Fri, June 12 2026

1 year ago

Historic Exhibit In Makkah Spotlights Prophet Muhammad’s Journey

The Hira Cultural District in Makkah is alive with activities as part of the Hira Winter events, coinciding with the mid-year vacation. A variety of attractions and services are being offered to visitors until Jan. 10, according to the Saudi Press Agency. At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad. The exhibition focuses on the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad, immersing visitors in the pivotal moment of his life, the SPA added. Guests can explore the revelation story, the Cave of Hira and learn about Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of Believers, and the angel Gabriel through interactive museum displays. Using cutting-edge technology like interactive screens and realistic simulations, the exhibition offers an immersive experience for visitors. Historical artifacts are also on display, including a photocopy of the Qur’an attributed to Uthman bin Affan, one of the oldest surviving mushafs, highlighting Muslims’ dedication to preserving the holy book. The exhibition also showcases ancient stone inscriptions with Qur’anic verses, reflecting Muslim efforts to safeguard sacred texts. The district also offers a unique shopping experience, with handicrafts and traditional products. It is located near the Cave […]

1 year ago

Saudi Authorities Warn Of Inclement Weather As Country Braces For Heavy Rainfall

Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast more rain accompanied by thunderstorms across several regions, with a red alert in Makkah, Asir and Baha regions due to the inclement weather. The National Center for Meteorology forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in parts of Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah. Fog may form in some areas of these regions, it added. Temperatures will drop and frost may form in the northern parts of the Kingdom, according to the NCM. It added that dust-stirring winds will blow and rain may fall in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Region and Jazan regions. Meanwhile, Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday. Some areas in the capital also were lashed by hail. Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas, forcing the Civil Defense to warn against venturing into flooded areas and valleys. The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued warnings and safety instructions, as the country braces for heavy rainfall, urging the public to stay at home, avoid valleys and waterlogged areas, and adhere to all safety directives. “We follow the […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Announces Dates And Venues For AFC Asian Cup 2027

The AFC Asian Cup 2027, hosted by Saudi Arabia, will take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027. The tournament will kick off with the opening match on January 7 and conclude with the final on February 5. The matches will be held across eight stadiums in three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar. In Riyadh, King Fahd International Stadium, currently undergoing comprehensive renovations to meet international standards, will serve as a primary venue. Other Riyadh-based stadiums include King Saud University Stadium, Al-Shabab Club Stadium, and the newly constructed Kingdom Arena. Additionally, Imam Muhammad bin Saud University’s stadium is undergoing upgrades to increase its seating capacity to 21,000, alongside other improvements to meet AFC requirements. In Jeddah, the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, known as Al-Jawhara, will host matches after recently staging the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 final. The city’s Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium will also feature prominently. Meanwhile, Al-Khobar is preparing a state-of-the-art stadium to host its share of the matches, ensuring that the tournament meets the highest standards across all venues. Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Football Federation, highlighted the importance of this announcement in the planning and preparation for the tournament. He expressed gratitude for […]

1 year ago

Al-Qadsiah Secures Spot In King’s Cup Semi-Finals With Dominant Win Over Al-Taawoun

Al-Qadsiah advanced to the semi-finals of the King’s Cup with an impressive 3-0 victory over hosts Al-Taawoun at Al-Raed Club Stadium in Buraydah. The visiting team took control early in the first half, scoring twice in quick succession. Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring in the 34th minute, followed by a second goal from Spanish midfielder Cameron Puertas just two minutes later, giving Al-Qadsiah a commanding lead at halftime. Julian Quiñones continued his prolific form in the tournament, adding a third goal shortly after the start of the second half, leaving Al-Taawoun with a daunting task. Although Sultan Mandash found the net for the home side, the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Al-Qadsiah’s emphatic performance sends them through to the semi-finals, demonstrating their determination to compete for the prestigious King’s Cup title.

1 year ago

Rajković shines As Al-Ittihad Edge Al-Hilal In Dramatic King’s Cup Quarter-Final

Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajković led Al-Ittihad to the semi-finals of the King’s Cup with a heroic performance, saving three penalties in a dramatic shootout against Al-Hilal. The match, played at the sold-out Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, ended 3-1 in penalties after an enthralling 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time, providing fans with a spectacle worthy of a final. French star Karim Benzema, captain of Al-Ittihad, played a pivotal role, scoring twice during the match and converting in the penalty shootout to secure a marathon victory for his side. The first half ended in a goalless stalemate, with controversy arising when Benzema’s goal was ruled offside in the 44th minute. The stalemate reflected a closely contested battle, with Al-Hilal suffering a significant blow early on when striker Aleksandar Mitrovic left the field injured in the 10th minute, replaced by Marcus Leonardo. Benzema broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, latching onto a cross from Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti to give Al-Ittihad the lead. However, Al-Hilal responded quickly, equalizing in the 72nd minute through captain Salem Al-Dawsari, who capitalized on a defensive error by Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho. The match extended into extra time, with Al-Hilal taking the lead in the 101st minute when Marcus Leonardo converted […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Amends Traffic Law To Penalize Driving With Expired Vehicle Registration

Saudi Arabia amended the Traffic Law under which driving a vehicle on the roads with an expired vehicle registration (istimara) will be a traffic violation. The Cabinet session, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday, approved an amendment to the Traffic Law in this regard. According to the amendment, the fine for the delay in the renewal of driving license and vehicle registration (istimara) has been set at SR100 for each year or part thereof, with a maximum fine of only SR300. The fine will be imposed after 60 days from the date of expiry of the license.” The amendment also included adding a paragraph in the Traffic Violations Schedule with the following text: “Driving a vehicle on the roads with an expired vehicle registration.” The Cabinet approved the Petroleum and Petrochemical Products Law. It also endorsed that King Abdullah University of Science and Technology shall undertake the tasks of completing the construction and establishment of the Saudi Center for Vaccines and Protein Treatments, and its management, operation, and supervision. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet reviewed the government’s […]

1 year ago

Saudi: 12 Erring Gasoline Stations Shut and 152 Stations Penalized

Teams of officials from the relevant authorities made inspection tours of 1,371 gasoline stations spread over 78 cities and governorates across the Kingdom during December 30 and 31, 2024. The inspection campaigns, carried out under the supervision of the Permanent Executive Committee for Fuel Stations and Service Centers, resulted in taking punitive measures against 152 erring fuel stations and shutting down 12 stations for their gross violations. Through monitoring, tracking and direct reporting operations, a number of violations were detected, including lack of availability of petroleum products of all kinds, and failure to provide diesel fuel or refrain from selling it. The Permanent Executive Committee emphasized the importance of fuel stations’ commitment to the requirements of fuel stations and service centers, and related systems and regulations, including that qualified facilities operate, manage and maintain fuel stations, and commit to providing all required petroleum products continuously, according to the station category. It warned that there won’t be any leniency in imposing regulatory penalties on violating facilities. It is noteworthy that technical teams would continue their inspection tours throughout the year, with the participation of all relevant parties, with the aim of ensuring that fuel stations and service centers comply with the […]

1 year ago

Saudi: 95 Endangered Animals Released Into Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW), in collaboration with the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority (ITBA), released 95 endangered animals into the reserve as part of its breeding and resettlement programs. The release included 50 Arabian goitered gazelles, 30 Arabian oryx, 10 mountain gazelles, and five North African ostriches (red-necked ostriches). The initiative aims to reintroduce endangered native species, restore ecosystems, enrich biodiversity in natural habitats, enhance environmental balance, and promote environmental sustainability. NCW Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban emphasized that the release is part of ongoing efforts to propagate and resettle endangered species across reserves and national parks. The initiatives align with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity. Dr. Qurban highlighted the center’s dedication to global standards in propagating and resettling endangered species through specialized facilities recognized as leading global centers. The release underscores the importance of collaboration and integration with partners in the wildlife sector to achieve shared environmental goals

1 year ago

Saudi: Oud, Sandalwood Planting Initiative Launched In Madinah

Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan has launched a project to cultivate agarwood and sandalwood trees across the region. The event was attended by Dhafer Al-Fahad, CEO of the Jazan Mountainous Development Authority, and featured a presentation highlighting the authority’s work, achievements, and partnerships. Prince Salman emphasized the initiative’s strategic role in promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing the region’s vegetation. The project aims to cultivate environmentally and economically valuable tree species like coffee and sandalwood, support the local economy, and raise awareness about biodiversity conservation in the Madinah region, aligning with the environmental goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The green initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March 2021, plans to plant 450 million trees by 2030 and rehabilitate 8 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, which would cut about 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

1 year ago

Four Family Members Killed In Saudi Fire Amid Severe Weather Conditions

A devastating fire caused by a heater claimed the lives of four members of a Yemeni family in Hafr Al Batin early on Monday morning, while six others were rushed to intensive care. The fire broke out around 4:30am and resulted in a tragic loss for the family, which consisted of ten members. According to the Civil Defence, the fire was reported at a home in the region, and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. Unfortunately, the teams were unable to save four family members, including an 8-month-old baby girl and an 18-year-old woman who had been preparing for her wedding after Ramadan. In a TV interview, the grieving grandfather, Awad Darwish, struggled to hold back tears as he recounted the horror of the incident. “We didn’t know what was happening until we received a call from the neighbors telling us there was a fire at my son’s house,” he said. “My son-in-law, who passed away, was like my own son. I raised him and helped him marry. When we arrived, we found them lifeless… in bags. Yet, we thank God for everything,” the grandfather added. The victims included three young girls and a baby boy, with the […]

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