Author: Editorial Team
LONDON — European leaders on Saturday called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a UK-France-led multinational mission to protect maritime navigation. Speaking after a video conference involving 49 countries, along with the European Union and the International Maritime Organization, Starmer said participants agreed to accelerate military planning to secure the strategic waterway. “I can confirm that, along with France, the UK will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation as soon as conditions allow,” Starmer said, describing the operation as strictly peaceful and defensive. He said…
Aseer Region has established itself as a primary agricultural hub in Saudi Arabia, leveraging a diverse climate that spans the Sarawat Mountains to the Tihama plains. This geographical variety enables year-round cultivation, making agriculture a cornerstone of the local economy and a key element of the region’s cultural and tourism identity. A hallmark of Aseer’s agricultural heritage is its stone terraces, an ancient engineering model designed to prevent soil erosion and maximize rainwater harvest on steep mountain slopes. These traditional methods are now being complemented by modern technologies, such as greenhouses and advanced irrigation systems, significantly improving water efficiency and crop…
MAKKAH — Jeddah and several other governorates of the Makkah region witnessed a dust storm on Saturday. This follows the forecast of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), which stated earlier that active winds stirring up dust would hit the governorates of Jeddah, Rabigh, Bahra, Al-Kamil, Khulais, and Allith, including open areas and highways, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. The center indicated that the conditions persisted until 7:00 in the evening. Earlier on the day, NCM predicted thunderstorms accompanied by active winds and dust in Makkah. The report stated that the maximum temperature would reach 39 degrees Celsius, while the…
BEIRUT — A French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was killed and three others were wounded in an attack in southern Lebanon, French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday. In a post on X, Macron said Sergeant Major Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment in Montauban was killed during an attack against UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. He said three other French personnel were wounded and evacuated. “The nation bows in respect and expresses its support to the families of our soldiers and to all our military personnel committed to peace in Lebanon,” Macron said.…
Just shortly after its debut at Dubai Mall drew massive crowds, Primark’s second UAE store has officially opened, and shoppers are already lining up. The new branch at City Centre Mirdif opened its doors on April 9 at 10 am, with long queues forming outside early in the morning, echoing scenes from the brand’s first launch. Videos shared online show crowds gathering ahead of opening, with live music and in-store performances setting the tone for the launch. The opening also featured a performance by percussionist Rodolphe Manoukian. Royal visit ahead of second opening The buzz around the brand comes just…
The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed that all types of visit visas, apart from Hajj visas, do not entitle their holders to perform Hajj, warning that a fine of up to SAR20,000 will be applied on violators. The financial penalty will be imposed on visit visa holders who enter, attempt to enter, or stay in Makkah and the holy sites between the first day of Dhul-Qi’dah and the end of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah, according to the ministry. Illegal entrants for Hajj among residents and overstayers will also face deportation to their home countries and a ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia…
For the past few weeks, conversations around dining tables and gatherings have taken a different shape. Where is the world heading? When was the last time someone heard an alert? For Dr Azra Khamissa, the conversation was more hopeful, and she chose to take it further through her art. In a moment shared with friends, the word ghafla came up, a state of unawareness, of overlooking what truly matters. It became a reminder that in times of uncertainty, there is still something to hold on to, the blessings around us. The idea stayed with her. UAE-based henna artist Dr Azra…
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed the importance of all pilgrims’ affairs offices and Hajj service providers to inform pilgrims of the need to obtain an official permit to perform Hajj rituals for this year and to adhere to the approved procedures for entering Makkah and the holy sites. This is part of the ministry’s commitment to pilgrims’ safety, the quality of services provided, and enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment. The ministry stressed that performing Hajj is restricted to those who have obtained an official permit from the competent authorities.…
RIYADH — Saudi security authorities arrested a total of 14,487 illegal residents during the last week. The arrests were made in the joint inspections, carried out by the security forces in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, during the period between April 9 and April 15, the Ministry of Interior revealed on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 7,911 of the Residency Law, 3,588 violators of the Border Security Law, and 2,988 violators of the Labor Law. A total of 21,127 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents while 11,240 violators were referred to complete their…
Roads General Authority (RGA) CEO Engineer Badr Al-Dulami conducted a field tour of road projects in Madinah to ensure the network’s operational readiness and safety in accommodating the high traffic volumes expected during the upcoming 1447 AH Hajj season. Al-Dulami reviewed project progress and emphasized the strict implementation of global quality and safety standards, reflecting the RGA’s commitment to enhancing road reliability and operational efficiency for a seamless travel experience for pilgrims and visitors. The initiative underscores the authority’s role in supervising the road sector through continuous field monitoring, ensuring that Madinah’s arterial routes meet the highest levels of safety…