Author: Editorial Team
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…
Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz inspected the operations of Civil Defense units in Mina today. During the tour, Prince Abdulaziz reviewed rapid-response mechanisms for emergencies and emergency plans implemented by Civil Defense to handle field incidents. He also reviewed support provided for operational coordination and preventive programs aimed at enhancing safety standards and ensuring pilgrims’ well-being in the holy sites. The minister inspected human resources, advanced equipment, and modern technological solutions deployed by Civil Defense during the Hajj season. The measures help strengthen the efficiency of responding to reports…
MAKKAH — Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif inspected on Tuesday the facilities and reviewed operations of the Special Security Forces under the State Security Presidency, and the Civil Defense units in Mina. At the Special Security Forces premises, the minister was received by the Head of State Security Abdulaziz Al-Howairini. During his inspection tour, Prince Abdulaziz reviewed the operational readiness of the Special Security Forces and the security and organizational plans prepared for the Hajj season. He listened to a briefing presented by the Commander of the Special Security…
RIYADH — Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi received on Tuesday phone calls from Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rajji. During the calls, they commended the unwavering stance of the GCC states in supporting the security and stability of Lebanon, reflecting the depth of the brotherly ties and shared destiny between both sides. They reviewed the latest developments and updates related with Lebanon. Albudaiwi underscored that the GCC stands firmly by Lebanon in everything that enhances its security, stability, and territorial sovereignty, and fulfills the aspirations of its people…
After sunset on Tuesday, pilgrims bid farewell to Arafat as they continued their spiritual journey to Muzdalifah. The movement to Muzdalifah saw millions of pilgrims traveling along pedestrian routes in white ihram garments at the third stage of the Hajj journey. The pedestrian pathways in the holy sites, stretching 25 kilometers from Jabal Al-Rahmah in Arafat to Mina via Muzdalifah, are regarded as the world’s longest pedestrian route and witness the largest annual human movement during the Hajj season. Along the route, water misting stations are distributed to cool the atmosphere and ease the heat. Source: Riyadh Daily
Dubai — Reinforcing its role in developing future-ready talent for the UAE workforce, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus hosted the 11th edition of its Annual Career Fair, bringing together more than 80 recruiters and over 400 students from first and higher degree engineering and management programmes. With over 60 companies participating onsite and 20+ recruiters joining virtually, the event delivered strong outcomes, with 51% of participating students shortlisted by at least one company and several attracting interest from multiple employers. The Career Fair featured leading UAE and international employers across technology, logistics, retail, e-commerce, consulting and engineering, including Danube Properties, Aramex,…
MUZDALIFAH — After completing their main ritual of standing at Arafat, the core pillar of Hajj, by sunset, pilgrims moved to Muzdalifah in a calm and dignified manner, reciting talbiyah a great deal. Upon their arrival in Muzdalifah, pilgrims performed the Maghrib prayer with three raka’a and Isha prayer shortened in two raka’a at the time of Isha following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They are spending the night in Muzdalifah in supplication. The departure from Arafat to Muzdalifah marks the third stage of the pilgrims’ journey through the holy sites. They collect pebbles from…