The Film Commission has announced the updated cash rebate program as part of efforts to support the growth of the Kingdom’s film production sector, attract high-quality projects, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for filmmaking. The update includes raising incentive rates to up to 60% of eligible expenditures, alongside enhanced evaluation mechanisms to ensure sustainable value for film projects. The announcement was made during the commission’s participation at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, where filmmakers, producers, and investors from around the world gather each year. The updated cash-rebate program introduces a set of practical…
Author: Editorial Team
Umm Al-Qura, the official gazette of Saudi Arabia, launched its new visual identity with today’s issue in a modernization effort designed to bridge its century-long legacy with the digital requirements of Saudi Vision 2030. Founded in 1924 by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, Umm Al-Qura was the Kingdom’s first newspaper. The updated identity preserves the authentic Arabic script of the original logo while refining visual elements for better usability on digital platforms. Developed in collaboration with the Center for Government Communication at the Ministry of Media, the new unified visual system enhances the gazette’s institutional presence and streamlines content…
GAZA CITY — Izz al-Din al-Haddad, commander of the military wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, was killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza City on Friday evening, according to local sources. The strike also killed his wife and daughter, the sources said, adding that funeral prayers for the family were later held in Gaza City. Al-Haddad’s sister also confirmed his death while speaking to reporters. Earlier, the Israeli army said it had killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad in a strike targeting Gaza City. The development comes as Israeli forces continue operations and reported violations of the ceasefire agreement in the…
KYIV — Russia handed over the bodies of 528 fallen soldiers to Ukraine as part of ongoing repatriation efforts between the two countries, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced on Saturday. According to Ukrainian authorities, the bodies — which Russia said may belong to Ukrainian servicemen — were returned under humanitarian repatriation measures. In a statement posted on Facebook, the coordination headquarters said law enforcement investigators and forensic experts would work to identify the deceased. Earlier on Friday, Russian state news agency Tass reported, citing sources, that Moscow and Kyiv had exchanged the bodies of…
Civil Defense forces have intensified field operations at the Prophet’s Mosque for the 1447 AH Hajj season, providing humanitarian assistance, guiding pilgrims, and ensuring rapid response to emergencies in high-density areas. Field teams and specialized units are heavily stationed throughout the mosque’s courtyards and surrounding areas to monitor preventive safety measures. These efforts are part of a comprehensive plan to ensure all sites are prepared to handle potential incidents and maintain the safety of worshippers and visitors during the peak season. Source: Riyadh Daily
MAKKAH — The comprehensive national application Tawakkalna enabled pilgrims and personnel working during the Hajj season of 2026 to access government services related to Hajj in 19 international languages. This initiative formed part of an integrated digital ecosystem led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), with the objective of facilitating the pilgrims’ journey and enhancing their digital experience from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure. The Tawakkalna app offers over 1,300 digital services in collaboration with more than 350 government entities, across various categories including health, education, justice, tourism, professional, and entertainment…
RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for major continental glory in Saudi Arabia ended in heartbreak on Saturday night after Al Nassr fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Under the lights at King Saud University Stadium, Ronaldo and Al Nassr dominated possession, created chances and threw everything at the Japanese side but one moment from Deniz Hümmet proved enough to hand Gamba Osaka their first Asian crown since 2008. For Ronaldo, it was another crushing near-miss in a Saudi Arabia chapter that has delivered goals, records and global attention, but still…
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…
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…