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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.

  • 11 species of skinks in Saudi Arabia: wonders of desert fauna

    11 species of skinks in Saudi Arabia: wonders of desert fauna

    SAUDI ARABIA IS HOME TO 11 SPECIES OF SKINKS, INCLUDING THE "SAND FISH" Saudi Arabia has 11 species of skinks — lizards adapted to life in deserts, oases, and plains. Among them, the most famous is the "sand fish", capable of literally "swimming" in the sand and burrowing to a depth of 40 cm, escaping from predators and the scorching sun. These reptiles reach a length of 14 cm. They feed on insects, spiders, and plant matter, helping to naturally control pest populations and maintain ecological balance on the Arabian Peninsula.

  • August in Saudi Arabia: Extreme Heat and Strong Winds

    August in Saudi Arabia: Extreme Heat and Strong Winds

    RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is expected to experience above-average temperatures across most regions during August, the final month of summer, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM).NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani said climate forecasts indicate that temperatures will remain higher than normal across much of the Kingdom as summer weather conditions persist.Rainfall is forecast to be below average in Jazan and Al-Baha, as well as parts of Tabuk, Madinah, Makkah, Asir, Najran and the Eastern Province. Rainfall in the rest of the Kingdom is expected to remain near seasonal averages.

  • Saudi Arabia: 55 Violations at Archaeological Sites

    Saudi Arabia: 55 Violations at Archaeological Sites

    RIYADH — The Heritage Commission recorded 55 violations involving cultural heritage sites and artifacts across several regions of the Kingdom during the second quarter of 2026. The cases were identified as part of the commission's ongoing efforts to protect archaeological and heritage sites, preserve their historical features, and strengthen compliance with regulations governing the sector. Of the 55 violations, 16 were on-site encroachments recorded in the Riyadh, Qassim, Asir, Tabuk, Northern Borders, and Al-Baha regions through inspection tours and public reports. The violations included una

  • Desalination of Water in Saudi Arabia: Technology of the Future

    Desalination of Water in Saudi Arabia: Technology of the Future

    SAUDI ARABIA TESTS NEW TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE DESALINATION COSTS Saudi scientists are researching special hydrogel coatings that can make seawater desalination more efficient. The new material protects membranes from contamination, bacteria, and salt deposits, allowing for reduced electricity consumption, lower maintenance costs, and increased equipment lifespan without building new desalination plants. Today, Saudi Arabia is the largest producer of desalinated water in the world, with a total capacity of about 11.1 million cubic meters of water per day. Experts believe that the implementation of the new technology will help improve the efficiency of the industry and strengthen the country's water security.