The first flight carrying pilgrims under the Makkah Route Initiative departed today from Ankara Esenboğa Airport, Türkiye, bound for Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, marking the continued expansion of the program, which provides streamlined, high-quality services to pilgrims directly from their home countries. The initiative facilitates a seamless journey by completing all entry requirements at the point of departure. This includes the electronic issuance of Hajj visas, biometric data collection, and passport control. Additionally, luggage is coded and sorted according to accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom, allowing pilgrims to bypass airport procedures upon arrival and transfer directly to…
Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution amid forecast of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) about continued thunderstorms hitting across Saudi Arabia until Friday. The Civil Defense called on the people to remain in safe locations, stay away from areas prone to flash floods and valleys, refrain from swimming in them. It urged them to adhere to instructions disseminated through various media outlets and social media platforms. According to the NCM forecast, the Makkah region will be affected by moderate to heavy rain, leading to flash floods, hail, and dust storms.…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Sunday a phone call from Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein. During the call, they discussed current regional developments and issues of common interest. Source: Saudi Gazette
The General Directorate of Passports at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah efficiently processed the first flight of Hajj pilgrims arriving from Türkiye for the 1447 AH season, marking the commencement of international arrivals for this year’s pilgrimage. The directorate affirmed its comprehensive readiness to facilitate a seamless entry experience for pilgrims across all air, land, and sea ports by mobilizing advanced technological resources and specialized personnel to ensure the highest service standards throughout the Hajj season. Source: Riyadh Daily
TEHRAN — Iran on Sunday forced two oil tankers to turn back while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the move was in response to the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said the vessels, sailing under the flags of Botswana and Angola, were ordered to change course after what it described as an unauthorized transit attempt through the strategic waterway. On Saturday, Iran announced tighter control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned shipping operators that the key energy corridor had effectively been closed again. The conflict has remained on hold…
ISLAMABAD — Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday that continued dialogue is essential as a US delegation prepares to arrive in Islamabad. During a phone call, Dar stressed the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve current issues as soon as possible and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, according to a statement from his office. The two ministers agreed to remain in contact, the statement said. It added that a phone call between the Iranian president and the Pakistani prime minister is likely later Sunday. Earlier, multiple Pakistani…
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has completed the annual raising of the lower section of the Kiswa (Kaaba’s covering) by three meters, as part of a comprehensive preparations to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season of 1447 AH. The operation was executed by a specialized team of 34 skilled craftsmen who completed the task in two hours. Following organized and precise protocols, the team raised the silk covering and secured a two-meter-wide white cotton cloth around all four sides of the Kaaba. This procedure is a standard maintenance practice aimed…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the implementation of two decisions to raise Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions, effective from Sunday, April 19 following the expiry of the grace period granted to private sector establishments. This is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide more motivating job opportunities for Saudi men and women across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The decisions stipulate raising the Saudization rate in at least 20 marketing and sales professions in the private sector to 60 percent. This will be applicable to establishments with three or more employees…
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday called for reducing Russia oil exports, saying any easing of sanctions against Moscow helps finance the war. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said continued sanctions relief fuels what he described as the Russian leadership’s illusion that it can continue the conflict. He said more than 110 tankers from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet are currently at sea. According to Zelenskyy, the vessels are carrying more than 12 million tons of Russian oil that can again be sold because of weaker sanctions enforcement. He said the cargo is worth around $10 billion and…
The coasts of the Farasan Islands in Jazan Region have witnessed frequent dolphin sightings, a captivating natural spectacle that highlights the Red Sea’s rich biodiversity, where these marine mammals are often seen in social groups leaping through the waves, particularly during the early morning and at sunset, offering boaters and nature enthusiasts an exceptional experience in a pristine habitat. The islands’ clear waters, diverse coral reefs, and abundant food resources provide an ideal ecosystem for dolphin survival and reproduction. As part of a protected nature reserve, the Farasan Islands support a balanced environment that sustains diverse marine life and migratory birds,…