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…
Author: Editorial Team
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…
For the past few weeks, conversations around dining tables and gatherings have taken a different shape. Where is the world heading? When was the last time someone heard an alert? For Dr Azra Khamissa, the conversation was more hopeful, and she chose to take it further through her art. In a moment shared with friends, the word ghafla came up, a state of unawareness, of overlooking what truly matters. It became a reminder that in times of uncertainty, there is still something to hold on to, the blessings around us. The idea stayed with her. UAE-based henna artist Dr Azra…
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed the importance of all pilgrims’ affairs offices and Hajj service providers to inform pilgrims of the need to obtain an official permit to perform Hajj rituals for this year and to adhere to the approved procedures for entering Makkah and the holy sites. This is part of the ministry’s commitment to pilgrims’ safety, the quality of services provided, and enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment. The ministry stressed that performing Hajj is restricted to those who have obtained an official permit from the competent authorities.…
RIYADH — Saudi security authorities arrested a total of 14,487 illegal residents during the last 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 April 9 and April 15, the Ministry of Interior revealed on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 7,911 of the Residency Law, 3,588 violators of the Border Security Law, and 2,988 violators of the Labor Law. A total of 21,127 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents while 11,240 violators were referred to complete their…
Roads General Authority (RGA) CEO Engineer Badr Al-Dulami conducted a field tour of road projects in Madinah to ensure the network’s operational readiness and safety in accommodating the high traffic volumes expected during the upcoming 1447 AH Hajj season. Al-Dulami reviewed project progress and emphasized the strict implementation of global quality and safety standards, reflecting the RGA’s commitment to enhancing road reliability and operational efficiency for a seamless travel experience for pilgrims and visitors. The initiative underscores the authority’s role in supervising the road sector through continuous field monitoring, ensuring that Madinah’s arterial routes meet the highest levels of safety…
Why do we go to a restaurant? Perhaps to enjoy good food. But then, can we not cook good food at home? Perhaps it’s for consistency. Consistency of what — taste, quality, experience? Or maybe to seek a change. A change in what, exactly? Perhaps for a shift in ambience, the subtle difference in flavour, the pleasure of variety. Yet, one might still wonder, can we not create that same variety within the comfort of our own home? Perhaps we step out for something less tangible — a few unguarded moments to look at one another and smile, instead of…
MADINAH — The first batches of Hajj pilgrims from several countries arrived in Madinah and Jeddah on Saturday, Dhul Qada 1, marking the commencement of international arrivals for this year’s pilgrimage. They included pilgrims traveling under the Makkah Route initiative from Turkiye, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Bangladesh in addition to the pilgrims from India. Most of the pilgrims arrived at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Saturday while some groups of pilgrims landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Saudi officials as well as diplomats from the respective countries accorded a warm reception for the pilgrims. The…
TEHRAN — Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous status under the control of Iran’s armed forces, citing what it described as an ongoing US blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement carried by Tasnim news agency, the IRGC joint command said the strategic waterway is under the strict management and control of the armed forces. It added that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain tightly controlled until the United States restores full freedom of movement for vessels traveling to and from Iran. The statement came a day…
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at Jeddah Islamic Port has foiled an attempt to smuggle 29.1 kilograms of cocaine into the Kingdom. The illicit substance was found concealed within the air conditioning unit of an arriving shipping container. ZATCA spokesperson Hamoud Al-Harbi stated that the discovery was made using advanced security technologies during routine inspection procedures. He emphasized that the authority remains committed to tightening control over imports and exports to protect society from narcotics, working in close coordination with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. The authority urged the public to support national security by reporting smuggling…