Saudi Arabia
US approves $6.67B arms sale to Israel and $9B sale to Saudi Arabia
The Trump administration on Friday approved major new arms sales to Israel totaling $6.67 billion and to Saudi Arabia worth $9 billion, the State Department announced, as tensions rise in the Middle East over potential U.S. military action against Iran. The deals were made public after the department notified Congress of its approval earlier in the day.
The approvals coincide with President Donald Trump’s push to implement a ceasefire and reconstruction plan for Gaza, aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict and rebuilding the war-torn Palestinian territory, where two years of fighting left tens of thousands dead. Despite relative calm under the ceasefire, significant challenges remain, including deploying an international security force and disarming Hamas.
Saudi Arabia arms packageThe $9 billion Saudi deal includes 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment, intended to bolster regional security and support U.S. foreign policy objectives. “This enhanced capability will protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies and will significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the integrated air and missile defense system in the region,” the department said.
The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and senior Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Israel arms packagesThe $6.67 billion in arms sales to Israel are divided into four packages, the largest being 30 Apache attack helicopters with advanced targeting systems and rocket launchers, valued at $3.8 billion. Another $1.98 billion is allocated for 3,250 light tactical vehicles to transport personnel and logistics for the Israel Defense Forces.
Under the deals, Israel will also spend $740 million on power packs for armored personnel carriers in service since 2008 and $150 million on a small number of light utility helicopters to complement existing equipment.
The State Department emphasized that none of the sales would affect the regional military balance but would strengthen Israel’s ability to defend its borders, infrastructure, and population centers. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the department said.
Political reactionsRep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticised the administration for rushing the announcement, accusing it of bypassing congressional oversight and failing to consult lawmakers on broader U.S.-Israel policy and next steps in Gaza.
The arms sales come as the Trump administration maintains close security ties with both Israel and Saudi Arabia amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing efforts to stabilise the Middle East.
4 days ago
Seven nations join Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza
Seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, have agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, according to a joint statement. Israel had earlier confirmed its participation.
Trump on Wednesday said Russian President Vladimir Putin had also accepted the invitation, though Moscow later clarified it was still under consideration.
The board, initially linked to ending the two-year Israel-Hamas conflict and overseeing Gaza reconstruction, does not specifically mention Palestine in its charter and appears aimed at taking on functions similar to the UN.
Saudi Arabia said the Muslim-majority nations – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar – support efforts for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, reconstruction, and what they called a “just and lasting peace”.
The body’s charter will take effect once three states formally agree, with member nations holding renewable three-year terms. Contributions of $1 billion will secure permanent seats. Trump will serve as chairman and US representative with authority to appoint executive board members.
The White House last week named seven founding Executive Board members, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov.
Phase one of the plan involved a ceasefire, partial prisoner exchange, limited Israeli withdrawal, and increased humanitarian aid. Israel says the second phase, including reconstruction and demilitarisation, will proceed only after the return of the last hostages.
Humanitarian conditions remain fragile. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 460 Palestinian deaths from Israeli strikes since the ceasefire, while Israel reports three soldiers killed in Palestinian attacks.
The board faces challenges, as Hamas has resisted disarming without recognition of a Palestinian state, and Israel has not fully committed to withdrawing from Gaza.
With inputs from BBC
13 days ago
7.8 million ounces of new gold resources discovered in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has reported the discovery of 7.8 million ounces of additional gold resources across four locations in the Kingdom, strengthening its drive to grow domestic mineral reserves and build a global gold business.
The new resources were identified at Mansourah Massarah, Uruq 20/21, Umm As Salam and the newly defined Wadi Al Jaww site. The expansion follows an intensive drilling programme that initially outlined more than nine million ounces before standard annual reporting adjustments.
Mansourah Massarah delivered the biggest increase, adding three million ounces year-on-year. Uruq 20/21 and Umm As Salam together contributed 1.67 million ounces, while Wadi Al Jaww delivered a maiden resource of 3.08 million ounces.
CEO Bob Wilt said the findings validate Maaden’s long-term strategy. “The results leave no doubt that the company’s long-term strategy is working on the ground. This is exactly why we continue to invest heavily in Saudi Arabia’s gold endowment,” he said.
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He added that the latest discoveries highlight the scale of Maaden’s exploration pipeline. “The addition of more than seven million ounces through drilling across the four areas demonstrates the scale and ongoing potential of Maaden’s gold portfolio, and it continues to deliver as we advance exploration and mine development. Our assets are growing, and that growth directly supports future cash generation.”
Maaden’s 2026 exploration programme is focused on the Central Arabian Gold Region, where drilling has identified new mineralised zones and possible mine extensions. Work is also underway near the historic Mahd gold site to assess opportunities to extend mine life, reports Gulf News.
Wilt said the results also support Maaden’s diversification plans. “The results underline the strength of the company’s broader pipeline. These early copper and nickel results show the same signals we saw first in gold and that the Arabian Shield has real scale to continue developing,” he said. “What we’re seeing at Shayban and Jabal Al Wakil points to a much bigger opportunity across the Kingdom and reinforces our ambition to build a strong multi-commodity portfolio alongside our growing gold business.”
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Maaden’s flagship Mansourah Massarah project now hosts an estimated 116 million tonnes grading 2.8 grams of gold per tonne, equivalent to a total resource of 10.4 million ounces. The company said mineralisation remains open at depth, with further drilling planned through 2026.
18 days ago
Saudi Arabia backs Yemen request for talks to end southern fighting
Saudi Arabia has welcomed a request from Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) to convene talks in Riyadh aimed at easing a violent power struggle in southern Yemen that has intensified fighting and heightened tensions among Gulf states.
In a statement issued Saturday, the Saudi foreign ministry urged southern Yemeni factions to attend the proposed forum in the capital, saying the goal is to develop a unified and fair approach to addressing southern grievances.
Earlier the same day, PLC Chairman Rashad al-Alimi called on political leaders and armed groups in southern Yemen to take part in the Riyadh meeting, according to Yemen’s SABA news agency. Al-Alimi stressed the importance of the southern issue and rejected any one-sided or exclusionary solutions to the conflict.
Violence has escalated in recent days after the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group, launched a major offensive in Hadramout and Al-Mahra provinces, which together account for nearly half of Yemen’s territory. Oil-rich Hadramout, which borders Saudi Arabia and has deep historical ties to the kingdom, was viewed by Riyadh as strategically sensitive. The STC’s seizure of parts of the province last month raised alarm in Saudi Arabia.
Although the STC is part of the anti-Houthi coalition, it is widely believed to seek an independent southern state, putting it at odds with the internationally recognised Yemeni government led by the PLC. Saudi Arabia has accused its coalition partner, the United Arab Emirates, of supplying arms to the STC—claims Abu Dhabi has denied, saying it supports Saudi security.
The UAE, meanwhile, voiced serious concern over the escalating violence and urged restraint to preserve Yemen’s stability. It also announced the withdrawal of its remaining troops from Yemen, citing the completion of counterterrorism missions, a move that may signal easing tensions with Saudi Arabia.
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The Saudi-led coalition was formed in 2015 to push back Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, but after years of war, the Houthis still control the north while rival Saudi- and Emirati-backed groups are now clashing in the south.
Analysts warn that unless the conflict is contained, the latest violence could usher in a dangerous new phase of the war, with competing forces fighting to redraw territorial control—an outcome that could have repercussions beyond Yemen itself.
1 month ago
Remittance fighters deserve more than just appreciation: Singer Asif Akbar
Suwaidi Park in Riyadh overflowed with thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis as renowned artist Asif Akbar made his presence felt among the Bangladesh community and their friends from other participating countries, including the host - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The atmosphere was electric—yet deeply emotional—as their beloved singer connected heart-to-heart with the very people who keep Bangladesh’s economy moving from miles away.
Speaking with warmth and sincerity, Asif Akbar emphasised that the remittance fighters - the expatriate workers who sacrifice comfort, family time, and their personal dreams - deserve more than just appreciation. They deserve joy, he said.
Bangladesh’s colourful heritage takes centre‐stage at Riyadh’s Global Harmony festival
“Remittance fighters need entertainment to breathe, to stay human,” Asif said passionately. “Without moments of happiness with entertainment, people become hardened by the struggles they carry every day."
Asif who sang a huge number of hit songs like ‘O Priya Tumi Kothai’ shed light on the silent battles these workers face abroad - loneliness, isolation, tireless labor, and the emotional burden of constantly giving while rarely receiving.
Yet, despite the weight on their shoulders, they continue to send money home, build futures for their families, and strengthen the foundations of Bangladesh’s economy, he remembered.
Asif described expatriate Bangladeshis as “the most patriotic sons and daughters of our nation.”
He praised their unwavering dedication, calling them pillars of progress whose sacrifices often go unnoticed.
“They work in foreign lands, far from loved ones, just to keep joy alive back home. But in doing so, they often lose their own moments of happiness,” Asif mentioned in between the conversation with the audience from the large stage.
In Suwaidi Park, surrounded by the cheers and warmth of his compatriots, Asif reminded everyone that behind every remittance sent home lies a story of resilience, sacrifice and unspoken pain.
And through music and togetherness, even for a brief moment, those burdens felt a little lighter, said the singer who sang for nearly two hours.
With each song, expatriates Bangladeshis were seen singing together with their favourite singers.
The Saudi Ministry of Media launched the second edition of the Global Harmony in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority highlighting cultures of 14 countries, including Bangladesh.
The ‘Bangladeshi Cultural’ segment began on November 11 and ended on Friday night (Riyadh time, November 14).
Asif highly appreciated the Saudi government, Saudi Ministry of Media and everyone involved for hosting such a mega event.
He also thanked the organisers for honoring the Bangladeshi expatriate community with an opportunity to enjoy a concert free of charge.
Read more: Global Harmony: Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage to shine in Riyadh
The event, hosted by popular Bangladeshi actress Prarthana Fardin Dighi and Rabiul Haque Zaman, showcased the rich traditions, music, dance, and cuisine of Bangladesh as part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony initiative.
Thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis, along with some of their families, gathered to enjoy live performances and sing together, transforming the park into a sea of sounds and lights.
For many, it was an emotional and pride-filled night, a moment to reconnect with their roots and share their culture with the wider Saudi community, celebrating unity, friendship, and the growing cultural ties between Bangladesh and the Kingdom.
“This is absolutely amazing. We remain busy, struggling every day here to keep our families smiling back home. This event is refreshing and a chance to share joy with friends,” Rumel, a Bangladeshi expatriate who attended with his friends, told UNB.
“I came here to host for the first time — a role I’ve never played before. It feels wonderful to be here, close to the Bangladeshi community. The audience is amazing. We are grateful to the Saudi authorities and the Ministry of Media,” Dighi told UNB.
Sarry Shaaban, spokesperson for the Global Harmony committee, expressed his excitement at hosting one of the largest expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia as part of the initiative.
“We are thrilled to have the Bangladeshi community join us. This event will help Saudi audiences learn more about Bangladesh and its culture,” he said.
Other nations and regions to be featured in the event include Egypt (Nov. 15–17); the Levant (Nov. 18–20); Yemen (Nov. 21–28); Pakistan (Nov. 29–Dec. 1); Indonesia (Dec. 2–4); the Philippines (Dec. 5–8); Uganda (Dec. 9–10); Ethiopia (Dec. 11–13); and Sudan (Dec. 14–20).
The Global Harmony initiative was first launched in October 2024 to celebrate the diversity of the Kingdom’s residents.
Last year’s event celebrated the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Philippines.
Last year’s event featured legendary Bangladeshi rock icon Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica, and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight.
The Global Harmony initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days.
The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cultural and civilizational diversity.
Read more: Saudi Arabia to allow 78,500 Bangladeshis for 2026 Hajj
2 months ago
Bangladesh’s colourful heritage takes centre‐stage at Riyadh’s Global Harmony festival
Bangladeshi expatriates, along with the Saudi audience, enjoyed a vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi heritage on Tuesday night (KSA time) as the ‘Bangladesh Culture’ segment of the Global Harmony festival lit up Al-Suwaidi Park with colorful cultural displays, music and dance performances.
The event, hosted by popular Bangladeshi actress Prarthana Fardin Dighi and Rabiul Haque Zaman, showcased the rich traditions, music, dance and cuisine of Bangladesh as part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony initiative.
Thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis, along with some of their families, gathered to enjoy live performances and sing together, transforming the park into a sea of sounds and lights.
For many, it was an emotional and pride-filled night, a moment to reconnect with their roots and share their culture with the wider Saudi community, celebrating unity, friendship and the growing cultural ties between Bangladesh and the Kingdom.
“This is absolutely amazing. We remain busy, struggling every day here to keep our families smiling back home. This event is refreshing and a chance to share joy with friends,” Rumel, a Bangladeshi expatriate who attended with his friends, told UNB.
Actress Dighi said she would be hosting the Bangladesh Culture programmes until November 14.
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“I came here to host for the first time — a role I’ve never played before. It feels wonderful to be here, close to the Bangladeshi community. The audience is amazing. We are grateful to the Saudi authorities and the Ministry of Media,” she told UNB.
Sarry Shaaban, spokesperson for the Global Harmony committee, expressed his excitement at hosting one of the largest expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia as part of the initiative.
“We are thrilled to have the Bangladeshi community join us. This event will help Saudi audiences learn more about Bangladesh and its culture,” he said.
Sarry added that the programme is open to everyone.
“It’s free for all to attend and enjoy. For many, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a second home — we’re happy to host them,” he said.
Other nations and regions to be featured in the event include Egypt (Nov. 15–17); the Levant (Nov. 18–20); Yemen (Nov. 21–28); Pakistan (Nov. 29–Dec. 1); Indonesia (Dec. 2–4); the Philippines (Dec. 5–8); Uganda (Dec. 9–10); Ethiopia (Dec. 11–13); and Sudan (Dec. 14–20).
The Global Harmony initiative was first launched in October 2024 to celebrate the diversity of the Kingdom’s residents.
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Last year’s event celebrated the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and the Philippines.
This year’s Bangladesh Culture Week features a diverse lineup of artistes, celebrities, and influencers from Bangladesh, including renowned singer Asif Akbar and actress Dighi, in a colorful showcase of the country’s cultural identity.
Packed with lively performances, traditional music and dance and authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, the celebration promises to be a spectacular display of Bangladesh’s rich heritage.
Artistes will present a variety of cultural and theatrical performances reflecting the nation’s artistic excellence.
Last year’s event featured legendary Bangladeshi rock icon Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica, and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight.
The Global Harmony initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days.
The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cultural and civilizational diversity.
MSF exchanges views with journalists in Dhaka
The Saudi Ministry of Media recently concluded the Indian Cultural Week, another installment of the Global Harmony 2 initiative, while the Bangladesh segment began on November 11.
The Indian Cultural Week attracted over 200,000 visitors and featured an array of artistic and cultural performances reflecting the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and India, while also celebrating Riyadh’s growing cultural diversity.
The week, organized under the Quality of Life Program supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, brought together more than 100 Indian artistes who presented theatrical, artistic, and heritage performances showcasing India’s rich cultural identity.
Interactive pavilions displayed traditional arts, crafts, cuisine, and customs from different regions of India, drawing significant attention from diplomats, cultural figures, and large crowds of citizens, residents, and members of the Indian community.
The week concluded with energetic performances by Indian troupes that received enthusiastic applause, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual appreciation that the Kingdom seeks to promote.
2 months ago
Saudi Arabia to allow 78,500 Bangladeshis for 2026 Hajj
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (11th November 2025) signed the Hajj agreement for 2026, under which 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be able to perform the pilgrimage next year.
Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, religious affairs adviser, and Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, inked the deal on behalf of their respective countries.
Both sides discussed the overall management of the Hajj pilgrimage during the signing ceremony. Adviser Khalid briefed the Saudi minister on Bangladesh’s recent progress in Hajj management and requested enhanced facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims, including improved tent arrangements, water supply, and sanitation services in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, said a media release issued by the ministry on Tuesday night.
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Lauding Bangladesh’s Hajj management system, Tawfiq assured that Saudi authorities would continue to provide the highest level of services to Bangladeshi pilgrims.
During the meeting, the adviser also invited the Saudi Minister to visit Bangladesh while he accepted the invitation.
Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Delwar Hossain, Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Hassan Manakhara, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah bin Jafar H. bin Abyah, and senior officials from both countries, among others were present at the signing ceremony.
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2 months ago
Global Harmony: Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage to shine in Riyadh
The ‘Bangladesh Culture’ segment of the prestigious ‘Global Harmony 2’ initiative is set to begin on Tuesday afternoon (5:30 pm KSA time), showcasing the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage and lifestyle of Bangladesh.
This high-profile event will highlight various aspects of the lives of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia, offering visitors a colorful glimpse into the nation’s traditions, art, and customs.
A diverse lineup of artistes, celebrities and influencers from Bangladesh, including renowned singer Asif Akbar and actress Dighi, will celebrate the country’s rich cultural identity through performances at Al-Suwaidi Park over the four-day event.
Filled with lively performances, traditional music and dance and a taste of authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, the celebration promises to be a spectacular showcase of Bangladesh’s heritage.
The artistes will present a series of cultural and theatrical performances reflecting the nation’s artistic excellence.
Last year, the event featured iconic Bangladeshi rock legend Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight.
Read more: Saudi Arabia to roll out digital deportation platform
The Global Harmony Initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days.
The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, strengthening Riyadh’s role as a global hub for cultural and civilisational diversity.
The Saudi Ministry of Media concluded the Indian Cultural Week, another installment of the ‘Global Harmony 2’ initiative.
The event attracted over 200,000 visitors and featured an array of artistic and cultural performances that reflected the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and India, while celebrating Riyadh’s growing cultural diversity.
The Indian Cultural Week, an initiative under the Quality of Life Program supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, brought together more than 100 Indian artists who presented theatrical, artistic and heritage performances that highlighted India’s rich cultural identity.
Interactive pavilions showcased traditional arts, crafts, cuisine, and customs from different regions of India, drawing significant attention from diplomats, cultural figures, and large crowds of citizens, residents and members of the Indian community.
The week concluded with energetic artistic performances by Indian troupes, met with enthusiastic audience participation and applause, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange that the Kingdom seeks to foster.
Read more: Saudi Arabia set to shorten Umrah visa validity
2 months ago
Saudi Arabia to roll out digital deportation platform
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) is set to introduce a new “Self-Deportation Platform” that will allow illegal residents to complete their departure procedures online, marking a shift away from traditional deportation methods.
Acting Director General of Jawazat Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba announced the initiative during the Digital Government Forum 2025 in Riyadh on Thursday (6th November 2025).
He said the digital platform will be launched once all security, technical, and operational measures are finalised. “This will enable violators of residency, labor, and border laws to complete their exit processes electronically,” he explained.
Al-Murabba also revealed that the directorate is preparing to launch a “smart track” system to simplify airport procedures. The new track will use smart cameras capable of verifying the identities of up to 35 travelers at once, allowing them to pass through without interacting with passport officers.
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The Jawazat chief further announced plans to introduce “Digital Twins” technology — an advanced system that uses data models and analytics to monitor crowd movements, calculate waiting times, and assess passenger satisfaction. The technology was successfully tested during the 2024 Hajj season, reports Saudi Gazette .
He added that the digital passport, already available through the “Absher” platform, is being developed further through new international agreements to expand its global use.
According to Al-Murabba, the new digital systems will help streamline departure procedures, eliminating the need for passengers to go through manual passport control. Smart devices, automated verification, and connected security systems will facilitate smoother travel experiences.
The Jawazat is also planning to establish a “unified gateway” for real-time exchange of passenger data between countries, improving international coordination during transit through Saudi Arabia.
Highlighting the Ministry of Interior’s ongoing digital transformation, Al-Murabba said visitors to the Kingdom can already witness major advancements in passport services. The goal, he noted, is to turn Saudi Arabia’s ports of entry into AI-powered smart gateways that ensure faster and more efficient travel.
He also expressed pride that Jawazat currently offers over 100 digital services through the Absher platform, benefiting more than 24 million users in 2024. Additionally, the newly launched Smart Voice Agent service now provides 24/7 assistance without human intervention, available through the number 992.
Read more: Saudi Arabia set to shorten Umrah visa validity
2 months ago
Saudi Arabia set to shorten Umrah visa validity
Saudi Arabia is preparing to shorten the validity period of Umrah visas from three months to one month in a move aimed at better managing the growing influx of pilgrims, according to a report by Al Arabiya.net.
Citing official sources, the Saudi news outlet said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will soon implement the change, reducing the visa’s validity to 30 days from the date of issuance. The new regulation is expected to take effect next week.
Since the beginning of the new Umrah season in early June, more than four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims — a record figure in less than five months.
Under the revised rules, a visa will be automatically cancelled 30 days after issuance if the holder fails to enter the Kingdom within that period. However, the adjustment will not impact the duration of stay for those who arrive in Saudi Arabia, as Umrah pilgrims will still be permitted to remain in the country for up to three months.
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The decision aims to prevent overcrowding in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina during the cooler months, said Ahmed Bajafar, advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit.
Although Umrah rituals are performed only in Makkah, many pilgrims also visit Medina to offer prayers at the Prophet Mohammad’s mosque during their trip.
Earlier in October, Saudi Arabia tightened Umrah procedures, requiring advance booking of accommodation and verification of transportation arrangements on the Nusuk or Masar platforms upon arrival.
The Kingdom has also reiterated that visitors holding any type of visa are eligible to perform Umrah during their stay.
With input from Khaleej Times
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3 months ago