As part of the “Week of Tolerance”, which encompasses various events aimed at strengthening interethnic and interfaith friendship, harmony, and solidarity across our country, a photo exhibition entitled “Uzbekistan – The Land of Tolerance” was held at the Tashkent House of Photography.
The event was attended by representatives and staff of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries, the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, activists of national cultural centers and friendship societies, representatives of religious confessions, and members of the media.
The exhibition featured more than 100 photographs reflecting events organized in cooperation with national cultural centers and friendship societies, as well as the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of various ethnic and religious communities living in Uzbekistan.
It should be noted that today, over 130 nationalities and ethnic groups, along with representatives of 16 religious confessions, live in Uzbekistan in an atmosphere of tolerance, friendship, and unity. Events held within the framework of the Week of Tolerance are among the noble initiatives that call the peoples of the world to peace and solidarity.
Muslim Board of Uzbekistan – Press Service
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.