Saudi Arabia News

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia: ‘Victory Spears 2025’ Exercise Launches In Dhahran

Armed forces from 15 friendly nations are taking part in the “Victory Spears 2025” military exercise in Dhahran on Monday. The “Victory Spears 2025” military exercise began at the Air Warfare Center in Dhahran on Monday. Various branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, the Ministry of National Guard, the Presidency of State Security (PSS), and forces from 15 friendly nations are taking part in the drill. The exercise aims to enhance combat readiness and exchange expertise in planning and executing joint and combined tactical operations.

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Allows Foreigners To Invest In Listed Companies Operating In Makkah And Madinah

The Saudi Capital Market Authority said that as per the decision, foreign investment in these companies would be limited to shares of these Saudi companies listed on the capital market, as well as to convertible debt instruments, or both. The Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) has announced that foreigners are allowed to invest in listed Saudi companies that own real estate in the cities of Makkah and Madinah, effective from Monday, Jan. 27. The Saudi capital market regulator said in a statement that this move aims to stimulate investment, enhance the attractiveness and efficiency of the capital market, and strengthen its regional and international competitiveness while supporting the local economy. “This includes attracting foreign capital and providing the necessary liquidity for current and future projects in Makkah and Madinah through the investment products available in the Saudi market, positioning it as a key funding source for these distinctive developmental projects,” the statement pointed out. The CMA decision follows the approval of the controls for the exclusion of companies listed in the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) from the meaning of the phrase (Non-Saudi) in accordance with the Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis The CMA said that as per the […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Sets Guidelines For Using AI In Education

Saudi education authorities have set guidelines for use of artificial intelligence in the educational process in the kingdom. The step is the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Eudcation and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). The guidelines are designed to upgrade the quality of education and improve its outputs in an “ethical and responsible” way that ensures the preservation of the pivotal role of the teacher, supports the educational process for students, and raises parents’ awareness about the technologies involved in the process, reported the Saudi news portal Akhbaar24. The guidebook focuses on key topics in generative AI in education targeting students, teachers and parents with the aim of to raising awareness about the mechanism of generative AI, and providing guidance for using its tools ethically and responsibly while suggesting appropriate methods for its utilization. The three-part guidebook, among other things, provides a definition of generative artificial intelligence, its outputs, mechanism of action, and education benefits. The second part features guidelines for using generative artificial intelligence and its tools in the educational process. The third introduces students, teachers, and parents to the basics of command engineering linked to generative AI tools. The ministry has banned the […]

1 year ago

Saudi: Pilgrims Urged To Use Licensed Transportation In Mecca

Pilgrims in Mecca are advised against using unlicensed transportation during their presence in the Saudi holy city while performing the Umrah or minor pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest. The General Authority for Care of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia recommended the pilgrims to board licensed means of transport to ascertain convenience and safety and avoid potential legal problems or security risks. The state agency stressed the need to use reliable public transportation such as buses and accredited taxis that carry clear signs with the name of the driver and the operating company and are subject to strict supervision by the relevant authorities. Furthermore, the pilgrims are recommended to opt for smart apps that allow for safe and transparent taxi orders. Such apps enable the customer to view drivers’ ratings to ensure a quality service. Gearing up to cope with influx of pilgrims The agency has also underlined the importance of using electronic payment methods instead of cash, saying they boost safety levels and reduce risks during transportation. The current season of Umrah, which can be undertaken around the year, began in late June after the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi authorities are ramping up […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Streamlines Umrah Procedures For GCC Citizens With New Measures

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new facilities aimed at simplifying Umrah procedures for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, making the pilgrimage more accessible and convenient. The ministry stated on social media platform X on Friday that GCC citizens can travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah at any time through various land and air entry points. Pilgrims can easily obtain their Umrah permits via the “Nusuk” app, which provides a streamlined and user-friendly process for completing the required steps. The ministry also emphasised the importance of pre-booking through the “Nusuk” app for those wishing to visit Al Rawdah Al Sharifah in Medina to ensure better organization and a more comfortable spiritual experience for visitors. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it will continue to enhance services for pilgrims, aiming to facilitate their access to Mecca and Medina and create a seamless spiritual journey in a faith-filled environment.

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Announces Localisation Plans For 269 Professions

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announces Saudisation plans for dentistry, pharmacy, accounting, and engineering roles Saudi Arabia has announced major plans to localise jobs in the Kingdom. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in collaboration with the ministries of health, commerce, and municipalities and housing, announced a series of decisions to enhance localisation rates across 269 professions in diverse sectors, including dentistry, pharmacy, accounting, and technical engineering, to expand employment opportunities for Saudi citizens across all regions of the Kingdom. Effective July 23, 2025, the decision to increase the localisation rates in pharmacy professions will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Saudi jobs localisation The decision requires establishments with five or more employees in pharmacy professions to adhere to the following localisation rates: Localisation rates for dental professions in establishments with three or more employees will increase in two stages: Additionally, the minimum wage for dental professions has been raised to SR9,000 ($2,400) to be considered in the localisation rate calculation. In collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, HRSD has implemented a phased approach to increase the Saudisation percentage in accounting professions. Commencing on October 22, 2025, this initiative will be implemented over […]

1 year ago

Saudi: 5-Year Jail And Fine Of SR30 Million For Exporting Petroleum Products Without A License

It is mandatory to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Energy before issuing any licenses or approvals necessary to establish any petrochemical facility. The new Petroleum and Petrochemical Law, approved by the Council of Ministers on Jan. 7, requires obtaining a license to practice any petroleum or petrochemical operations. It is also mandatory to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Energy before issuing any licenses or approvals necessary to establish any petrochemical facility. According to the new law, which replaced the Petroleum Products Trade Law, petroleum must be sold and purchased at the global price. It is stipulated in the law that anyone who exports a priced petroleum product outside the Kingdom without a license shall face imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, and a fine not exceeding SR30 million or not exceeding twice the value of the petroleum product in question at the global price at the time of its seizure, whichever is higher, in addition to confiscating the seized items. The circumstances of the crime and the difference in price between the global price and the price charged for the substance at the time of its seizure are also taken into account when assessing […]

1 year ago

Saudi: 105th Batch Of King Faisal Air Academy Students Graduated

Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf graces the graduation ceremony of 105th batch of students of King Faisal Air Academy in Riyadh on Sunday. On behalf of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf graced the graduation ceremony of 105th batch of students of King Faisal Air Academy on Sunday. The deputy minister honored the outstanding students during the ceremony held at the academy headquarters in Riyadh. Upon his arrival at the venue, Prince Abdulrahman was received by Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, Commander of the Air Force Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar and Acting Commander of the academy Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Hamad. The Acting Commander of the academy Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Hamad delivered a speech in which he welcomed the deputy defense minister to the graduation ceremony of the 105th batch of students after completing their academic and training journey on the latest global technologies in the fields of aviation sciences and sciences of technology. There are 181 graduates in the batch and they included graduates from Jordan, Bahrain and Tunisia, in addition to the majority of Saudi graduates. The ceremony was attended […]

1 year ago

ZATCA Thwarts Smuggling Of Over 1.4 Million Captagon Pills At Jeddah Islamic Port

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,482,132 Captagon pills into the Kingdom through the Jeddah Islamic Port. ZATCA revealed that the pills were concealed within a consignment described as a “machine used to rotate laundry.” Advanced customs inspection techniques and live monitoring detected the hidden contraband during routine procedures. Following the seizure, authorities coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, leading to the arrest of those intended to receive the illegal shipment within the Kingdom. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to tightening customs controls on imports and exports to combat smuggling in all its forms. This effort aligns with its strategic priority of ensuring societal security and protection. ZATCA also urged the public to contribute to the fight against smuggling and protect the national economy by reporting suspicious activities. The authority assured that all reports are handled with strict confidentiality, with financial rewards offered to informants if their information proves accurate.

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Records Over 22,500 Residency, Labor, And Border Violations

The Ministry of Interior conducted extensive inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia from January 16 to January 22, targeting compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws. The campaigns uncovered a total of 22,555 violations, including 14,260 related to residency laws, 4,954 to border security, and 3,341 to labor laws. Authorities detained 1,700 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally, of whom 42% were Yemenis, 56% Ethiopians, and 2% from other nationalities. Additionally, 81 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. Twenty-four individuals were apprehended for facilitating illegal entry, transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. Currently, 33,871 expatriates—comprising 30,984 men and 2,887 women—are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Among them, 26,489 violators were directed to contact their respective embassies or consulates for travel documentation, 2,274 were instructed to make departure arrangements, and 10,948 were repatriated. The Ministry of Interior has reiterated the severe penalties for those who facilitate illegal entry into the Kingdom, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in such crimes. These acts are classified as major crimes warranting immediate arrest. The ministry urged the public to report any violations […]

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Saudi Arabia: ‘Victory Spears 2025’ Exercise Launches In Dhahran

Saudi Arabia Allows Foreigners To Invest In Listed Companies Operating In Makkah And Madinah

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Saudi: Pilgrims Urged To Use Licensed Transportation In Mecca

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Saudi: 5-Year Jail And Fine Of SR30 Million For Exporting Petroleum Products Without A License

Saudi: 105th Batch Of King Faisal Air Academy Students Graduated

ZATCA Thwarts Smuggling Of Over 1.4 Million Captagon Pills At Jeddah Islamic Port

Saudi Arabia Records Over 22,500 Residency, Labor, And Border Violations

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