Author: Editorial Team
AR RASS — Al Hilal kept their Roshn Saudi League title hopes alive with a convincing 3-0 victory over Al Hazem on Saturday. Trailing leaders Al Nassr by eight points before kickoff, the reigning champions responded with a composed performance to reduce the gap and maintain pressure in the title race. Karim Benzema opened the scoring early, striking in the ninth minute to give Al Hilal control of the contest. The visitors managed the game effectively before Marcos Leonardo doubled the lead in the closing stages, finishing clinically after coming off the bench. Ruben Neves then wrapped up the win…
RIYADH — The Middle East experienced strong travel and tourism growth, with Saudi Arabia remaining at the heart of this growth, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Saudi Arabia, the largest travel and tourism economy in the region, accounted for $178 billion in GDP and 46 percent of the Middle East’s total travel and tourism economy during the year 2025, it was revealed in the WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR). The EIR, a leading global study of travel and tourism performance, highlighted the region’s strong performance across key indicators, including international visitor spending, domestic travel, and…
Saudi women continue to play an active role within the Makkah Route Initiative team at Istanbul Airport in Türkiye, contributing effectively to the implementation of procedures and delivery of services to pilgrims. Their work forms part of an integrated system designed to facilitate pilgrims’ journey from departure to arrival at the holy sites. Female staff receive pilgrims inside the initiative’s lounge, guide them through dedicated lanes, and assist them in completing procedures efficiently and seamlessly. Their presence helps ensure smooth passenger flow within a highly organized operating environment built on precision and close coordination among participating entities. They also help manage pilgrim movement…
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that American naval forces will begin escorting neutral foreign vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning Middle East time. Trump described the initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom,” as a humanitarian effort aimed at assisting ships stranded in the waterway amid ongoing tensions. He said vessels from multiple countries had requested assistance after becoming trapped, adding that the U.S. Navy would use its “best efforts” to guide ships and their crews safely out of the restricted passage. Trump noted that some of the ships were running low on food and essential…
DAMMAM — Al Qadsiah stunned league leaders Al Nassr with a 3-1 victory on Sunday, ending their 16-match winning run in the Roshn Saudi League. Al Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, holding a five-point lead over Al Hilal, who have a game in hand. Al Qadsiah, unbeaten at home this season, moved to 68 points in fourth place, just one point behind Al Ahli. Mohammed Abu Al Shamat gave the hosts the lead in the 24th minute with a close-range finish, before João Félix equalized for Al Nassr just before halftime. However, Musab Al Juwayr restored…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by the Holy Makkah Mayoralty, has announced the completion of its operational and service readiness for the 2026 Hajj season. This is through an integrated municipal ecosystem designed to enhance safety, safeguard public health, and improve field response efficiency across vital locations. Preparations include deploying over 22,000 field personnel, more than 3,000 vehicles and equipment units, round-the-clock emergency teams, shelters, and fixed and mobile laboratories to support on-ground operations. Extensive work has upgraded roads and infrastructure, covering over 73 million square meters, supported by 123 bridges and 44 tunnels. Readiness across…
Riyadh will host the 19th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV), under the patronage of the Digital Government Authority, with the participation of more than 700 specialists representing 60 countries. Held under the theme “Strengthening Digital Governance through Innovation, Human-Centered and Trustworthy Services,” the conference is organized by the United Nations University in collaboration with Prince Sultan University, from September 28 to October 1, 2026, in a step that reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global digital government landscape. Governor of the Digital Government Authority Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan noted that hosting…
RIYADH — Hajj Security Forces arrested one Saudi citizen, and two Egyptians and Yemeni residents each for violating Hajj regulations. They were caught while attempting to enter Makkah on foot through a desert area without a Hajj permit. They were detained, and legal procedures were initiated against them. The Public Security urged all Saudi citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and instructions and to report any violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom. Source: Saudi Gazette
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by its branch in Makkah Region, received 1,376 male and female pilgrims of Sudanese nationality arriving through Jeddah Islamic Port, with a warm welcome by working committees. During the reception, pilgrims were provided with a set of booklets, including the ministry’s awareness and guidance publications. These materials aim to help them perform their rituals with ease and comfort. The pilgrims expressed their happiness upon arrival and appreciation for the reception. They extended their thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership for efforts made to serve pilgrims from arrival until departure to their home countries. Source:…
RIYADH — The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi expressed the council’s full solidarity with Bahrain in all sovereign measures it takes to enhance and protect the security of its people and the stability of the Kingdom. Albudaiwi emphasized that the security of Bahrain is a top priority for the GCC member states and constitutes an integral part of the collective security and stability of the GCC. He underscored that the GCC states stand as one in confronting anything that might undermine Bahrain’s security or threaten the safety of its citizens. Source: Saudi Gazette