Saudi Arabia planning on cutting cost of performing hajj.

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that the costs for the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah have exceeded SR200 billion and that the largest-ever expansion in the history of the holy mosque is continuing.

he also added that there is no quota or ceiling for the number of Umrah visas to be issued for Muslims from all over the world. “Any Muslim coming to the Kingdom with any type of visa can perform Umrah,” he said.

Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister said that Saudi government is making efforts to reduce the costs of performing Hajj and Umrah.

The Kingdom looks to introduce and use of modern technologies and digitization, to provide services faster to those who wish to visit the Two Holy Mosques.

Al-Rabiah said, “These included using robots to provide some services to the pilgrims, as well as developing the Nusk platform, which makes available many facilities for the pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque. It is possible to book an Umrah permit through the platform within a short period of time, and after that, the visa can be obtained within 24 hours,” he added.

• Saudi Arabia launched mobile app, for foreign pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that overseas pilgrims can now apply for permits for Umrah and prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah sharif, as well as for visiting the Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque in Madinah sharif via approved apps, local media reported on Sunday.

The service has been launched by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah in cooperation with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.

According to the ministry, pilgrims applying for the permits must first register on the Quddum platform. Travellers have been advised to download both Eatmarna and Tawakkalna apps on their mobile phones before arriving in Saudi Arabia.

• The ministry and the authority urged all users to keep update the apps.