RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched this year’s Hajj packages for citizens and residents of the Kingdom, now available for booking through the Nusuk app and its dedicated electronic portal.

In line with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding access to the annual pilgrimage, the ministry has launched Hajj packages with priority booking for first-time pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to the ministry, pilgrims must have completed the mandatory meningitis vaccination to access packages, with appointments available through the Sehhaty app.

The Nusuk platform offers a user-friendly experience, allowing pilgrims to browse and book packages with various payment options.

The Nusuk app also enables pilgrims to purchase essential Hajj items, including ihram clothing and personal necessities, as well as book flight tickets within their packages, streamlining the entire pilgrimage journey.

Welcoming the announcement, Arif Anwar, an Alkhobar resident, told Arab News: “It’s great news, I was waiting for it. Now I will make the booking via Nusuk for me and my family, and (we are) looking forward to it as priority will be given to individuals who have not previously performed this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, to allow more Muslims to fulfil this one of the five pillars of Islam in a spiritually inclusive and accessible environment.”

Abdulrahman Qahtani, a Jeddah native, said: "It was awaited. I am keen to perform Hajj this year, and by fulfilling the requirements mentioned by the ministry, I will now apply via Nusuk to perform this one of the five key pillars of Islam."

Wissam Dekmak, a Lebanese resident in Riyadh, said: "It is exciting for all residents to hear this announcement, allowing us to plan and book Hajj well in advance. We can now easily reserve packages through the Nusuk app and portal. It is an amazing initiative that simplifies the process and prioritizes those who haven't yet experienced Hajj."

Packages are accessible through the electronic portal at masar.nusuk.sa/individuals/local-pilgrims.

"We offer pilgrims a variety of Hajj packages provided by authorized service provider companies, ensuring a seamless Hajj experience," according to Nusuk portal.

The Hajj package starts at SR8,092 ($2,157) for the Al-Diyafah camp in Mina with shared accommodation. The second package is offered at SR10,366 with an upgraded camp providing high-quality service.

The third package costs SR13,150 for the six towers in Mina, located near the Jamarat bridge. The fourth package, Kidana Al-Wadi Towers, is valued at SR12,537, offering luxurious accommodation in modern towers with advanced facilities and meals.

The launch is part of a wider digital transformation of the Hajj experience, with the Nusuk platform serving as a comprehensive digital companion.

The ministry receives pilgrims’ inquiries via the Pilgrims’ Care Center at 1966 (available 24/7) or the beneficiary care account on X (@MOHU_Care).

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In Somalia, KSrelief provided 138 tonnes of dates to the World Food Programme, benefiting 200,000 people.

The agency also distributed 5,500 bags of rice in the Benadir region, reaching 33,000 people as part of its Eid Al-Fitr Zakat project, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need during the holiday.

Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed aid to multiple countries. In Lebanon, 660 food parcels were provided to displaced Syrians and Palestinian refugees, benefiting 3,300 people.

In Sudan, 600 food packages were delivered to the New Hayya Locality of Red Sea State, aiding 4,164 vulnerable people.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, the Saudi aid agency distributed 7,600 cartons of dates in Aleppo, 5,307 in Homs and 1,554 in Zamalka.

Additional distributions in Idlib and Aleppo governorates included 4,016 food parcels and hygiene kits, assisting 12,048 people.

In Mali, KSrelief delivered 800 food packages in Segou, supporting 4,010 of the most vulnerable people.