Sun, June 14 2026

1 year ago

Saudi: Quintero Edges Dakar Stage After Al Attiyah Penalised

American driver Seth Quintero won the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Thursday by one second after Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, who was first across the line, was penalised 10 minutes. Al Attiyah, the five-time champion, had produced what appeared to be a masterclass in his Dacia as he tried to make up the half-hour he lost the day before and was initially proclaimed the winner of the 428km special stage between Al Ula and Hail. However, the judges handed him a penalty, which left him just behind Quintero who took his second win of the rally in his Toyota. “Nasser Al Attiyah received a 10-minute penalty. The explanation is that he arrived with a spare wheel missing from his vehicle,” the organisers told the press. Since the start of the Dakar last Friday, this is the third stage in which the organisers have changed the stage winner after the finish, due to penalties or bonuses. Quintero completed the stage in 4 hours 32 minutes and 53 seconds, one second better than Al Attiyah’s adjusted time. He was a further seven seconds in front of Swedish driver Mattias Ektstrom. “The first week was pretty good for […]

1 year ago

Al Nassr Stages Comeback To Defeat Al-Okhdood 3-1 In Saudi Pro League Match

Al Nassr overturned an early deficit to secure a crucial 3-1 victory against Al-Okhdood at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh during the 14th round of the Saudi Pro League. The visitors took an early lead in the 7th minute through Nigerian forward Godwin, capitalizing on a defensive error by Al Nassr. However, the hosts responded strongly before the half-hour mark when Sadio Mane equalized, converting a cross delivered by Aymeric Laporte and assisted by Sultan Al-Ghanam’s deft header. Al Nassr seized the momentum and were awarded a penalty in the 42nd minute. Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving his team a 2-1 lead heading into halftime. The second half saw fewer dramatic moments, but Al Nassr sealed the victory in the 88th minute with a second goal from Mane. The Senegalese forward latched onto another perfect cross from Al-Ghanam to ensure the Riyadh-based club claimed all three points. The win boosts Al Nassr’s tally to 28 points, keeping their title hopes alive, while Al-Okhdood remains with 12 points, struggling in the league standings.

1 year ago

Al-Hilal Striker Aleksandar Mitrović Sidelined For Three Weeks Due To Injury

Al-Hilal announced on Wednesday that their Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović will be out of action for three weeks following an injury sustained during the team’s King’s Cup semi-final match against Al-Ittihad. Medical examinations revealed a hamstring injury, necessitating a rehabilitation program to aid his recovery. Mitrović, who was forced off the pitch in the 11th minute of Tuesday’s clash, is set to miss at least five upcoming matches, including fixtures against Al-Orouba, Al-Fateh, Al-Qadsiah, Al-Wehda, and Al-Okhdood. In related news, Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari is undergoing treatment in the club’s medical clinic after experiencing discomfort in his adductor muscle.

1 year ago

Meteorology Center Forecasts 3 Rainy Days In Most Parts Of Saudi Arabia

Rain of varying intensities will prevail in most parts of Saudi Arabia from January 10 to 12, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecast on Thursday. In a weather bulletin, the center warned of downpours accompanied by winds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, and the possibility of torrential rain and hail. High waves are to be expected along the coasts, the NCM said. The forecast said the northern regions of Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and Hail will have rainy conditions on Friday and Saturday. Rain is expected in Tabuk and Madinah regions on Friday, the Eastern Province, Asir, and Jazan will see rainfall from Saturday to Sunday, and in Qassim on Saturday. As for Riyadh and Al-Baha regions, rain are to be expected from Friday to Sunday. The NCM urged the public to stay updated about the weather conditions in the Kingdom by visiting the daily reports on its website, the “Anwaa” application, or its social media accounts.

1 year ago

Al-Jasser Inaugurates Phased Operation Of Terminal 1 At Riyadh Airport

Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated on Thursday the phased operation of International Passenger Terminal No. 1 within the expansion and development project of Terminals 1 and 2 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The launching ceremony was held in the presence of GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Riyadh Airports Company Dr. Ghazi Al-Rawi, CEO of Airports Holding Company Raed Al-Idrisi, and CEO of Riyadh Airports Ayman Abu Abah. Minister Al-Jasser made a field tour of the service and operational facilities at Terminal 1, including the new expansion, and infrastructure works and operational services. Speaking on the occasion, Al-Jasser said that the phased launch of the operation of the international travel terminal comes within the expansion and development project of Terminals 1 and 2 at King Khalid International Airport. “This will contribute to increasing the capacity from 3 million passengers to 7 million passengers per year by expanding the capacity and space, which increases the total capacity of airport and enhances travel movement, supports mobility and economic and tourism growth, enhances air connectivity of Riyadh […]

1 year ago

SFDA Warns Of Potential Risks Associated With High Doses Of Ginseng

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has warned against the potential risks associated with the use of ginseng (scientifically known as Panax ginseng), which is often used in alternative medicine as a general tonic to enhance energy levels and reduce stress. Consuming high doses of ginseng may cause side effects, including insomnia and high blood pressure, the SFDA said in press release. Additionally, the authority advised pregnant and lactating women to avoid using ginseng due to insufficient safety data. The SFDA also noted that ginseng may interact with various medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, heart medications, insomnia medications, and antipsychotics. Moreover, it can interact with caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, guarana, and mate. The recommended dosage is 1–2 grams of the root, taken three to four times daily for three to four weeks, with the clarification that one teaspoon equals five grams. The SFDA emphasizes that herbs should be treated with the same caution as medications. Consumers should be skeptical of unsubstantiated safety claims and consult a healthcare professional before use to understand potential herb-drug and food interactions and any associated warnings. The SFDA provides consumers with access to a comprehensive list of banned herbs and medicinal […]

1 year ago

Minimum 30-Day Validity Of Iqama Is Required To Issue Final Exit Visa

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) emphasized that there must be a minimum validity period of 30 days for the residency permit (Iqama) of a foreign worker to get issued a final exit visa for the worker. The Jawazat urged the employer and the head of the family to renew the Iqama before approaching it to get issued the final exit visa if the validity of the worker’s Iqama is less than 30 days. The directorate stated that if the validity of the expatriate’s ID is more than 30 days and less than 60 days, the final exit visa can be issued and the visa’s duration will be the remaining validity period of the Iqama. If the validity of the Iqama is 60 days or more, the final exit visa, with a duration of 60 days, will be issued. The Jawazat noted that the employer and the head of the family can issue final exit visa for their workers and dependent family members of their workers through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic services platform “Absher and Absher Business” and the Muqeem portal, and that this electronic service is free and can be benefited from it without payment of any fees.

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Urges To Take Precaution Against HMPV, Saying Symptoms Of Virus Are Similar To Cold

The Saudi Public Health Authority (Weqaya) recommended several guidelines to prevent infection with the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is one of the common respiratory viruses. The authority explained that the virus is transmitted through coughing, sneezing or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, but its symptoms are similar to cold cases such as coughing, fever, runny nose, and sore throat. The Weqaya recommended several guidelines to prevent infection with the HMPV. It pointed out that most cases are mild, but it can cause severe illness in the elderly, young children, and those with weak immunity. “The virus can be avoided by washing hands regularly, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing,” it said. Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, but can increase risks or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia: Women Warned Against Spying On Spouse’s Mobile Phone

Act punishable by jail term, SR500,000 fine, says lawyer. Spying on a spouse’s phone can land one in prison, a Saudi lawyer has warned. A Saudi lawyer has warned that a wife searching her husband’s phone without his permission commits an illegal act that is punishable by imprisonment and a hefty fine. Lawyer Reem Ibrahim said that if a woman secretively searches her husband’s phone, her act is considered eavesdropping and a violation of law. The female lawyer added in a video that in such a case, the husband has the right to legally pursue the wife. If convicted, the wife can face up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of SR500,000, or one of these two penalties under the anti-cybercrime law, according to lawyer Reem. However, another legal expert said it is difficult to judge the relationship between spouses as simply right or wrong. Legal advisor Mohammed Al Wahaibi argued that if the wife knows the PIN number of the husband’s phone, then her access to the phone is legal and not a crime, even if it is for the purpose of searching. He added in remarks to Saudia TV that if she discovers a crime […]

1 year ago

Iqama Of Dependents Of Expatriates And House Workers Can Extend From Outside Saudi Arabia

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced that dependents of expatriates and domestic workers located outside Saudi Arabia can now renew their residency permits (Iqama) through the online platforms of Absher and Muqeem. Additionally, residents outside the Kingdom can extend the period of single or multiple exit and re-entry visas. The Jawazat noted that beneficiaries can access these services through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platform Absher and the Muqeem Portal after paying the service fees as stipulated by regulations.

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