Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on April 1st, 2020
Updated: 1 April 2020 | Ibadat.pk | Umrah Desk: As the global fallout due to the disastrous coronavirus pandemic does not show any signs of easing, some parts of the world try and stagger back to normalcy by reducing the restrictions of lockdown. Following the royal order by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Mataf (open white area immediately around the Ka’bah where tawaf takes place) has been opened as of yesterday (Tuesday, 31 March). However, this will only be limited to Groups of 50 that will be allowed on to the Mataf to make just 1 Complete Tawaaf. Entrance will be restricted to Bab-e-Fahad (the King Fahad door).
Closing of Mataaf, completely disallowing Umrah for any one (locals and international Zaireen), imposing curfew, suspension of prayers at All Mosques (Except Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and Masjid Nabvi in Madinah), were all part of the many swift measures taken by the Saudi Government curb the spread of the virus by to adhering to the guidelines of social distancing. Due to this spread of the virus in Saudi has been well controlled (To date: 1,536 confirmed cases, 10 fatal cases).
According to sources in Saudi Arabia, provided below are the current restrictions in place for any one (only current residents allowed) planning to visit Masjid Al Haram (Makkah) and Masjid Al Nabwi (Madinah)
Masjid Al Nabawi will remain closed for all worshippers and visitors until further notice. – Prayers will continue to be led with small congregation behind closed doors.
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Hajj Info Guidance on March 19th, 2020
Pakistan travel industry experts are expecting that the Saudi Government may reduce Hajj Quota of different countries (residents of countries most affected might completely be barred from preforming Hajj in 2020) in an effort to manage the spread of virus. If this is the case then the overall Hajj Quota from Pakistan may be reduced and hence Quota of to Private Hajj Organizers will also get reduced. This means that the availability of Private Hajj Packages for 2020 in Pakistan will go down.
Kindly note: that these are just assumptions based on opinions of with in the industry and there is no confirmation from any source about any reduction in Quota. Nothing can be confirmed until things settle down and Umrah Visa issuance is revived by the Saudi Government.
According to Bloomberg: Evidence is starting to emerge that temperature and humidity do make a difference in the ability of the virus to infect large numbers. That should give health services hope for some respite as summer spreads across northern temperate regions, aiding the ability to plan for renewed outbreaks once winter rolls around.
However, the above evidence is yet to be widely tested and scientific confirmations about the above will need some time. If it is true, then due to extremes of temperatures being reached in a hot and dry country like Saudi Arabia, virus spread might be curtailed.
Provided below is Health Advisory by Ibadat.pk Hajj Desk for Pilgrims intending to travel for Hajj in 2020: The following travellers are requested to delay their travel due to the constant threat of the COVID 19 virus in Saudi Arabia
1. Pregnant Women
2. Children
3. Diabetic Individuals
4. Those with chronic health issues such as cancer or respiratory diseases
5. Those with congenital disorders
Ibadat Hajj Desk Recommends the following precautions:
1. All immunizations should be up to date of travellers going to perform Hajj. These includes: Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, flue shots and as well as Polio vaccinations
2. Carry sanitizers, medical gloves, face masks, cold, cough and diarrhoea medication, and inhalers for asthmatic patients for emergency situations
3. Due to extremes of temperatures being reached in a hot and dry country like Saudi Arabia, all Pilgrims are requested to move to the cool area and seek medical assistance when faced with dizziness or dehydration
Yes! Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had decreased quota of Pakistani pilgrims (and other hujjaj from around the world) by 20 percent in 2013 due to construction work for the extension of Masjid Al-Haram. The reduction in quota was implemented from 2013 till 2016 after which it was restored to its original amount.
The most recent case was in 2016, when Iranian pilgrims did not attend Hajj after the two countries Saudi Arabia and Iran failed to agree on security and logistics. Stampede of 2015 was cited by the Saudi Government as a reason for this measure.
Private Hajj Organizers from Pakistan, book Hajj Packages on first come first basis. Same will be the case for Private Hajj Packages 2020 from Pakistan. In case of reduction of Quota, Private Hajj Organizers will choose the potential hujjaj who registered their interest first and will have to refund money for those Hujjaj who they are not able to take with them due to the reduction of Quota. If you plan to go for Hajj in 2020, it is advisable to register your interest sooner than later, inorder to ensure your seat is saved in the Hajj Group.
It was initially expected that the temporary ban on Umrah will be lifted by Mid of April. But with new events coming to light, earlier assumptions of Umrah Commencing by March End / Mid-April are not looking likely.
Some industry experts believe that Umrah might not be allowed for international travellers for the rest of the season with some saying it might open for Ramadan 2020 if things settle down in the next 15 days.
. Kindly note confirmation about any of this cannot be provided until Saudi Government provides further details. However it is advised to not book any Umrah Packages until there is more clarity on the provided by the Saudi Government.
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on March 19th, 2020
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that mosques would no longer be open for the customary five daily prayers or Friday congregations, an unprecedented move to limit the spread of the corona-virus which has infected 171 people in the kingdom. Prayers will only continue at the two holy mosques in Mecca (Masjid Al Haram) and Medina (Masjid Nabwi), the holiest places in Islam, state news agency SPA reported, citing the kingdom’s top clerical body.
Mosques will temporarily close their doors but will continue to issue the ritual call to prayer (Adhan | Azan), which will direct people to pray in their homes rather than come to the mosque.
Saudi Arabia has been swift to take drastic steps to try and slow down the spread of the virus, including suspending the Umrah pilgrimage, halting international flights, and closing schools and most public establishments.
The kingdom previously suspended work for government employees, except in the health, military and security sectors.
The central bank said it had activated business continuity plans and work-from-home measures for financial institutions. The Council of Ministers postponed its regular meetings for two weeks, media reported.
It is looking increasingly likely that Saudi Government may reduce Hajj Quota of different countries in an effort to manage the spread of virus. If this is the case then the over all Hajj Quota from Pakistan may be reduced and hence Quota of Private Hajj Organizers will also be brought down from its original level. This means that the availability of Private Hajj Packages for 2020 in Pakistan will go down. Kindly note, this is just a likely scenario and confirmation for this can not be provided until things settle down.
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on December 4th, 2019
Ibadat.pk is happy to welcome Grand Makkah Hotel to its distribution family. We will be will be distributing Grand Makkah Hotel and other properties of the group to the Pakistani Religious Travel Companies along with Hujjaj and Umrah Zaireen for the upcoming Umrah Season 2019 – 2020.
Location is every thing when it comes to choosing a hotel during your trip to the Holy city of Makkah. Located at Al Hojoun area , Al Gaza , adjacent to the Masjid Al Haram, Grand Makkah Hotel boasts a prime location 400 meters from the Holy Haram and one of the best for Umrah and Hajj. The hotel has a unique advantage of being the closest hotel after the completion of Umrah as the hotel is accessible from Safa Marwa.
In addition to the ultimate comfort and casual elegance of the 1386 guest rooms and suites , the five-star hotel provides 24 spacious elevators that allow easy access to and from the lobby to Al Masjid Al Haram. Combining luxurious design with the warm tradition of genuine Arab hospitality, Our outlets and dining venues are perfect for accommodating a wide range of social events , meetings , Conferences and special gatherings.
The five-star hotel offers more than 550 square meter of adaptable function space , including a fully equipped business center with secretarial service, meeting rooms with a pre-function area, fully equipped fitness center , 6 floors parking area and a spectacular ballroom.
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on November 25th, 2019
Ibadat.pk is happy to announce that (through its service providers) it will be distributing hotels of Al-Deafah International Group for the upcoming Umrah Season 2019 – 2020.
It is one of the oldest and most reliable Hotel Groups in Saudi Arabia with 17 Hotels in Makkah and 1 Hotel in Madinah. Al-Deafah are the leaders in the management and operation of hotels with focus on providing superior services of Hujjaj and Umrah Zaireen.
The group has worked hard to create policies which are based on in-depth studies and vast experiences of serving the guests of Allah. Good relationship with the clients is always at the forefront of their policies which has helped it steadily gain a solid position in Makkah and Madinah .
City | Hotel Name | LOCATION Overview | Standard | Shuttle Service | Approx DISTANCE From Haram |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Makkah | AMJAD AL-DEAFAH | ATAYSEER | 4 Star | Yes | 900 m |
Makkah | WAHET ALDEAFAH | Ajyad ALsad | 3 Star | No | 700 m |
Makkah | ANWAR AL-DEAFAH | Ajyad ALsad | 3 Star | No | 300 m |
Makkah | NADA AL-DEAFAH | Ajyad ALsad | 3 Star | No | 250 m |
Makkah | BORJ AL-DEAFAH | Masfallh | 4 Star | No | 1000 m |
Makkah | SAFER AL-DEAFAH | Hafayer | 3 Star | Yes | 1000 m |
Makkah | ABEER AL-DEAFAH | Hafayer | 3 Star | Yes | 1000 m |
Makkah | RIYADH AL-DEAFAH | Jarwal | 3 Star | Yes | 1000 m |
Makkah | DEYAR AL-DEAFAH | Jarwal | 3 Star | Yes | 1200 m |
Madinah | TEEBA AL-DEAFAH | Markaziya | 2 Star | No | 300 m |