Author: Editorial Team
JEDDAH — The Saudi Passport authorities have made it easy and quick for six eligible categories of people, in addition to expatriates, to apply for an entry permit to Makkah during the current Hajj season through the Absher Individuals platform. These categories include holders of the Premium Residency, investors, citizens from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, non-Saudi mothers of Saudi citizens, non-Saudi family members, and domestic workers. The service allows these categories of people to get issued an entry permit through completing a few simple steps on Absher. The security forces started on Dhul Qada 1, corresponding to April…
On February 28, 2026, it wasn’t just the sound of explosions that shook the region. There was another sound — quieter on the surface, yet far more consequential for the world: the sound of aircraft engines shutting down, one after another, in a moment when the sky itself seemed to be pulled from beneath the maps of international aviation. With the coordinated strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, followed within hours by an Iranian retaliation involving missiles and drones, the fallout didn’t stop at the boundaries of military confrontation. It spread rapidly to the most…
Rabih Itani. Middle East cybersecurity market is set to surpass $37 billion by 2034, driven by rapid digital transformation. Dubai — WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in unified cybersecurity, has announced the appointment of Rabih Itani as Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The appointment comes at a time of significant growth across the region, with the Middle East cybersecurity market projected to more than double from USD 16.72 billion in 2025 to USD 37.22 billion by 2034 (Market Data Forecast), driven by digital transformation across finance, healthcare, energy, and government sectors. In this newly created role,…
Rabih Itani. Middle East cybersecurity market is set to surpass $37 billion by 2034, driven by rapid digital transformation. Dubai — WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in unified cybersecurity, has announced the appointment of Rabih Itani as Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The appointment comes at a time of significant growth across the region, with the Middle East cybersecurity market projected to more than double from USD 16.72 billion in 2025 to USD 37.22 billion by 2034 (Market Data Forecast), driven by digital transformation across finance, healthcare, energy, and government sectors. In this newly created role,…
RIYADH — Ride-hailing applications recorded significant growth during the first quarter of 2026, exceeding 32 million trips, an increase of 15.77 percent compared to the same period last year. These figures reflect the sector’s continued development and its role in supporting and enhancing the mobility experience, according to statements issued by the Transport General Authority (TGA). These indicators highlight the growing reliance on ride-hailing services as a preferred mode of urban transportation, supported by their widespread availability across the Kingdom and the efficiency and quality of services provided. Source: Saudi Gazette
RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has reinforced the strict prohibition of manufacturing or storing food products without obtaining the necessary licenses to conduct food-related activities during the Hajj season, warning that violators may face a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines of SR10 million. In a press statement on Wednesday, the authority emphasized that all food factories and warehouses must adhere to the provisions of the Food Law and its Implementing Regulation, highlighting that the safety of food and medicine for pilgrims remains its top priority and stating it will maintain a zero-tolerance policy…
Luxury dining brand GAIA has begun relocating its Dubai-based teams to international destinations as part of its summer 2026 expansion, aiming to preserve jobs while maintaining service standards across markets. The move, led by Fundamental Hospitality, will see staff deployed to seasonal pop-ups in destinations such as St Tropez and Bodrum, aligning operations with where its global clientele travels during the summer months. At a time when many hospitality businesses adjust headcount during quieter periods, the group said it has prioritised continuity for its workforce by offering international placements instead. “Our summer pop-ups are not just about being present in…
JEDDAH —Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto in Jeddah on Tuesday. During the meeting, the ministers reviewed Saudi-Italian bilateral relations and partnership and ways to further enhance them in the military and defense fields. They also discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the developments in the region, as well as coordination of joint efforts to enhance regional security and stability. The meeting was attended by a number of officials from both countries. Source: Saudi Gazette
AlfaNow, a cross-border payments company built for how the world moves money today, has officially signed Al Fardan Exchange as its first UAE partner. The partnership enables customers to access AlfaNow’s international money transfer capabilities across 92+ Al Fardan Exchange branches nationwide. Through this collaboration, customers can send money quickly and securely to over 125 countries, supported by AlfaNow’s global ecosystem of banking partners, payout locations, and digital wallet connectivity. The partnership represents an important milestone in AlfaNow’s growth journey while reinforcing Al Fardan Exchange’s continued commitment to expanding access to trusted, future-ready financial solutions. Hasan Jaber, Chief Executive Officer…
CAIRO — The Council of the Arab League at the level of foreign ministers strongly condemned the blatant attacks carried out by Iran using missiles and drones against the territories of the six Gulf states as well as Jordan and Iraq. In a resolution issued by the extraordinary ministerial-level meeting of the Arab League Council, the foreign ministers also denounced Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al Mandeb Strait. They called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to assume its responsibility in maintaining regional and international peace and security and to ensure accountability for…