Tawakkalna Services aims to provide a wide range of integrated services that improve the quality of life in Saudi Arabia
Updated 01 May 2022
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has launched a new app, Tawakkalna Services, to help improve the quality of life in the Kingdom. It provides 140 services that cover health, education, transport, Islamic and public services, and entertainment through 40 strategic partnerships.
These include rendering a driving license, insurance documentation, passport inquiries and requests, a digital wallet approved by government agencies, charitable donations, data correction, and information verification.
People can also buy tickets for events using the event services section. The app’s launch is aligned with the Vision 2030 objectives of empowering advanced technology and promoting digital transformation in Saudi Arabia.
The SDAIA said the new app was a result of the success of Tawakkalna, which has more than 27 million users.
Tawakkalna Services is similar to the original app, which was used during the pandemic, but the options under each section have increased and are more detailed.
The QR code and COVID-19 health status have been removed as it is no longer an app solely for health purposes. The SDAIA said Tawakkalna was limited to services related to the pandemic, such as proving the health status of users, the health passport, coronavirus tests, vaccine services, and travel requirements.
This app helped limit the spread of the virus by providing health-related services such as e-permits and health status verification.
Tawakkalna Services aims to provide a wide range of integrated services that improve the quality of life in Saudi Arabia and the experience of citizens, residents, and visitors. The authority called on people to download the app.
Visitors and citizens of other Gulf countries can register for Tawakkalna Services with their passport number or national ID. The registration process will also request their date of birth and mobile number.
From Arafat to Muzdalifah, pilgrims continue their sacred journey
As the sun set over Mount Arafat, signaling the end of the day’s rituals, pilgrims began leaving en masse for Muzdalifah, a holy site nestled between Arafat and Mina
Travel from Arafat to Muzdalifah was achieved by using a vast fleet of buses operating on a phased schedule
Updated 4 sec ago
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: On Thursday, corresponding to Dul Hijjah 9, more than 1.67 million pilgrims gathered on the plain of Arafat, marking the spiritual apex of the Hajj pilgrimage.
From early morning, the atmosphere in Arafat was one of intense devotion, with worshippers praying, reciting the Qur’an, and raising their hands in supplication.
The Day of Arafat, considered the most sacred in the Islamic calendar, is the heart of the Hajj journey.
In Muzdalifah, the pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning of the devil ritual at the Jamarat area in Mina. (AN photo by Huda Bashattah)
As the sun set over Mount Arafat, signaling the end of the day’s rituals, pilgrims began leaving en masse for Muzdalifah, a holy site nestled between Arafat and Mina.
The move to Muzdalifah is an integral part of Hajj, combining logistical coordination with spiritual significance.
This leg of the journey is tightly choreographed by Saudi authorities to ensure safe and efficient travel despite the enormous scale of the operation.
According to the General Authority for Statistics, 1,673,230 pilgrims are performing Hajj this year, with 1,506,576 of them from outside the Kingdom.
The number of domestic pilgrims is 166,654, including citizens and residents.
Managing the movement of such large numbers requires seamless coordination between several agencies, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Interior, and the Transport General Authority.
Travel from Arafat to Muzdalifah was achieved by using a vast fleet of buses operating on a phased schedule. Additionally, the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, a railway system built exclusively for Hajj, played a major role in easing congestion.
The nine-station metro can transport up to 72,000 pilgrims an hour in one direction, operating on a circular loop connecting Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
Authorities also used smart surveillance systems, drones, and real-time data to monitor crowd movement and prevent bottlenecks.
Volunteers and security personnel were stationed at checkpoints to guide pilgrims and ensure safety during this critical transition.
Upon arrival in Muzdalifah, pilgrims performed the Maghrib and Isha prayers — traditionally shortened and combined — before beginning another key ritual: collecting 49 pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat site in Mina.
Many pilgrims chose to rest or sleep under the open sky, emulating Prophet Muhammad’s practice during his farewell pilgrimage. Although logistically smaller than other holy sites, Muzdalifah was fully equipped with ample lighting, shaded rest areas, water stations, and mobile medical units.
The Ministry of Health deployed more than 120 ambulances and several field hospitals at Arafat and Muzdalifah, supported by thousands of medical staff to respond to heat stress, dehydration, or urgent health issues.
Mobile clinics were also stationed at key points to assist elderly and vulnerable pilgrims.
These logistical and health measures reflect Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to improving the Hajj experience under Vision 2030.
Through a blend of faith, planning, and technology, this year’s Hajj continues to evolve into a model of safety, efficiency, and spiritual focus for millions of Muslims worldwide.
The Ministry of Interior outlined a comprehensive security and organizational plan to ensure a safe and smooth 2025 Hajj season
Updated 31 min 55 sec ago
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
ARAFAT: Saudi Arabia has intensified the enforcement of Hajj permit regulations this year, barring individuals without official permits from entering Makkah to ensure that authorized pilgrims can fully benefit from the Kingdom’s services and facilities.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that security forces had been deployed across all key access points to Makkah to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the city in the days leading up to Hajj. The intensified measures come in response to longstanding concerns over the strain placed on infrastructure and essential services by unauthorized pilgrims.
The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly said that individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj with no valid Hajj permit will face a fine of SR20,000 with enforcement in effect from April 29 to June 10. (AN photo by Basheer Saleh)
The Ministry of Interior outlined a comprehensive security and organizational plan to ensure a safe and smooth 2025 Hajj season.
By ensuring that only authorized individuals enter Makkah during the Hajj season, the Kingdom aims to maintain public health, optimize crowd control and uphold the spiritual integrity of the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims have voiced their support for the tightened rules. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
In a recent press conference, held ahead of Hajj, the Kingdom detailed preparations aligned with the directives of Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud. The strategy covers public safety, crowd and traffic control, and emergency responses throughout the pilgrims’ journey.
Authorities reported the dismantling of 252 fake Hajj campaigns, the arrest of 1,239 illegal transporters, and the return of 269,678 non-residents of Makkah, 75,943 unauthorized pilgrims and 109,632 vehicles. An additional 11,610 individuals were found violating residency, labor and border laws.
The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly said that individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj with no valid Hajj permit will face a fine of SR20,000 with enforcement in effect from April 29 to June 10. (AN photo by Basheer Saleh)
The move is part of a broader effort by authorities to safeguard the sanctity of the pilgrimage and ensure the safety and comfort of registered pilgrims.
The MoI has repeatedly said that individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj with no valid Hajj permit will face a fine of SR20,000 (more than $5,300), with enforcement in effect from April 29 to June 10.
The Ministry of Interior outlined a comprehensive security and organizational plan to ensure a safe and smooth 2025 Hajj season. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
The ministry warned that foreign nationals found in violation would, in addition to the financial penalty, be deported to their home countries and barred from re-entering the Kingdom for ten years.
The ministry also confirmed that a financial penalty of up to SR100,000 would be imposed on anyone who transported holders of visit visas or attempted to transport them with the intent of bringing them to the city of Makkah or the holy sites during the same period.
The ministry added it would request the competent court to confiscate any land transport vehicle proven to have been used for this purpose if owned by the transporter, an accomplice or any party found to be involved.
In previous years, emergency rooms in Makkah hospitals were often overwhelmed with medical cases involving individuals who entered the city without valid Hajj permits. Many lacked access to official accommodation and transportation, resulting in overcrowding not only in emergency facilities but also in the Grand Mosque and the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat — areas whose capacity is topographically constrained.
Pilgrims have voiced their support for the tightened rules. In previous seasons, illegal pilgrims strained logistical operations, including food distribution, transportation schedules and accommodation management.
Indian couple Altaf Hussein and his wife Farhana told Arab News that they were pleased with the running of this year’s Hajj.
“I am happy with their management,” Hussein said. Farhana added that it was her first time performing Hajj and that it was unlike what she had heard about.
“From day one in Makkah, I am so happy and thankful to Allah the Almighty, and may Allah keep the two holy mosques’ management prosper,” she said.
Marwa Al-Said, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that this year’s Hajj felt “especially exceptional” with unauthorized pilgrims barred from entering Makkah.
“I would like to thank you all. The arrangements you are applying this year are truly different,” she said. “I feel comfortable — there is no hardship, no fear and none of the worries we usually hear about during Hajj. It is, seriously speaking, real security.”
According to an official at Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital in Arafat, the one-day facility — which in previous years typically received hundreds of patients during the Hajj season — had recorded only two emergency cases as of 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.
King, crown prince receive telegrams, calls from around Arab world
Four-day festival begins on Friday
Updated 58 min 6 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The leadership of Saudi Arabia on Thursday received telegrams from the heads of several Islamic countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their own goodwill messages, wishing Islamic leaders progress and prosperity for the festival.
The crown prince on Thursday also received a telephone call from Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Muslims worldwide will begin the four-day celebration of Eid Al-Adha on Friday. The holiday occurs in the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, where 1.4 million pilgrims this week began their rituals.
Pilgrims commend Saudi Arabia’s care, organization
This year, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program is hosting in excess of 2,400 pilgrims from more than 100 countries
Updated 05 June 2025
Arab News
ARAFAT: Several guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah expressed deep emotions as they stood on the plains of Arafat, saying that chanting the Talbiyah and supplicating were among the most profound moments of their lives.
They praised the generous care they received from their arrival in the Kingdom until reaching the holy sites, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Pilgrim Mohammed Amer, from New Zealand, said: “Arafat Day is extraordinary in every detail; a moment of serenity and peace. I never imagined experiencing it with such honor, organization and care.”
Pilgrims praised the generous care they received from their arrival in Saudi Arabiba until reaching the holy sites. (SPA)
He commended the Kingdom and its leadership for facilitating the rituals and ensuring every pilgrim’s comfort, the SPA reported.
Pilgrim Sameh Abu Baker, from Palestine, appreciated the services and exceptional organization of pilgrim movement.
He said: “The emotions on this great day are indescribable. Joy fills our hearts as we see pilgrims responding in unison. These moments will remain etched in memory.”
This year, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program is hosting in excess of 2,400 pilgrims from more than 100 countries, reinforcing the Kingdom’s global mission to serve the two holy mosques and pilgrims.
Celebrities join millions on a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Hajj journey
Many celebrities join millions of Muslims worldwide traveling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Hajj
Updated 05 June 2025
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: Every year, many celebrities join millions of Muslims worldwide traveling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Hajj — a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey for affluent Muslims. This year is no different.
Among those performing Hajj this year are Zimbabwean motivational speaker and Islamic scholar Ismail ibn Musa Menk, known as Mufti Menk; internationally famed South African chef Hamzah Saeed; Egyptian singer and composer Ahmed Saad; and Pakistani actor Malik Aqeel.
Menk posted on X: “As I embark on my journey for the Hajj after 24 years, I seek the forgiveness of Allah for my shortcomings and ask you to forgive me too. Hajj is meant to purify us and wipe away our sins. May Allah make me a better person, closer to Him and worthy of His Mercy! Aameen.”
In another post, he said: “Almighty. Grant us the strength to give up something for Your sake. Help us understand the true meaning of sacrifice. May we achieve the benefits of these ten days & may You accept the sincere efforts of those making Hajj.”
Saeed also expressed his anticipation on Instagram, seeking forgiveness and hoping Allah accepts his prayers and guides him on this blessed journey, one of Islam’s five pillars.
Quoting Qur’an 2:158, he wrote: “Surely, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are symbols of Allah. Whoever performs Hajj or Umrah will find no sin in walking between the two. May Allah accept and bring everyone to His House, the Kaaba.”
Shaykh Sulaimaan M. Ravat, a distinguished South African scholar, shared Hajj snapshots on X, including an emotional conversation with Saeed during his first visit to the holy cities.
“I am the first person from my family to visit Haramain,” Saeed said.
On Instagram, he celebrity chef posted a video from Madinah: “Words can’t describe having experienced and seeing all historical places and to learn stories about them with learned scholars one on one, stay tuned as will be taking you on Mount Uhud journey.”
In an emotional post on X, Egyptian singer Saad shared a video from the Grand Mosque reciting the Qur’an.
Pakistani Cinema, a popular TikTok page, shared a clip of Aqeel in Saudi Arabia performing Hajj, reciting a beautiful na’at — poetry praising Prophet Muhammad.
