Saudi Arabia: Strict permit-only access for Hajj 2026 confirmed
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has enforced a total ban on Hajj activities for holders of visit and tourist visas. Authorities stated that only those with dedicated Hajj permits will…
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Haramain railway increases capacity to 2.2 million for pilgrimage season
Saudi Arabia Railways has officially boosted seat capacity on the Haramain High-Speed Rail to 2.2 million for the 2026 Hajj season. The move includes the deployment of 35 trains running…
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Saudi Arabia rolls out 5-year physical Muqeem ID cards for residents
The Ministry of Interior has introduced a new version of the Resident Identity (Muqeem) card featuring a five-year physical validity period. While the physical card lasts longer, residents must still…
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Strict Enforcement of Hajj Permit Rules for 2026
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated that visit visa holders are strictly barred from performing Hajj. Violators face fines of up to SAR 20,000, potential deportation, and a 10-year re-entry…
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Vision 2030 Enters Final ‘Peak Delivery’ Phase
The Kingdom has officially transitioned into the third phase of Vision 2030, shifting focus from policy reforms to large-scale project execution. Authorities are prioritizing a 65% private sector GDP contribution…
Read moreMobile Passport Counters Launched for Hajj Pilgrims
The General Directorate of Passports has begun deploying mobile biometric counters at airports and land crossings to expedite entry for Hajj pilgrims. The portable devices capture facial images and passport…
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Saudi Arabia: Rail ‘Landbridge’ Fast-Tracked to Bypass Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Arabia is accelerating the development of the Saudi Landbridge and Northern Corridor, a 1,700 km rail link designed to transport cargo from Eastern Province ports to the Jordanian border.…
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Saudi Arabia: Ministry Warns of Jail, Heavy Fines, and Deportation for Visa Overstayers
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a firm reminder to all expatriates and visitors regarding the severe legal consequences of overstaying entry visas. As part of intensified efforts to…
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Saudi Arabia: New Construction Index Launched to Track Vision 2030 Momentum
Al Rajhi Capital, in partnership with S&P Global, has today launched the “Al Rajhi Capital Saudi Construction Index,” a high-frequency indicator designed to monitor the Kingdom’s booming construction sector in…
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Saudi Arabia: Over 15,000 Hajj Pilgrims Arrive as Transport Costs See Slight Adjustment
As the 2026 Hajj season approaches, Saudi Arabian authorities have confirmed the arrival of over 15,000 pilgrims through 59 international flights as of this morning. Parallel to the pilgrimage influx,…
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Saudi Arabia: Mecca Entry Restricted for Expats Without Hajj Permits
Saudi authorities have begun enforcing strict entry restrictions for the Makkah region as of mid-April. Expatriates and residents are barred from entering the holy city unless they possess a valid…
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Saudi Arabia Expresses Strong Condemnation Over Drone Strikes on Kuwaiti Borders
The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement of strong condemnation following drone attacks on Kuwaiti border posts originating from Iraq. As reported by Dawn and Al Jazeera, the…
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Health Minister Inspects Makkah Facilities Ahead of Hajj
Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister, Fahad Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, has concluded a comprehensive two-day inspection of medical facilities in Makkah to ensure peak readiness for the upcoming Hajj season. According to a…
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