Saudi Arabia hosts Uzbekistan Culture Days
Saudi Arabia hosted the Uzbekistan Culture Days. The event was organized to promote the rich cultural legacy, art, and national values of Uzbekistan at the international level.
The event featured concert programs by Uzbekistan’s art masters, alongside exhibitions of national dishes and handicrafts. The expositions featured copies of rare manuscripts, books, and samples of national literature.
Such events contribute to strengthening intercultural dialogue, further deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries.
Muhayyo Turdaliyeva, Anvarkhuja Akhmedov, UzA
Saudi Arabia Shortens Umrah Visa Validity to One Month
Umrah entry visas now valid for one month instead of three from issuance date.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the validity period for Umrah entry visas from three months to one month from issuance date, though the permitted stay duration remains unchanged at three months after arrival.
The new regulations take effect next week (November 1, 2025) amid a record-breaking Umrah season that has already seen over four million visas issued to foreign pilgrims.
Under the updated system, Umrah visas will automatically cancel if pilgrims fail to enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issuance.
The three-month allowance for staying in the Kingdom after arrival remains unaffected, preserving pilgrims’ flexibility once they enter the country.
Ahmed Bajaeifer, advisor at the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, confirmed the changes to prepare for expected pilgrim increases following summer’s end and cooler temperatures in Mecca and Medina.
The current Umrah season, beginning in early June, has achieved unprecedented numbers with four million foreign pilgrims arriving within just five months. This volume surpasses previous full-season totals, demonstrating growing global demand for Umrah pilgrimage opportunities.