1 year ago
Saudi Arabia: GCC Citizens And Residents Can Now Perform Umrah Anytime
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year, with entry permitted through all land, air, and sea ports. Permits for Umrah can be obtained conveniently through the official Nusuk application. The decision is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to streamline pilgrimage procedures and improve the overall experience for pilgrims. In tandem with these measures, residents of GCC countries, not just citizens, are now eligible to perform Umrah using multiple types of visas. These include Umrah visas available via nusuk.sa, transit visas issued in partnership with Saudi Airlines and Flynas (saudia.com and flynas.com), and tourist visas that can be obtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official portal (ksavisa.sa). To access the holy sites, all pilgrims, whether citizens or residents, are required to obtain a prior permit through the Nusuk app for Umrah and prayer in the Rawdah Al Sharifah, the sacred chamber in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. On June 10, Saudi Arabia resumed issuing Umrah visas to international pilgrims. The ministry started issuing Nusuk Umrah permits on June 11. In the Umrah season calendar, the ministry clarified that it […]
1 year ago
Nearly Half Of Saudis Spend Over Seven Hours Online Daily
Nearly half of Saudi Arabia’s internet users, approximately 48.6 percent, spend seven hours or more online each day, according to the Saudi Internet 2024 report released by the Kingdom’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission last week. The report highlights a sharp rise in the consumption of digital content and e-services, driven by the country’s broader digital transformation agenda. The data shows that peak internet usage occurs between 9pm and 11pm, with March recording the highest overall usage levels throughout the year. Saturdays were found to be the most internet-active day of the week. Home remains the primary location for internet use, with 87.9 percent of users logging on from their residences. This is followed by internet use during travel, at 79.3 percent, and the workplace, where 41.7 percent of users reported being connected. In terms of devices, mobile phones dominate the digital landscape, with 99.4 percent of users accessing the internet via smartphones. Computers came in second at 50.7 percent, followed by tablets at 37.5 percent. Android holds the lion’s share of mobile operating systems, accounting for 55 percent of usage, compared to 45 percent for iOS. Meanwhile, Windows remains the dominant platform for computers, used by 91.1 percent of […]
1 year ago
Saudi Customs Foil Attempts To Smuggle Over 922 Kg Of Narcotics And 20 Million Drug Pills In A Year
The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has been instrumental in the seizure of more than 922 kilograms of narcotic and prohibited substances along with over 20 million illegal narcotic pills within a year. The Customs authorities at various land, sea and air ports have successfully thwarted numerous attempts to smuggle large quantities of narcotics in various forms. The ZATCA said in a statement that it continues to intensify security operations to combat narcotics smuggling across all land, sea, and air customs ports. As part of its vital mission to safeguard the security and stability of society, ZATCA is actively monitoring and intercepting smuggling attempts using advanced detection and inspection technologies. ZATCA’s ongoing successes underscore the integrated efforts of relevant security agencies and its commitment to advancing inspection and detection capabilities. It continues to implement intensive training programs for customs personnel, significantly enhancing their ability to detect and counter smuggling attempts. ZATCA urges the public to report any smuggling crimes or customs violations through its dedicated security hotline number 1910, via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or by calling the international number 009661910. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality, and individuals who provide accurate and actionable information may be […]
1 year ago
Cabin Manager Dies On Board London-Bound Saudia Flight
Saudi Arabian Airlines has announced the passing of its Cabin Manager Mohsen bin Saeed Alzahrani, who died while on duty aboard flight SV119 bound for London from Jeddah on Thursday, June 26. Alzahrani suffered sudden medical emergency condition during mid-flight. Despite the swift and professional response by crew members and medical personnel on board, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Cairo International Airport. Saudia called the demise of Alzahrani as a tragic moment losing one of the most dedicated team members of the national carrier. Described by colleagues as a model of commitment and professionalism, Alzahrani was widely admired for his integrity, work ethics, and high moral standards. Saudia, in coordination with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Egypt, is currently finalizing the necessary procedures for the repatriation of the body. The airline also extended its sincere gratitude to the flight crew for their exceptional professionalism and calm in handling the situation, ensuring the continuation of the journey under extraordinary circumstances. Saudia likewise thanked all passengers aboard for their patience and cooperation during the ordeal. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Alzahrani’s family, colleagues, and friends,” the airline said, adding: “Saudia remains fully committed to supporting his loved ones […]
1 year ago
Saudi Arabia: SFDA Penalizes Food Safety Violators
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has taken punitive measures against erring food establishments in various regions of Saudi Arabia. It affirmed zero tolerance for any violations affecting food safety. Inspection teams from SFDA, in coordination with relevant government agencies, detected a number of violations related to food safety and quality as part of their ongoing inspections of food establishments. This inspection aims to enhance proactive oversight and limit any practices that lead to contamination or food poisoning. The inspections resulted in the seizure of more than two tons of food of unknown origin, in addition to the destruction of approximately 200 kg of spoiled products unfit for human consumption. Large quantities of food stored in conditions that do not comply with health requirements and standards were also detected at a residential site run by expatriate workers. The workers were arrested and legal action was taken against them. In a related development, the SFDA halted production lines at a food factory after seizing approximately 150 kg of products of unknown origin. The inspection tours revealed several violations affecting product safety, including the possession of unknown raw materials and a clear decline in hygiene standards, which led to spreading of […]
1 year ago
Saudi Arabia Grants 30-Day Grace Period To Extend Expired Visit Visas For Final Departure
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) announced that it started implementing a new initiative allowing the extension of all expired visit visas—regardless of type or designation—for the purpose of final departure from Saudi Arabia. The grace period began on 1 Muharram 1447 AH, corresponding to June 26, 2025 and the visa holders will have 30 days to regularize their status after paying all applicable fees and penalties to facilitate their exit from the Kingdom. The initiative is accessible through the “Tawasul” service on the Ministry of Interior’s “Absher” electronic platform. Jawazat urged all the concerned beneficiaries to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity before the expiry of the deadline.
1 year ago
Saudi Arabia: ZATCA Foils Smuggling Of Over 730,000 Amphetamine Pills At Jeddah Islamic Port
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at Jeddah Islamic Port has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 732,015 amphetamine pills hidden inside a shipment of wardrobes. ZATCA spokesman Hamoud Al-Harbi said the shipment was uncovered using advanced inspection equipment during routine customs procedures. Following the seizure, coordination with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control led to the arrest of four intended recipients inside the Kingdom. ZATCA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening customs security in cooperation with relevant authorities to protect society from illicit substances. The Authority also urged the public to report smuggling attempts through its confidential hotline 1910, email 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or international number 009661910, noting that informants may qualify for financial rewards.
1 year ago
Saudi Arabia Opens Airspace To Over 1,300 Daily Flights Amid Regional Crisis
Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to ensure the smooth flow of air traffic and flight routes amid escalating tensions in the region, mobilizing all human and material resources to accommodate a surge in transit flights. On average, more than 1,330 daily flights have crossed Saudi airspace in recent days, nearly double the traffic levels seen before the regional crisis. These additional flights were managed safely and efficiently, backed by cutting-edge technologies and stringent security protocols, in full alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. During this heightened period, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) took proactive measures to open supplementary air corridors to absorb the increased traffic. The Kingdom expanded its airspace capacity and optimized flight paths through advanced navigational systems that enhanced both safety and operational efficiency. Over 220 air carriers have passed through Saudi skies since the onset of the crisis, prompting the activation of strategic contingency plans. These included rigorous airport and airspace security procedures, supported by high-tech surveillance systems and infrastructure. Real-time crisis management was handled by teams using advanced data processing tools to facilitate seamless communication and coordination among operators, both locally and regionally. This allowed Saudi Arabia to respond rapidly to […]
1 year ago
Photos: Saudi Arabia Replaces Kaaba Kiswa As Hijri Year 1447 Begins
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque held the ceremonial changing of the Kiswa, the black silk covering of the Holy Kaaba Thursday, in observance of the start of the Islamic year 1447 AH. The Kiswah replacement at Masjid Al Haram
1 year ago
Saudi Arabia To Build 166 ‘Schools Without Walls’ In Push For Community-Based Education
In a first for Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom will build 166 “schools without walls” as part of a nationwide initiative to promote community education beyond the classroom. The project, unveiled by Tatweer Building Company (TBC), the Ministry of Education’s infrastructure arm, signals a shift toward using educational spaces as community hubs after regular school hours. The schools will be constructed in residential communities developed by the National Housing Company (NHC), known as NHC destinations, in six major urban cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Ihsa, Tabuk, and Medina. Designed with a contemporary architectural vision, the facilities will serve as venues for educational, cultural, and recreational activities for residents during evenings and weekends. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of schools as vital anchors for lifelong learning and hubs for social engagement within local communities. The schools will feature modern, open designs tailored to the character of urban neighbourhoods, with shared spaces that foster connection between the campus and its surrounding environment. Each facility will be integrated into community centres within the residential developments, reinforcing their role as accessible, inclusive gathering places beyond traditional school hours. NHC destinations, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to improve quality of life, are known […]
