- Middle East
Saudi Arabia bans children from accompanying pilgrims for Haj 2025
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has announced that children will not be allowed to accompany pilgrims during the upcoming Haj 1446 AH-2025 season. The decision aims…
- Middle East
Kaaba’s Kiswah on display outside Makkah for the first time
Riyadh: The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 at King Abdul Aziz International Airport’s Western Haj Terminal in Jeddah, is showcasing a unique event where the entire Kiswah of the…
- Middle East
Watch: WhatsApp voice, video calls reactivated in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: In a major move that has excited users, WhatsApp’s voice and video calling features have reportedly been reactivated in Saudi Arabia after a prolonged absence. However, neither the Saudi government nor…
- Middle East
Netanyahu suggests establishing Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently sparked controversy after suggesting that Saudi Arabia has enough land to establish a Palestinian state. His statement came in response to questions from Channel 14 broadcaster…
- Middle East
Haj 2025: Saudi Arabia opens registration for citizens, residents
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has announced the opening of registration for Haj 1446 AH/2025 for domestic pilgrims, including citizens and residents. In an announcement on…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia declares February 22 an official holiday
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced that Saturday, February 22, will be an official holiday for workers in the private and non-profit sectors…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia suspends multiple-entry visit visas for India, 13 other countries
In a major policy change, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has temporarily suspended the issuance of multiple-entry visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India. Despite the policy change being…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia to open Haj package bookings for 2025 via Nusuk
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced on Thursday, February 6, that Haj package bookings for the 1446 AH/2025 season will soon open via the Nusuk Haj…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia suspends meningitis vaccine requirement for Umrah pilgrims
Riyadh: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, February 6, announced the suspension of a previous directive that required Umrah pilgrims to be vaccinated against Neisseria meningitis,…
- Middle East
Hyderabadi activist Zahack Tanvir, imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, released
Hyderabad: A renowned Hyderabad-origin activist Zahack Tanvir has been released from custody in Saudi Arabia after nearly a year of detention. Tanvir, known for his outspoken views on international affairs and counter-extremism, was…
- Middle East
From maternity leave to overtime: Saudi Arabia rolls out changes to labour law
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MoHRSD) has implemented significant changes to its labour law, effective this month. The initiative aims to strengthen employee rights…
- Middle East
Sheikh Al-Sudais to mark 42 years as Imam of Masjid Al Haram
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, is set to complete 42 years since his appointment as Imam of Masjid Al Haram, Makkah.…
- Middle East
GCC residents can perform Umrah via multiple visa options
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has announced that residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah rituals through multiple entry visa options. This…
- Middle East
Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Mandir to celebrate first anniversary
Abu Dhabi: The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, is set to celebrate its first ‘Patotsav’ –…
- Middle East
India vs Pakistan in Dubai: Airfares to surge by 50 pc amid last-minute travel rush
As the highly anticipated India-Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match on Sunday, February 23, drawing near, Dubai’s travel sector is gearing up for a last-minute surge in flight bookings. With ticket prices…
