PARIS — France has barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory following what French officials described as unacceptable conduct toward activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the decision on Saturday, saying the move came after incidents involving French and European citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla. “France cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened, intimidated, or brutalized,” Barrot said, particularly by a serving government minister. In a post on X, Barrot said Ben-Gvir’s actions had also been condemned by several Israeli political and government figures. “They follow a long list of…
Author: Editorial Team
MINA— As more than 1.5 million pilgrims from all around the world gather in Makkah for the upcoming annual pilgrimage amid rising temperatures, successful organization of a hassle-free Hajj extends far beyond logistics and traffic control. What appears to observers as simple open walkways is, in reality, a meticulously engineered environment designed to mitigate the sun’s impact and alleviate heat stress on pilgrims. In recent years, expansive shading and cooling projects have become an essential pillar of the infrastructure at the holy sites. At the forefront of these efforts are extensive pathway shading initiatives. Vast networks of modern canopies now…
PAW Patrol® is coming to Dhahran. From 28 May to 6 June 2026, families across the Eastern Province are invited to a new adventure at Dhahran Mall as Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skyeand Ryder arrive for a live stage experience that brings Adventure Bay to life. Presented by Dhahran Mall in partnership with Paramount and Spin Master, and produced by EventBox, “The Big Show Rescue” is a free stage show with multiple daily performances. Following each performance, children will have the opportunity to meet PAW Patrol’s Chase and Marshall in person. The adventure does not stop at the stage. The Adventure…
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan said on Saturday that “encouraging progress” had been achieved toward reaching a final understanding between the United States and Iran to end the ongoing regional conflict. In a statement issued after Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded a day-long visit to Tehran, the Pakistani military said intensive negotiations over the past 24 hours had advanced mediation efforts. “The intensive negotiations over the last 24 hours have resulted in encouraging progress towards a final understanding,” the statement said. Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday evening for his second visit to Iran in recent weeks as part…
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Saturday that he is “50-50” on whether Washington will reach a deal with Iran or resume military strikes, adding that he expects to make a decision by Sunday. Speaking to Axios, Trump said it was a “solid 50/50” chance that the United States could either secure a “good” agreement with Tehran or “blow them to kingdom come.” “I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good,” Trump said. The US president added…
Marking World Biodiversity Day under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) hosted an expert seminar showcasing Saudi Arabia’s expanding ecological achievements. NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban highlighted the center’s central role in formulating the national biodiversity framework—a domestic adaptation of the global Kunming-Montreal framework featuring 22 strategic objectives developed alongside 45 public and private partners. Driven by the targets of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030, the center has successfully expanded its species breeding and reintroduction programs from seven to 21, resulting in the release of over 10,000 animals across 80 species…
RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced on Saturday that land, sea, and air customs ports across Saudi Arabia recorded 931 seizures of various types and forms of prohibited items during the last week. The seized items included 76 narcotics, 413 prohibited items, 1,827 tobacco products, 13 cases involving cash, and five cases involving weapons and related equipment. ZATCA affirmed its commitment to tightening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports to ensure the security and protection of society. This is part of ZATCA’s ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect society from prohibited items, in…
RIYADH — Saudi security forces arrested a total of 8,943 illegal residents in a week. The arrests were made in joint inspections, carried out in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, during the period between May 14 and 20, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 4,638 violators of the Residency Law, 2,810 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,495 violators of the Labor Law. The total number of people who were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom accounted for 1,158, of whom 38 percent were Yemeni nationals, 61 percent…
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030, Umm Al-Qura University has mobilized over 2,000 staff and 1,469 trained student volunteers to serve pilgrims during the 1447 AH Hajj season. The university’s specialized institutes are driving operational efficiency by conducting 16 field research studies and delivering 348 training courses, surpassing one million training hours, for Hajj service providers. On the ground, students trained in crowd and disaster management are actively supporting health and civil defense agencies, while the university provides vital translation and guidance services in over 40 languages. Additionally, the institution has adopted 600 innovative service ideas, hosted 30 scientific forums, and welcomed…
MINA — Hajj Security Forces arrested 12 expatriates and one Saudi citizen for violating Hajj rules and regulations in three separate incidents. In the first incident, five Turkish residents were arrested for violating Hajj regulations and instructions by attempting to enter Makkah through dirt roads and valleys without obtaining Hajj permits. Legal action was taken against them. Security patrols in Makkah also arrested four residents of Indian and Bangladeshi nationalities for fraud and deception through publishing fake and misleading advertisements for Hajj services on social media platforms. The security authorities seized forged cards, documents, and tools used in the crime.…