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Saudi Arabia shortens Umrah visa validity: Here’s what pilgrims need to know

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8 months ago

October 31, 2025

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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced an important update for Umrah pilgrims: the validity of the Umrah entry visa has been reduced from three months to one month from the date of issuance.

According to reports, the change will take effect next week. However, once a pilgrim enters the Kingdom, their stay validity remains three months, so the overall pilgrimage duration isn’t affected.

The move comes as part of efforts to streamline visa management and improve entry coordination during what is expected to be one of the busiest Umrah seasons yet.

Under the new rules, the Umrah visa will automatically be cancelled 30 days after issuance if it isn’t used to enter Saudi Arabia within that timeframe. Officials say this ensures smoother logistics as millions of pilgrims plan their journeys to Makkah and Madinah in the coming months.

Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, told Al Arabiya the decision supports preparations for an anticipated surge in visitors, particularly during the cooler months when pilgrim numbers traditionally spike.

This season has already been a record-breaking one. According to the reports, over four million Umrah visas have been issued since June 2025, with more than 15 million pilgrims performing Umrah in the first half of the year alone.

In related updates, the Ministry recently confirmed that all visa types, including tourist, family visit, and work visas, now allow pilgrims to perform Umrah, as part of Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to make religious travel more accessible.

Pilgrims can also use the Nusuk Umrah platform to book packages, obtain permits, and plan their visits digitally.

Related Topics:BuzzingUAE HajjAndUmrah HeadlineAE Madinah makkah saudiarabia SaudiNews uaetravel Umrah2025 VisaUpdate

Michael Gomes

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.

Announcements

Good news for businesses: Sharjah slashes fees and fines

Published

30 mins ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Businesses in Sharjah can now benefit from a range of temporary fee reductions after Sharjah Police unveiled a new package of incentives aimed at easing costs and supporting the emirate’s business community.

The measures, introduced in line with a decision by the Sharjah Executive Council, include 50% discounts on several security-related fees, along with reduced fines and lower training costs for companies.

What discounts are available?

Under the new initiative, eligible businesses will receive:

50% off security permit renewal fees for commercial activities
50% off security system subscription fees
50% reduction on eligible violations and fines
20% off mandatory training programme fees for companies

Sharjah Police said the initiative is designed to support commercial establishments, encourage business sustainability and further strengthen the emirate’s position as an attractive destination for investment.

How long will the discounts last?

The incentives will be available for three months from the date the decision comes into effect.

Businesses seeking more information about the discounts and eligibility can contact the Sharjah Police Call Centre on 901.

India

Waiting for Indian passport services in the UAE? Here’s the latest update

Published

1 hour ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Indian nationals in the UAE will have to wait a little longer for regular passport, visa and attestation services to resume.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced that they will continue offering only emergency consular services until July 1, extending the temporary suspension of routine services by an additional day.

In a post on the missions’ official X account, the embassy said emergency requests for passports, visas, attestation and other consular services will continue to be processed during the transition period.

Why the delay?

The extension comes as the Indian missions complete the handover of outsourced passport, visa and attestation services to Alhind Tours and Travel LLC, which is set to begin operations in the UAE from July 1.

Under the transition plan, previous service providers BLS International and SGIVS Global stopped accepting new applications after June 25, while regular appointments were suspended from June 26.

The missions said the extension is due to administrative reasons.

Need urgent assistance?

Applicants with emergency requirements can contact the Indian missions through:

Toll-free: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)
WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571
Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

The embassy said details about the resumption of normal services from July 2 onwards will be announced separately and advised applicants to follow its official social media channels for updates.

Business

UAE fuel prices drop sharply: Here’s what you’ll pay from July 1

Published

2 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Motorists across the UAE will pay significantly less at the pump from July 1 after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced a sharp reduction in petrol and diesel prices for July 2026.

All fuel grades have become cheaper compared to June, with Super 98 falling by 55 fils per litre, while diesel has dropped by 73 fils per litre.

Fuel prices for July