{
  "id": 7593239,
  "title": "Saudi Arabia launches Direct Umrah digital platform for pilgrims",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/saudi-arabia-launches-direct-umrah-digital-platform-for-pilgrims",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T16:17:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-launches-direct-umrah-digital-platform-for-pilgrims-1.500675730"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has introduced a new digital platform called Direct Umrah to facilitate online bookings for pilgrims, both domestically and internationally. This service acts as a centralized booking route, connecting pilgrims with approved travel providers via authorized platforms like ShareTrip, Wakanow, Bookme, Wego, and Almatar.\n\nUsers can explore various Umrah packages, examining their offerings, prices, and conditions before making a selection. Packages range from those without an Umrah visa to more comprehensive options that may include a visa, flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, meals, intercity transport, and guidance. The specific inclusions vary depending on the chosen package.\n\nOnce a pilgrim identifies a suitable package, they can proceed with the booking process digitally through their preferred platform. On the Saudi Arabian side, the government has recently opened visa applications for the upcoming Umrah season, as well as announced the Umrah season calendar for the year 1448 AH. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has launched a digital contracting service to streamline upcoming Umrah season bookings for domestic pilgrims.",
  "summary": "Pilgrims within Saudi Arabia and those travelling from overseas can arrange Umrah packages online through Direct Umrah, a digital service launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The ministry provides a shared booking route for both groups, linking them with packages from approved providers through authorized travel platforms. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now -…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
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        "published": "2026-09-15T13:28:39.000Z"
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/saudi-arabia-faces-high-stakes-choices-as-war-with-houthis-escalates",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/saudi-arabia-discovers-110m-tonnes-of-ore-containing-rare-earths",
        "published": "2026-09-15T15:53:34.000Z"
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      {
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        "title": "UK stands with Saudi Arabia, Yemen government after Houthi attacks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/uk-stands-with-saudi-arabia-yemen-government-after-houthi-attacks",
        "published": "2026-09-15T18:21:27.000Z"
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    ]
  },
  "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."
}