Author: Editorial Team

Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami inspected the Hajj security forces and supporting military entities participating in serving pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season of 1447 AH in the holy sites.  During his inspection tour, Al-Bassami affirmed the readiness of the security and organizational plans aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of pilgrims, facilitating the performance of rituals with ease and peace of mind. Source: Riyadh Daily

The Rabiah Kidana project marks a new step in developing pilgrim accommodation in Mina by offering a modern lodging model to improve comfort and make more efficient use of space within the holy sites.  The project was implemented by Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Ithraa Hospitality Holding. It aims to provide an advanced residential environment that ensures privacy and comfort while supporting operational readiness during the Hajj season.  The development includes eight modern two-story buildings spanning more than 33,000…

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international health emergency over a rare strain of Ebola that has killed dozens in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but stopped short of calling the outbreak a pandemic on Sunday.  The WHO said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency but said countries sharing land borders with DRC are at high risk for further spread. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. “WHO…is hereby determining that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of…

The Film Commission has announced the updated cash rebate program as part of efforts to support the growth of the Kingdom’s film production sector, attract high-quality projects, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for filmmaking. The update includes raising incentive rates to up to 60% of eligible expenditures, alongside enhanced evaluation mechanisms to ensure sustainable value for film projects.  The announcement was made during the commission’s participation at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, where filmmakers, producers, and investors from around the world gather each year.  The updated cash-rebate program introduces a set of practical…

Umm Al-Qura, the official gazette of Saudi Arabia, launched its new visual identity with today’s issue in a modernization effort designed to bridge its century-long legacy with the digital requirements of Saudi Vision 2030.  Founded in 1924 by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, Umm Al-Qura was the Kingdom’s first newspaper. The updated identity preserves the authentic Arabic script of the original logo while refining visual elements for better usability on digital platforms.  Developed in collaboration with the Center for Government Communication at the Ministry of Media, the new unified visual system enhances the gazette’s institutional presence and streamlines content…

GAZA CITY — Izz al-Din al-Haddad, commander of the military wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, was killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza City on Friday evening, according to local sources. The strike also killed his wife and daughter, the sources said, adding that funeral prayers for the family were later held in Gaza City. Al-Haddad’s sister also confirmed his death while speaking to reporters. Earlier, the Israeli army said it had killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad in a strike targeting Gaza City. The development comes as Israeli forces continue operations and reported violations of the ceasefire agreement in the…

KYIV — Russia handed over the bodies of 528 fallen soldiers to Ukraine as part of ongoing repatriation efforts between the two countries, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced on Saturday. According to Ukrainian authorities, the bodies — which Russia said may belong to Ukrainian servicemen — were returned under humanitarian repatriation measures. In a statement posted on Facebook, the coordination headquarters said law enforcement investigators and forensic experts would work to identify the deceased. Earlier on Friday, Russian state news agency Tass reported, citing sources, that Moscow and Kyiv had exchanged the bodies of…

Civil Defense forces have intensified field operations at the Prophet’s Mosque for the 1447 AH Hajj season, providing humanitarian assistance, guiding pilgrims, and ensuring rapid response to emergencies in high-density areas.  Field teams and specialized units are heavily stationed throughout the mosque’s courtyards and surrounding areas to monitor preventive safety measures. These efforts are part of a comprehensive plan to ensure all sites are prepared to handle potential incidents and maintain the safety of worshippers and visitors during the peak season. Source: Riyadh Daily

RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for major continental glory in Saudi Arabia ended in heartbreak on Saturday night after Al Nassr fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Under the lights at King Saud University Stadium, Ronaldo and Al Nassr dominated possession, created chances and threw everything at the Japanese side but one moment from Deniz Hümmet proved enough to hand Gamba Osaka their first Asian crown since 2008. For Ronaldo, it was another crushing near-miss in a Saudi Arabia chapter that has delivered goals, records and global attention, but still…

MAKKAH — The comprehensive national application Tawakkalna enabled pilgrims and personnel working during the Hajj season of 2026 to access government services related to Hajj in 19 international languages. This initiative formed part of an integrated digital ecosystem led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), with the objective of facilitating the pilgrims’ journey and enhancing their digital experience from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure. The Tawakkalna app offers over 1,300 digital services in collaboration with more than 350 government entities, across various categories including health, education, justice, tourism, professional, and entertainment…