What is Saudi Arabia’s 20-hour hotel rule? Ministry of Tourism enforces strict fixed check-out policy | World News

Guests in Saudi Arabia are entitled to a minimum 20-hour hotel stay, but check-out times remain fixed regardless of arrival time/ Representative image If you’re planning a visit to Saudi Arabia, here’s an important hotel policy to know upfront: the Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that hotels will not adjust their fixed check-out times if […]

What is Captagon? Saudi customs seize over 400,000 pills hidden in sheep wool at Haditha border | World News

Captagon is an illegal synthetic stimulant, originally developed in the 1960s, now widely abused and trafficked in the Middle East/ Image: ZATCA via Saudi Gazette Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has once again intercepted a major drug trafficking attempt, this time, 406,400 Captagon pills hidden inside sheep wool at the Haditha border […]

New appointment: NetApp appoints Saeed Al-Zahrani as General Manager for Saudi Arabia | World News

NetApp has appointed Saeed Al-Zahrani as General Manager for Saudi Arabia/Image: NetApp TL;DR: NetApp, a global leader in intelligent data infrastructure and hybrid cloud solutions, has appointed Saeed Al-Zahrani as General Manager for Saudi Arabia. Al-Zahrani, with two decades of tech leadership experience, will oversee NetApp’s Saudi strategy, deepen partnerships, and accelerate digital transformation aligned […]

Saudi Arabia remains GCC’s biggest borrower in H1 2025 despite 20% YoY drop in debt issuance | World News

The Saudi riyal was the second most-used currency after the US dollar in GCC debt markets, raising $7 billion from eight issuances In the first half of 2025, Saudi Arabia retained its position as the top issuer in the Gulf Cooperation Council’s debt markets, raising $47.93 billion through bonds and sukuk. While this figure reflects […]

Saudi Arabia wins fifth overall medal with bronze at 2025 International Nuclear Science Olympiad in Malaysia | World News

Students undergo intensive training programs organized by Mawhiba, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, KACST, and K.A.CARE to prepare for the Olympiad/ Image: X Saudi Arabia secured a bronze medal at the 2025 International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 30 to August 6, where 56 students from 14 […]

How to claim your 15% VAT refund in Saudi Arabia: Everything visitors need to know | World News

Tourists can find ZATCA-approved VAT refund stores by spotting “Tax Free” signs or using the Global Blue store locator tool, which also helps locate refund counters at departure points/ Image: X Tourists in Saudi Arabia can get a full refund on the 15% VAT for eligible purchases over SAR 500 (~USD 133). Refunds apply only […]

Saudi Arabia to host major academic forum on Hajj and Two Holy Mosques history in November | World News

The forum will bring together experts from multiple disciplines to examine Hajj history and the Two Holy Mosques through research and technology/ Image: X In November 2025, a major academic forum focused on the history, culture, and architecture of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques will take place in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment […]

Saudi Arabia unveils identity and theme for 95th National Day: ‘Pride in Our Nature’ | World News

The official branding includes a detailed guide with approved colors, fonts, slogans, patterns, and templates to ensure consistent use/ Image: GEA Saudi Arabia TL;DR Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day will be celebrated on September 23, 2025. The theme is “Our Pride is in Our Nature”, highlighting national values. A new visual identity includes six cultural […]

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia’s airspace sets new record with over 140,000 flights | World News

Saudi Arabia set historic records for air traffic during the Hajj 1446 AH (2025) season/Image: File TL;DR: Saudi Arabia’s airspace recorded over 140,000 domestic and international air movements during Hajj 1446 AH (2025), an 8% increase from last year. Key operational milestones included a single-day record of 2,338 air traffic movements and 74,902 arrivals in […]

‘Terrorist crimes’: Saudi Arabia executes 17 people in 3 days in drug-related cases; death penalty surge draws global scrutiny

Saudi Arabia authorities executed two people on Monday for “terrorist crimes,” bringing the total number of executions to 17 over three days. The latest deaths follow the execution of 15 other individuals- mostly foreign nationals- on Saturday and Sunday for drug offenses, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency, cited by CBS News.Thirteen of those […]