Saudi authorities have begun early preparations for the 2027 Hajj season, with officials recommending stronger operational planning, closer coordination among agencies and greater preparedness to further improve services for millions of pilgrims.

The recommendations emerged from a series of three-day discussion sessions organised by the Mecca Principality Agency for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, in cooperation with the Hajj Projects Management Office of the Pilgrim Experience Program. Representatives from 60 government entities involved in serving pilgrims at the holy sites took part.

The sessions were held under directives from and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, and under the supervision of Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of Mecca .

Participants reviewed the outcomes of the 2026 Hajj season and developed recommendations aimed at building on its achievements. The proposals focused on enhancing operational plans, strengthening proactive measures, improving integration and coordination among participating agencies, and promoting a clearer understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities.

The discussions also examined ways to achieve the highest levels of operational readiness, including mechanisms to anticipate and address potential challenges while maintaining high standards of service for pilgrims.

GN

 Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and halted the issuance of visas and entry for travellers arriving from the three countries as part of precautionary measures against the spread of the Ebola virus.

The measures also apply to travellers arriving through third countries if they have stayed in any of the three affected countries during the 21 days before entering the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Thursday.

The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) said Saudi Arabia’s health surveillance and epidemic response system was operating continuously in coordination with domestic and international authorities to protect public health and help prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.

Saudi Arabia has also stepped-up precautionary measures for travellers arriving from neighbouring countries affected by the outbreak, including Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Republic of Congo, by enhancing health screening at entry points, disease surveillance and early response procedures.

Weqaya said the overall public health situation in the kingdom remained stable and that no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases had been recorded since the preventive measures were introduced.

The authority said it would continue monitoring regional and international epidemiological developments around the clock and update its recommendations as the outbreak evolves, while maintaining all necessary health measures to strengthen preparedness and safeguard public health.

GN

Saudi Aramco resumed oil loading on Friday at its Ras ​Tanura terminal in the Gulf ‌after a near four-month halt, shipping data from LSEG showed.

Two Very Large Crude Carriers were ​seen loading crude at the ​terminal, while another waited nearby, the data ⁠showed. Each VLCC is capable of ​loading 2 million barrels of oil.

The Saudi energy major last loaded ​a cargo from the Ras Tanura ​port for China on March 8, the data ‌showed, ⁠and had to divert all its exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu after an Iranian blockade of ​the Strait ​of Hormuz ⁠during its war with the U.S. and Israel prevented ships ​from entering the Gulf.

Middle Eastern ​producers ⁠have been ramping up output and exports after the United States and Iran ⁠struck ​an interim dealto ​halt the war.

(Reuters)