The administration of the Two Holy Mosques has lifted the Kaaba’s covering (Kiswah) 3 meters above the ground ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage, as is customary each year. This step, which will last until the 15th of Dhul-Hijjah, is intended to protect the sacred cloth from potential damage during the flow of pilgrims. Historically, some pilgrims attempted to touch or cut pieces of the Kiswah to save as relics, resulting in wear and tear. The elevated covering protects the Kaaba’s sacredness and prevents unintended damage during the busy Hajj season.

In technical integration with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, “Tasreeh,” the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reaffirmed that anyone planning to perform Hajj during the 1446 AH season must get an official permit through the “Nusuk” platform.

The ministry underlined that following the rules is crucial to ensuring pilgrims’ safety and wellbeing as well as a safe and easy Hajj journey.

The ministry emphasised in a formal statement that no visa, except from the official Hajj visa, gives its bearer the authority to undertake the Hajj. It issued a warning that it is against Hajj norms to attempt the pilgrimage without a valid Hajj permit.

The ministry also issued a warning against bogus Hajj operations that offer unapproved lodging and transportation services within the sacred sites and are spread by deceptive social media ads. It encouraged the people to report such infractions by reporting misleading advertisements to local authorities in any country, or by phoning 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, or 999 in other regions.

The ministry also declared that the last day for those with Umrah visas to leave the Kingdom is Tuesday, 1 Dhul-Qi’dah 1446 AH (April 29, 2025), in advance of the Hajj season.

According to the Vatican, over 150,000 people gathered in Rome’s streets to witness the procession that transported the Pope’s body to his final burial place.

That is marginally fewer than the number of persons who attended the burial mass in St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets. According to the Vatican, 250,000 people attended the ceremony.