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Enhance your Hajj experience with essential apps

Enhance your Hajj experience with essential apps
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Although Hajj is a profound journey for millions of Muslims every year, the spiritual fulfillment comes with numerous logistical challenges. (Supplied)
Enhance your Hajj experience with essential apps
2 / 2
Although Hajj is a profound journey for millions of Muslims every year, the spiritual fulfillment comes with numerous logistical challenges. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 May 2025

Enhance your Hajj experience with essential apps

Enhance your Hajj experience with essential apps
  • One of the most essential apps for Hajj is Nusuk
  • For those who appreciate interactive tools, 3D Hajj is a game-changer

Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Although Hajj is a profound journey for millions of Muslims every year, the spiritual fulfillment comes with numerous logistical challenges.
Fortunately, a wide range of applications is available to assist pilgrims throughout their journey, from planning and navigation to spiritual support.

Key apps for Hajj

Nusuk
One of the most essential apps for Hajj is Nusuk, developed by the Saudi government.
The app is an all-in-one resource for pilgrims, simplifying the planning process by providing information on visa applications and facilitating arrangements for Umrah and Rawdah slots.

3D Hajj
For those who appreciate interactive tools, 3D Hajj is a game-changer. This app features a detailed 3D model of key Hajj locations, allowing users to visually explore the sites they will visit ahead of time.
It provides step-by-step instructions for rituals, making it easier for pilgrims to understand and engage in the practices required during Hajj.

PHVG Hajj Navigator
Navigating the various sites during Hajj can be daunting. So Hajj Navigator — developed by Pakistan Hajj Volunteers Group, which is made up of Pakistani expatriates living in the Kingdom — addresses this challenge by providing real-time navigation assistance at Hajj sites.
Pilgrims can access resources that alleviate potential hassles, ensuring they can focus on their spiritual practices without getting lost in the crowd.
This app is particularly valuable given the vastness of the Hajj area and the sheer number of people present.

Qibla Finder
A crucial aspect of a Muslim’s daily practice is prayer, which requires the correct qibla direction.
Qibla Finder assists pilgrims in locating the qibla, ensuring they can perform their prayers accurately while maintaining their connection to Makkah.
This app is a simple yet important tool for anyone on the spiritual journey.

Labbayk
An official application from the government of Bangladesh, Labbayk provides a digital companion throughout the pilgrimage.
This app’s resources are tailored to the needs of its users including an SOS function in case of emergencies, helping users navigate the complexities of Hajj while ensuring they have access to relevant information and support during their journey.

Pak Hajj 2025
Pak Hajj 2025 is a valuable resource developed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.
This app delivers updates and information specifically for the 2025 Hajj season. It prepares pilgrims from Pakistan by keeping them informed about the latest developments, requirements, and resources.

Dua and Azkar
Spirituality is at the heart of Hajj, and Dua and Azkar is a valuable resource for supplications and remembrance.
This app helps users stay spiritually connected and focused on their journey by providing a wide range of prayers and reminders that enhance their spiritual experience.

Hislo
Exploring Islamic heritage sites adds depth to the Hajj experience. Developed by Saudi Noorah Al-Kadi, Hislo helps users locate and navigate these historical sites using GPS technology.
This app allows pilgrims to enrich their journey by discovering the history and significance of various locations and includes a social sharing element.

HHR Train
Traveling between major cities during Hajj can be complicated, but the official HHR Train app simplifies the process of booking and traveling on the Haramain railway between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
This efficient transport option reduces travel time and enhances convenience for pilgrims.

Ride-hailing services
Getting around can also be managed by using ride-hailing services. Careem is a cost-effective option that is often cheaper than Uber, providing reliable transport for pilgrims. Uber is a dependable choice for those preferring professional drivers and an established service.
Incorporating these apps into your Hajj journey can significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience.


Riyadh mayor launches municipal transformation program

Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh Mayor. (SPA)
Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh Mayor. (SPA)
Updated 04 October 2025

Riyadh mayor launches municipal transformation program

Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh Mayor. (SPA)
  • The aim of the program is to improve the efficiency of city operations — raising the quality of services provided to beneficiaries — and align them with the needs of residents and the particularities of each geographic sector of the Saudi capital

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf has launched the Riyadh Municipal Transformation Program, which aims to keep pace with the rapid growth witnessed by the capital, in response to the city’s needs and in a manner befitting its global status.

The program is intended to ensure the ability to provide services that match the scale of existing and future projects, as well as the global events that Riyadh will be hosting in the coming years.

The aim of the program is to improve the efficiency of city operations — raising the quality of services provided to beneficiaries — and align them with the needs of residents and the particularities of each geographic sector of the Saudi capital.

This will be achieved by transforming all of Riyadh’s 16 sub-municipalities into five sectors tasked with providing both direct and indirect municipal services.

 


Ƶ marks World Animal Day

Ƶ marks World Animal Day
Updated 04 October 2025

Ƶ marks World Animal Day

Ƶ marks World Animal Day
  • The society coordinates with regional and international associations, trains interested parties, consults with government and private agencies to overcome obstacles, and represents the Kingdom in international animal welfare forums

JEDDAH: Ƶ marked World Animal Day, observed annually on Oct. 4, to raise awareness about animal protection and care while intensifying efforts to advance global animal welfare standards.

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture leads the Kingdom’s efforts by organizing exhibitions and events for all segments of society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aims to strengthen communication with stakeholders and support veterinary facilities.

The Saudi Animal Welfare Society, also known as Refq, complements these efforts by promoting a culture of animal welfare in line with Islamic teachings, working to reduce the spread of stray animals through scientific principles, providing treatment and shelter, facilitating re-adoption, and curbing poaching, the SPA reported.

The society also coordinates with regional and international associations, trains interested parties, consults with government and private agencies to overcome obstacles, and represents the Kingdom in international animal welfare forums.

 


Math competition seeks to discover Ƶ’s best young brains

Children from private and public schools can apply and the registration process will remain open until Nov. 9. (SPA)
Children from private and public schools can apply and the registration process will remain open until Nov. 9. (SPA)
Updated 04 October 2025

Math competition seeks to discover Ƶ’s best young brains

Children from private and public schools can apply and the registration process will remain open until Nov. 9. (SPA)
  • Youngsters will have the chance to win prizes and take part in a summer math camp to be hosted next year by KAUST and the University of Cambridge in the UK

JEDDAH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has launched a competition to find the most talented middle and high school students in mathematics.

Youngsters will have the chance to win prizes and take part in a summer math camp to be hosted next year by KAUST and the University of Cambridge in the UK.

The competition adheres to international standards for algebra, geometry, combinatorics and number theory and provides a pathway to KAUST's pre-university academic programs.

Children from private and public schools can apply and the registration process will remain open until Nov. 9. The preliminary rounds will take place in several cities on Dec. 13, with the final to be held at KAUST from April 3-5 next year.

Further information is available from the KAUST website.

 


GCC secretary general praises region’s health care system

GCC secretary general praises region’s health care system
Updated 04 October 2025

GCC secretary general praises region’s health care system

GCC secretary general praises region’s health care system
  • Albudaiwi highlighted advances in disease prevention, workforce training and medical services, saying the region now surpasses global averages in health indices

RIYADH: Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, praised the progress of the region’s health system at the 11th meeting of the Committee of GCC Health Ministers chaired by president of the session Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Kuwaiti minister of health, in Kuwait on Saturday.

Albudaiwi highlighted advances in disease prevention, workforce training and medical services, saying the region now surpasses global averages in health indices, according to a report by the General Secretariat.

“The GCC countries are working in partnership with the World Health Organization on the project to accredit the Healthy Cities Program, which seeks to achieve the highest level of health and well-being in sustainable and socially effective cities,” he said.

 


Hail camel auction sales top $1.5m

Hail camel auction sales top $1.5m
Updated 04 October 2025

Hail camel auction sales top $1.5m

Hail camel auction sales top $1.5m
  • The 10-day event also gives visitors the chance to enjoy a range of cultural and social activities

RIYADH: Sales at an auction in Hail for rare and distinctive camel breeds topped SR5.7 million ($1.5 million) in its opening week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, in Al-Qaid, on the outskirts of the northern city, is one of the largest of its kind in the region and provides an important boost to the local economy.

The 10-day event also gives visitors the chance to enjoy a range of cultural and social activities.

Camel breeding is a revered tradition in the Kingdom and while the animals were once vital for people’s survival, today they are more valued for their sporting prowess.

The finest racing camels can fetch huge sums at auction. The value of sales in the preliminary round of the 2023 Crown Prince Camel Festival topped SR3 billion.

One of the most expensive camels ever sold was bought by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum in 2008 for more than $2.7 million, the WAM news agency reported.