Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — The Transport General Authority (TGA) announced the readiness of more than 33,000 buses and 5,000 taxis to serve pilgrims during the Hajj season 2026. This is part of the authority’s operational and regulatory plans to support smooth mobility and raise transport service efficiency for pilgrims across all stages of their movement. The TGA has been exerting integrated operational and organizational efforts to enhance transport service readiness and operational efficiency. In this respect, it provides diverse transport services at approved prices in accordance with regulatory and oversight requirements that ensure service quality and beneficiary safety, supporting a safe and…

L’Oréal is deepening its long-term investment in Saudi Arabia, positioning the Kingdom at the center of its regional growth strategy as demand for beauty, sustainability and women-led workforce initiatives accelerates under Vision 2030. Speaking in an interview during the L’Oréal For the Future Summit in Jeddah, Managing Director Laurent Duffier said Saudi Arabia had become one of the group’s fastest-growing markets globally, driven by a young digital population, rising consumer sophistication and expanding opportunities in the beauty economy. 1. Why is L’Oréal to hosting this year’s L’Oréal For the Future Summit in Jeddah? What does the city represent for the…

The pilgrims’ city in Al-Jouf supports pilgrims traveling through the region by providing essential services and educational programs about Hajj. Through a dedicated exhibition, information is presented using engaging photographs and short films that guide pilgrims through key Hajj rites, including staying overnight in Mina, proceeding to Muzdalifah, standing at Arafat, and performing the stoning ritual.  The exhibition is one of several services provided by governmental and non-profit organizations within the city, complemented by accommodation, food, and water distribution, as well as awareness initiatives that enhance the pilgrims’ experience. Source: Riyadh Daily

ATHENS — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis co-chaired the second meeting of the Political Committee of the Saudi-Hellenic Strategic Partnership Council in Athens on Thursday. During the meeting, the ministers reviewed the distinguished bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. The meeting highlighted the progress achieved in various areas of cooperation, and discussed ways to strengthen and develop these relations to meet the aspirations of the leadership of both countries and achieve common interests. The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues…

NEW DELHI — On behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. Saudi Arabia participated in the meeting, held under the theme “Building for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability,” in its capacity as a BRICS member country. Addressing the meeting, Al-Khereiji said the Gulf region remains a vital hub in global trade networks, with a large share of global energy supplies andcommercial goods moving between Asia and Europe through maritime corridors in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. He…

On behalf of Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jeddah Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi conducted a field tour today at the Jeddah Islamic Port to review the integrated ecosystem of preparations and services provided for receiving the pilgrims arriving through the maritime entry point for the 1447 AH Hajj season.  During the tour, the governor of Jeddah reviewed the operational plans implemented by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), as well as efforts to enhance operational efficiency and expedite entry procedures for pilgrims, ensuring their comfort and safety from arrival to departure.…

Matthew Van Niekerk, Co-Founder & President, SettleMint, and Andrey Lazorenko, CEO, ADI Foundation. Dubai — ADI Foundation and SettleMint announced a strategic partnership to develop digital securities infrastructure on ADI Chain, supporting the tokenization of securities under the ADGM’s regulatory framework.   The partnership brings together two distinct capabilities into a single, integrated digital securities infrastructure. ADI Foundation provides the compliance-ready Layer-2 blockchain that serves as the immutable settlement ledger and SettleMint provides the Digital Asset Lifecycle Platform (DALP) for token creation, on-chain recording, post-trade servicing, and full lifecycle management using SettleMint’s ERC-3643 implementation.  Matthew Van Niekerk, Co-Founder & President, SettleMint,…

TASHKENT — Assistant Speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi is leading the council’s delegation at the second Asian Women’s Forum currently being held in Uzbekistan under the theme “Investing in Women – The Foundation of Sustainable Growth.” The forum brings together parliamentary and government delegations, women leaders, international organizations, representatives from UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund, and diplomatic missions from across Asia and beyond. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed participants in a speech delivered on his behalf by Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva. In the address, the Uzbek president praised the pivotal role…

RIYADH — The 125th meeting of the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reviewed many topics related to enhancing financial and economic cooperation of the bloc. These included the progress achieved in GCC Customs Union, the adoption of the Gulf Joint Market Committee (2026-2028) action plan, and the guidelines of GCC participation in international events. The meeting, held virtually, was chaired by Minister of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain Sheikh Salman Al Khalifa, with the participation of the GCC ministers of finance and the GCC secretary general. Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan headed…

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary announced during a government press conference holding the third edition of the Hajj Media Hub from May 20 to 23, 2026, at the Makkah Chamber Exhibitions and Events Center, in partnership with 25 entities from the government and private sectors.  The hub serves as an integrated media environment supporting media professionals in completing their Hajj season coverage through interactive technologies and dedicated media areas.  The hub includes multiple zones offering visitors a visual experience reflecting the spirituality of Hajj, alongside technically and professionally equipped studios.  The third edition builds on the successes of the previous…