What is Saudi Founding Day and Why is it Celebrated on February 22? Every year on February 22, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pauses to commemorate Founding Day, a national occasion that honours the birth of the first Saudi state nearly three centuries ago. This year’s holiday, officially declared a paid public holiday for workers […]
Ramadan 2026 moon sighting: All eyes on the sky tonight as Saudi Arabia awaits crescent decision Tonight, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for Muslims in Saudi Arabia and across much of the Islamic world with the official crescent moon sighting that will determine the start of Ramadan 1447 AH (2026). Saudi authorities, […]
Saudi Arabia forecasts warmer Ramadan 2026 with light rainfall expected in Makkah and Madinah/Image: SPA Pilgrims heading to the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan should prepare for warmer days and limited rainfall. Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology has released its preliminary climate outlook for Ramadan 1447H, forecasting above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall in Makkah […]
Saudi Arabia announces revised school timings for Ramadan/Representative Image As Ramadan approaches, education authorities across Saudi Arabia have finalised adjusted school schedules to reflect the demands of the holy month. Start times will vary by region, with most morning classes beginning between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., while continuing and adult education programmes will largely […]
Saudi Arabia records 21,029 violations in one week during nationwide inspection campaign/Representative Image A nationwide inspection drive carried out across Saudi Arabia has resulted in more than 21,000 violations in just seven days, with authorities issuing a renewed warning of severe penalties for those who breach or assist in breaching the law. According to the […]
Saudi Arabia imposes SR50,000 fine and six months’ jail for unreported visa overstays/Representative Image Visitors who remain in the Kingdom beyond their permitted stay are not the only ones facing consequences. Saudi authorities have now placed clear responsibility on sponsors, warning that failing to report a visit visa overstay could lead to heavy fines, prison […]
Somalia on Monday signed a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, deepening military ties as the Horn of Africa increasingly becomes a theatre for regional rivalries among Gulf states. The region, which lies along one of the world’s busiest trade routes between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, has drawn growing strategic interest from Gulf […]
Saudi authorities arrested over 20,000 violators and deported thousands during an enforcement drive last week/Representative Image Saudi security agencies intensified enforcement operations across the Kingdom last week, resulting in the arrest of more than 20,000 people found in violation of residency, labour and border laws, according to figures released by the Ministry of Interior on […]
Saudi Arabia revoked licences of 74 private schools after inspections found lapses and missing approvals/Representative image Saudi Arabia’s education authorities have withdrawn the operating licences of 74 private schools in multiple cities across the Kingdom, tightening oversight as part of a broader effort to protect student safety and preserve standards in the private education sector.The […]
Saudi Arabia will begin issuing Hajj 2026 visas from February 8, four months ahead/Representative Image Saudi authorities have moved early on preparations for the next Hajj, opening the visa process months before pilgrims begin their journey, a step aimed at tightening planning and easing pressure during the peak season.The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah […]
