giving to the Prophet's Mosque.
He noted that this development will positively contribute to easing the sufferings of the visitors of the Mosque.
Highlighting the efforts of the King in serving Islam and Muslims, Dr Asghar said the institute of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques for Hajj research has been conducting so many studies and researches on the requirements of the visitors so as to promote and develop the services being extended to them in line with well-studied bases.
Under Direct Supervision of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Holy Quran Recitation concluded
Holy City of Makkah, 10 October 07
Under direct supervision of the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince and personal follow-up by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz , the Governor of Makkah Region and Chairman of Hajj Central Committee, more than 2 million worshipers of visitors, Umrah performers, citizens and residents performed at the Grand Mosque here tonight night prayers and listened to conclusion of the Holy Quran recitation.
In statements to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), visitors and Umrah performers said that they have performed their rituals easily and comfortably, thanks to the great services and facilities provided for them by the government of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince.
Minister of Interior and Head of the Higher Hajj Committee Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz received here on Tuesday evening Hajj Minister Dr Fouad al-Farsy, undersecretaries of the Hajj ministry and chairmen of the Hajj guides establishments.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Al-Farsy briefed Prince Naif on the arrangements made by the Ministry of Hajj to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims, Umrah (minor Hajj) performers and visitors of the Holy Places.
For his part, Prince Naif expressed appreciation for the efforts being exerted by the Hajj Ministry and the establishments of the Hajj guides, and called for further efforts to develop the services in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz.
He underlined the importance of providing the best possible services and all possible facilities to the pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Holy Places.
The meeting was attended by advisor of the Interior minister Dr Saed al-Harethi and director general of the Interior Minister's office for studies and research Major General Saud bin Salih al-Dawood.
Hajj Minister speaks on services to Umrah performers
Jeddah, 8 October 07
Hajj Minister Dr.Fouad bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy said here today that, in line with directives of the Kingdom's wise leadership to give great care to Umrah performers (the minor pilgrimage) and visitors of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) Mosque, efforts will be coordinated with all concerned parties to implement carefully such directives and supervise the services of the authorized firms and Establishments.
A number of restrictions have been introduced, which are aimed at reactivating the articles of Umrah performers to achieve more upgrading of such services and to treat some negative aspects, notably the issue of overstaying, the Minister told The Saudi Press Agency
"Statistics show that a tangible improvement occurred this year in comparison with the last two years, particularly with regard to overstaying issue," the Minister elaborated.
Successful Cardiac Surgery Performed for a Briton on a Umrah Mission
Holy City of Makkah, 7 October 07
A Briton has undergone a successful heart operation at a Makkah specialist hospital after suffering from a severe pain during performing Umrah (minor Hajj) ritual in Makkah.
In a statement, Dr. Khalid bin Yousef Yamani, Chief Cardiologist who performed the surgery, said S. Poland, aged 58, suffered from severe pains and breathing problems before being rushed to Al-Noor Specialist Hospital in Makkah the day before yesterday where diagnosis indicated 95% blocks of left and right heart arteries, necessitating prompt surgery to rescue his life.
During the four-hour surgery, two bypasses: one from the chest and the other from the left leg of the patient, were successfully inserted, Dr. Yamani said.
For his part, the patient expressed deep gratitude to the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for the intensive care he received at the hospital, thanks to the advanced equipment and skillful medical team.
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