Egypt Announces First Land Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 25 Years

Yasser Al-Asi, the head of the Central Administration of Nuweiba Port in Egypt, announced the return of land pilgrimage after a 25-year halt following the tragedy of the al-Salam 98 ferry, which sank in 1998. The first maritime journey is set for June 12, carrying 4,000 pilgrims. The al-Salam 98 ferry, owned by businessman Mamdouh Ismail, had 1,200 passengers on board, most of whom were Egyptian workers in the Gulf, and it sank, leading to the drowning of 1,000 people.