Saudi volunteers reflect on serving pilgrims during Hajj
For many Saudi volunteers, Hajj is not simply about organization, crowd management or guiding pilgrims through the holy sites. It is about witnessing fear turn into relief, confusion into reassurance, and strangers into people they may remain in touch with long after the pilgrimage ends. Across Makkah, Mina and the surrounding holy sites, volunteers work […]
Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, officially began Monday. More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the country, Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces, said Friday. The faithful have been pouring into the country for the Hajj against the backdrop of […]
Journey of a lifetime: A look at what pilgrims will be doing over the next few days at Hajj
Saudi Arabia mobilizes vast healthcare, transport, and multilingual services as pilgrims perform Hajj rituals. Here is a look at the Hajj timetable for pilgrims over the next few days at the holy site. 1-MINA 8th of Dul Hijjah – Pilgrims arrive at the tent city of Mina, roughly 8 km away from the Grand Mosque in […]
Hajj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite Middle East war
Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for Hajj, according to a Saudi official, exceeding the number of international visitors last year despite the war in the Middle East. The conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February saw Tehran order waves of strikes […]
KSrelief expands Yemen aid efforts with cholera response, market and school rehab projects
The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has expanded its humanitarian operations in Yemen with new health, education and livelihood support projects, according to reports carried by the Saudi Press Agency. In the latest health initiative, KSrelief said its emergency cholera response project in Yemen provided medical services to 7,155 people between April 15 and 21. The […]
Global investors’ interest in Saudi startups is accelerating
A record-breaking number of venture capitalists are investing in Saudi Arabia’s thriving business environment, with the technology sector proving especially attractive, industry leaders have told Arab News. According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s latest annual report, 2025 saw the Kingdom reach its highest record of venture capital investment — SR6.4 billion ($1.7 […]
SFD continues providing financial aid to countries amid geopolitical tensions
Sudan, Cameroon and Palau were among countries that have received financial support from the Saudi Fund for Development so far in 2026, as it continued its work despite growing geopolitical tensions. Established in 1974 and commenced operations in 1975, SFD has financed more than 800 development projects in over 100 countries, with a cumulative […]
Al-Azhar grand imam praises Saudi leadership for Hajj services
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Egypt Saleh Al-Husseini met on Tuesday with Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb in Cairo, where they discussed issues of shared concern. During the meeting, the grand imam praised the efforts of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in serving pilgrims and championing Arab and Islamic causes. Al-Tayeb also […]
Saudi crown prince, UAE president discuss regional developments
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held a phone conversation, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The pair discussed the situation in the region and areas of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Arab News
Saudi Arabia condemns attempted Iranian infiltration of Kuwait’s Bubiyan Island
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attempted infiltration of Kuwait’s Bubiyan Island this month by an Iranian armed group sent by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with the aim of carrying out hostile acts. The ministry said the action violated Kuwaiti sovereignty, and expressed the Kingdom’s solidarity and full support for all measures […]