Saudi

In a historic shift, Saudi Arabia will permit limited alcohol sales in 2026—ending a 73-year prohibition—as part of preparations for Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, The Economic Times reported. The policy, aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed bin…

Saudi officials announced on Monday that over one million Hajj pilgrims from abroad have arrived in the Kingdom as preparations continue for this year’s annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Al Arabia reported. At a news conference about the Hajj season preparations,…

A new exhibition dedicated to the history of the Kaaba has been launched in Mecca to coincide with the 2025 Hajj season, Iqna reported. The “First House” exhibition, inaugurated by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque…

Saudi authorities arrested 13,118 individuals in one week for breaching residency, labor, and border regulations, Saudi-based Arab News reported on Saturday. According to the report, 8,150 were held for residency violations, 3,344 for illegal border crossings, and 1,624 for labor-related…

Saudi authorities have expanded the use of flexible rubber asphalt on pedestrian walkways in Makkah by 33% ahead of Hajj 2025, Arab News Agency reported. The latest extension includes the route from Namirah Mosque to Al-Mashaer train station in Arafat,…

Saudi Arabia has launched drone surveillance in Makkah to deter unauthorized Hajj pilgrims, arresting hundreds daily for lacking official permits, News.az reported. Among those detained were Indonesians linked to a fake permit scheme, with 14 additional arrests made during raids.…

Scores of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to die in avoidable workplace accidents, including falls from buildings, electrocutions, and decapitations, amid systemic failures to protect them, investigate deaths, and provide compensation, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Fairsquare.…

A major shading and cooling project has been launched at the Namira Mosque courtyards in Arafat, Saudi Arabia, to support pilgrims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Iqna reported. The initiative aims to alleviate the extreme heat experienced by worshippers, enhancing…

A new report by Amnesty International reveals widespread abuse, exploitation, and discrimination faced by Kenyan women employed as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. Based on interviews with over 70 women, the report outlines conditions that often amount to forced labour…

Saudi authorities executed Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Abu Abdullah, a Shiite detainee, on Saturday after convicting him of what the Interior Ministry described as “terrorism-related” charges. The execution, carried out in the Eastern Province, has sparked renewed human rights concerns…