Saudi Arabia
- Middle East
Turkish woman denied entry to Makkah’s Grand Mosque over Palestine headband
A Turkish woman who travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah was denied entry to the Grand Mosque in Makkah after authorities objected to her wearing a headband symbolising Palestine — an incident…
- Middle East
Umrah 2025: Saudi Arabia announces final entry and exit dates
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has announced that Shawwal 15, 1446 AH, corresponding to Sunday, April 13, will be the last day for Umrah pilgrims to enter…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia restricts e-stopover visa to 19 countries
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has updated its electronic transit visa (e-stopover visa) policy, limiting eligibility to travellers associated with a specific list of 19 countries. According to a circular…
- Middle East
Riyadh Air gets operational licence for inaugural flights
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) officially granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to Riyadh Air, authorising the airline to start commercial flight operations. The issuance of the AOC confirms…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia temporarily suspends visas for India, 13 other countries
Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of certain visas for nationals from 14 countries including India. The restrictions apply to Umrah, business and family visit visas. They will remain in place…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia deports over 7,500 illegal expats in one week
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has deported more than 7,500 expatriates for residency, labour, and border law violations, from March 27 to April 2. During this period, the Ministry of…
- Middle East
Daylight saving time to begin in Saudi schools from April 6
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is set to implement daylight saving time across all public and private schools from Sunday, April 6. This comes as part of efforts to enhance efficiency…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia allows foreign investors to own real estate
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment has announced that foreign investors are now permitted to own and sell real estate for investment purposes. According to a report by an…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia issues heavy rain warning until Monday
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defence has issued a nationwide alert urging residents to remain vigilant, as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast to continue across the Kingdom until Monday,…
- Middle East
4.1 magnitude earthquake recorded in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: A 4.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Arabian Gulf, approximately 55 kilometres east of Jubail, Saudi Arabia on Friday, April 4. Dr Abdullah Al-Misnad, a former professor of climate science at…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli escalation in occupied Palestinian territories
The Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Israel’s continued military escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Kingdom also denounced the ongoing targeting of civilians and repeated attacks on…
- Middle East
Haj 2025: Saudi Arabia launches packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk app
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has launched Haj 2025 packages for citizens and residents within the Kingdom, available exclusively through the Nusuk app and its dedicated portal. Priority is given…
- Middle East
Over 122 million worshippers visit Two Holy Mosques in Ramzan
A total of 122,286,712 worshippers visited the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia during the holy month of Ramzan 1446 AH-2025. Of the total, 16,558,241 pilgrims performed Umrah, while 75,573,928 worshippers attended…
- Middle East
Two Indian nurses among five killed in Saudi Arabia car crash
In a tragic accident, two Indian expatriates were among five people killed in a car collision in Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, April 2. The victims were identified as 27-year-old Akhil Alex and…
- Middle East
Trump to impose 10 pc tariff on GCC imports
In a major trade shift, US President Donald Trump has announced a 10 percent tariff on imports from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,…
