{
  "id": 18986412,
  "title": "Hajj minister: Pilgrims in safe hands as Kingdom enjoys stability",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/hajj-minister-pilgrims-in-safe-hands-as-kingdom-enjoys-stability",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T17:53:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/saudi-arabia/k3jhctzyz"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has reassured pilgrims that they are safe in Saudi Arabia, praising the country's ongoing stability and security. The minister highlighted improvements in Hajj services and digital platforms, which have enhanced the experience for pilgrims and visitors. At the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, Al-Rabiah revealed that the number of companies serving international pilgrims has grown from just one to 34, fostering competition and boosting service quality. He also shared that visits to the sacred site of Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah have surged from 6 million in 2022 to an anticipated 16 million in 2025. Furthermore, over 70 million Muslims worldwide have utilized the Nusuk app, with its digital system handling over 4.4 billion transactions annually. Saudi Arabia has also broadened the direct Hajj program to include 133 countries, aiming to maintain top-notch service quality and competitive pricing. The minister explained that early preparations for the Hajj season commence on the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, with initial arrangements already delivered to 78 countries, and contracts finalized four months in advance. Al-Rabiah emphasized ongoing development in transport infrastructure at the holy sites, which aims to shorten travel times, increase service efficiency, and elevate the overall pilgrim experience during the rituals.",
  "summary": "Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah says pilgrims are secure in Saudi Arabia, highlighting ongoing improvements to Hajj services and digital platforms.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Saudi Gazette",
        "title": "High tech services for pilgrims showcased as Hajj Conference and Exhibition kicks off in Jeddah",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/high-tech-services-for-pilgrims-showcased-as-hajj-conference-and",
        "published": "2026-11-08T14:43:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}