Saudi Arabia will now allow visitors holding tourist visas to perform Umrah – Hajj ministry
49 nations eligible under the new rules
Booking online or on arrival, says ministry
Updated 12 August 2022
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the Kingdom will now allow visitors holding tourist visas to perform Umrah.
Citizens of 49 countries will be able to do so by securing their visas online at Visit Saudi Arabia, or immediately on arrival at airports.
The decision has been taken to allow as many people as possible to perform the ritual.
Those who qualify include holders of visas to the US and the UK, as well as those who have Schengen visas.
The regulations allow visitors to obtain a tourist visa, valid for 12 months, to visit other cities in the Kingdom.
Those who have family visit visas are allowed to perform Umrah, by booking through the Eatmarna app.
To perform Umrah, visitors are required to obtain comprehensive health insurance, which includes covering the costs of COVID-19 treatment, accidents resulting in death or disability, and expenses arising from flight delays or cancellations.
Those wishing to perform Umrah from nations other than those who currently qualify, should apply for visas at the Kingdom’s embassies in their countries.
Documents required include proof of residence and employment, return ticket, bank statement proving financial stability, itinerary, and complete personal information.
Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors
Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept weaves together tradition, technology
We should showcase Saudi heritage to the world through tourism and fashion, she says
Updated 8 sec ago
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: In Saudi Arabia, where each region’s distinct heritage shines through its landscape and traditions, tour guides serve as vital ambassadors — and one Saudi designer believes their attire is key to embodying the cultural treasures they represent.
Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.
Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage. (Supplied)
Using technology to champion heritage, her project merges the cultural identity of AlUla with aesthetics and the functional needs of the job, highlighting Saudi identity in its finest form.
“Saudi heritage has its place and value,” she told Arab News. “We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors."
HIGHLIGHT
Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.
Al-Juhani holds a bachelor’s degree in clothing and jewelry design from Taibah University, and boasts a master’s in fashion design from King Abdulaziz University.
Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage. (Supplied)
She added: “During my studies there was a significant focus on fashion that reflects heritage, as well as the role of modern technologies in the development of the fashion industry.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind her vision for tour guide uniforms, she said: “During my visit to AlUla in 2021 I noticed that tour guides did not have a specific uniform to stand out to visitors.
Saudi heritage has its place and value. We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors.
Dallal Al-Juhani, Saudi designer and academic
“As a fashion designer I felt compelled to find a solution to this issue by creating designs suitable for this role.”
Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage.
Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage. (Supplied)
It serves as a visual narrative, representing the beauty of AlUla’s monuments while establishing a deep connection between the storyteller and the place itself.
She said: “Patterns were inspired from iconic locations such as Al-Hijr and Jabal Ikmah, incorporating Nabataean letters and prominent symbols such as the bull, lion, and hand.”
Dallal won the Gold Medal at the London International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations 2024, alongside special recognition from Croatia and Romania. (Supplied)
Functionality was a key consideration in the uniform’s design, and Al-Juhani added: “The uniform gives the tour guide a sense of belonging and comfort, leaving a positive impression on tourists, which elevates the level of professionalism in the tourism sector.”
As a young Saudi designer Al-Juhani’s message to her peers is to keep up with modern trends by utilizing new technologies in design and illustration. In fact, as part of her project, she harnessed artificial intelligence techniques to enhance her designs.
And to bring her vision to life she used AI-powered tools like Midjourney and Lexica to develop prototypes before transitioning to manual work.
She said: “I used natural leather and techniques such as burning and decoration that mimic the ancient Nabataean style. I also added traditional details using leather threads and blanket stitching to enhance the heritage touch.”
While Al-Juhani did face some challenges in sourcing high-quality materials, the input offered by tour guides made the process smoother.
She added: “I made sure to involve them in every stage to strengthen their connection to the uniform, making it a project they felt a part of rather than just a product.”
Her innovative approach has already earned her recognition, and Al-Juhani was awarded the gold medal at the London International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations in 2024, as well as receiving special recognition from Croatia and Romania at the same event.
“It was proof that heritage and monuments give design authenticity, uniqueness, and enhance its aesthetic and expressive value,” she said.
Women demonstrate art of making sameel storage pouches
Updated 38 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The art of making leather containers for storing food and drinks was just one of the attractions at the recent Jouf camel auction in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate.
With 2025 designated as the Year of Handicrafts, festivals across Saudi Arabia are providing important platforms for artisans to showcase and market their traditional skills.
Meshaal said that sheep skin worked best for keeping yogurt, while goat skin was better for ghee. (SPA)
At the camel auction, which ends on Tuesday, craftswoman Umm Meshaal, told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel, a type of pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.
Meshaal said that sheep skin worked best for keeping yogurt, while goat skin was better for ghee.
FASTFACTS
• At the Jouf camel auction, craftswoman Umm Meshaal told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel.
• It is a traditional pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.
The process starts by tanning the skins using a tree extract and salt to remove the hair and any impurities. The hides are then left to dry before being cut and sewn together into the desired shape.
A type of pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water. (SPA)
The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf, particularly among Bedouin communities who use them for storing and carrying vital supplies.
Many consumers say the best ghee in the Kingdom comes from these traditional vessels, the report said.
The ministry highlighted the broad participation expected at the event, including public and private sector representatives, scientific associations, and nonprofit organizations focused on livestock development
Updated 44 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli will inaugurate the fourth Middle East Poultry Expo at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from April 14 to 16.
This year’s exhibition will feature 340 local and international companies showcasing innovations in poultry, feed, animal health, and nutrition, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry highlighted the broad participation expected at the event, including public and private sector representatives, scientific associations, and nonprofit organizations focused on livestock development.
Specialized pavilions will cover poultry production, feed manufacturing, milling technologies, veterinary services, and animal nutrition and health, the SPA added.
Visitors can explore more than 800 advanced products and technologies aimed at strengthening poultry industry supply chains.
The ministry emphasized the poultry sector’s growth, driven by government support through loans, poultry project facilities, and private sector investment. These efforts, aligned with Vision 2030, are vital for enhancing the Kingdom’s food security.
To qualify, applicants must be registered in Sauddi Arabia and show readiness to launch initiatives aligned with literature, publishing and translation sectors
Updated 48 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has launched a new program designed to boost the role of the nonprofit sector in the cultural landscape.
Known as Madeed, the initiative underscores the commission’s commitment to strengthening cultural partnerships with nonprofit entities and empowering them to contribute to the nation’s cultural transformation.
It seeks to create lasting community impact while supporting Vision 2030 goals in literature, publishing and translation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program offers a multi-faceted support system, including mentorship, training, promotional support and grants.
Operating through two tracks — one for third-sector organizations and another for student clubs — it guides participants from application and evaluation to implementation and final assessment.
To qualify, applicants must be registered in the Kingdom and show readiness to launch initiatives aligned with literature, publishing and translation sectors.
Interested organizations can apply via engage.moc.gov.sa/madeed.
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli airstrike on Gaza hospital
Kingdom categorically rejected Sunday’s attack on the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital and said it constituted a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms
Updated 31 min 41 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned Israel after two Israeli missiles hit a major Gaza hospital, knocking out the emergency department.
The Kingdom categorically rejected Sunday’s attack on the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital and said it constituted a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Kingdom called on the international community to assume its responsibility to halt repeated violations against civilians, warning of the collapse of Gaza’s health system as a result of continued Israeli violations of all international laws and norms.
Later on Sunday, the head of the World Health Organization said that a child died because of the air strike on the hospital.
“A child died due to disruption of care,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X. “The emergency room, laboratory, emergency room X-ray machines and the pharmacy were destroyed,” he added, quoting information from the director of the hospital.
“The hospital was forced to move 50 patients to other hospitals. 40 critical patients couldn’t be moved,” he said. “Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law. Attacks on health care must stop.”
Al-Ahli Hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which condemned the attack, saying in a statement it occurred on “Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week, the most sacred week of the Christian year.”
