Author: Editorial Team

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reiterated that strict adherence to official Hajj permits is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the security and safety of all pilgrims. The ministry urged all prospective pilgrims to verify the authenticity of their permits before making any travel arrangements. It reaffirmed that the “No Hajj without a permit” policy is the primary guarantee for a secure and spiritual experience for every visitor to the Two Holy Mosques. By following these regulations, pilgrims are empowered to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. “This contributes significantly to the smooth flow of movement and…

As Saudi Arabia’s retail and e-commerce landscape continues to evolve at a fast pace, Feedback Market Research and AccuPanel have announced an exclusive partnership to launch an AI-powered FMCG consumer panel in the Kingdom—designed to deliver real-time, high-frequency insights into consumer purchasing behaviour across both physical and digital channels. With rising consumer expectations, intensifying competition, and the rapid growth of e-commerce, FMCG brands in Saudi Arabia are under increasing pressure to respond quickly to shifts in pricing, promotions, and purchasing behaviour. Traditional research models, often reliant on delayed or fragmented data, struggle to keep pace with the speed of market…

DAMASCUS — Atef Najib, a cousin of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and former political security chief in Daraa, appeared Sunday before the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, marking one of Syria’s first transitional justice trials. Al-Ikhbariya broadcast footage showing Najib inside the defendant’s cage after being brought to court in the Syrian capital. An unnamed judge said the opening transitional justice proceedings included Najib in custody and several defendants being tried in absentia. Those listed as fugitives included Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, former Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij, former military intelligence chief in Daraa Laith al-Ali, and…

MANILA — Two Americans were among 19 suspected communist guerrillas killed in clashes with Philippine troops earlier this week in the central province of Negros Occidental, authorities said. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict said Saturday that the two U.S. nationals were killed alongside 17 suspected members of the New People’s Army during a series of armed encounters on April 19 in the coastal town of Toboso. The task force identified the Americans as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem. According to the statement, both arrived in the Philippines in March 2026. The agency said the…

The judging committee for the second Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for the Memorization of the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah continues its sessions in Dakar, Senegal, where participants from 53 African nations are competing in memorizing the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s Sunnah in an event organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. On the first day, the committees evaluated 50 contestants in the Quran categories and 12 in the Prophetic Sunnah divisions. The high caliber of performance highlighted the rigorous selection processes conducted by the participating countries. As one of Africa’s most prestigious academic…

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved record growth in date exports in 2025, with their value reaching SAR1.938 billion, a 14.3% increase compared to 2024 and a significant 59.5% surge since 2021. This milestone highlights the rising global demand for Saudi dates and the sector’s enhanced production efficiency, directly supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the national economy and increase the agricultural sector’s contribution to the GDP. Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Center for Palms and Dates Abdulrahman Alfadley attributed this success to the leadership’s support and effective…

 The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), in partnership with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), announced today the opening of registration for the Deep Tech Commercialization Bootcamp, targeting research teams across the Kingdom that have prototypes or advanced technologies ready for testing and commercialization. Registration will remain open until April 29, 2026. The bootcamp will take place at The Garage in Riyadh from May 3 to 5, 2026. It is designed to support researchers and innovators by providing an enabling environment and equipping them with the tools and skills needed to turn their innovation projects into successful…

What began as a regular Saturday lunch turned into a memorable moment for diners in Dubai after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made a surprise public appearance. A video shared by Atlantis The Palm on Saturday, April 25, showed the Dubai Ruler greeting visitors, posing for photos with children, and warmly interacting with families during the visit. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels. Guests dining at the venue could be seen smiling, filming the moment, and gathering for selfies as Sheikh Mohammed moved through the space accompanied by officials. The clip quickly…

Coffee cultivation in Aseer Region has achieved record growth, with the annual harvest exceeding 82,972 kilograms across 764 productive farms, according to data released by the Rijal Almaa Coffee Cooperative Association, which points to a significant expansion in the sector driven by both traditional farming methods and modern agricultural development. The region now boasts 254,101 coffee trees, including 143,744 currently fruit-bearing, reflecting a highly efficient and maturing agricultural cycle. The geographic diversity of the farms underscores the region’s unique environmental adaptability, comprising 178 flat farms and 2,656 terraced farms. This reliance on terraced agriculture highlights the deep connection between the sector and…

Now in its eighth year, the Makkah Route Initiative has returned to Istanbul Airport for the fourth consecutive year. A flagship program of the Ministry of Interior under Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative streamlines the journey for Turkish pilgrims by completing all entry procedures before they depart for the Kingdom. At the dedicated terminal in Istanbul, pilgrims benefit from a comprehensive service package, including the issuance of Hajj visas, biometric registration, and health requirement verification. The process also includes baggage tagging and sorting, ensuring that upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport…