Author: Editorial Team
BANGKOK — Former Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha, who was serving a 27-year prison sentence , was granted a royal pardon a month after an appeals court upheld his conviction. Kem Sokha, 72, the co-founder of the now defunct Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), had been under house arrest since he was convicted of treason in March 2023, after a long spell in pretrial detention. He was first arrested in 2017 over a video where he said he had received support from US pro-democracy groups. The charges have been widely derided as politically motivated by human rights groups. Hun Sen,…
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced that the number of passengers transported by the Al Mashaaer Al Muqaddasah Metro Project from its official launch on Monday morning until the completion of transporting pilgrims to Arafat at 11:00 a.m. today exceeded 314,000. The third operational phase of the train is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. this evening, Tuesday. The phase will transport pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah. SAR previously announced an operational plan for the Al Mashaaer Al Muqaddasah Metro that includes more than 2,000 trips and the transportation of over two million passengers throughout the Hajj season. Source: Riyadh Daily
LAS VEGAS — South Korea’s popular boy bandBTS scored the top honor of artist of the year on Monday at the fan-voted American Music Awards in Las Vegas for the second consecutive year, cementing their status as one of the world’s biggest bands. The award, considered the ceremony’s grand prize, is just the latest crown jewel for the so-called kings of K-pop, who have been on a $1bn world tour since returning from a nearly four-year hiatus in March. BTS also won song of the summer for their album’s lead single Swim and best male K-pop artist, while label partners…
ARAFAT — The Saudi Ministry of Health has urged Hajj pilgrims to remain inside their camps and avoid going outdoors until 4 PM on the Day of Arafat. This is to prevent direct exposure to sunlight and extreme heat, thereby reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and sunstroke. The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to designated pilgrims’ dispatching schedules, using umbrellas regularly, and drinking plenty of water and fluids to maintain hydration. It also stressed avoiding climbing hills and ensuring adequate rest during the rituals, helping pilgrims reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and perform their rituals in good…
The Prophet’s Mosque welcomed worshippers and visitors on the Day of Arafah amid an integrated system of services provided by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque to help facilitate worship and create a suitable spiritual atmosphere. Since the early morning hours, the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards witnessed the arrival of large numbers of worshippers and visitors from various nationalities, many of whom were devoted to spending the blessed day in prayer, supplication, and Quran recitation. To support the flow of visitors, the authority mobilized its operational and service resources, including…
ARAFAT — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) warned of a gradual rise in temperatures in Arafat, coinciding with a noticeable decline in humidity levels, which may increase the sensation of heat and dryness in the atmosphere, particularly during daytime hours. The center urged pilgrims to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and to stay away from open areas whenever possible, while emphasizing the importance of remaining in shaded or enclosed areas and following the instructions and guidelines issued by relevant authorities to ensure their safety during Hajj rituals. Source: Saudi Gazette
RIYADH — A Saudi source confirmed that Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, according to the CNN. “There will be no normalization unless there is a clear and definitive path leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” the source said. According to the source, any future agreement must include credible guarantees ensuring the implementation of a two-state solution. The source stressed that Saudi Arabia’s position on the Palestinian issue remains unchanged. “Riyadh believes achieving peace and stability in the region hinges on finding a just and comprehensive settlement…
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that the total number of pilgrims for Hajj 2026 reached 1,707,301, with international pilgrims arriving through various entry points making up 1,546,655, while domestic pilgrims, comprising citizens and residents, reached 160,646. According to GASTAT statistical results for the 2026 Hajj season, the total headcount of domestic and international pilgrims comprised 893,396 male pilgrims and 813,905 female pilgrims. Regarding statistics on international pilgrims, GASTAT outlined that 1,485,729 arrived through air entry points, 54,429 arrived through road entry points, and 6,497 arrived through sea entry points. GASTAT relied on the Ministry of Interior’s administrative records as its…
ARAFAT — Jabal Al-Rahmah at the heart of Arafat stands witness to the greatest faith scenes longed for by Muslims from across the world. Since the dawn of the Day of Arafat, pilgrims flocked to this sacred ground, imploring Allah in supplication amid an atmosphere of serenity and devotion. The site witnessed smooth movement thanks to integrated field operational plans implemented by relevant entities to manage crowds, organize pedestrian routes, and facilitate access to areas surrounding the mountain, with round-the-clock guidance, humanitarian, and health services. In the mountain’s surroundings, pilgrims engaged in the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and dhikr,…
BEIRUT — Israeli air attacks have killed at least 11 people and wounded 15 others in eastern Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry said. The attacks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had authorized more intensive strikes against Hezbollah across Lebanon, putting further pressure on a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect last month. The air attacks hit the village of Mashghara in the Bekaa Valley late on Monday, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported on Tuesday. The Israeli military said in a statement that it struck more than 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and “terrorists” in the Bekaa Valley…