RIYADH: Ramadan is a highly popular period to perform the Umrah pilgrimage, and travel agencies and tour operators are cashing in on the festive rush.
Flights from Riyadh to Jeddah are seeing increased demand and surging prices.
“There was an offer on Saudi Founding Day so some people got cheaper tickets, but with the beginning of Ramadan tickets went up,” said Mohammad Aslam Jameel, a travel company supervisor in Riyadh.
“If you are traveling now to Jeddah, the round-trip tickets will cost about SR1,700 ($453) to SR2,000.”
There are comparatively cheaper tickets for odd timings, but they, too, will total about SR1,500 now to SR 2,000 during Qiyam — the last 10 days of Ramadan — he added.
Umrah travel operators in Riyadh have almost doubled the price of the bus tour package to SR200 per person, Mohammed Iqbal, who recently booked an Umrah pilgrimage, told Arab News.
“The huge rush was due to the holy month of Ramadan since most of the people want to spend these days in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah,” he said.
An employee of Al-Fajr, a tour operator in the city, also added that the increased prices were due to surging demand.
Ticket prices for international flights, too, have soared on dates close to Eid Al-Fitr as many expatriates plan to travel back home.
Asif Ahmed, an Indian working in Riyadh and traveling home for the Eid celebration with his family, told Arab News: “When I had checked the price with the tour operator for the same period two months ago for a round trip, it was about SR2,000. Now the tickets prices for the round trip have soared to SR4,000.”
Syed Faiz Ahmad, a Pakistani expat working in Yanbu, told Arab News: “It’s my 28th year staying in Saudi Arabia. During my early years the cost of air tickets for travel to my native country during Eid was not much, but as the time has passed all airlines have started to raise the prices exorbitantly amid (the) festive rush.
“This has become economically challenging to travel home during holidays especially with family.”
Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with data revealing a sharp rise in travel demand for 2024 and 2025.
Findings from travel booking platform Skyscanner highlight the increasing global interest in pilgrimage travel.
With early 2025 travel data already reflecting strong demand, the trend of growing religious tourism is expected to continue.
January 2025 saw a 21 percent year-on-year increase in flight searches to Saudi Arabia, with peak travel interest centered around March 2025 — coinciding with the start of Ramadan.
Findings for 2024 also revealed spikes around Ramadan (March–April) and Hajj (June).
Madinah has emerged as a key destination for travelers interested in pilgrimage, with searches for flights to Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport rising by 54 percent year-on-year.
Religious tourism remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, serving as a key pillar in the Kingdom’s economic transformation. Significant investments are being made to improve infrastructure, expand flight routes and enhance the pilgrim experience.
Key projects such as the Makkah Route Initiative for Hajj pilgrims and the Haramain High-Speed Railway are instrumental in these efforts.
Countering the trend of surging prices, the railway offered discounts on two-way travel between Makkah and Madinah during the first 20 days of Ramadan.
The railway has also increased Makkah-Madinah trips for the final 10 days of Ramadan to accommodate the surge in Umrah performers during Qiyam Al-Layl, with 130 additional daily trips added, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, among the world’s fastest railways with a speed of 300 km per hour, also increased station gate capacity from eight to 24 and added two terminals.
Saudi Arabia sees surging prices for religious tourism amid Ramadan rush
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Saudi Arabia sees surging prices for religious tourism amid Ramadan rush
- Umrah package prices soar amid high demand for pilgrimage to holy cities
- Some international fares double amid festive rush of expatriates going home for Eid Al-Fitr
Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip
- Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s recognition of illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank and the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip on Monday.
The ministry said it categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
“(Saudi Arabia condemns) Israeli occupation authorities’ announcement of the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said in a statement.
Israel said it is creating a government agency to oversee the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip following approval from the Israeli security cabinet over the weekend.
Since late 2023, at least 50,000 people have been killed during the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, and almost 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza are now internally displaced.
Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia also condemned the approval of 13 illegal settler outposts in the West Bank over the weekend. The Saudi ministry said that the decision was made “in preparation for their legalization as colonial settlements.”
It added that lasting peace can only be achieved if the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and establish an independent state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi deputy minister receives US embassy official
- Al-Khuraiji met Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler, the parties focusing on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it in various fields
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji recently received in Riyadh Alison Dilworth, the charge d’affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in the Kingdom.
The parties reviewed bilateral relations between the countries, as well as the latest regional and international developments, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
Al-Khuraiji also met Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler, the parties focusing on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it in various fields.
Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
- Event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth
- Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility
RIYADH: The Social Responsibility Association in Riyadh organized the second Social Responsibility Forum to integrate efforts across sectors to support sustainable development and Vision 2030.
The event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth.
It aimed to strengthen the role of companies in fostering this culture and contributing to societal, economic, and environmental development, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility.
He highlighted the complementary roles of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in creating a positive impact on society and the economy, while promoting a culture of giving.
Abdullah Al-Muhanna, CEO of the association, noted its commitment to building effective partnerships and spreading social responsibility.
He said that the occasion serves as an opportunity to instil values of generosity and solidarity, while enhancing institutional contributions to community service.
Statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development show that the percentage of major companies implementing social responsibility programs increased from 30 percent in 2019 to 65 percent by the end of 2023.
The forum featured two panel discussions on the role of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in activating social responsibility.
The discussions also covered national experiences, governance of community work, and ways to instill a culture of social engagement among future generations.
Additionally, the forum addressed methods for measuring social responsibility outcomes and adopting impactful programs.
During the event, the Princess Al-Anoud Charity Foundation was honored for its contributions to community initiatives and sustainable development.
Several institutions, private sector entities, and individuals were also recognized for their work.
This year’s Saudi Social Responsibility Day, under the theme “We Commit to Our Social Responsibility,” reaffirmed the role of all entities in fostering a culture of generosity and citizenship.
The event is vital for entrenching the culture of giving and enhancing collaboration across sectors, contributing to sustainable development and raising awareness of commitments toward individuals and institutions.
Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
- Initiative provides developers with guidelines for architectural styles
- Guidelines inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity
RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has started the next phase of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map rollout in Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir, and Makkah following its official launch earlier this month.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi Al-Hashani detailed the next steps and outlined the robust coordination efforts underway to ensure the project’s success.
Al-Hashani emphasized the long preparation behind the initiative: “The architectural map of Saudi Arabia is really a project that has been in the (works) for over two years, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”
The ministry, he said, is concentrating on building awareness and preparing the industry for the upcoming rollout.
“The immediate step now that we have launched is really to kind of heighten awareness and start training some of the architects (to) launch in the four cities that were announced, at Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir (and) Makkah.”
Saudi Architecture provides developers across the Kingdom with guidelines for building styles.
The Characters Map introduces 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity through its built environment.
The long-term vision of the project is to create more walkable and sustainable cities.
“We are working on broader strategy to kind of develop the five, 10, 15-minute cities in Saudi Arabia, where you can go to work, do your basic needs with a walkable distance,” he said.
Al-Hashani stressed that training architects is crucial for smooth implementation. He noted the extensive groundwork already laid out before the public launch.
“We have a massive program ongoing, starting with the communication that we are doing now … this has the training started way before the launch, so to make sure that we hit the ground running. The efforts are significant.”
He also highlighted the technical and digital support behind the initiative. “There (are) the digital tools in place that have been implemented already, part of the Balady platform. And of course, the ongoing communications with … the municipalities, and of course, our partners, the regional development authorities,” he added.
Addressing the evolution of design influences, Al-Hashani explained how previous examples have informed the current codes. He remarked on the role that pioneering projects played in shaping the national approach.
“Any successful example of (an) architectural design guideline was taken into account in developing these codes … our designs (are) inspired somewhat by Diriyah … but mostly it’s more covering the entire area of the central region.”
Looking ahead, he confirmed that implementation is already visible on the ground.
He added that the rollout is set to accelerate, with numerous examples expected in the near future: “There will be many examples in the coming 12 months … of these guidelines being implemented on the ground.”
To ensure a uniform application of the new design codes, the ministry has integrated the guidelines into its licensing process. Al-Hashani explained how digital enforcement plays a key role.
“Balady platform already has kind of a geospatial element in it, where each zone is already linked to the license that is issued. So, if you apply for a license in Taif, then the guidelines will come up as the requirements that you will have to (adhere to) in terms of design.”
Public engagement and outreach are also essential components of the initiative. Al-Hashani underscored the breadth of the ministry’s reach through its extensive municipal network.
“The municipal sector is the largest sector in Saudi Arabia … that has access and reach to the citizen.
“You deal with the with us on a daily basis, even without you knowing. We have for instance 285 (municipalities). We have 17 amanahs (administrative divisions). We are present everywhere in Saudi Arabia.”
He further emphasized the role of workshops and stakeholder meetings as vital tools for ensuring that all parties are aligned with the new standards.
“More importantly (are) the kind of the workshops that we have with key stakeholders in (these) structures such as the architectural firms, the big developers, and of course, the giga projects.”
Looking to the future, Al-Hashani touched on the broader strategic goals that underpin the initiative.
He explained that success will not only be measured by the immediate application of design guidelines but also by their impact on urban planning, with “major (key performance indicators).”
With integrated digital tools, targeted training, and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map aims to redefine urban development across the Kingdom while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage.
KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
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 the Syrian Arab Republic, 389 food packages were distributed to families in need in Homs governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan project. KSrelief also distributed 160 parcels in Al-Dumayr, Rif Dimashq governorate.
In Yemen, 594 food baskets were provided to vulnerable groups in Shabwah governorate, benefiting 4,158 people.
In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,200 packages to impoverished families in Baidoa, benefiting 7,200 people.
Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).
Additionally, KSrelief distributed 2,812 cartons of dates in Tal Shihab, Daraa governorate, Syria, benefiting 2,812 families.
The Saudi aid agency also provided 630 food baskets in Port Sudan, benefiting 3,561 impoverished and displaced people.
