Saudi Arabia stops Makkah access without permit, suspends Umrah visas / Image: file Saudi Arabia has enforced sweeping new restrictions ahead of Hajj 2026, halting entry into Makkah without official permits and suspending Umrah visas as authorities prepare for one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.The move, led by the Ministry of Hajj and […]
Saudi Arabia launches 5 rail routes to cut cargo time and costs / Image: file Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward reshaping regional trade by rolling out five new rail logistics routes that promise faster cargo movement and lower transport costs. The move is set to strengthen connections between Gulf ports and key […]
LAHORE: A Pakistani military contingent comprising around 13,000 soldiers and 10 to 18 jets has reached Saudi Arabia as part of a joint strategic defence agreement signed last year, the Gulf Kingdom said on Saturday. The military contingent’s deployment to King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector includes fighter jets and support aircraft from […]
Saudi Arabia mandates 100% Saudization of 69 additional jobs in private sector. Saudi Arabia has announced an expansion of its Saudization policy, bringing dozens of additional private sector roles under full localisation from April 5, 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) announced that the updated decision will cover 69 more professions, […]
Saudi-Russia/Representative Image Starting May 11, citizens of Saudi Arabia and Russia will be able to travel between the two countries without a visa, marking a shift in bilateral travel access.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the visa exemption will come into effect as part of a broader agreement between the two countries aimed at […]
Saudi Arabia arrested 14,242 illegal residents in week-long crackdown, enforcing residency, labour and border laws/Image: Getty Images Saudi Arabia’s security forces have detained thousands of illegal residents in a nationwide crackdown, as authorities step up enforcement of residency, labour, and border regulations while warning of severe penalties for anyone offering assistance to violators. The Ministry […]
An Iranian drone attack on the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia last month caused significantly more damage than previously acknowledged by authorities in the Kingdom and also struck a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) facility within the compound, according to a latest report by The Wall Street Journal, citing current and former American officials. The attack […]
Hajj 2026 preparations intensify with early visas, strict deadlines and Nusuk bookings as registrations cross 1.2 million globally / Image: file Saudi Arabia has accelerated preparations for Hajj 2026 (1447 AH), introducing earlier visa processing, stricter timelines and a fully digital system to manage millions of pilgrims.According to official timelines, Hajj is expected to take […]
Visit restricted countries? Saudi warns of SR30,000 fine, 2-year ban / Image: file Saudi Arabia introduced new travel regulations for its citizens, imposing financial penalties and travel bans on those who visit restricted countries without official approval. The updated rules fall under the Kingdom’s Travel Documents Law, which was implemented through executive regulations approved by […]
A rare manuscript written nearly a millennium ago has surfaced in Saudi Arabia, offering a detailed glimpse into early Qur’anic scholarship. The discovery not only highlights the depth of classical Islamic studies but also brings renewed attention to a vast archive of rare texts preserved for academic research.The manuscript, titled “Gharib Al-Qur’an” (Rare Terms in […]
