The Ministry of Interior emphasized that visit visas of all types and names do not authorize their holders to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, and that obtaining a Hajj permit is a fundamental requirement for performing the pilgrimage.
It called on everyone to adhere to the regulations governing this year’s Hajj season and to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the security and safety of the guests of God, and not to violate these instructions to avoid exposing violators to legal penalties.
Reporting Violators
The Ministry of Interior urged people to promptly report violators by calling 911 in the regions of Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
Mecca
Mecca, located in modern-day Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It has been a center of pilgrimage for centuries, with the Kaaba—a sacred structure built by Abraham and his son Ishmael—serving as the focal point for Muslims worldwide. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Mecca to perform the Hajj, a religious duty that dates back to the time of Muhammad.
Medina
Medina, known as “the Radiant City,” is the second holiest city in Islam, located in western Saudi Arabia. Its history is deeply tied to the Prophet Muhammad, who migrated there in 622 CE (the Hijra), marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The city is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), which contains his tomb and remains a major pilgrimage site for Muslims worldwide.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the historic region of Najd. It evolved from a small, walled oasis town into a modern metropolis after the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932, becoming the country’s political and financial hub. Today, Riyadh blends its heritage—seen in landmarks like the Masmak Fortress—with futuristic skyscrapers and ambitious development projects.
