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Here’s why Saudi has suspended Umrah, visit, and business visas for 14 countries

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In a significant move aimed at managing crowds and ensuring safety during the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia.

The suspension will remain in effect until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage, according to a news report.

Visa Suspension List

The affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Saudi authorities have confirmed that April 13 will be the last day for the issuance of Umrah visas before the temporary halt comes into force.

Reason Behind the Ban

The decision is primarily driven by overcrowding and safety concerns witnessed during previous Hajj seasons.

According to officials, some pilgrims have bypassed the official Hajj quota system by entering the Kingdom on Umrah or visit visas and then overstaying to perform Hajj without registration. This unauthorized participation puts immense pressure on infrastructure and safety services.

In 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims tragically lost their lives, largely due to intense heat and lack of access to essential services, such as shelter, transportation, and healthcare, a situation worsened by the presence of unregistered pilgrims.

India, in particular, has been placed on the list amid concerns that some individuals have used non-Hajj visas to participate in the pilgrimage, skirting official protocols.

Saudi Arabia’s Quota System

The Kingdom’s quota system is designed to allocate a specific number of Hajj slots to each country, helping regulate the number of pilgrims and avoid dangerous overcrowding.


However, authorities say the surge of unofficial pilgrims from certain countries undermines these efforts and puts all pilgrims at risk.

By suspending visas temporarily, Saudi Arabia aims to streamline Hajj operations and prevent further tragedies in one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

Visa issuance is expected to resume after Hajj concludes in mid-June. Citizens of the affected countries are advised to follow official updates through their respective embassies and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

(Source: Gulf Buisness)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Crime

UAE Central Bank fines local bank Dh3 million over anti-money laundering failures

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The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a financial penalty of Dh3 million on a local bank for failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

The fine was issued under Article 14 of Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, as well as Article 137 of the Decretal Federal Law No. (14) of 2018 concerning the Central Bank and regulation of financial institutions.

The CBUAE said the penalty followed an investigation which found that the bank had not met regulatory requirements outlined in UAE legislation to combat financial crime.

In a statement, the Central Bank reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the transparency and integrity of the country’s financial system. “We continue to supervise and regulate all licensed financial institutions to ensure full compliance with UAE laws, regulations, and standards,” the authority said.

The name of the bank was not disclosed.

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Dubai’s RTA steps up inspections of buses to ensure safety

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has urged transport operators to strictly follow regulations covering all modes of passenger transport, including chartered buses, tourist services, and international bus trips.

This comes after RTA completed over 15,500 inspections targeting operators in these sectors, as part of ongoing efforts to raise service standards and ensure safety.

“The inspections weren’t just about issuing violations,” said Saeed Al Balooshi, Director of Passenger Transport Activities Monitoring at RTA. “They’re designed to improve service quality and ensure operators meet the rules that keep Dubai’s transport sector running smoothly.”

Checks included verifying safety measures onboard and ensuring all required licences were in place. The RTA also teamed up with other authorities, including Dubai Police and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at Hatta Border Post, to tackle misuse and irregularities in cross-border transport services.

Al Balooshi added that the authority is using new technologies to make inspections more effective by analysing violations and measuring the impact of enforcement campaigns. “Our goal is to ensure a reliable and high-quality experience for residents, visitors, and tourists, and to protect the reputation of Dubai’s public transport sector,” he said.

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New paid parking zones announced in Abu Dhabi

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Residents and motorists in Abu Dhabi should take note: new Mawaqif paid parking zones have been activated in several areas across the city, Q Mobility announced on Thursday, July 10.

The newly introduced paid zones include:

  • Eastern Mangroves
  • Dolphin Park
  • Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street sectors – specifically at Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park 1, 2, 4, and 5
  • Al Qurm Plaza

The rollout of the Mawaqif system in these areas is now officially in effect, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s parking regulations.

  • Standard Parking – black and blue curbs:
    • Dh2 an hour
    • Dh15 for 24-hour parking
  • Premium Parking Abu Dhabi – white and blue curbs: AED 3 an hour

According to Q Mobility, this move is part of ongoing efforts to better regulate vehicle movement, ease congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of public parking across the emirate. The changes follow the completion of infrastructure upgrades such as curb painting, installation of directional and awareness signage, and public notifications.

The company has also encouraged drivers to make use of the Darb app for digital payment and to carefully follow posted instructions to avoid fines.

The expansion of Mawaqif is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving traffic flow and providing smarter, more streamlined parking solutions within Abu Dhabi Island and beyond.

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