JEDDAH — Al Ittihad crashed out of the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-finals on Friday after a 1-0 defeat to Japanese side FC Machida Zelvia. A 31st-minute strike from Tete Yengi, which took a decisive deflection off Fabinho, proved enough to send the J1 League club into the semi-finals and end Al Ittihad’s hopes of a third Asian crown. Machida will now face either Buriram United or Shabab Al Ahli in the last four. Backed by more than 16,000 fans at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Al Ittihad started brightly, with Moussa Diaby and Roger Fernandes both threatening early. But…
Author: Editorial Team
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met today with Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs Ahmed Attaf on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest developments in the region in addition to discussing issues of common interest. Source: Riyadh Daily
A mix of horsepower and heritage is set to take over Dubai this weekend, as Kandura Rally returns for its fifth edition at Dubai Festival City Mall. Taking place on April 11, the one-day event brings together car enthusiasts, modified builds, and cultural expression, turning the mall’s outdoor space into a full-day motor festival. What is Kandura Rally Positioned as one of the UAE’s more community-driven car events, Kandura Rally blends automotive culture with local identity. The event celebrates the kandura not just as traditional dress, but as a symbol of pride, style, and belonging within the UAE’s youth and…
MAKKAH — The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced the completion of routine maintenance of the Holy Kaaba and Hijr Ismail, in line with the highest engineering and technical standards. It said the project was carried out under a precise operational plan that ensured smooth pilgrim flow without affecting rituals. The works took about 4,700 man-hours and included 31 main packages and 305 activities, covering maintenance of the Kaaba’s interior, roof, and surroundings, as well as detailed inspections and tests. The scope of work also included the replacement of more than 30…
LONDON — European leaders on Saturday called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a UK-France-led multinational mission to protect maritime navigation. Speaking after a video conference involving 49 countries, along with the European Union and the International Maritime Organization, Starmer said participants agreed to accelerate military planning to secure the strategic waterway. “I can confirm that, along with France, the UK will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation as soon as conditions allow,” Starmer said, describing the operation as strictly peaceful and defensive. He said…
Aseer Region has established itself as a primary agricultural hub in Saudi Arabia, leveraging a diverse climate that spans the Sarawat Mountains to the Tihama plains. This geographical variety enables year-round cultivation, making agriculture a cornerstone of the local economy and a key element of the region’s cultural and tourism identity. A hallmark of Aseer’s agricultural heritage is its stone terraces, an ancient engineering model designed to prevent soil erosion and maximize rainwater harvest on steep mountain slopes. These traditional methods are now being complemented by modern technologies, such as greenhouses and advanced irrigation systems, significantly improving water efficiency and crop…
Just shortly after its debut at Dubai Mall drew massive crowds, Primark’s second UAE store has officially opened, and shoppers are already lining up. The new branch at City Centre Mirdif opened its doors on April 9 at 10 am, with long queues forming outside early in the morning, echoing scenes from the brand’s first launch. Videos shared online show crowds gathering ahead of opening, with live music and in-store performances setting the tone for the launch. The opening also featured a performance by percussionist Rodolphe Manoukian. Royal visit ahead of second opening The buzz around the brand comes just…
BEIRUT — A French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was killed and three others were wounded in an attack in southern Lebanon, French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday. In a post on X, Macron said Sergeant Major Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment in Montauban was killed during an attack against UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. He said three other French personnel were wounded and evacuated. “The nation bows in respect and expresses its support to the families of our soldiers and to all our military personnel committed to peace in Lebanon,” Macron said.…
MAKKAH — Jeddah and several other governorates of the Makkah region witnessed a dust storm on Saturday. This follows the forecast of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), which stated earlier that active winds stirring up dust would hit the governorates of Jeddah, Rabigh, Bahra, Al-Kamil, Khulais, and Allith, including open areas and highways, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. The center indicated that the conditions persisted until 7:00 in the evening. Earlier on the day, NCM predicted thunderstorms accompanied by active winds and dust in Makkah. The report stated that the maximum temperature would reach 39 degrees Celsius, while the…
The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed that all types of visit visas, apart from Hajj visas, do not entitle their holders to perform Hajj, warning that a fine of up to SAR20,000 will be applied on violators. The financial penalty will be imposed on visit visa holders who enter, attempt to enter, or stay in Makkah and the holy sites between the first day of Dhul-Qi’dah and the end of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah, according to the ministry. Illegal entrants for Hajj among residents and overstayers will also face deportation to their home countries and a ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia…