Thunderstorms in Western Arabia: How Pilgrims Can Prepare
Thundery rain showers are forecast to persist over the coming days in Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, and Makkah regions, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM).
News for pilgrims
Visa rules, Nusuk and Rawdah changes, transport and season dates — short, with what it means for your trip.
Fines and Imprisonment for Visa Overstay in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know
Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry warned that visitors who overstay their entry visas face fines of up to SR50,000, up to six months in prison and deportation.
Total Solar Eclipse in Saudi Arabia: A Rare Astronomical Event in a Year
Earth will witness a rare astronomical phenomenon on August 2, 2027, one not seen in Saudi Arabia for more than 75 years, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Ethno-villages of Al-Baha: Tourism and Cultural Heritage
ETHNO-VILLAGES AND COOL MOUNTAIN PARKS ATTRACT TOURISTS TO AL-BAHA REGION The Al-Baha region continues to attract tourists with its historical villages, traditional stone houses, and rural guest complexes where one can get acquainted with cultural heritage and the daily life of locals. One such complex, restored by local resident Sharifa Al-Ghamdi, includes several historical houses and an exhibition of more than 450 antique items — furniture, household items, and antique currency notes. The restoration of the buildings and their transformation into a tourist site took 9 years. There are more than 194 archaeological and historical sites in the region, including 72 villages of cultural significance. In the summer, the Ragadan Forest and Prince Hussa Park are particularly popular.
Jamrat Al-Qaydh: the start of the hottest period of summer in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Thursday entered the period known as “Jamrat Al-Qaydh,” regarded as the hottest phase of the summer season.The period lasts for several weeks, during which most regions of the Kingdom experience a significant rise in temperatures, often reaching their highest annual levels.Burjas Al-Falih, a member of the Afaq Astronomy Society, told the Saudi Press Agency that Thursday marked the effective start of Jamrat Al-Qaydh, coinciding with the first day of the second Gemini period, known as Al-Han’ah.Al-Han’ah lasts for 13 days and is considered the fourth astronomical phase o
Asir to Plant One Million Coffee Trees by 2028
ASIR PLANS TO PLANT 1 MILLION COFFEE TREES BY 2028 The Asir region continues to develop the production of its famous Saudi coffee, combining industry growth with environmental protection and rural development. Authorities intend to plant 1 million coffee trees from 2026 to 2028, complementing over 634,000 trees planted from 2022 to 2025. Today, coffee is grown on more than 7,000 hectares in 14 provinces of the region. Annually, Asir produces about 1,500 tons of coffee berries and 500 tons of green coffee beans. The unique taste of local coffee is shaped by the mountainous climate, seasonal rains, and constant fogs, making it increasingly sought after in the global market. The industry’s development is accompanied by large-scale environmental initiatives: restoring mountain terraces, implementing water-saving methods, and preventing soil erosion.
July in Saudi Arabia: the hottest month of the year
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is entering the peak of its summer season, with long-term climate records indicating that July is typically the hottest month of the year across the Kingdom. According to an analysis released by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) of July weather patterns between 1985 and 2025, the month records an average temperature of 33.1°C — with an average maximum temperature of 40.3°C — and an average rainfall of 3.34 mm, based on the 1991–2020 climate baseline. Geographically, average temperatures during July are highest across the Eastern Province and lar