Saudi Hajj minister meets with head of Turkish religious affairs

Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Minister, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, met with the head of Turkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, Ali Arbash, on Tuesday during an official visit to Turkiye, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Rabiah briefed Arbash on the Kingdom’s initiatives to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism announced on Tuesday that it has expanded access to its electronic tourist visa to Turkish nationals. Holders of the tourist visa can visit the Kingdom for tourism purposes or to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. They can also visit friends and relatives, and attend events, exhibitions and conferences.

It was also announced that direct flights from Ankara and Gaziantep to Madinah will increase seating capacity by 380 percent.

Meanwhile, Flynas will launch six direct flights per week from Ankara to Jeddah.

Al-Rabiah, who began a two-day visit to Turkiye on Monday, is accompanied by a high-level delegation representing the public and private sectors.