Author: Editorial Team
The Passports Department at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has processed the departure procedures for the initial outbound flights of pilgrims returning home after completing their Hajj rituals. The General Directorate of Passports confirmed its peak operational readiness across all of the Kingdom’s land, air, and sea ports to handle the post-Hajj departure phase, urging all international pilgrims to strictly adhere to their scheduled travel times. Source: Riyadh Daily
MAKKAH — The Saudi Ministry of Health’s announcement that the 2026 Hajj season was free from any epidemic outbreaks or health threats affecting public health received widespread praise from the World Health Organization (WHO). The global health body commended Saudi Arabia’s success in managing one of the world’s largest human gatherings in accordance with the highest health standards. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Saudi Arabia on the successful Hajj season, praising the dedication of healthcare workers and their vital contribution to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for pilgrims. This recognition reflects international confidence in the efficiency of…
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, recorded a surge of 18.9 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, while national non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, decreased by 0.1 percent. According to the 2025 International Merchandise Trade Report, published by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) on Sunday, merchandise exports rose by 2.1 percent reaching SR1,170 billion while oil exports declined by 4 percent. The report showed an 8.8 percent increase in imports, reaching SR949.8 billion, and a 19.2 percent decrease in the trade surplus, falling to SR220.2 billion compared to 2024. The share of petroleum exports in total exports decreased…
Under the supervision of Najran Region Governor Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Al-Wadiah border crossing in Sharurah Governorate bid farewell to Yemeni pilgrims returning home after completing their Hajj rituals through an integrated system of services provided by all entities operating at the crossing. Government entities mobilized their capabilities and intensified efforts to serve pilgrims and expedite departure procedures with ease and without delay. The efforts were carried out in implementation of the wise leadership’s directives and under the governor’s follow-up. A number of Yemeni pilgrims expressed gratitude to the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin…
JEDDAH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received on Sunday a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron. During the call, the leaders discussed the latest developments in the region and the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region, as well as ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation. The Crown Prince and Macron reviewed areas of joint cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France, and explored ways to support and further strengthen them across a number of fields. Several regional and international issues of mutual interest were also figured in their…
BOSTON — A graduation ceremony of Saudi students from Boston universities held at Harvard University on Saturday. Cultural Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in the US, Acting Attaché in Canada and Supervisor for South American Countries Tahany Aleisa presided over the ceremony, attended by students, their families, and members of the academic community. Speaking on the occasion, Aleisa said the ceremony celebrated 70 male and female graduates from several prestigious institutions, led by Harvard University with 29 graduates, followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with nine, Boston University with 19, and Tufts University with 10, alongside graduates from the…
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by its Tabuk Region branch, began distributing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ gift of Holy Quran copies and translations of its meanings to pilgrims departing through Halat Ammar border crossing after completing their 1447 AH Hajj rituals. The gift includes copies of the Holy Quran and translations of its meanings published by King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah in several world languages. The copies are being distributed through field teams at the crossing. The ministry continues the distribution program across all land, air, and sea entry points as part…
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s general operating revenue index for wholesale and retail trade statistics recorded an increase of 7.3 percent during the first quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The index also rose by 0.5 percent quarter-on-quarter basis compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the preliminary results, published on Sunday by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The operating revenue index for retail trade, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, increased by 9.5 percent while wholesale trade, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, rose by 5.5 percent. Operating revenue for the sale and…
RIYADH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has called on pilgrims, who performed Hajj this year, to share their views and suggestions to help enhance services in future Hajj seasons. The initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to continuous improvement in the management and delivery of Hajj services. Al-Rabiah issued the invitation through his official account on the “X” platform, highlighting the importance of listening to pilgrims’ experiences and drawing upon their feedback and recommendations as a vital source of development and improvement. He noted that such insights play a key role in elevating service quality and enriching…
The Ministry of Health announced the successful conclusion of its health operations for the 1447 AH Hajj season, confirming that no epidemic outbreaks or public health threats were recorded among pilgrims. According to the ministry, medical teams provided more than 2.5 million health services to pilgrims from the start of the season until the 12th of Dhu Al-Hijjah. Ministry data showed that 114,889 individuals benefited from health centers and urgent-care facilities, while emergency departments treated 58,462 cases and outpatient clinics received 29,846 patients. Additionally, 8,342 patients were admitted to hospitals, and specialized teams performed 410 surgical procedures, including 323 cardiac…