Author: Editorial Team
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a comprehensive communication suite to provide religious guidance for the 1447 AH Hajj season. Through a 24/7 free hotline at 8002451000, the ministry is answering pilgrims’ inquiries regarding Hajj rituals and worship. To ensure global accessibility, the hotline is staffed by qualified scholars and supported by translators fluent in 14 languages. The service is further enhanced by an automated response system designed to streamline the handling of inquiries from pilgrims of various nationalities. In addition to the hotline, the ministry has activated a video call service available in over 40…
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is observed every year on 17 May, the day highlights how resilient networks, cloud platforms, data centres, and digital ecosystems are shaping inclusive, secure, and AI-ready economies. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day has become more relevant than ever in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital-first economies. What began as a commemoration of global telecommunications history is now a timely reminder that connectivity is no longer a background utility. Modern economies, public services, and enterprises increasingly depend on it. From fibre networks and 5G infrastructure to satellites, data…
RIYADH — Saudi security authorities arrested a total of 9,576 illegal residents in a 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 May 7 and 13, the Ministry of Interior revealed on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 4,865 violators of the Residency Law, 3,319 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,392 violators of the Labor Law. A total of 11,272 illegal residents were deported while 2,311 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 11,226 violators…
MAKKAH — Customs at Saudi land, sea, and air ports recorded 915 seizures of contraband last week. The seized items include 62 types of narcotics, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, and Captagon pills, in addition to 395 other prohibited substances. Customs ports also foiled attempts to smuggle 1,942 units of tobacco and its derivatives, along with 12 types of cash, and two types of weapons and related equipment. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) affirmed its commitment to strengthening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports to ensure the security and protection of society, through continuous cooperation and…
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has activated an intensified operational plan at the Grand Mosque, deploying a massive fleet of medical resources to ensure the safety of worshippers and visitors. To handle high-density crowds and ensure rapid response times, SRCA has stationed more than 270 ambulance units across Makkah and the central area. The authority’s specialized fleet consists of 58 standard ambulances, 23 ambulance golf carts, and 12 rapid intervention teams. For maneuvering through crowded passageways and high-density areas, SRCA is also utilizing ambulance motorcycles, scooters, and electric vehicles. More than 570 paramedics, technicians, and specialists, supported by health…
LONDON — The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the United Kingdom has urged all Saudi citizens to exercise caution and stay away from gatherings in London. In a statement issued on Friday, the Embassy said: “Demonstrations are expected to take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in several areas. We urge everyone to exercise caution, adhere to the instructions of local authorities, and avoid gatherings and demonstrations for your safety.” The embassy pointed out that in case of any emergency, the citizens should contact directly on the unified number for Saudi affairs (00447799519495). The Saudi Embassy’s advisory came amid reports…
TEHRAN — Iran has developed a mechanism to regulate maritime traffic through a designated route in the Strait of Hormuz and plans to impose fees for “specialized services” provided under the system, a senior Iranian lawmaker said on Saturday. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran would benefit from the planned arrangement. “In this process, only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran will benefit from it,” Azizi wrote on X. He added that Tehran would soon unveil the details of the plan, warning that…
Rafha, May 15, 2026, SPA — The deserts of Rafha have seen a significant resurgence of spiny-tailed lizards, signaling ecological recovery in Northern Borders Region. This return to natural habitats follows a decline in overhunting and environmental pressures, aided by rising temperatures and seasonal vegetation growth. Experts attribute this recovery to strict environmental enforcement by the Special Forces for Environmental Security and increased public awareness regarding wildlife preservation. These combined efforts have effectively reduced poaching and stabilized local biodiversity. As diurnal herbivores, these lizards play a critical role in the desert ecosystem by aerating soil and improving rainwater infiltration through…
BANGKOK — Thailand has urged Iran to ensure the safe passage of eight Thai-flagged vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing restrictions in the strategic waterway, Thai media reported. The request was made by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, according to the Thai Enquirer news website. During the discussions, Sihasak expressed concern over the escalating Middle East conflict and its global economic impact, particularly navigation restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, where vessels from several…
NEW YORK — Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel emphasized the critical importance of protecting maritime routes and freedom of navigation, specifically in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, as pillars for international supply chains. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to global market stability, sustainable development, and ensuring reliable energy flows to support the global economy. Al-Wasel made the remarks while addressing the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Special Meeting on “Safeguarding energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation” in New York. Al-Wasel condemned attacks on energy infrastructure andcivilian…