Watch: Lightning Strikes Mecca’s Clock Tower, Creating Stunning Flower-Like Display

29 Aug 2024

A powerful storm recently struck Mecca, one of Islam’s most sacred sites, where large numbers of worshippers were gathered to perform Umrah. The storm, which brought with it intense winds and lightning, has captured widespread attention on social media, particularly due to dramatic footage of lightning striking Mecca's famous clock...

600 Deaths During Hajj In Saudi Arabia, Including 68 Indian Pilgrims

20 Jun 2024

The Hajj pilgrimage of 2024 has been marred by tragedy as more than 600 pilgrims, including 68 Indians, lost their lives, largely due to searing heat and intense weather conditions. The deaths occurred during rituals in and around Mecca, with some attributed to natural causes and old age exacerbated by...

Saudi Arabia: Mandatory Vaccination Registration On Sehaty App Before Arrival In Mecca

12 May 2024

Saudi Arabia has advised domestic pilgrims to ensure they have completed all necessary vaccinations ahead of the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage to protect the health of all participants. Both Saudi citizens and foreign residents registered for the pilgrimage in and around Mecca must have received COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and meningitis vaccinations...

Envoy visits Mecca and inspects the arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims

07 Jun 2023

Dr Suhel Khan, India's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, visited Mecca and assessed the facilities made up for Indian Hajj pilgrims. The Indian envoy also met with numerous Indian Hajj pilgrims from various states and examined their bus transportation options. "Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan visited Makkah and met with Indian Hajj...

No limit on the number of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj, announces Saudi Arabia

10 Jan 2023

The three-year long restrictions on Hajj travel to curb the covid-19 pandemic finally come to an end. On Monday Saudi Arabia announced that there will be no limit on the number of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj. "The number of pilgrims will return to what it was before the pandemic,...