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News for pilgrims

Visa rules, Nusuk and Rawdah changes, transport and season dates — short, with what it means for your trip.

  • Vision 2030: Achievements of Reforms and Tourism Development in Saudi Arabia

    Vision 2030: Achievements of Reforms and Tourism Development in Saudi Arabia

    JEDDAH — A meeting of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), held on Sunday virtually, reviewed the report submitted by the Strategic Management Office regarding the performance of Saudi Vision 2030 programs and national strategies for the first quarter of 2026. The report highlighted the progress achieved toward fulfilling the objectives and the qualitative accomplishments realized across the Vision’s three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. It noted the continued positive performance and achievements of the Vision programs and national s

  • Absher processed over 50 million transactions in July
    Services

    Absher processed over 50 million transactions in July

    RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior's electronic platform Absher processed a total of 50,815,790 electronic transactions for beneficiaries during the last month of July. The number of transactions carried out through the Absher Individuals platform reached 47,869,218, including 37,089,458 document viewings via the digital document wallet available to citizens, residents, and visitors. Meanwhile, the number of transactions processed through the Absher Businesses platform reached 2,946,572. The number of transactions processed by the General Directorate of Public Security reached 3,636,963, includ

  • Cleanliness and Safety in Saudi Arabia: A New Standard for Business Spaces

    Cleanliness and Safety in Saudi Arabia: A New Standard for Business Spaces

    As the Kingdom's commercial sector expands and its giga-projects take shape, the way buildings are cleaned, maintained and managed has moved from a back-office afterthought to a genuine business priority. Across Riyadh, Jeddah and emerging destinations such as NEOM and the Red Sea, organisations are discovering that a clean, healthy and well-run environment is no longer a "nice to have" — it is central to productivity, reputation and employee wellbeing.This shift is being driven by the pace of Vision 2030. New offices, hotels, healthcare facilities, retail developments and industrial sites are

  • Saudi Arabia and BIE Sign Agreement for Expo 2030 Riyadh

    Saudi Arabia and BIE Sign Agreement for Expo 2030 Riyadh

    Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) signed the 'SEE Agreement' to establish the legal and administrative framework governing the participation of countries and international organizations in Expo 2030 Riyadh.

  • Saudi Arabia Leads in Attracting Investments in the Middle East

    Saudi Arabia Leads in Attracting Investments in the Middle East

    RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is the largest single contributor to the investor base in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, accounting for 26% of total investors during the first half of 2026, according to a report by the MAGNiTT platform. The report cited that the MENA region attracted 243 investors in venture capital rounds during the first half of 2026. The participation of international investors recorded a decline of 48 percent during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, while the activity of regional investors decreased by 2 percent, leading to an increase in

  • Saudi Arabia Receives UN Award for Ecosystem Restoration

    Saudi Arabia Receives UN Award for Ecosystem Restoration

    Saudi Arabia has received a United Nations Award for World Restoration Flagships, in recognition of the Kingdom's sustained efforts to expand vegetation cover, restore degraded land, protect ecosystems and promote biodiversity.