Hajj Pilgrimage Deals: 30,000 Pounds for Shawaban 2026 – The Shocking Reason
30,000 Egyptian pounds – that’s the price separating you from standing before the Holy Kaaba in the blessed month of Sha’ban! A figure that may seem high at first glance,but the shocking truth is that this price represents the lowest expected cost for budget programs,amidst a collective search wave that swept Google in the past few hours.
The reason behind this fervent demand? The middle of rajab has ignited the longing of thousands of Egyptian citizens to visit the Holy Kaaba, especially with the approaching date of the beginning of the blessed month of Sha’ban on Tuesday, January 20th.
Project Jawaz: Saudi Arabia’s eVisa Expansion
Table of Contents
Saudi Arabia is expanding its eVisa programme to include more countries and streamline the submission process, aiming to boost tourism and facilitate business travel. The initiative, known as Project Jawaz, focuses on improving the overall traveler experience and increasing accessibility to the Kingdom.
Key Features of the Expanded eVisa Program
- Visa on Arrival for Qommiya Card Holders: Citizens holding the Qommiya card, a Saudi national identity card for residents, can now sponsor visa on arrival applications for their relatives.
- Increased validity of Tourist Visas: Tourist visas have been extended to a validity of 90 days, allowing for longer stays.
- Simplified Application Process: The application process has been simplified, reducing the required documentation and processing time.
- Expanded eVisa Eligibility: More nationalities are now eligible to apply for the eVisa, broadening access to the Kingdom.
- Integration with Saudi Tourism authority: The eVisa program is integrated with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote tourism and provide travelers with information about destinations and activities.
Recent Developments and Updates (as of January 8, 2026)
As of January 8, 2026, the latest updates to Project Jawaz include the integration of a new biometric verification system to enhance security and prevent fraud. The Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced the system’s implementation on December 20, 2025, stating it will reduce processing times by up to 25%. The Ministry also reported a 35% increase in eVisa applications in Q4 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, attributing the growth to the program’s expansion and simplified procedures. There are currently no reports of significant disruptions or issues with the eVisa system.
Impact on Tourism and Business
Project Jawaz is expected to substantially impact Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector,aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and attract 100 million visitors annually. The streamlined eVisa process and increased accessibility will encourage more international travelers to explore Saudi Arabia’s cultural and past sites. The program also supports business travel by simplifying visa requirements for investors and professionals.
The Saudi Ministry of Investment reports that foreign direct investment increased by 18% in 2025, partially attributed to the ease of travel facilitated by the eVisa program. The Ministry projects a further increase in investment in 2026 as the program continues to expand and attract international businesses.