Volunteer Opportunities to Serve Visitors of Prophet's Mosque

Madinah, May 07, 2026, SPA -- The Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has announced a range of volunteer opportunities for this year’s Hajj season. The initiative aims to strengthen community participation, develop volunteer work, and further embed a culture of volunteering within society. The volunteer opportunities include providing religious guidance and instruction, assisting in organizing prayer rows, monitoring screens and electronic devices, offering translation services, conducting field awareness campaigns, and serving visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. The presidency invites those interested in participating to register through the National Platform for Volunteer Work and apply for the available opportunities.

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General Entertainment Authority Marks a Decade of Transformation in Entertainment Sector

Riyadh, May 07, 2026, SPA -- Ten years after its establishment in 2016, the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) continues to advance Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector, marking a decade of transformation that has reshaped it into a more structured and dynamic industry. Since its launch, the GEA has focused on regulating activities, issuing licenses, empowering investors, and strengthening coordination among stakeholders to build a sustainable entertainment ecosystem. It has also invested in developing national talent through specialized programs that prepare Saudi professionals for leadership roles in the sector. Among its most notable achievements is the launch of six editions of Riyadh Season since 2019, which has grown into one of the world’s leading entertainment events and a globally recognized brand. The ......read full article

Virtue Commission Launches 1447 AH Hajj Programs

Makkah, May 09, 2026, SPA -- President of the General Presidency of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sanad launched the presidency’s programs for the 1447 AH Hajj season to support services provided to pilgrims. He said that the presidency’s participation has expanded this year to cover 10 regions across the Kingdom, including border crossings and pilgrim cities. The initiative includes 66 sites comprising awareness field centers, border crossings, and awareness points. Around 900 personnel are assigned to these sites, supported by translators in several international languages and sign language. He added that personnel have undergone 31 training programs to enhance performance efficiency during the Hajj season.

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King Abdulaziz Library to Launch 26th Free Reading Festival on Sunday

Riyadh, May 06, 2026, SPA -- The King Abdulaziz Public Library, in cooperation with the Riyadh Education Department, will launch its 26th annual Free Reading Festival for public school students on Sunday. Running from May 10 to 14 in Riyadh, the festival will bring together more than 100 schools, over 1,550 students, and a number of educators and teachers. It aims to foster a love of reading and learning, expand students’ literary, scientific, and cultural horizons, and encourage teachers to promote independent reading. It will also provide a platform to showcase student talents and strengthen Arabic language skills. Through initiatives like this festival, the King Abdulaziz Public Library promotes reading through diverse programs and a wide range of books that foster pride in the Kingdom’s heritage.

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Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative: UN Digital Government Center in Riyadh Reflects Kingdom's Leadership in Digital Transformation

New York, May 8, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil affirmed that the signing of a letter of intent between the Digital Government Authority (DGA) and the United Nations to establish a global digital government center in Riyadh reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at advancing digital transformation and leveraging modern technologies to serve sustainable development. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Alwasil said the selection of Riyadh to host the global center reflects the Kingdom’s significant progress in digital government and technological innovation under Saudi Vision 2030. He added that the move also reflects the leadership’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and ......read full article

SASO Governor Receives SASMO Delegation

Riyadh, May 05, 2026, SPA -- Governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) Dr. Saad Al-Kasabi received today a delegation from the Syrian Arab Organization for Standardization and Metrology (SASMO) headed by its Director General Yaser Alaiwi, to discuss enhancing technical cooperation and developing integration pathways between the two sides in the fields of standards, quality, and conformity assessment. During the meeting, a number of joint initiatives were discussed, most notably the exchange of experiences, expertise, and legislation in national quality infrastructure, alignment of priority standards, examination of mutual recognition mechanisms, certificates, and quality marks, and the formation of joint working teams to exchange expertise and implement specialized technical programs, contributing to ......read full article

Spring Rains Highlight Beauty of Valleys and Highlands in Al-Baha Region

Al-Baha, May 04, 2026, SPA -- Al-Baha Region witnessed scattered rainfall today, ranging from moderate to heavy, covering Al-Baha city and several governorates. The rain was accompanied by active winds and dense cumulonimbus clouds. It contributed to a pleasant atmosphere and a drop in temperatures, highlighting the region’s natural beauty and diverse topography. The rainfall led to the flow of several valleys and streams. It also formed water pools across roads and plains. Highlands and natural parks were covered in lush greenery, enhancing their appearance, amid fog and low clouds touching mountain peaks. Rainfall affected several governorates across the region, with flash floods observed in some areas. These conditions added to the scenic landscape and attracted residents and visitors seeking to enjoy the spring ......read full article

Saudi Hajj Ministry Outlines Regulatory Framework to Ensure Pilgrim Safety

RIYADH, May 5, 2026 — The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that securing a Hajj permit is the fundamental cornerstone for ensuring that rituals are performed with security and peace of mind. Adhering to these regulations is essential for achieving a seamless flow of movement throughout the Holy Sites.  The Saudi Ministry explained that the permitting system empowers authorities to manage large crowds efficiently by organizing the dispatch process and distributing pilgrims across various locations in a balanced manner. This structured approach allows for maximum readiness of field services at specific times and locations.  The Ministry warned that the presence of unauthorized individuals negatively impacts the safety of all pilgrims and the overall efficiency of services. It also cautioned against ......read full article

Seminar Explores Language Policy in Saudi Arabia at Arabic Language, Applied Sciences Conference

Madinah, May 04, 2026, SPA -- A scientific seminar held as part of the International Conference on Arabic Language and Applied Sciences examined the national policy for the Arabic language in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on vision, foundations, and prospects for impact. The event is organized by the Islamic University of Madinah in strategic partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL). It is taking place at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah. Participants discussed key themes related to language policy in the Kingdom, including national efforts to support Arabic through decisions and policies. Discussions also highlighted KSGAAL's role in language planning and policy development. The seminar addressed the foundations of the national Arabic language policy, its areas of ......read full article

Minister of Finance Heads Kingdom's Delegation at Joint Annual Meetings of Arab Financial Institutions

Riyadh, May 5, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan participated—via videoconference—in the Joint Annual Meetings of Arab Financial Institutions for 2026, with the participation of governors and representatives of member states, to discuss key economic and financial developments and ways to enhance joint Arab cooperation in development and investment fields. The Saudi delegation includes Vice Minister of Finance Abdulmuhsen Alkhalaf; Assistant Minister of Finance for Macro-Financial Policies and International Relations Abdullah A. Bin Zaraah; Assistant Governor of the Saudi Central Bank for Executive Affairs Abdulelah A. Aldeheem; and Deputy Minister of Finance for International Relations Khalid Bawazier; in addition to a number of specialists from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. The meetings ......read full article

Saudi Ministry Boosts International Cooperation for Hajj Compliance

RIYADH, May 3, 2026 — The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is continuing its intensive coordination with international Hajj affairs offices to promote awareness of official procedures. The goal is to ensure that essential guidance and instructional messages reach pilgrims in their home countries well before they arrive in the Kingdom.  These international efforts aim to establish the Hajj permit as the only safe and legitimate pathway for the pilgrimage. By adhering to these regulations, pilgrims ensure their journey is organized from its very first stages. The permit guarantees access to comprehensive field and logistical services and protects the pilgrim's rights from fraud or manipulation. The Ministry reiterated that the slogan "No Hajj Without a Permit" is designed to achieve the highest levels of ......read full article

Madinah Airport Welcomes Filipino Pilgrims

Madinah, May 01, 2026, SPA -- The General Directorate of Passports at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah received the first flights of pilgrims from the Republic of the Philippines arriving to perform Hajj for the year 1447 AH and completed their procedures smoothly and with ease. The directorate affirmed its readiness to receive pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season and facilitate their procedures by harnessing all its capabilities, including supporting its platforms at international air, land, and sea ports with the latest technical devices operated by qualified personnel who speak pilgrims’ languages.  

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Saudi Ministry Urges Hajj Applicants to Verify Permits Before Booking

Saudi Ministry Urges Hajj Applicants to Verify Permits Before Booking RIYADH, May 1, 2026 — The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued an urgent appeal to all individuals planning to perform Hajj, stressing the absolute necessity of verifying the validity of their Hajj permits before making any financial commitments or travel arrangements.  Ministry officials stated that permit compliance is foundational to the security of pilgrims and the orderly movement of both vehicles and pedestrians within the Holy Sites. Under current regulations, performing Hajj without an official permit is strictly prohibited, and violators face severe statutory penalties.  The Ministry also highlighted the risks of "fraudulent ads" on social media that promise Hajj services at suspiciously low prices without permits. ......read full article

Streamlined Movement and Peace of Mind: The Strategic Role of the Hajj Permit

RIYADH, April 30, 2026 — The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has underscored that Hajj permits are a vital guarantee for achieving a smooth flow of movement within the Holy Sites. These permits are essential for enabling pilgrims to perform their religious duties with ease and comfort.  According to the Ministry, the permitting system ensures a fair and orderly distribution of pilgrims across designated camps and locations, preventing overcrowding and maintaining balance amid the massive influx. Compliance with these regulations reflects a high level of civic responsibility that enhances the safety and security of all participants.  Conversely, violations disrupt operational plans and diminish the quality of field services. The Ministry has cautioned against unlicensed campaigns that exploit the emotions of ......read full article

No Hajj Without a Permit: Saudi Ministry Reinforces Measures to Protect Pilgrim Rights

"No Hajj Without a Permit": Saudi Ministry Reinforces Measures to Protect Pilgrim Rights RIYADH, April 29, 2026 — The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reaffirmed that the strict enforcement of the "No Hajj Without a Permit" policy is rooted in its commitment to protecting the rights of authorized pilgrims. This mandate ensures that all guests of the Holy Sites receive the high-quality services they deserve.  The Ministry explained that unauthorized individuals create overcrowding and strain public facilities, which negatively impacts the efficiency of the entire service ecosystem. Officials emphasized that violating Hajj regulations subjects offenders to legal accountability and formal penalties. Furthermore, the Ministry warned against misleading advertisements on social media platforms ......read full article

Islamic Affairs Ministry Provides Range of Services to Pilgrims Arriving via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport

Madinah, April 30, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by its branch in Madinah Region, continues to receive pilgrims arriving by air through Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport as part of an integrated system of outreach and guidance services provided from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom. The branch’s administrative and guidance teams received groups of pilgrims arriving from the Republic of India today, totaling 442 pilgrims, through arrival halls (1) and (5), where they were welcomed, guided, and provided with various awareness services to assist them in performing their rituals with ease and reassurance. Field efforts included distributing several educational books and publications in multiple languages explaining the rulings of Umrah and Hajj, in addition to ......read full article

Forum on Supporting Major Projects and Events Held in Riyadh

Riyadh, April 29, 2026, SPA -- The Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center (RIPC) organized today a forum on supporting major projects and events, with broad participation from regulatory, service, and consulting entities, along with developers of major projects and events. The forum is part of ongoing efforts to enhance integration across the capital’s infrastructure and flagship projects ecosystem. The forum featured specialized discussions addressing key challenges related to asset handover mechanisms in major projects. Sessions focused on improving operating models, addressing regulatory gaps, and strengthening early coordination among relevant entities. These efforts contribute to greater execution efficiency, reduced conflicts, and accelerated delivery timelines. The forum concluded with several practical recommendations. ......read full article

IMFC Deputy Chair Participates in 2026 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development

‏New York, April 28, 2026, SPA -- On behalf of Minister of Finance and Chair of International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) at the International Monetary Fund Mohammed Aljadaan, Deputy Chair of IMFC Dr. Ryadh Alkhareif participated in the high-level meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing for Development, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the participation of the Bretton Woods institutions. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance, ‏Dr. Alkhareif delivered an opening speech in which he addressed the most prominent challenges facing the global economy and the increasing pressures it imposes on financing for development, especially in low-income and conflict-affected countries. He stressed the importance of strengthening ......read full article

Grand Mosque Imam Urges Pilgrims to Adhere to Regulations, Avoid Crowding

Makkah, April 24, 2026, SPA -- In his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque today, Imam Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais affirmed that Hajj serves as a school of monotheism, emphasizing that Makkah remains a sanctuary of safety and guidance for all humanity He stressed the vital importance of adhering to official Hajj regulations and instructions, specifically highlighting the necessity of obtaining a permit to fulfill the Sharia objectives of preserving lives. Sheikh Al-Sudais urged pilgrims to maintain exemplary character, exercise gentleness, and avoid crowding during the rituals. Concluding his sermon, he commended the security and organizational authorities for their dedicated service, praying for the pilgrims' safety and the successful completion of their pilgrimage.

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Ministry of Interior: Fine of up to SAR50,000, Imprisonment for up to Six Months, and Deportation for Visa Overstayers

Riyadh, April 27, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Interior confirmed that expatriates who overstay their visas will face a fine of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation. The ministry urged all individuals to comply with the regulations governing the 1447 AH Hajj season and to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims. Violators will be subject to legal penalties. The ministry also called for reporting violations by dialing 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.

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Makkah Route Initiative Redefines Start of Indonesian Pilgrims' Hajj Journey at Their Airports

Jakarta, April 28, 2026, SPA -- The Hajj journey no longer begins upon arrival in Saudi Arabia; it now starts thousands of kilometers away, at departure airports, where the experience is reshaped into one that is calmer, smoother, and more reassuring. In Indonesia, the Makkah Route Initiative has long embodied this concept, offering a distinct experience in which travel procedures are completed before departure rather than upon arrival. The initiative first took shape in 2017, when it was implemented in Indonesia as one of the earliest participating countries. It is part of the Ministry of Interior's initiatives, carried out under the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030. In Indonesia, the initiative was first launched at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, marking the first ......read full article

SHEIN Strengthens Community Engagement Across Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia / Dubai, UAE – April 27, 2026 – SHEIN®, one of the world's leading online fashion and lifestyle retailers, strengthened its commitment to community engagement efforts in the Middle East during Ramadan 2026, delivering a series of impactful initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the UAE that reflected the company's broader focus on kindness, connection, and giving. Under the theme "Ramadan in Every Gesture," SHEIN rolled out a series of Ramadan and Eid al‑Fitr activations in both countries, reaching thousands of people and reinforcing values of kindness and community. SHEIN partnered with Dunia Helwa to bring moments of kindness to communities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Dunia Helwa (Arabic for "The World is Beautiful") is 7awi Media Group's digital platform ......read full article

DGA Governor Honors Female Winners of Global Tech Challenges on International Girls in ICT Day

Riyadh, April 27, 2026, SPA -- The communications and technology ecosystem held an event to celebrate women who won global tech challenges, marking the International Girls in ICT Day. The recognition celebrated their achievements and Saudi women’s growing role in driving innovation and strengthening the presence of national talent in the technology sector. Governor of the Digital Government Authority (DGA) Ahmed Alsuwaiyan honored the winners during the event held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The event reflected the ongoing commitment to empowering women, enhancing their participation in technology fields, and contributing to building a thriving digital future. Prominent female leaders in the technology sector attended the event, alongside a strong female presence among ......read full article

Heavy Rain, Strong Winds Expected in Northern Borders Region

Turaif, April 27, 2026, SPA -- The National Center for Meteorology issued a warning Sunday of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, hail, flash floods, lightning strikes, and near-zero visibility in Turaif Governorate in Northern Borders Region. The center said the weather condition is expected to start Monday morning and continue until 10 p.m. the same day.

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WAMY Opens Prince Saud bin Mohammed bin Fahad Islamic Center in Indonesia

Yogyakarta, April 22, 2026, SPA -- A delegation from the General Secretariat of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) inaugurated the Prince Saud bin Mohammed bin Fahad Islamic Center—named in honor of the late prince and his spouse, Princess Fahdah bint Fahad—in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Republic of Indonesia, during a ceremony attended by officials and members of the local community. Head of the delegation Faisal Al-Jabr said the center represents an effective model for achieving sustainable development goals and strengthening international humanitarian partnerships with lasting positive impact on communities.

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Pakistan Ambassador Reviews Investment Opportunities in Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries

Jizan, April 24, 2026, SPA -- Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq and his accompanying delegation visited Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI) yesterday as part of his visit to Jazan Region. During the visit, he met with JCPDI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Hussein bin Yahya Fadhli. They discussed several topics of mutual interest and reviewed JCPDI’s industrial capabilities and promising investment opportunities, as well as the facilitation provided by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu to encourage foreign investment. Farooq expressed admiration for JCPDI’s natural and human resources, as well as its achievements and ambitions. He noted his country’s desire to invest in downstream industries, the logistics sector, and the food sector, all of which ......read full article

Prince Fahd bin Jalawi Visits Athletes' Village in Sanya

Riyadh, April 25, 2026, SPA -- Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, who is also heading the Saudi delegation at the Sixth Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, visited the Athletes’ Village in Sanya, China. During the visit, Prince Fahd met with members of the Saudi team, checking on their readiness and progress in the competitions. He conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal for continued success and excellence in representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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NCM Warns of Rainfall in Riyadh Region Governorates

Riyadh, April 23, 2026, SPA -- The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a warning of moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by hail and strong winds in a number of Riyadh Region governorates. The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged all to exercise caution, adhere to its instructions, and avoid flood-prone areas and valleys.

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SPL Supports Makkah Route Initiative Across 10 Countries Through 17 International Ports

Riyadh, April 23, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Post (SPL) is playing an active logistics role within the Makkah Route Initiative—one of the Ministry of Interior’s initiatives under the Pilgrim Experience Program of Saudi Vision 2030—across 10 countries through 17 international ports by sorting and coding pilgrims’ luggage in beneficiary countries and transporting it under precise arrangements to ensure smooth delivery to their accommodations in the Kingdom, enhancing the Hajj experience and improving service efficiency for visitors. The process begins with sorting and coding luggage according to transportation and accommodation plans, followed by direct delivery to pilgrims’ residences in Makkah and Madinah, facilitating their journey and improving service quality. This role reflects SPL’s continued ......read full article

Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

Riyadh, April 23, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia has secured top global rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025–2026 report, reflecting a highly competitive environment and reinforcing its position as a premier global hub for entrepreneurship. The Kingdom led all high-income economies in Entrepreneurial Finance, highlighting the efficiency of its financing tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), cementing its status as an elite destination for entrepreneurial investment and growth. Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) has seen rapid expansion, jumping from 12.1% in 2018 to 28.9% in 2025. Similarly, entrepreneurial intentions nearly doubled, rising from 26.8% to 48.5% over the same ......read full article

Light to Moderate Rain Falls across Qassim Region

Buraidah, April 23, 2026, SPA -- Light to moderate rain fell across Qassim Region yesterday evening, including Buraidah, the region’s governorates, and affiliated centers. Cumulus clouds formed over the region, with a chance of rain in the coming hours.

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Rainfall Paints Scenic Rural Landscapes in Northeast of Qassim

Al-Asyah, April 20, 2026, SPA -- Rainfall brought scenes of natural beauty to the valleys and ravines of Al-Asyah Governorate, located northeast of Qassim Region, reviving waterways and contributing to the flow and accumulation of water across the area. The rainfall affected several locations in the governorate, with streams running between elevated terrain and rocky formations, creating a picturesque rural landscape alongside mild weather that encouraged residents and visitors to head outdoors and enjoy open spaces. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) documented the flow of water along the banks of Wadi Dhaidah and nearby ravines such as Hanidhal and Abalurood, highlighting environmental diversity, varied terrain, and natural formations. These conditions contributed to the revival of wild vegetation and the emergence of green spaces ......read full article

Boulevard Flowers Opens in Riyadh

Riyadh, April 21, 2026, SPA -- Boulevard Flowers has begun welcoming visitors, offering one of the largest and most prominent natural-flower experiences in the world across a total area of 214,000 square meters. The main garden covers 94,000 square meters in a setting that blends nature, art and entertainment. Located opposite Boulevard World on Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, the zone features more than 2,000 three-dimensional sculptures in different shapes and designs, extending the visual experience throughout the site. Boulevard Flowers is home to tens of millions of natural flowers and plants inmore than 100 varieties and 50 different colors. Planting beds stretching more than 8,500 linear meters form integrated natural displays throughout the zone. The zone has also been equipped with a high-quality sound system ......read full article

Two Holy Mosques Authority Provides Crowd Density Viewing Service in Mataf, Masaa

Makkah, April 21, 2026, SPA -- The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has provided an advanced digital service that allows visitors to the Grand Mosque to instantly view the crowd density status in the Mataf and Masaa areas, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the experience of pilgrims and facilitate the performance of Umrah rituals with ease and tranquility. The authority noted that the service enables users to monitor density levels through simplified color indicators, allowing them to choose the most suitable times and routes to perform Tawaf and Sai, contributing to crowd distribution, reducing congestion, and improving the efficiency of crowd management within the Grand Mosque. The service can be accessed via the following link: ......read full article

First Makkah Route Initiative Flight Departs Jakarta for Madinah

Jakarta, April 22, 2026, SPA -- The first flight carrying beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative departed today from Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, for Saudi Arabia via the initiative lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, bound for Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by receiving them and completing their procedures in their own countries with ease. The process begins with biometric data collection and electronic issuance of Hajj visas, followed by passport procedures at the airport of departure after verification of health requirements, and the tagging and sorting of luggage in line with transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. Pilgrims then proceed directly to buses that ......read full article

Over 40,000 Volunteer Hours Recorded in Jazan During March

Jizan, April 12, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, through its Jazan Region branch, implemented 405 volunteer opportunities in March, with the participation of more than 2,100 volunteers. The total volunteer hours reached 40,631, generating an estimated economic return of SAR3,729,000. The activities included preparing mosques, organizing worshippers during Taraweeh, Qiyam, and Eid Al-Fitr prayers, and distributing iftar meals and water bottles. These initiatives support the ministry branch’s contribution to Saudi Vision 2030, which targets one million volunteers and promotes a culture of volunteerism and community service.

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Riyadh Region Education Moves Tuesday Classes Online in 13 Governorates

Riyadh, April 21, 2026, SPA -- The General Administration of Education in Riyadh Region announced that in-person classes will shift online on Tuesday via the Madrasati platform and other approved educational platforms for all students and teaching and administrative staff in the governorates of Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Durma, Marat, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majmaah, Al-Ghat, Shaqra, Afif, Al-Rayn, and Al-Quwaiyah. The move was based on reports from the National Center for Meteorology and was taken to ensure everyone's safety.

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GCC-Central Asia Ties Rooted in Shared History, Mutual Interests, GCC Secretary General Says

Riyadh, April 21, 2026, SPA -- Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that relations between the GCC countries and the Central Asian countries are based on solid foundations of shared history and mutual interests, expressing his confidence that this partnership will witness further growth and prosperity in the coming years, in a way that reflects the aspirations of its peoples for a more stable, prosperous and integrated future. He made these remarks during his participation in the workshop "Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the GCC Countries and Central Asian Countries: From Historical Ties to Comprehensive Cooperation," organized by the Gulf Research Center in cooperation with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic ......read full article

Foreign Minister Participates in Quadrilateral Ministerial Meeting in Antalya

Antalya, April 18, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated in the quadrilateral ministerial meeting held in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye, attended by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan. The ministers discussed the latest regional developments, including support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts and its endeavors to reach a permanent ceasefire between Iran and the United States, thereby contributing to de-escalation and sparing the region and the world the serious security and economic repercussions of war.

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Islamic Affairs Ministry Organizes Local Quran Competition in Kosovo

Pristina, April 16, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the religious attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Islamic Community of Kosovo, is organizing the first edition of a local Holy Quran competition for boys and girls in the Republic of Kosovo. One hundred male and female contestants will participate from various cities across the country from April 17 to 19. The competition targets youth aged 12 to 30, including students from Sharia institutes and public schools. The final rounds and closing ceremony will be held in the capital, Pristina, on Sunday, April 19.

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