Author: Editorial Team
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development concluded its operations for the 1447 AH Hajj season following the successful implementation of a comprehensive range of regulatory, operational, and community initiatives. The measures supported the readiness of the seasonal labor market, enhanced compliance levels, and expanded humanitarian services provided to pilgrims across Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites. The ministry provided specialized services to more than 300,000 pilgrims, including over 160,000 older persons. Field teams also assisted approximately 1,500 persons with disabilities, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility. Operational data showed the delivery of more than…
Data issued by the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) indicate that the GCC countries recorded a 3% decline in the annual rate of groundwater extraction over the past nine years, alongside an increase in the share of renewable water resources, which reached 25.5% in 2024. This reflects the growing focus on implementing sustainable water resource management policies, as the GCC countries continue to pursue strategic directions aimed at enhancing the sustainability of water resources and achieving water security for future generations through reducing dependence on groundwater and increasing the share of…
BEIRUT — Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has denounced what he called a “dangerous and unprecedented” escalation in south Lebanon, as Israel carried out fresh airstrikes and issued evacuation warnings for more than a dozen locations. In a televised address on Satuday, Salam urged an immediate halt to the fighting and insisted that a “scorched-earth policy and collective punishment” pursued by Benjamin Netanyahu will not ensure Israel’s security. A day after the Israeli prime minister said his forces had advanced deeper into Lebanon, Salam accused Israel of “implementing a policy of total destruction of cities and towns” and of carrying…
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in partnership with airports and operating companies, continues its supervisory, regulatory, and field inspection work during the 1447 AH Hajj season, including monitoring Hajj terminals and airports, addressing operational challenges, and enhancing the quality and efficiency of services provided to pilgrims during the departure phase. The measures are part of an integrated framework designed to ensure a safe and smooth journey for pilgrims, oversee compliance with the highest standards of security and safety, and assess the quality of services delivered by airports, airlines, and other service providers. The authority has deployed advanced technologies to automate…
MADINAH — As pilgrims head to Madinah after completing their Hajj rituals, the Ministry of Commerce continues its inspection and supply-monitoring tours to assess the availability of goods in markets and retail outlets to meet an increase in demand. The tours also aimed to verify the quality and efficiency of services provided to pilgrims, as well as to enhance regulatory compliance and supporting market stability. The ministry’s inspection teams are carrying out these tours across various targeted locations in Madinah, verifying the availability of essential goods and products and monitoring commercial establishments’ compliance with applicable regulations and instructions. Source: Saudi…
VIENNA — Thousands of Austrians protesting against noise and pollution caused by excessive congestion blocked a key European highway linking Germany and Italy on Saturday, but widely feared traffic chaos was averted after the closure was lifted by evening. Because of the protest, authorities closed part of the highway and surrounding roads to transit traffic from 11:00 am (0900 GMT) to 7:00 pm. Authorities and motoring organizations had feared traffic chaos due to the closure and the Whitsun holidays in Germany. “All lanes are open again,” a spokesman for the motorway operator Asfinag said on Saturday evening. Heading north, the…
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…