sadat travel hajj 2022

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Sadat Hajj & Umrah   Reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

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Hajj experience 2023

Salaam Ma sha allah, absolutely beautiful experience with saadat hajj and umrah travel. Our trip to hajj this year was beautiful and everything went smooth and perfect. Services were top notch and guidance from both peer saahibaan were amazing. Making sure no problems occurred and made a very comfortable environment and experience for us. Would recommend 10/10 and made our experience definitely one to remember. Travelled with the tour group to umrah before to and alhamdulillah no complaints at all 10/10. Amazing!

Date of experience : July 03, 2023

An amazing experience made even more…

An amazing experience made even more beautiful by the Sadat group. They were there to help at any stage of the trip. They explained things well and made the trip extremely joyous. I especially enjoyed the way the group leader lifted the atmosphere during coach journeys. I would definitely reccomend them and Insh'Allah will boom with them in the future

Date of experience : July 11, 2019

Amazing experience!

Salaam, I recently completed Umrah and visited The Holy city of Makkah and Madina with my family. Sadat group were amazing. Everything was organised. Peer Shah Saab was amazing, he explained everything in detail. I would recommend to family and friends! Jazak-Allah.

Date of experience : December 31, 2022

Umrah experience

We had the best Umrah experience with Sadat Hajj & Umrah. The trip was very well planned and the travel was hassle free. We received valuable advice and guidance from all the staff at Sadat in particularly the group leaders Syed Sajaad Shah Sahib and Syed Talha Shah Sahib, which was ideal for a first time Umrah trip. May Allah SWT bless the full team and fulfil their duas. Highly recommend. Thank you.

Date of experience : November 25, 2019

Sadat Hajj & Umrah are the best

Sadat Hajj & Umrah are the best. We completed Umrah with Sadat this week and the service was the best. The hotels were perfect, Shah Saab guided us through every step of the way and we was treated very well. The coaches were premium and they supplied an extra coach so passengers can be more comfortable. They also took us to extra places. Always use Sadat Hajj & Umrah.

Date of experience : December 01, 2022

Alhamdulillah what a beautiful…

Alhamdulillah what a beautiful experience with the company and presence of peer sajid sayyed Bukhari . Every journey and ziyarah was explained thoroughly. With the remembrance of our beloved Muhammad SAW. What an amazing group Alhamdulillah. They made sure everyone was looked after with peer Saabs presence on such a beautiful journey was an imaan boost. Definitely will again choose Sadat hajj and ummrah inshallah. Could not have asked for anyone better. Hotels and hospitality including coach transfers were amazing .

Date of experience : November 26, 2022

Mashallah very nice experience

Mashallah very nice experience. Peer Syed munwar Bukhari very kind and humble very attentive. Really recommend this group 10/10. Would definitely travel with them again and will be recommending to friends and family.

Date of experience : December 17, 2022

Asalamu alaikum..

Asalamu alaikum... hope all is well n blessed.. just want to say Iv just been to performed umrah in January 2019.. and it was the best of lifetime of journey I have been with Sadat hajj&umrah alhamdulilah they have done well and will be goin again with sadat hajj&umrah group insh’aa’Allah Well done 👍🏻💚🤲🏻 May Allah bless you all Jazak’aa’Allah.

Date of experience : June 13, 2019

Credit where credit is due

Credit where credit is due - amazing experience all thanks to Shah Saab and their nephew Osama. Extremely hospitable at all times. Daily mehfils in Madinah Paak with naats, Urdu/English biyaans and duaa enhanced the experience all round. Highly recommend others to use Sadaat.

Date of experience : October 29, 2019

Group leaders were great

Group leaders were great, very helpful and very kind. My flight experience was not great which was with Turkish Airlines. I think Sadat team should avoid TK airlines. Overall experience with Sadat group was great and i would definitely recommend them. I whole heartedly thank them for my Hajj.

Date of experience : August 27, 2019

One of the best experiences I ever had…

One of the best experiences I ever had with Sadat Hajj and Umrah group. Exceed my expectations, From booking my Umrah in October 2019 till I came back, help is always available. Hafiz Imran was really helpful and always answer any question I had when I was doing my booking. Shah Saab, Usamah, Hafiz and Naat Khaan Saab in the group were a bonus and blessed to be with them on this spiritual journey. Highly recommended.

Date of experience : November 04, 2019

I’m 13 years old and have come with my…

I’m 13 years old and have come with my family I’ve really enjoyed the experience Shaa Saab was letting us get involved I would definitely come again

Date of experience : December 08, 2023

I went to Umrah With Sadaat Hajj and…

I went to Umrah With Sadaat Hajj and Umrah and I loved it. Amazing experience, they took care of everything. It was well organised. Munawar Shah G was exceptional with his knowledge about ziyarats and Deen. I would recommend Sadaat Hajj and Umrah To anyone looking to go for Umrah.

Date of experience : February 21, 2022

To travel with Sadat Hajj and Umrah was…

To travel with Sadat Hajj and Umrah was a great experience. Syed Munaver Hussain (shah sahib) was really helpful, supportive and experienced and knowledgeable person. I would highly recommend this company to anyone who is looking to go for hajj and ummarah. They were well organised from the booking, to hotel and to ziyarah. I travelled with my family which includes young children and older parents. They guide us all the way through and make our journey easy. They did explain history of each holy place which was really helpful for my children. Hotels were very beautiful and 2 minutes away from Kaaba. I am very thankful to them to make my journey very easy for me. I would highly recommend them to all. Thanks, Regards, Asia Sahir

Date of experience : November 02, 2022

Best experience

Best experience, amazing trip, truly spiritual and lots of knowledge gained through our guides. Step by step information given at all times, stayed with group all through the journey and most of all while we performed umrah they stayed with us reciting and telling us what to recite too. First time going and was very worried and was 6months pregnant too but Sadat made it pleasant and sress free. Would defo recommend them, as usual when someone goes to a new place then research is important so would recommend reading upon the holy places and history too as it would be beneficial.

Date of experience : June 15, 2019

This was a journey of a lifetime which I will never forget. Sadat travels did an amazing job from the booking process and sorting our needs out. I was updated by email everytime during the process. It was our first time going Umrah and they educated us on everything you need to know about it. They took us on ziyarahs in Makkah/Medina and we learnt the history of our religion. Through this experience we met some amazing people in our group. Thank you to Osama Syed Shah and Pir Syed Munawar Shah for sharing your knowledge with us.

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ I booked my first Umrah with Sadat Hajj & Umrah between the 15 Nov – 26th Nov with my mother. Alhamdulillah from start to finish this journey was the most pleasant and memorable experience in my life. Every Muslim desires and yearns to go to the blessed lands in itself and I can confidently say it was ever so satisfying under the supervision of Pir Syed Sajid Buhkari Saab They broke everything down step by step in order for the group to complete their Umrah and upon completion of Umrah took us too many iconic Ziyaarts across Mecca, on our transit to Medina and Medina paak. Each Ziyaart visited consisted of detailed speeches upon the importance of these landmarks with Pir Syed Sajid Buhkari Saab praying Naats and sending salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ on our travels Ultimately, I cannot thank Pir Syed Sajid Buhkari Saab and the boys in the office enough upon the service and experience they provided us! May Allah bless them eternally insAllah Ameen

Date of experience : December 05, 2022

Well planned trip

Well planned trip. Travel was relatively straight forward and hassle free. Direct flight to Jeddah from Manchester made trip convenient. Good advice and guidance from all support staff. Ideal for a first time Umrah trip. Highly recommend.

Great experiance once again

We just got back from the Dec 2022 group visit, I have to say the experiance was great once again. This our second time with Sadat Travel and inshaAllah we hope to go again soon. They were very helpful from start to finish and deserve more than 5 stars for such an excellent service.

Amazing Experience - Highly Recommend

I went to umrah with my family in September 2022 and had the most amazing experience ever! Our guide was Pir Syed Sajjad Bukhari who was an exceptional guide with abundant knowledge. We were well looked after and our hotels were in excellent locations. My only piece of constructive feedback would be that it would be useful if pilgrims were provided with a schedule/guide of the trip which outlined what dates we were going to travel from Makkah to Madinah and the dates on which we would be going to travel to see the ziyarats and a list of ziyarats we can expect to see.

Date of experience : September 14, 2022

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Hajj 2022: dates, packages, Covid rules and all you need to know

Hajj is one of the five pillars of islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every muslim, if they are able.

Worshippers pray at the Grand Mosque during Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2019. Reuters

Since the introduction of mass vaccinations, relaxed social distancing and travel laws, authorities are eager to welcome people from abroad to perform Hajj in June, to pre-Covid levels.

Two years ago, the kingdom closed its borders to contain the spread of Covid-19 and Hajj was restricted to 1,000 domestic pilgrims. Last year, numbers were limited to 60,000 because of the health threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic .

Saudi Arabia said those wishing to perform Hajj have to apply online.

Hajj attracts nearly two million Muslims and generates about $12 billion in revenue for Saudi Arabia every year.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdul Fattah Mashat said Hajj, as well as Umrah, a shorter pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year, are major components of the Saudi Vision 2030.

One of the programme's aims is to boost the religious tourism sector and host 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030.

What is Hajj?

Hajj , the Arabic word for pilgrimage, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim, if they are able.

Millions of faithful make the pilgrimage to holiest sites of Islam in the cities of Makkah and Madinah, beginning on the eighth day of Dhu Al Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar .

Rania Shuaib, a Hajj volunteer in Makkah.

What is special about Hajj?

Hajj is the most revered spiritual experience for devout Muslims — considered a chance to start afresh and celebrate the spirit of unity in Islam. Pilgrims are all required to perform the same rituals taught by the Prophet Mohammed, to remind them that they are all equal before God.

When does Hajj begin this year? How long does it take?

This year, Hajj is expected to begin on July 26. The pilgrimage takes three days, but most pilgrims extend their stay by a week to pray in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

What are the Covid-19 rules performing Hajj this year?

Authorities have set out health requirements that Hajj pilgrims from outside the kingdom have to meet before landing in the country.

Pilgrims who wish to perform Hajj must be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The vaccination deadline is 10 days before the Hajj season begins, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, who said that pilgrims must have all three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine for them to obtain the Hajj permit.

The ministry also said vaccinations against seasonal flu and meningococcal meningitis must be taken and for those coming from outside Saudi Arabia vaccinations against yellow fever and polio are mandatory.

What do pilgrims wear during Hajj?

During Hajj, as with Umrah, men wear two sheets of plain white cloth, to cover the upper and lower body. Women must wear modest clothes that cover their bodies to the ankle and scarves to cover their hair. The clothes are usually white, although there is no restriction on colour.

What happens during Hajj?

On the first day, Muslims perform Umrah, which includes Tawaf and Sa'i. The first involves circumambulating the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, built by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. During Sa'i, pilgrims walk seven times between two hills, called Safa and Marwa, in the mosque complex.

After Umrah, Muslims travel to Mina, a holy site south-east of Makkah, by shuttle and camp there in tents overnight. Mina, also known as the city of tents, can host up to three million people.

On the second day, pilgrims travel to Mount Arafat, five kilometres from Makkah, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his last sermon.

What is Hajj and why do Muslims go around the Kaaba?

Pilgrims spend the day praying at Arafat until sunset, then walk the seven kilometres to the third holy site, Muzdalifah. There, they perform the sunset and night prayers and spend the night worshipping under the open sky.

On the third morning, the pilgrims gather pebbles and return to Mina for the stoning ceremony. They throw seven pebbles each at Jamrat Al Aqabah, a stone monument that signifies the temptations of Satan, between sunrise and sunset.

The pilgrims’ three concluding acts include sacrificing an animal to feed people in need, which can be done by purchasing a voucher, and cutting or shaving their hair, then returning to Makkah for another Umrah. Most women cut a few strands of hair while men prefer to shave it all off.

Will Hajj be open to international pilgrims?

The ministry opened registration for Hajj 2023 in February for international pilgrims and to give those who had performed Hajj more than five years ago another chance to apply for a permit.

Most pilgrims arrive at the airport in Jeddah, which is the major city closest to Makkah.

What are the Hajj packages available this year?

The Hajj and Umrah ministry has announced three Hajj packages.

Packages start from SAR 3,984 ($1,060) and can be paid in three instalments for domestic pilgrims.

Hajj pilgrims celebrate Eid Al Adha together in Mina camps

What are the health rules at the holy sites?

Authorities have outlined procedures that must be followed at entry points within and before entering the country. These include verification of all health documents, including vaccination certificates, and screening in person.

Pilgrims will be divided into groups for transport to holy sites.

Saudi health authorities said they will continue to assess and update the precautions as needed.

What is the 'Smart Pilgrim' app? How does it work?

The Ministry of Hajj has introduced smart technology to assist in carrying out Hajj rituals.

“A pilgrim can download the Smart Pilgrim app, which has many services, to his or her smartphone and chat with their Hajj service provider to report any violation or file a complaint,” said Hisham Saeed, assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

He said there will be an expansion in the coming weeks in smart services, including three new apps to better serve pilgrims.

The purpose of the Smart Pilgrim app is to resolve any complaints or issues in a timely manner.

“The Hajj and Umrah Ministry has a call centre that receives the pilgrims’ inquiries, complaints, and suggestions round the clock. In addition, a pilgrim can download the smart pilgrim app, which has many services, to his or her smartphone and chat with their Hajj service provider,” he said.

The forum, held annually, gathers specialists, scientists and stakeholders working in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem to discuss "scientific issues, solutions and technology advancements" that can enhance Hajj services and operations.

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Suggested companies

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Sadat Hajj & Umrah   Reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

Most relevant

Amazing experience

Alhamdulillah competed our umrah as a family group of seven. The hotel locations in both Makkah and Madinah was amazing, literally few minutes walk. We completed two umrahs with Pir Syed Sajjad hussain and the group. Pir saab was very knowledgeable, friendly and extremely approachable. Help and guidance was available at every step of the way. This was our first time going to Umrah and it has been a memorable experience. I would definitely travel with sadat travels again. I pray Allah accepts all our Umrah and the effort taken by the group.

Date of experience : 09 November 2023

Very well organised

Very well organised. Always on hand to solve our issues and great knowledge. I would recommend to first timers. The Ziyarats were filled with knowledge and no one would be left behind. Timings were punctual and coaches were never late.

Date of experience : 21 February 2024

Alhamdulillah

Alhamdulillah, with the grace of Allah Almighty I have completed my first umrah trip with Sadat Travels. The umrah trip exceeded all expectations, and i am so grateful that I was able to experience this trip with Pir Sajjad Shah Saab. They were attentive, very knowledgeable, and took care of all our needs. I thoroughly enjoyed the ziyarats and felt that the trip was well organised. I look forward to returning in’sha’Allah and will most certainly book with Sadat Travels in the future.

Date of experience : 19 February 2024

Do not trust the reviews.

Do not trust the reviews. I recently travelled with this company and was initially apprehensive due to the price. However upon reading the reviews I decided to give them a chance in the name of Allah. How wrong was i This trip was poorly organised. Having taken groups on 4 different days. The Ziyaraats were horrendous, little to no knowledge on the historical sites. Far too many people in the group making it impossible to hear anything at all. The coaches were crammed, the speaker volume was low. Far too much chit chat was being said over the speaker, leaving alot of people just zoning out. Certain ziyaraats were being skipped due to timing issues where by we were told as we had passed the sites. Again not much information was given on them. In medinah the hotel was horrendous, appalling beyond belief. Yet no care was given despite the amount of money being taken from this company. The individuals leading this tour were constantly holding themselves in such high regard. No humility between any of them, leaving the older man to do their skivvy jobs. Not checking in with their groups, making themselves appear as some what of celebrities. Be humble please!! We are all the same infront of Allah. One of the individuals was extremely rude in his speech and demeanor, a huge turn off. Making me feel ashamed to be part of the Pakistani community. Considering how much money was taken from this group there was zero care given by them. They simply acted as a means to an end. They even had the cheek to ask ALL the males travelling to write a review and screenshot it and send it to them. Making them biased and leaving people feeling the need to write a positive review. The reason why most individuals travel with a tour group is to gain knowledge and to be led. This group failed in both aspects.

Date of experience : 11 December 2023

This was my third time going

This was my third time going. The best of all my visits. Really fortunate I got my moneys worth with the emir. Ironically, I feel much more confident going on my own. The others in the group were very nice people. No issues. I think the women alhamdulillah managed their families really well including the adult men. I got a lot from this journey. Alhamdullilah really happy. Theirs more things I want to experience there, I’ve realised now. Will discuss this shahji soon so he can guide me.

Date of experience : 29 January 2024

Travelled with them this week have been…

Travelled with them this week have been given an exceptional experience and have given full support from beginning to end of the Umrah trip Alhamdulillah. Very fast responses and a full team to help out day and night. Special thanks to Pir Sajjad Bukhari.

Date of experience : 28 January 2024

January 2024 Umrah

Pir Syed Sajjad Bukhari made my first Umrah worthwhile through the zayarats, the completion of Umrah and all the information that we were provided with alongside the support of the other tour guides. In'Sha'Allah I will be coming with them again.

Date of experience : 18 January 2024

Umrah Jan 2024

Overall, the experience was worthwhile, and even though it was my first Umrah, Pir Syed Sajjad Bukhari helped guide me the entire time. He described all the procedures that needed to be followed in order to complete the Umrah, and the zayarats made the process more straightforward allowing us to visit each and every place and being able to experience it. I now know a great deal more than I did previously. If I return, in’sha’Allah, I shall come with Sadat Hajj and Umrah. Also, Syed Talha Shah's speeches were easy to understand as we were given English translations so if we weren’t able to understand the Urdu translations we were also explained in English. We gained new knowledge every day that allowed us to increase our understanding making the experience more enjoyable.

Umrah Jan 2024 - Amazing experience

It was the first time I have been to perform Umrah with my family and I 100% recommend Sadat group. Special thanks to Pir Syed Sajjad Hussain Shah Bukhari for always being informative and responding to any questions at all times. Pir Syed Sajjad Hussain Shah Bukhari made the trip a memorable experience. A lot of information was provided during the ziyraats and the information allows you to understand the importance of each place visited. The hotels in both cities were at walking distance to the Masjid and the hotels were modern, with great breakfast. Ahmed Raza was another key member who deserves a thank you as he was available at all times to attend to any questions and provided good information about products that were available in Medina. I would 100% use Sadat group again in the future inshallah and recommend this group to others

Would highly recommend Sadat Travel

Would highly recommend Sadat Travel. This was our first Ummrah and they made it very memorable and ensured we didn’t miss any of the significant and historical sites we hold so dear. Pir Bukhari Saab and his son Usama were very helpful and no question was too much. They are both very likeable and easy to get on with. They ensured the whole journey went very smoothly and was extremely enjoyable. I can’t wait to book my second Ummrah with them inshallah.

Date of experience : 19 December 2023

Umrah January 2024

Alhamdulillah its been an amazing experience overall for my first Umrah thanks to Pir Syed Sajjad Bukhari who made the visit comfortable and understandable by the English Speeches that were provided by Syed Talha Shah. In'Sha'Allah will be coming again with them.

First umrah trip and I was really…

First umrah trip and I was really nervous about not getting things right and also had my children with me but I can honestly say pir sahib sayed sajjad bukhari and his son usama bukhari made everything so easy they looked after us as we performed umrah in the holiday rush and we have visited so many important sites and learnt so much. both English and urdu speakers were on hand amazing I will be coming back with them next time .

Sadat Travel Group…

My experience with Sadat Travel Group was extremely pleasant, it was mine and my family’s first time performing umrah and the group guided us the entire time. We performed a total of 2 umrahs during our stay and went on many ziyarats. I have gained loads of knowledge and learnt a lot about the Islamic history during my stay. The group made sure we made the most out of our time in Makkah and Madinah. I can’t recommend this group enough :)

Date of experience : 01 December 2023

Alhamdulilah had the best experience…

Alhamdulilah had the best experience with Sadat travel for our umrah. We were a family of 5 with a small child and we thoroughly enjoyed our first umrah. Syed Sajjad Shah saab was a very kind, approachable and knowledgeable host, may the almighty give him the best of health to carry on this beautiful work and keep taking pilgrims to the blessed lands. InshaAllah when we are called again to hajj or umrah we will only be using Sadat travel.

Happy customer.

Had an absolutely amazing experience with sadaat travel.They went far and beyond on what I was expecting.Help throughout the Umra tour.Made the whole experience a very memorable time.Will inshallah definitely travel again with sadaat travels.want to thank Pir Saab and his fellow helpers who made the whole journey an experience to remember a life time.🙂🙏

Date of experience : 09 December 2023

A really great ummrah experience overall, the guide Syed Sajjad Shah Bukhari and his team were always on hand to help and assist. We did our ummrah collectively as a group being guided stage by stage. Our hotels were to a good standard and located close by. The ziyaaraat were especially enjoyable with Shah Sahib, he has vast experience and is very well informed. Well recommended

A very majestic experience

MashAllah we travelled with 9 family members and the whole experience was top notch and amazing. The ground staff are very supportive and always available at all hours. The location for the hotels was spot on and the transport to and from the airport was also very good. The whole operation was very well planned and an incredible experience. Syed Sajjad Shah Sahibs company and knowledge was majestic. Shah Sahib themself were hands on and very approachable. 10/10 for everything I would inshAllah always travel with Sadat travels in the future. Jazakallah Khair for everything

Date of experience : 17 November 2023

Amazing experience for me and my…

Amazing experience for me and my family, fully guided during the full durationof our stay. Very kind and warm friendly ground staff, the group scholars were amazing, highly recommended for all age groups We look forward to again travel with Sadat Hajj &Umrah

What an excellent experience with sadat…

What an excellent experience with sadat haj and umrah from processing the ticket and leaving from medina. Can't fault them in any way! also having osman as an interpreter for the children and organising everything day by day

Date of experience : 28 December 2023

Would highly recommend

My entire family of 31 people (mashallah) booked an Umrah package for 19th Dec 2023. Pir Syed Sajjad Bukhari advised and guided us throughout our visit and I found him to be very knowledgeable and inspiring. I learned so much from him. I do need to say a special thankyou to Usama Shah Bukhari as he helped us from the time of booking, travelled with us and explained all ziyarahs in English. He was readily available for any questions we had, as this was our first time, his support was invaluable. He is very knowledgeable and invokes so much love for the Prophet (saw) through his stories. We stayed an Anjum Hotel in Makkah. The hotel was 5min walk to the haram and was ideal, away from the congestion of the clock tower. The breakfast was lovely and rooms were nice and clean. In Madinah we stayed in Shazza Regency and although the location and rooms were lovely, the breakfast was not. Overall my experience with Sadaat was amazing and I would highly recommend anyone looking into Umrah to travel with them. Especially if it's your first time. Thankyou Sadat for providing my family with such a memorable and spiritual experience

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A hajj closer to normal: 1 million Muslims begin pilgrimage

In this photo taken with low shutter speed, Muslim pilgrims pray as others circumambulate around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Muslim pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca for the largest hajj since the coronavirus pandemic severely curtailed access to one of Islam’s five pillars. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A general view of the Kabba at the Grand Mosque is seen during the Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, July 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

In this photo taken with low shutter speed, Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Muslim pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca for the largest hajj since the coronavirus pandemic severely curtailed access to one of Islam’s five pillars. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Muslim pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca for the largest hajj since the coronavirus pandemic severely curtailed access to one of Islam’s five pillars. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A general view of the Grand Mosque is seen from the Clock Tower during the Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, July 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A general view of the Grand Mosque is seen through the fence of the Clock Tower during the Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, July 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Pigeons surround pilgrims outside the the Grand Mosque in the Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca, Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Saudi Arabia is expected to receive one million Muslims to attend Hajj pilgrimage, which will begin on July 7, after two years of limiting the numbers because coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A Muslim pilgrim leaves the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Muslim pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca for the largest hajj since the coronavirus pandemic severely curtailed access to one of Islam’s five pillars. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Muslim pilgrims chat as they leave the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Muslim pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca for the largest hajj since the coronavirus pandemic severely curtailed access to one of Islam’s five pillars. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

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MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — It is a scene that stirs hope — and relief — for Muslims around the world.

A million pilgrims from across the globe gathered on Thursday in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the initial rites of the hajj, marking the largest Islamic pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic upended the annual event — a key pillar of Islam.

The hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime duty for all Muslims physically and financially able to make the journey, which takes the faithful along a path traversed by the Prophet Muhammad some 1,400 years ago. Pilgrims spend five days carrying out a set of rituals intended to bring them closer to God.

That includes praying around the cube-shaped Kaaba, the holiest shrine in Islam. At the center of the Grand Mosque’s courtyard on Thursday, thousands of unmasked pilgrims circled the Kaaba.

The crowds, visibly thinner than usual, moved counter-clockwise around the granite building in a blur, their hearts tilting toward the structure meant to symbolize the oneness of God in Islam. Wherever they are in the world, observant Muslims face the Kaaba to pray daily.

Pilgrims appeared to throw COVID-19 caution to the wind this year as they thronged the Grand Mosque — in sharp contrast to the social distancing and mask requirements of the past two years.

“This year the number of pilgrims is huge, thank God,” said Mohammad Qabbani, a pilgrim from Sudan. “There are no high numbers of COVID-19 cases. The situation is good.”

But there were still signs of vigilance. Typically, worshippers would fight the crowds for a chance to touch and kiss the black stone on the Kaaba’s eastern corner, but the government has again banned this practice, for the third year. Saudi authorities also distributed bottles of water from the holy Zamzam well instead of allowing pilgrims to drink from cups at the mosque . Thousands of medical workers were on hand to assist those in need.

This year, the hajj is open to just 1 million foreign and domestic pilgrims who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, tested negative for COVID-19 and are between 18 and 65 years old. Authorities estimate 85% have arrived from abroad.

While this year’s attendance is far below the pre-pandemic influx of 2.5 million pilgrims, it represents a significant step closer to normal after the kingdom restricted the event to a small number of Muslim residents for the past two years.

The ritual was almost scrapped in its entirety in 2020, when as few as 1,000 residents of Saudi Arabia were permitted to take part. Some 60,000 residents attended last year. The unprecedented restrictions sent shockwaves through the Muslim world and devastated many believers, who often save up and wait for years to make the pilgrimage.

Although no longer in the shadow of the pandemic, this hajj is taking place amid Russia’s war on Ukraine — a conflict that may be thousands of miles from the homes of many Muslims but that has sent the prices of staple foods soaring and spread misery across the world.

This year’s hajj also showcases de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s latest efforts to loosen social restrictions and transform the kingdom. Saudi Arabia officially began allowing women to perform the hajj without a male guardian, or “mahram,” last year.

The hajj in Islam is meant to be a great equalizer and unifier among Muslims. Pilgrims wear simple clothing: For men, it’s typical to wear a white draping garment, while women wear conservative dress and headscarves, forgoing makeup, nail polish and perfume to draw closer to God.

But even Mecca cannot escape the world’s wealth gaps: The well-heeled may pay some $3,000 a night for five-star hotels overlooking the Kaaba. For most people, however, the pilgrimage means sleeping in simple accommodations or on the ground around the mosque to perform daily prayers ahead of the hajj.

With many more people applying to perform the hajj each year than the kingdom can accommodate, the Saudi government controls the flow of visitors through annual quotas based on each nation’s Muslim population.

The visa regulations have grown stricter after deadly incidents in recent years. In 2015, several thousand pilgrims were crushed to death in a stampede. This year, those quotas were sharply reduced. Indonesia sent just over 100,000 people, the world’s largest contingent. The United States sent over 9,500.

Shiite powerhouse Iran, Saudi Arabia’s regional foe that in 2016 barred its citizens from making the pilgrimage amid an escalating sectarian rivalry, sent 39,000 worshippers — less than half of its attendance in 2019. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s special envoy for the hajj did not receive a visa because he is over 65, Iranian media reported.

As tensions eased between the rivals amid regional negotiations and a cease-fire in Yemen, hajj officials from the countries met last month for the first time in years.

Although the pandemic is far from over, with hundreds new infections a day in the kingdom, the government is glad of the influx. The event is a critical source of prestige and tourism for Saudi Arabia.

By Thursday evening, most pilgrims were arriving in Mina, a small village east of Mecca, where they will spend the night in a sprawling tent city grouped according to the part of the world they come from. On Friday, they rise at dawn to march to the sacred hill of Mount Arafat, where they ask for forgiveness for their sins.

DeBre reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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This Eid al-Adha, the new rules for hajj have left many frustrated

Dustin Jones

Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the Saudi city of Mecca, during Ramadan in April. One million Muslims from across the globe made their way to Mecca for this years hajj. But a new set of travel rules for westerners left some frustrated about their pilgrimage experience. Abdel Ghani Bashir/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Saudi Arabia finally reopened the holy city of Mecca to international travelers after a two-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. But a new set of travel restrictions and operating procedures produced a different set of problems for those who wished to make the journey this Eid al-Adha.

Saudi Arabia reopened the country for 1 million people wishing to make the 2022 pilgrimage to Mecca. About 2 million people normally descend upon the city for hajj, but officials decided to limit the number of participants this year because of the ongoing pandemic.

But for many, the limited capacity was not the biggest obstacle in their way. Saudi Arabia implemented a new booking system requiring prospective-pilgrims to go through a single online platform, which many found to be difficult to navigate.

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Traditionally, many Muslims in Western countries such as the United States, the U.K. and Australia, utilize travel agencies to book everything from flights and accommodations to guides on the ground. But Saudi Arabia's new rules have removed the middle man. Instead, people were required to book their trip through Motawif , the single online platform for handling travel arrangements for hajj.

Mahmoud Ghanem, a biochemist in Delaware, was initially excited about the changes because they came with a promise that things would not only be cheaper, but easier as well.

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Muslim pilgrims pray at mount arafat as hajj reaches apex.

"When the Saudi government announced that they're gonna use one portal or whatever, I was so happy. I told myself, "Oh, my God, my dreams came true,'" Mahmoud said. "But it turned out to be a nightmare."

He tried to book a trip for him and his wife to no avail. But he encountered repeated error messages each time he tried to select a travel package, which totaled nearly $30,000 for the two of them over 10 days. He desperately reached out to Motawif, but was assured he would be able to make the journey.

Tents set up to host pilgrims in Mina, near the holy Muslim city of Mecca on Tuesday. Christina Assi/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Tents set up to host pilgrims in Mina, near the holy Muslim city of Mecca on Tuesday.

He finally secured his travel arrangements on June 28 and paid in full. But the following morning, after staying up all night to prepare for the trip, Ghanem got a call from Dubai telling him not to board the flight; there was no room.

"I was just calling them like twice a day and like begging them like to get me the e-ticket, and nothing," Mahmoud said. "Then, starting from July 2, I saw on Twitter some people getting emails telling them you have two options: to book your own flight, or you cancel and then we will refund you and we will guarantee you a spotlight for next year's hajj. But I didn't even get that."

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With so many people trying to make the pilgrimage, he said he would have understood if someone had told him he couldn't go. He just wanted someone to be transparent. Instead, Mahmoud said he and his wife were strung along for days by representatives who assured them they would be able to make it to Mecca.

But having seen what others have faced upon arrival, he's actually glad they never made it to Saudi Arabia.

Troubles on the ground

This year's hajj began on the evening of July 7, and will end on the evening of July 12. Millions of people participate in the ritual that follows the same steps that the Prophet Muhammad took about 1,400 years ago every year. Which is why so much effort goes into ensuring that travelers have what they need for what may be a once in a lifetime trip.

Having said that, many who did make it to this year's hajj have shared their frustrations and concerns about their pilgrimage on social media.

Mohammed Nasim said his mother and father were able to make the journey from the U.K., but only after their trip was pushed back more than a week. They had initially booked a hotel only a five-minute walk from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, the Great Mosque of Mecca , but instead found themselves in another hotel an hour's walk away.

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They had also been promised three meals a day, but the food never came.

"My parents are both diabetic (type 2) so eating on time is important," Nasim said. "They took a few biscuits thinking Motawif will provide food on time all the time... but they're not."

In Mina, about 5 miles from the Great Mosque of Mecca, tents that stretch as far as the eye can see are provided to travelers who stay at the camp while performing other parts of the pilgrimage. Some share a tent with dozens of others, while others opt for more privacy, reserving one for just those in their party.

When temperatures climb above 100 degrees, air conditioning tends to tip from a luxury item to a necessity. And some Twitter users staying in Mina have said their AC isn't working, resulting in unbearable living conditions.

@Motawif_SA @HajMinistry @MoHU_En our Mina tent has NO AC. We can’t breathe in these tents. It feels like an oven. Given Indome for lunch. HELP!! We will die of heat stroke. — travelthew0rld (@travelthew0rld2) July 7, 2022

"Our Mina tent has NO AC. We can't breathe in these tents. It feels like an oven. Given [Instant noodles] for lunch," one user wrote. "HELP!! We will die of heat stroke."

Others have complained that the toilets are subpar, there's a lack of drinking water and a lack of English-speaking guides to show the way. And the overwhelming majority of those unhappy with their hajj experience are pointing the finger at Motawif, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the government itself.

Commitment to fulfilling a religious obligation

An average of 2 million Muslims attend the hajj every year. Every Muslim is expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life if they are physically capable and have the financial means to do so. Christina Assi/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

An average of 2 million Muslims attend the hajj every year. Every Muslim is expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life if they are physically capable and have the financial means to do so.

Ghanem said this year's experience left him feeling less than optimistic about the future. This would have been his first hajj. He's still fighting to get his money back from his attempt to make the trip this year and is unsure if he wants to risked tens of thousands of dollars again next year.

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As a dual citizen, he and his wife can try and attend next year's hajj through the Egyptian government. He tried to go through them before going through the United States in June, but was told he wasn't selected. But at least they were transparent, Ghanem said, which keeps his expectations grounded.

Despite all of his setbacks, he said he remains determined to make it to Mecca. Ghanem just wishes the Saudi government would reconsider its approach to the hajj by making it easier and more affordable for Muslims the world over to fulfill their religious obligation.

"It should be kind of like more of a religious kind of event. The profit should be minimum, you know?" Ghanem said. "But it's been a business over the years."

Editor's note: The original version of this story included quotes from a source who has proven to be unreliable. Those quotes have been removed.

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Moscow City Tourism Committee Organizes Roadshow in Saudi Arabia for the First Time

By Destination KSA

This event will highlight the capital of Russia for the Riyadh Tourism Industry .

Moscow City Tourism Committee will hold its on-ground roadshow in Saudi Arabia as part of an ongoing initiative to promote Moscow as a leading tourism and business destination.

The roadshow will take place in Riyadh on October 16, 2022, at the fashionable Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, located on Tahlia Street near the King Abdullah Financial District. This will be Moscow’s first event in the Middle East this year. The following events will take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on 18 and 19 October.

The Moscow Tourism Committee will bring more than 10 local companies such as representatives of DMCs, hotels, and places of interest to Saudi Arabia. The Roadshow will have B2B interactions and presentations that will highlight the destination and open up new avenues in bringing the destination to new light to the travel and trade community.

According to Moscow City Tourism Committee, the Saudi Arabian tourism market is of great interest to Moscow. In September, representatives of the Kingdom’s tourism industry took part in an offsite roadshow in Moscow, where they were able to appreciate the different aspects of Moscow tourism such as cultural heritage, gastronomy, nature, adventure, and many more.

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is the official organization that promotes Moscow as a tourist destination. The organization realizes image projects and carries out different marketing events for developing the tourism potential of Moscow in Russia and abroad.

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Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

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Russia's hunted A-50 command planes are its eyes over Ukraine. Here's how it compares to the Boeing E-3 Sentry.

• Ukraine's most significant aircraft kills in 2024 are two Russian A-50 command planes.
• The A-50 can track over 150 targets simultaneously and relay them to a dozen fighters jets.
• The E-3 Sentry fills a similar role, and has played an active role in Ukraine from the sidelines.

Ukraine's embattled air defense network started 2024 with a string of successes.

In the first three months of the year, the country claimed to have intercepted at least 1,011 missiles and loitering munitions, and shot down at least 16 jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) — 13 of which were downed in just two weeks.

The kills include two modern Su-35 fighters and 12 valuable Su-34 fighter-bombers. But the most significant kills may have been two Beriev A-50 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft — platforms that carry no offensive weapons.

The loss of the two A-50s represents an enormous blow to the VKS and its operations in Ukraine.

Flying since the earliest days of the war, both sides have utilized early warning and control aircraft to enhance their capabilities and defeat each other's planes and missiles. Although Ukraine didn't inherit any A-50s from the Soviet Union, its American-made equivalent, the E-3 Sentry, has quietly played an important role in Ukraine's campaign to defend itself from Russian attacks.

The Mainstay

AEW&C aircraft are aerial radar stations meant to detect and track enemy weapon systems — namely aircraft, missiles, and naval ships. They also function as command-and-control centers from which commanders can distribute information and commands to subordinates in the field.

They originated in the latter half of World War II, when the Western Allies were finding ways to track incoming threats (particularly those aimed at ships) such as bombers, U-boats, V-1 rockets, and kamikaze aircraft.

With the development of nuclear-armed intercontinental bombers and ballistic missiles in the Cold War, AEW&C aircraft became essential. The USSR's first AEW&C aircraft, the Tupolev Tu-126, was designed to patrol Russia's 15,000-mile northern coastline for American nuclear bombers and ICBMs.

But the Tu-126 lacked look-down capability, meaning it couldn't detect or track low-flying objects underneath it. Moreover, by the late 1970s, its electronic suite was outdated.

In 1985, the Tu-126 was replaced by the A-50. Built by the Beriev Design Bureau and first flown in 1978, it is based on the Ilyushin Il-76 airframe and has a flight crew of five. Called the "Mainstay" by NATO, it has a ceiling of 40,000 feet, a range of over 4,000 miles, and a flight endurance of around 6 hours, which can be extended with aerial refueling.

Its central feature is the 32-foot wide, 6-foot-high rotodome mounted on aerodynamic struts on the rear section of the fuselage. Known as the "Mushroom" by the crew, it is operated by ten specialists and is capable of providing 360-degree scanning coverage.

In its most upgraded version, the A-50 is capable of tracking over 150 targets simultaneously at ranges as far as 400 miles, including a limited ability to detect and track certain ground targets as well. The A-50 can also coordinate and send guidance data to up to 12 friendly jets simultaneously. For example, it can relay targeting information on a Ukrainian aircraft or static targets to VKS jets, or alert Russia's ground-based air defenses to an incoming missile.

The USSR reportedly built as many as five A-50s a year, with about 42 being built by 1992, when the breakup of the Soviet Union halted production. It has had limited export success; one A-50 airframe was sold to China, but it was equipped with a Chinese-made radar and redesignated as the KJ-2000. Similarly, three A-50EIs were sold to India in 2004, though they were fitted with Israeli-made radars. In 2016, India ordered two more A-50 airframes.

Despite halting production, the Russians have been upgrading their remaining A-50s. In 2007, the A-50M variant was tested, reportedly featuring an upgraded radar and digital electronic systems. Another upgraded version, the A-50U, was introduced in 2011, and features new computers, satellite communications, a modernized radar, and new engines.

In 1991, Russian A-50s were deployed over the Black Sea during Operation Desert Storm to monitor aircraft in the US-led coalition that were flying bombing missions from Turkey. They have since served over the skies of Chechnya during both Chechen wars, helped coordinate Russian air operations over Georgia in 2008, and have been deployed to Syria as part of Russia's involvement in the Syrian Civil War.

The counterpart to the A-50 is the American-made E-3 Sentry . Also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), it was created by Boeing and replaced the US Air Force's previous AEW&C aircraft, the EC-121 Warning Star .

First flown in 1976, the E-3 was adopted by the Air Force in 1977, and began flying monitoring missions for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Based on a modified civilian Boeing 707 airframe, the Sentry has a flight crew of four, a ceiling of 30,000 feet, and a range of around 5,700 miles. It can fly continuously for about eight hours, but is capable of longer flights thanks to its aerial refueling ability.

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Like the A-50, the centerpiece of the E-3 is its rotodome. Nicknamed the "Oreo," the radome is 30 feet in diameter and 6 feet high. It is capable of providing a complete 360-degree view of everything within a more than 250-mile radius, from the surface of the earth to the stratosphere. This extensive ground search allows it to play much more of a role in air-to-ground targeting than the A-50.

The E-3's crew size is dependent on its exact mission. Capable of carrying up to 39 personnel, a typical mission usually calls for a crew between 17 and 25. In addition to detecting and tracking targets, the Sentry acts as a command-and-control platform, and is capable of delivering combat data and orders directly to friendly assets.

The E-3 has become a silent workhorse since it was adopted. It has been deployed as part of nearly every military operation the US has undertaken since its introduction, conducted radar coverage flights for NORAD, supported anti-drug trafficking missions in Latin America, and has occasionally tagged along with the president as he travels to foreign countries.

E-3s have also been sent to allies and partners as a way to show support and provide assurance during times of crisis. They were deployed to South Korea after President Park Chung-hee was assassinated in 1979 and in Egypt in 1981 after the assassination of President Anwar Sadat. They were also deployed to Saudi Arabia throughout the Iran-Iraq War.

In all, 68 E-3s were built between 1977 and 1992. It performed so well that it has been adopted by multiple countries.

France operates four E-3s acquired between 1991 and 1992, while Saudi Arabia operates five acquired between 1986 and 1987. The UK Royal Air Force operated seven E-3s between 1991 and 2021, three of which were sold to Chile in 2022.

The US Air Force operates 18 E-3s. The second-largest customer and operator is NATO, with 14 Sentries in service with the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force, a specialized multinational unit tasked with monitoring NATO airspace comprised of crew and support personnel from 19 member states.

Ukraine and future

Both the A-50 and the E-3 have played an active role in the war in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Russian A-50s have been monitoring Ukrainian airspace for Ukrainian Air Force jets and surface-to-air missiles. They have also helped Russian kinetic strike operations by providing live targeting data and coordinates to anti-aircraft missiles, VKS strike aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and drones.

As an AEW&C aircraft, the A-50 is not supposed to be deployed close to the frontline of active combat zones . Yet on January 14, Ukraine managed to shoot down an A-50 as it was flying over the Sea of Azov. A month later, a second A-50 was claimed , this time over Russia itself.

The shoot downs are as devastating as they are surprising, since Russia is unlikely to have many remaining A-50s able to replace the losses.

Estimates vary, but Russia reportedly started the war with as many as ten active A-50s, with seven reportedly being A-50Us. In addition to the two shot down, a third A-50 was reportedly damaged in Belarus last year .

Russia has said that it will restart production of the A-50, but those efforts are likely to be complicated by Western sanctions on critical electrical components. The sanctions issues have already been blamed for delays in production of the A-50's replacement , the A-100. The Ukrainians have also targeted the factory where A-50s are produced with drone strikes.

The E-3, meanwhile, has also played an active role in the war in Ukraine, although it has done so without crossing into Ukrainian airspace.

Flying over Poland, Romania, and the Black Sea, NATO and Allied E-3s have surveilled Russian activity in Ukraine, detecting the movement of Russian jets, ships, incoming missiles and drones, and sometimes even ground units. Ukraine has been more effective at destroying critical sites like air defenses and command posts well beyond Russia's frontlines, and it's plausible that intelligence gathered by E-3 radars and sensors may contribute to this targeting.

The Russians have made their disapproval of the E-3 operations known. Last November, the Russians threatened to destroy a French Air Force E-3 that was operating over the Black Sea in what a French military spokesman described as "a particularly aggressive radio exchange."

Their importance notwithstanding, the E-3s are in need of replacement.

With an average age of around 44 years, maintaining the E-3s is only getting more difficult — especially since the airframe it is based on was originally designed and built in the late 1950s and hasn't been produced since 1991.

Last year, the US Air Force announced that it had selected the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail as the E-3's intended replacement. The service hopes to acquire 26 of the new planes by 2032, with the first planned to be introduced in 2027.

NATO announced a similar plan last November, with plans to acquire six E-7s, the first of which will enter service by 2031. The UK, which has retired all of its E-3s, is also in the process of acquiring the E-7, which is already in service with the air forces of Australia, South Korea, and Turkey.

Benjamin Brimelow is a freelance journalist covering international military and defense issues. He holds a master's degree in Global Affairs with a concentration in international security from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. His work has appeared in Business Insider and the Modern War Institute at West Point.

Watch: Russia flaunts intercontinental ballistic missile in new video

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