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QT Chairman: Qatar a top global destination for cruise tourism

The remarkable success of the 2023-2024 cruise season cements Qatar's position as a premier destination for cruise tourism.

H E Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, emphasized the significance of this achievement, attributing it to the advancements in facilities at Old Doha Port and the diverse array of experiences offered to cruise tourists and liners. “There is no doubt that Doha has become a destination for cruise tourism in the area due to the developments witnessed in the Doha Port facilities, and the great diversification of the experiences offered to the cruise tourists and cruise liners,”he remarked during a recent event at Old Doha Port.

The Chairman also highlighted the increase in inaugural journeys by cruise liners in the area, underscoring Qatar's emergence as a top global destination and reinforcing its position in the realm of cruise tourism. "The cruise season has witnessed numerous inaugural journeys by cruise liners to the Gulf region, which underscores the growing prominence of Qatar as a leading global destination, further bolstering Qatar's reputation and legacy in the field of cruise tourism."

In a separate interview, Mohammed Al Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port, underscored the collaborative efforts between Old Doha Port and Qatar Tourism to uphold high standards while ensuring minimal disruption to the cruising industry. He emphasized the port's commitment to ensuring seamless operations, even during the development phases from 2017 to 2022. "We have been collaborating with Qatar Tourism for several years to maintain high standards and ensure minimal disruption to the cruising industry. Despite the construction phases from 2017 to 2022, aside from the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have managed to accommodate cruise calls without interruption. Throughout the development process, we have implemented clear and dedicated pathways to accommodate tourists," Al Mulla explained.

He also highlighted the positive response from tourists to the developments at Old Doha Port over the years. Additionally, he mentioned the port's upcoming hosting of the inaugural Qatar Boat Show 2024, scheduled from November 6 to 9, as further evidence of its commitment to enhancing the tourism experience. "The Boat Show enjoys global recognition and will feature an extensive array of boats, not limited to yachts," Al Mulla elaborated. The event is anticipated to attract over 20,000 visitors from across the globe, showcasing 495 exhibitors and brands, and presenting the latest in marine innovation and luxury.

Source: The Peninsula Qatar

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Saudi Arabia, Qatar tie up to launch â€کDouble the Discovery’

Qatar Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority and KSA’s leading DMC Discover Saudi (part of Almosafer) have joined forces to launch an exciting new campaign.

‘Double the Discovery’ opens up a world of possibilities for international visitors; a chance to explore the rich cultural and historical wonders of both Qatar and Saudi Arabia in a single trip.

Qatar Airways will serve as the official airline partner of the campaign. Visit Qatar and Visit Saudi will identify the main markets for launching and promoting travel packages through tour operators in each market. Discover Qatar and Discover Saudi are the local DMC partners in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

The joint travel packages offered as part of the campaign will include airline tickets, accommodation, and transportation, catering to different purposes and lengths of stay. Extensive city guides will also be provided to tourists, offering relevant and detailed information about the top attractions, things to do, shopping venues, and restaurants in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: “Launching the new campaign aims to enhance collaboration among GCC destinations, offering global visitors a rich cultural experience. The goal is to showcase the unique qualities of Arab and GCC culture and increase visitor numbers in alignment with Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s strategic goals.

“The significant growth in tourist numbers in 2023 and hosting 4 million visitors last year demonstrates Qatar’s exceptional tourism offerings across cultural, sports, and recreational activities, as well as top-notch services in transportation, travel, and hospitality sectors.”

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and a Member of the Board, Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Saudi is experiencing phenomenal growth, welcoming more than 20 million inbound visitors in the first three quarters of 2023 compared to 16 million in all of 2022. As the entertainment hub of the middle east, we have a dynamic offer for visitors with an ever-growing calendar of sports, music and cultural events to experience. Partnering in this campaign will make it even easier for visitors to experience more of the culture and heritage that the region has to offer in addition to enjoying the modern and vibrant cities we have to explore.”

Hobby Al Baher

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E1 • Episode 1

Al Baher family celebrates the return of their son Osama and his friend Yousuf after graduation from abroad. Khaled and Safiea are planning their wedding but they are stopped by financial issues. Safias parents are worried about their financial lifestyle.

E2 • Episode 2

Badriya forces her daughter Safia to speed up the wedding planning. Meanwhile, Badriya and Samira organize the dowry party, and invite the wife of businessman Muhammad al-Baher. Later, Khaled feels that something will hinder his future with his fiancée.

E3 • Episode 3

Ibtihal confronts her sister Safia about her dream to marry a wealthy man. Later Osama starts working in his father's company with his friend Yousuf who was fired earlier from his mother's house; after a fight with his step father.

E4 • Episode 4

Osama is blackmailed by mysterious person. Khaled and Safia's wedding is postpended again.

E5 • Episode 5

After Osama is attacked by a mysterious gang, he is taken to the hospital, but he refuses to reveal the identity of his kidnappers. Later, after Ibtihal gets to know Youssef, their relationship develops.

E6 • Episode 6

Osama is able to secure the required amount for his kidnappers, but things do not go as planned. Meanwhile, Khaled and Safia finally set a date for their wedding.

E7 • Episode 7

Because of the death of Osama, Muhammad Al-Baher decides to marry Safia in order to have a heir to his property. Safia's parents force their daughter to accept the proposal. Later, Ibtihal asks Youssef for help.

E8 • Episode 8

Khaled and his family try as hard as they can to convince Safia's family to change their decision about the separation. Saad and Badriya's greed for having Muhammad Al-Baher's money leads them to cross the line.

E9 • Episode 9

Mohamed Al-Baher meets Safia to find out about her decision about the proposal, but Safia has something unexpected to say. Osama's mother, Magda, realizes that her husband intends to marry another lady.

E10 • Episode 10

When the time comes for Mohamed Al-Baher to marry Safia, many hearts are broken and Safia's dreams are shattered. Magda confronts Saad and Badriya. Later, Aziz's job changes from a driver to an officer, and he meets Mashael.

E11 • Episode 11

Ibtihal moves to live with her sister in her new palace, Saad starts asking his step-son for money and Magda confronts her husband.

E12 • Episode 12

Yousif hires Rania to work in the company and Aziz propose to Mashael who asks him to meet her parents. Later, Khaled decides to travel abroad.

E13 • Episode 13

When Aziz's family meets Mashael's, things don't go as expected. Safia visits the doctor's clinic for a fertility check. Ibtihal tries to contact Youssef, but receives an unexpected answer.

E14 • Episode 14

Safia's family lives the joy during Aziz and Mashael wedding. Khaled returns back to country. As for Ibtihal, she visits Youssef in his office, but she will be shocked by what she finds there.

E15 • Episode 15

Magda feels distressed after Muhammad Al-Baher chose to stay at Safia's house during his illness. Ibtihal is saddened by Yousef's attitude. As for Mashael, she suffers from Badriya's cruel behavior.

E16 • Episode 16

Khaled decides to get married after his mother convinces him, and while Magda tries to get busy with the charity she established, she feels lonely.

E17 • Episode 17

Khaled's wife plans to open a workshop with Samira and work together. Ibtihal meets the novelist Faisal and admires him. Safia receives good news.

E18 • Episode 18

Muhammad Al-Baher over-protecting Safia to preserve her pregnancy, and in the meantime Magda does not deal with this news with pleasure. Ibtihal's relationship with Faisal develops.

E19 • Episode 19

Safia visits Khaled's wife's workshop to get to know her. Faisal proposes to Ibtihal, but Youssef's reaction is unexpected. Later, Athba really discovers that her husband Khaled still has a picture of Safia.

E20 • Episode 20

Badria gets to know the mother of Faisal, her daughter's fiancé. Youssef feels lost after learning about Ibtihal's engagement and decides to reveal his feelings to his mother.

E21 • Episode 21

When Youssef realizes the identity of Ibtihal's suitor, he warns her. Later Khaled and his wife receive good news.

E22 • Episode 22

When Ibtihal refuses Youssef's advice, he threatens Faisal to leave her. Meanwhile, Yousef's wife, Rania, feels the changes in his attitude and behavior towards her.

E23 • Episode 23

Yousif reaches the breaking point while trying to protect Ibtihal. However Ibtihal has an agley plan to destroy Yousef's marriage.

E24 • Episode 24

Ibtihal faces the truth after she married Faisal, Athba, khaled's wife experiences a tragedy. Yousef regrets divorcing Rania.

E25 • Episode 25

Badriya loses her patience and does something she regrets. As for Mashael, she plans to take revenge on Badriya by encouraging Saad to marry Dalal. Youssef tries to reconnect with Rania.

E26 • Episode 26

Aziz and his wife move out of the family house, and Khaled's brother returns from abroad with shocking news.

E27 • Episode 27

Safia gives birth to her child, and Ibtihal's relationship with her husband worsens due to his infidelity. Later, Youssef and Rania try to fix their marriage.

E28 • Episode 28

Faisal and his mother implicate Ibtihal in an illegal business. Khalid's wife is shocked after hearing Khalid's conversation with his mother about Safia and she makes a fateful decision.

E29 • Episode 29

Magda suffers a health crisis and is immediately transferred to the hospital. Meanwhile, Khaled tries to put things back on track with his wife, Athba.

E30 • Episode 30

After being caught, Ibtihal receives help from an unexpected person. Badria causes an accident for Mashael after learning about Saad's marriage, while Magda discovers the diagnosis of her illness and faces her fate.

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Ratings & Reviews

2.53K Ratings

We had a great stay at the W Muscat. Lorenzo checked us in and was able to upgrade our room due to my Ambassador status and that was greatly appreciated. He even sent up a welcome treat. Lorenzo made us feel welcome the entire time we were there. Emmanuel at the pool bar was attentive and made good drinks and Mary and her sister who worked at the rooftop lounge were top notch as well. Thank you for a great stay everyone!

Everything at this W is first class, from the room to the staff, to the views, to the location. My first international stay as a Marriott Ambassador and it was an amazing experience. Upgraded to an eponomously named Marvelous Suite. I will come here again, but stay much longer next time.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at W Muscat, and it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with exceptional hospitality that set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The hotel’s design is a captivating fusion of contemporary style and Omani influences, showcasing elegance in every detail. The room I stayed in was not just a room; it was a haven of comfort, boasting modern amenities and stunning views of the surroundings. The staff at W Muscat are truly exceptional; their warmth, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond made my stay truly remarkable. Whether it was the concierge assisting with local recommendations or the housekeeping ensuring absolute comfort, their dedication to guest satisfaction was evident throughout. The culinary offerings at the hotel are a culinary delight. Each meal was a gastronomic adventure, with a diverse range of cuisines meticulously prepared to perfection. The flavors, presentation, and ambiance of the dining venues were impeccable. The location of the hotel is also commendable, offering easy access to key attractions and a breathtaking view of the sea. In conclusion, W Muscat is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination in itself. My stay was nothing short of exceptional, and I cannot wait to return to indulge in the luxury, comfort, and hospitality that this remarkable establishment offers.

I had the most wonderful stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha. The hotel is stunning, with beautiful architecture and impeccable service. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, and the amenities are top-notch. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and they go above and beyond to make sure you have a great stay.

My experience at W muscat has been horrifying. I was harassed by a local Omani group of men, a guy entering ladies washroom and opening a closed door while I was using it. On complaining to the W staff, they took no actions what so ever. They took it very lightly and also let the Omani group of men take charge and physically harass me and my family instead of escorting them out for their bad behaviour. Being a tourist in a country like Oman, I felt unsafe and extremely out of control of situations. No help provided from the W staff instead they didn’t let us leave the premise. When cops came they didn’t even help translate the gap and put my family members through stress. The cops were obviously not clear on what happened and nobody helped communicate it. It was a nightmare. I could only give y’all 0 stars. Absolutely rubbish. No support, racist and absolutely ill mannered staff.they can be bought off easily by any local Omani guy to get away with crimes and more.

2.53K Reviews

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• 1.1 History
• 4 Get around
• 8 Stay healthy
• 9.1 Stampedes
• 9.2 Hajj scams

The traditional annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca , the Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims and is the largest annual gathering of people in the world. It occurs between the 8th and 12th of the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah. Hajj is that symbolic pilgrimage when millions of Muslims from around the world belonging to different ethnic groups, socioeconomic strata and cultures travel to Mecca together and praise to Allah and ask for forgiveness of their sins.

The five day spiritual Hajj, which dates back to the 7th century of the Christian calendar, is designed to promote the bonds and affection between Muslim communities and shows that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah by wearing simple white garment Ihram. Pilgrims spend days worshiping in and around the holy city of Mecca and perform rituals that make up the Hajj.

Understand [ edit ]

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam ; every adult Muslim is supposed to do it at some time in their life if health and finances permit. In poorer areas it is not uncommon for whole families or even whole villages to chip in to send one person.

It is an exceedingly cosmopolitan affair. Predominantly Muslim areas include most of North Africa , the Middle East and Central Asia , plus South and Southeast Asian countries such as Pakistan , Bangladesh , Malaysia and Indonesia and several countries in West Africa . Several other areas have large Muslim minorities and there are some Muslims nearly everywhere. The pilgrimage brings Muslims from all these places together.

It is also one of the largest human migrations. Every year over two million people visit Saudi Arabia for this pilgrimage. Since they all arrive at roughly the same time and visit the same places in the same order, and since a large number of Saudis go as well, this is a major logistical problem. The Saudi government has a ministry to manage it.

The Hajj can only be completed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. A pilgrimage to Mecca at any other time is known as Umrah (عمرة), and while not compulsory is strongly recommended.

People who have completed the Hajj are entitled to use the honorific title Haji (men) or Hajjah (women).

History [ edit ]

The early history of Hajj can be traced back to the time of Abraham, around 2000 BCE. According to Islamic tradition, Abraham was ordered by Allah to leave his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael alone in the uninhabited desert with little food and water, where Mecca stands today. When the food and water were gone, Hagar, in search of water for her baby Ishmael, desperately ran seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah but found nothing. Returning in despair to Ishmael, she saw him scratching the ground with his leg and a water fountain underneath. Later, the uninhabited desert area started to attract inhabitants due to availability of water and tribes started to settle in Mecca. When Ishmael grew up, he was married into a tribe in Mecca. At some point, Abraham was commanded by Allah to construct a building believed to be the Kaaba, which he did with the help of Ishmael. Abraham was commanded by Allah to invite people to perform pilgrimage in Mecca around the Kaaba.

In pre-Islamic Arabia, Meccans were idol worshippers and the Kaaba was surrounded by pagan idols. During the annual pilgrimage season, people would visit the Kaaba to perform rituals some of which were introduced by Arabs of that time. It is believed some pilgrims would perform tawaf around Kaaba in a naked state. During the initial years of Muhammad's prophethood, the pilgrimage season offered Muhammad the occasion to preach Islam to the foreign people who came to Mecca for pilgrimage. In 630 CE, after Mecca was conquered by Muhammad, he led his followers from Medina to Mecca, cleansed the Kaaba by destroying all the pagan idols, and then reconsecrated the building to Allah. In 631 CE, at the direction of Muhammad, Abu Bakr led some 300 Muslims to the pilgrimage in Mecca where Ali delivered a sermon stipulating the new rites of Hajj and abrogating the pagan rites. He especially declared that no unbeliever, pagan, or naked man would be allowed to circumambulate the Kaaba from the next year. In 632 CE, Muhammad performed his only pilgrimage with a large number of followers, and instructed them on the rites of Hajj and the manners of performing them. From then, Hajj became one of the five pillars of Islam.

In medieval times, pilgrims would gather in the big cities of Syria, Egypt, and Iraq to go to Mecca in groups and caravans comprising tens of thousands of pilgrims, often under state patronage. Some Hajj caravans were guarded by soldiers because there were risks of robbery or attack or natural hazards. Muslim travelers like Ibn Jubayr and Ibn Battuta have recorded detailed accounts of Hajj travels in medieval times.

Despite it being illegal for non-Muslims, a few Western explorers have managed the journey — most notably, Sir Richard Burton made the Hajj in 1853 and wrote an account of the trip .

Prepare [ edit ]

Unless you are a citizen of Saudi Arabia you will need a visa, obtained in advance from a Saudi embassy. Visas are allocated on a quota system, based on the number of Muslims in a country. You may need to provide evidence that you are Muslim, such as a letter from your local mosque. You are not permitted to perform the Hajj on a tourist visa; you will need a special Hajj visa for the purpose. However, you may perform Umrah on a tourist visa outside the Hajj season.

Citizens of most countries can register directly with the Saudi government on their Hajj website , where Hajj visas are allocated on a first come first serve basis. Some countries have domestic regulation on the Hajj; in these countries, you will need to register with the local governing body of Islam, who will allocate Hajj places based on their own domestic rules.

Since 2023, women are no longer required to travel with a mahram (male family member) to perform the Hajj, and may now travel alone.

Proof of vaccination for meningitis (specifically the ACYW135 vaccine) between three years before and ten days before your entry into Saudi Arabia is required. Yellow fever vaccination is required if you arrive from any country with known yellow fever infections, and polio vaccinations are required for children up to 15. As millions of people from all over the world gather for Hajj and therefore you will be exposed to many diseases, you may want to discuss other vaccinations and preventative measures with your doctor.

Throughout Hajj you are expected to remove signs of wealth or class distinctions by replacing your clothing with simple white garments. These pieces are called ‘ihram clothing’, and for women comprise of a white abaya, scarf or shawl and socks. The ihram clothing of Hajj is a signifier of equality: all pilgrims are presented as equals in the eyes of God. The white clothing also symbolises purity, and the state of absolute devotion that the pilgrims are in.

Get in [ edit ]

In medieval times, people made the pilgrimage to Mecca by camel caravan or by ship; the journey often took months, sometimes even years.

Today, most pilgrims arrive via the airport at Jeddah . Airlines in most Muslim countries offer special flights specifically for Hajj and Jeddah has many regular commercial flights as well, in particular flights to most major European or Middle Eastern hubs. See Jeddah#Get_in for more information.

There are two special Hajj terminals, the largest buildings by roof area in the world at 260,000 m 2 (2.8 million ft 2 ). They are enormous tents of fiberglass fabric on reinforced concrete poles and steel cables. At Hajj time, there are dozens of large aircraft parked alongside these terminals. These are used only for the Hajj; the airport has other terminals for normal travel. Driving to the North Terminal, you pass between the two Hajj terminals.

From Jeddah — for most pilgrims, directly from the airport — there are chartered buses and taxis to Mecca. Many are painted in the yellow and black pattern used on school buses in North America; seeing dozens of those on the highway is a strange sight if you know them as school buses.

Medina is another entry point, with its airport handling many Hajj flights as well.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Mecca to Medina via Jeddah, and is the quickest and most comfortable way to get to Mecca once you've landed in Saudi Arabia.

Get around [ edit ]

Mecca's Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro line ( Arabic : قطار المشاعر المقدسة الخط الجنوبي) is Saudi Arabia's first metro line, and was specifically built to shuttle pilgrims between the different holy sites. It is the highest capacity metro line in the world, but still gets very crowded during the Hajj given the sheer number of pilgrims, so be sure to prepare and plan accoringly.

Umrah [ edit ]

Upon arriving in Mecca and checking into a hotel, pilgrims head to Masjid al-Haram and do Tawaf which involves walking around the Kaaba four times at a fast pace and three times at a slow pace. Tawaf is followed by sa'ay which is done by walking seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah (both rituals done within the Masjid al-Haram ).

These first two steps, which can be done at any time of the year, are known as the "lesser Hajj" or Umrah , while the full course is known as the "greater Hajj" or al-Hajj al-Akbar .

Hajj [ edit ]

The traditional Hajj route is as follows:

• First day of Hajj – The 8th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah is the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims enter into a state of holiness by wearing the Ihram while inside Mecca and proceed to Mina, a neighborhood of Mecca and is some 10 km away from central Mecca. Pilgrims go by walking in large groups and camp overnight in Mina. Mina, the city of tents, has more than 100,000 air-conditioned tents which provide temporary accommodation to Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrims spend the day praying during their stay in Mina.
• Second day of Hajj – On the 9th, pilgrims started to move towards the desert plains of Arafat, some 15 km away from Mina. It is said that a pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon in Arafat. Arafat remains uninhabited most of the year except during Hajj season when it is jam-packed. Pilgrims spend time praying in Arafat until sunset. And as soon as the sun sets, the pilgrims begin to leave Arafat for Muzdalifah. Muzdalifah is some 10 km from Arafat on the route between Mina and Arafat. Pilgrims collect pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the devil in Arafat and camp overnight at open area of Muzdalifah, and often end-up sleeping in the open air.
• Third day of Hajj – Eid al-Adha begins . On the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah , pilgrims proceed back to Mina and from Mina continue proceeding towards Jamarat Bridge, some 5 km from Mina. At Jamarat Bridge, a symbolic stoning of the devil is performed which involves throwing seven pebbles at the large wall representing the Devil. After performing the stoning of the devil, pilgrims do the sacrifice of an animal (often performed by proxy by buying a sacrifice voucher in Mecca). After which pilgrims move back to Mecca and do Tawaf and Sa'ii of Hajj. Now Ihram are removed and normal clothing can be worn. By night, pilgrims move back to Mina and spend the night there.
• Fourth day of Hajj – On the 11th, pilgrims again proceed to Jamarat Bridge and perform the stoning of the devil . Pilgrims spend the night in Mina.
• Fifth day of Hajj – On the 12th, pilgrims again proceed to Jamarat Bridge and perform yet another stoning of the devil . By sunset, they move back to Mecca.
• Sixth day of Hajj – On the 13th, pilgrims perform Tawaf Widaa , a final circumambulation of the Kaaba and start to leave Mecca for their homes.

A visit to Medina is optional (though highly encouraged) and not part of the Hajj, but most pilgrims visit Medina after completing the Hajj before heading home.

Buy [ edit ]

It is fairly common for pilgrims coming from carpet-producing areas (much of the Muslim world) to bring along a few rugs to sell along the way to help finance their trip. Places like the bazaar in Jeddah therefore often have a broad selection of rugs, some from quite far away.

Prayer rugs make particularly good souvenirs because they have religious significance and are small enough to be reasonably easy to transport and often moderately priced.

Medina dates are famously excellent.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

The Hajj brings together vast multitudes of pilgrims from all around the world. As of 2013, the Ministry of Hajj states that vaccinations for meningococcal meningitis are required for all pilgrims, and those from yellow fever zones must have a vaccination for that as well.

During major epidemics, Saudi health officials sometimes restrict travel to Mecca and Medina – for instance, during the MERS, Ebola, and COVID-19 epidemics in 2013, 2014, and 2020, respectively.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Stampedes [ edit ].

Hajj attracts dangerously huge crowds with multiple associated risks. From 1990 to 2015, 2777 pilgrims were killed in crushes or stampedes. A crowded tent city in Mina burned in 1997, killing 340. Another 402 died in 1987, when security forces broke up an Iranian demonstration against the United States of America . A construction crane killed 107 when it collapsed in 2015. All of the usual dangers with large crowds, including pickpockets , are very much present.

Stampedes are particularly likely during the stoning of the jamraat . Immediately after the noon prayer is the most crowded and thus the most dangerous time. Tight access controls and a new multi-level bridge spreading out pilgrims prevented a recurrence until 2015, when a stampede during the stoning of the jamraat again led to hundreds of deaths.

Hajj scams [ edit ]

Before the pilgrimage begins, scammers often operate by offering nonexistent air tickets and accommodation, which lands pilgrims stranded after they arrived in Medina or Mecca. Fake Hajj tour packages could also be advertised, with scammers disappear after they received payment. The following provides some advice:

• Always check for the tour operator's background and ensure they are properly licensed and accredited by your local authority.
• In some countries (such as the United Kingdom), tour operators that sells air tickets are also required to be licensed, which ensures booked air tickets are still valid if the tour operator collapses. You should also check for such licensing if they exist in your country. Recommendations from acquaintances may not be authentic.
• Always ensure the terms and conditions are clearly written and keep receipts. They will be useful evidence in case you fall into scam.
• Do not pay in cash or bank transfer, which makes recovering assets difficult. Legitimate tour operators can usually accept credit or debit cards.

Go next [ edit ]

Special visas for Hajj are strictly limited to Mecca , Medina , Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah. Traveling anywhere else in Saudi Arabia will require an additional travel permit, which is difficult and time-consuming to obtain, and is rarely granted without good reason (e.g. medical emergencies).

Most pilgrims head to Medina after performing Hajj and stay there for few days before going back home. Medina is where Muhammad lived and taught from when he was driven out of Mecca until his triumphant return, and is also where he was buried.

During the Hajj season flights between Jeddah or Medina and any Muslim country are quite cheap since there are many flights full of pilgrims going one way (in before Hajj and out after) and airlines do not want to fly the other way with empty planes. Muslim expatriates working in Saudi Arabia often take advantage of this to visit home; Western expats use it for vacations.

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Al Kar Tourist Village: Beautiful Holiday Destination

Al Kar Tourist Village is a breathtaking destination that sits atop the majestic Al Hada Mountain. This beautiful village is spread over a vast area of 200,000 square meters and is strategically located between the beautiful cities of Makkah and Taif. Al Kar Tourist Village offers a plethora of exciting activities that cater to the needs of families and friends, making it the perfect getaway throughout the year. From thrilling rides to adventurous sports, this village has something for everyone. Come and experience a world of fun and excitement at Al Kar Tourist Village!

Visitors can reach Al Kar Tourist Village by hopping onto a cable car. The cable car operates between Al Hada Mountain and Al Kar Tourist Village. While riding a cable car, visitors can enjoy mesmerizing views of the mountains, valleys and surroundings. Taif's biggest water park, filled with water sports activities and other thrilling activities, is also located in the village, making it a must-visit site. If you are visiting Saudi Arabia for Umrah and want to explore the top tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, you can count on Umrah Companions’ best Umrah Packages. These packages not only offer a seamless Umrah journey but also the best travel packages to explore Saudi Arabia. 

Things to Do In Al Kar Tourist Village

Cable car ride.

Al Kar Village, a gem in Taif, is not just another tourist spot. It's a place where you can embark on a cable car ride that ascends Hada mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This twenty-minute journey is a haven for photography enthusiasts and a perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

The village also houses the largest water park in Taif, which offers a wide range of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. The swimming pool in the park is an excellent place for both adults and kids to indulge in various water games. The giant water slide is one of the most popular attractions, where people climb to the top and slide down in a tube towards the pool. The park also features whirlpools and artificial waves, making it an ideal spot to have fun and enjoy thrilling experiences with loved ones.

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, head to the Go Karting tracks in Jabal Al Numan. Although it's considered a professional sport, amateurs can also participate in this activity. The track has challenging twists and turns, which offer an exciting and thrilling experience. Visitors can challenge their friends or family members to a race under the supervision of trained staff. Furthermore, the tracks are also perfect for learning go-karting in a safe environment.

Open-air Theater

Al Kar Tourist Village in Saudi Arabia offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for tourists to enjoy. One of the most popular activities is attending the open-air theater, where visitors can witness various cultural and traditional performances, including theatrical plays and folk art shows. Children can also have fun interacting and dancing with performers dressed up as their favorite cartoon characters. Additionally, the theater hosts several festivals and events, making it an excellent spot to experience the vibrant culture of Saudi Arabia.

Toboggan Ride

Another exciting activity in Al Kar Village is the toboggan ride. The ride takes tourists on a thrilling journey around the village on a track that is laid out along the nearby mountain. The ride is unique in that the tourists have control while riding, adding to the excitement factor. Along the way, tourists can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making the toboggan ride a popular tourist attraction.

Paintball Fight

For those who love adventure and excitement, Al Kar Village offers a paintball game that is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. Players are divided into teams and must use paintball guns to eliminate their opponents by shooting them with colored balls. The game is set in an arena with various vantage spots, making it unpredictable and even more exciting.

The restaurant at Al Kar Tourist Village is a perfect spot for visitors to enjoy a diverse menu of delicious meals and food items from traditional Arabic and international cuisines. The restaurant offers fast food items like pizza, pasta, and burgers, and visitors can also enjoy relaxing at the cafeteria near the fountains while sipping on coffee, juices, or cold beverages. The stunning views of the nearby mountains and the delicious food make this restaurant a must-visit spot for tourists.

Best Time to Visit Al Kar Tourist Village

As the village is located on top of the mountain, the weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Between May and September is the best time to explore the village. The weather gets cold between the months of November and February. 

Things to Remember When Visiting Al Kar Village

There is a separate fee for the water part and other thrilling activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult for a toboggan ride and other thrilling activities. Visitors are not allowed to smoke; smoking is strictly prohibited. 

Final Thoughts

Al Kar Tourist Village is an ideal destination for those seeking to unwind and spend quality time with their loved ones. The picturesque natural surroundings of the village create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. You'll be spoilt for choice with a range of thrilling activities to choose from - whether it's go-karting, water park games and slides, toboggan rides, or cable car rides. These experiences will help you break free from the monotony of everyday life and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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