Saudi Arabia News

1 year ago

Dust Storms And Thunderstorms Hit Saudi Arabia, Trigger Weather Alerts

Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology has warned of continued unstable weather conditions across several regions, as strong winds carrying dust and sand reduce visibility and thunderstorms threaten parts of the southwest. In its latest daily report, the center forecast active wind conditions over the Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Najran, in addition to parts of Medina and Mecca. Blowing dust is expected to severely reduce horizontal visibility, particularly along the coastal highway to Jazan, where near-zero visibility is anticipated. Meanwhile, the southwestern regions of Jazan and Asir, extending into the highlands of Al Baha, remain under alert for thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusty winds. The conditions are part of a weather pattern impacting large portions of the Kingdom. Maritime conditions are also expected to be affected. Surface winds over the Red Sea will range from 15 to 40 km/h in the northern and central parts, and from 25 to 50 km/h in the south, with wave heights reaching up to 2.5 meters. The sea state will range from slight to moderate in the north and central sections, becoming moderate to rough in the south. Over the Arabian Gulf, surface winds are forecast to blow from the west to northwest […]

1 year ago

UAE’s Air Arabia To Co-Launch Saudi Low-Cost Airline Flying 81 Routes From Dammam Hub

Saudi Arabia is launching a new national low-cost airline, with operations based out of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, as part of a broader push to transform the Kingdom into a regional aviation hub. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that a consortium led by UAE-based Air Arabia, Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Holding, has won the bid to operate the new carrier. The airline will begin operations with a fleet of 45 aircraft, covering 24 domestic and 57 international destinations, and aims to serve 10 million passengers annually. This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness in transport, logistics, and tourism. Expanding air connectivity from Eastern Province According to GACA, the new low-cost airline will enhance air connectivity to and from the Eastern Province, improve operational efficiency, and boost seat availability at King Fahd International Airport. The airline is also expected to create more than 2,400 direct jobs and raise service quality across Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation market. Air Arabia’s inclusion in the consortium reflects its expanding regional footprint and aligns with its strategy of […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia: ‘Sleeping Prince’ Alwaleed bin Khaled Passes Away After 20-Year Coma

Prince Khaled bin Talal has announced the passing of his son, Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal, following nearly two decades in a coma after a severe traffic accident in London in 2005. Prince Khaled stated that funeral prayers for his son will be held on Sunday at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, following Asr prayer. Known widely as “The Sleeping Prince,” Prince Alwaleed fell into a complete coma after the accident during his studies in the UK. He remained under close medical supervision for almost 20 years, never regaining consciousness despite brief episodes of limited movement that offered fleeting moments of hope. Throughout this period, Prince Khaled firmly resisted removing life support, expressing unwavering faith that life and death rest solely in God’s hands. His son’s condition attracted immense sympathy across the Kingdom and beyond, with millions closely following his story over the years. Prince Alwaleed’s prolonged medical struggle came to an end with the announcement of his death on Saturday, closing a chapter that deeply touched the hearts of many.

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia: Over 23,000 Arrested For Residency, Labor, And Border Violations In One Week

Saudi authorities have arrested 23,167 individuals across the Kingdom in the latest round of joint field campaigns targeting violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. The operations were carried out between July 10 and July 16, 2025 (corresponding to 15–21 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH), according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior. Among those arrested were 14,525 individuals in violation of residency regulations, 5,511 for breaching border security laws, and 3,131 for labor law violations. During the same period, authorities intercepted 1,593 people attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those, 69% were Ethiopian nationals, 30% Yemenis, and 1% from other nationalities. Another 41 individuals were caught attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. The campaign also led to the arrest of 22 people accused of transporting, sheltering, or employing violators, or aiding them in other ways. Currently, 16,441 individuals are undergoing legal procedures—14,255 men and 2,186 women. Authorities have referred 8,622 violators to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,393 have been moved to complete their travel bookings. A total of 10,587 individuals have already been deported. The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, shelters […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Braces For Scorching Heat Wave With Temperatures Nearing 50°C

A punishing heat wave is forecast to intensify across parts of central and eastern Saudi Arabia starting Friday, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 50 degrees Celsius in some areas, according to the National Center for Meteorology. The blistering conditions are set to persist through the end of this week, impacting key cities including Dammam, Al Ahsa, and Khobar, where forecasters predict highs ranging between 48°C and 50°C. In the capital, Riyadh, temperatures are expected to hover between 45°C and 47°C, placing the city firmly within what is being described as “half-boiling” conditions. Saudi authorities are urging the public to take extra precautions, especially during peak midday hours. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses, are being advised to avoid direct sun exposure, stay well-hydrated, and remain indoors as much as possible.

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia To Launch Flexible Salary Service For Early Wage Access

Saudi Arabia is set to roll out “Flexible Salary,” a new service that will allow employees to access a portion of their earned wages before the official payday. The initiative was announced by the Saudi Press Agency, following a cooperation agreement between Mudad—a leading Saudi financial technology platform—and Khazna Financial Technology. The product is designed to offer greater financial flexibility for employees while strengthening employer-employee relations. Salary access anytime Under the new system, workers will be able to withdraw part of their salary at any point in the pay cycle. This aims to provide relief during financial emergencies and reduce dependence on short-term loans or credit. Fintech collaboration Both Mudad and Khazna emphasised that the partnership reflects a shared vision for digital transformation in human resources and payroll management across the Kingdom. The service is also intended to enhance employee morale and productivity by offering more control over personal finances. Tailored for evolving labour market Mudad, a semi-governmental fintech entity, specialises in delivering smart payroll solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. The company is at the forefront of efforts to digitise salary systems and meet the needs of the Kingdom’s dynamic workforce.SAudi job

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Expands Tech Talent Schools To Five Regions For 2025

The Ministry of Education, in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, has announced the launch of five new tech talent schools across key educational regions — Riyadh, Madinah, Eastern Province, Qassim, and Jeddah — beginning in the 1447 academic year. These specialized schools are dedicated to first-year secondary students with exceptional potential in technical fields. This expansion follows the successful launch of the Kingdom’s first government-run technology high school for gifted students in Riyadh in December 2024. The model integrates the national curriculum with advanced technical programs in a dynamic learning environment, aimed at nurturing talent in high-demand sectors such as computer science, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, and cybersecurity. Students will also benefit from development tracks including an intensive tech program, critical thinking courses, and leadership training. Complementary activities such as scientific competitions, summer programs, and recreational events are designed to shape well-rounded tech-savvy students. The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategic vision to prepare a future-ready generation equipped with digital and technical skills essential for Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a knowledge-based, digital economy.

1 year ago

ZATCA Foils Attempt To Smuggle 310,000 Captagon Pills Through Jeddah Port

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) thwarted an attempt to smuggle 310,000 Captagon pills, a form of amphetamine, into Saudi Arabia through Jeddah Islamic Port. ZATCA spokesperson Hamoud Al-Harbi said the illicit pills were discovered hidden in various compartments of a vehicle arriving at the port. Upon uncovering the concealed shipment, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, leading to the arrest of eight individuals believed to be linked to the case. Al-Harbi reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to tightening customs control across Saudi Arabia’s entry points, emphasizing that such efforts are vital to protecting society from the dangers of drug trafficking. He also encouraged the public to report smuggling attempts by contacting the designated hotline (1910), emailing 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or calling internationally at +9661910. ZATCA guarantees full confidentiality and offers financial rewards for verified reports.

1 year ago

Sports Vehicles Can Have Now Short Number Plates

The General Department of Traffic has launched an online service to issue short front number plates for sports vehicles having specific technical manufacturing specifications. This service was introduced in line with the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to improve traffic services in accordance with the required specifications and standards for modern vehicles. The Traffic Department said that the service can be accessed through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform. The beneficiaries can select on Absher “My Services,” then “Vehicle Services,” then “Vehicle Management,” then selecting the vehicle, and then replacing the number plates. All required procedures can be completed after payment of the service fees. The department said that this service can be accessed electronically without the need to personally visit the Traffic Department’s headquarters or offices. Also read: Egyptian Man Executed for Brutal Stabbing of Saudi Professor in Dhahran

1 year ago

Egyptian Man Executed for Brutal Stabbing of Saudi Professor in Dhahran

Saudi Arabia on Thursday carried out the execution of an Egyptian national convicted of the premeditated murder of a Saudi academic in Dhahran, the Ministry of Interior announced. The ministry confirmed that Mahmoud Al-Muntasir Ahmed Youssef, an Egyptian resident, was executed on July 17, 2025, in the Eastern Province after a royal order was issued to implement the court’s final ruling of ta’zir (discretionary) death penalty. According to the statement, Youssef was found guilty of breaking into the home of Dr. Abdul Malik Bakr Abdullah Qadi, a respected former professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and stabbing him 16 timeswith a knife, resulting in his death. The crime was premeditated, with the assailant bringing a weapon from his residence and exploiting the elderly couple’s vulnerability. Youssef also attempted to kill Dr. Qadi’s wife, Adlah bint Hamed Mardini, by beating and stabbing her, causing serious injuries. The assailant aimed to rob the couple, forcibly entering the home and stealing a sum of money under threat of violence. Security forces swiftly apprehended the attacker, and subsequent investigations confirmed his responsibility for the crime. Due to the severity, brutality, and deliberate nature of the act, the court ruled for the […]

Search Here

Recent Posts

Bahrain International Airshow’s Eighth Edition Rescheduled to November 2028

Qatar to digitise sweetened drink registration process from November 1

Saudi-led coalition in Yemen says 73 injured in Houthi attacks on the kingdom

One visa for 6 Gulf countries: GCC chief says scheme will launch ‘soon’

Search Here

Dust Storms And Thunderstorms Hit Saudi Arabia, Trigger Weather Alerts

UAE’s Air Arabia To Co-Launch Saudi Low-Cost Airline Flying 81 Routes From Dammam Hub

Saudi Arabia: ‘Sleeping Prince’ Alwaleed bin Khaled Passes Away After 20-Year Coma

Saudi Arabia: Over 23,000 Arrested For Residency, Labor, And Border Violations In One Week

Saudi Arabia Braces For Scorching Heat Wave With Temperatures Nearing 50°C

Saudi Arabia To Launch Flexible Salary Service For Early Wage Access

Saudi Arabia Expands Tech Talent Schools To Five Regions For 2025

ZATCA Foils Attempt To Smuggle 310,000 Captagon Pills Through Jeddah Port

Sports Vehicles Can Have Now Short Number Plates

Egyptian Man Executed for Brutal Stabbing of Saudi Professor in Dhahran

Recent Posts

Bahrain International Airshow’s Eighth Edition Rescheduled to November 2028

Qatar to digitise sweetened drink registration process from November 1

Saudi-led coalition in Yemen says 73 injured in Houthi attacks on the kingdom

One visa for 6 Gulf countries: GCC chief says scheme will launch ‘soon’

Popular Indian restaurant Chokhi Dhani Dubai to close permanently on September 15

New tourist, residential project along Arabian Gulf coast announced in Saudi Arabia

Useful Links

Subscribe to our mailing list

Online Magazine