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U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia opens visa appointments for World Cup ticket holders RIYADH, May 20 — The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia said it has opened applications for visitor visa appointments for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders under the FIFA PASS programme. The programme allows fans in Saudi Arabia who bought tickets directly from FIFA to schedule B1/B2 visa interview appointments in Jeddah ahead of the tournament, the embassy said. The embassy urged applicants to revie

Etihad to double A380 Paris service this summer ABU DHABI, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Etihad Airways will increase its Airbus A380 service to Paris Charles de Gaulle to double daily from July 1, WAM reported. The expansion will raise Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Paris route to three daily flights overall. The schedule will include two daily A380 services from Zayed Abu Dhabi International Airport, with morning and afternoon departures. A third daily Boeing 787-9 service will

Bahrain suspends entry for non-citizens from three African countries over Ebola outbreak MANAMA, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda over the Ebola outbreak, BNA reported. The suspension applies from Tuesday, May 19, and follows World Health Organization updates on the outbreak and worsening conditions in the affected countr

Riyadh Air opens public sales for Riyadh-London flights | Photography: SPA RIYADH, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Riyadh Air announced the launch of full public ticket sales for flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and London Heathrow, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The route will begin operating with Riyadh Air’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from July 1, 2026. Tickets are available through the Riyadh Air app, the airline’s website and a

UAE says drone that hit near Barakah plant was launched from Iraq ABU DHABI, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The United Arab Emirates said six drones had been launched against the country from Iraq over the past 48 hours, including one that caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday, Reuters reported. The UAE Defence Ministry said it intercepted all but one of the drones. Three of the drones had been targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the Arab

WASHINGTON, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States may need to strike Iran again if no agreement is reached, Reuters reported. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had been an hour away from making a decision to launch an attack before postponing it after a new proposal from Tehran. Trump said a new U.S. attack could happen within days if negotiations fail, citing the need to prevent Iran fro

French President Emmanuel Macron waits for the arrival of a guest at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, May 18, 2026. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor PARIS, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – France has invited European states in Ukraine’s “coalition of the willing” to attend its July 14 Bastille Day celebrations, Reuters reported, citing an official invitation. The 2026 commemorations will be held under the theme “European strategic awakening,” at a time of heightened transatlantic

Qiddiya hosts more than 800 beneficiaries at Six Flags Qiddiya City | Photography: SPA RIYADH, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Qiddiya Investment Company hosted more than 800 beneficiaries from charitable associations at Six Flags Qiddiya City as part of a community initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The initiative provided guests with a full day of entertainment, including rides, activities and food and beverage options. Qiddiya said the initiative reflects i

Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957), Danaïde, conceived and cast circa 1913. Bronze with gold leaf and black patina. Height (excluding base): 10⅞ in (27.1 cm). Sold for $107,585,000 MASTERPIECES: The Private Collection of S.I. Newhouse on 18 May 2026 at Christie’s in New York NEW YORK, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Christie’s surpassed $1 billion in sales during the opening night of its 20th and 21st Century Art sales week in New York, driven by strong bidding for works b

Jeddah’s House of Islamic Arts marks International Museum Day |Photography: SPA JEDDAH, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The House of Islamic Arts in Jeddah marked International Museum Day 2026 with a special exhibition focused on traditional life and heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The exhibition offered visitors a cultural journey into the past through rare collectibles and personal items contributed by collectors and heritage enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia a

Saudi Islamic Affairs pavilion draws visitors at Doha International Book Fair | Photography: Courtesy of SPA DOHA, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance pavilion drew strong visitor interest at the 34th Doha International Book Fair, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The pavilion is participating within the Saudi Arabia stand and highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to serve Islam and Muslims. Visitors engaged with an intera

Saudi Arabia says visit visas do not authorize Hajj. (Photography: SPA) RIYADH, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior said visit visas of all types and categories do not authorize holders to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The ministry stressed that an official Hajj permit is mandatory to perform the ritual. It urged the public to comply with regulations for the 1447 AH Hajj season and cooperate with authorities to ensure the

SABN ISLAMABAD, May 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Pakistan strongly condemned drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and affirmed full solidarity with the Kingdom in the face of any threat to its security and stability. The Pakistani government described the attacks as a grave violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also said the attacks represented a new attempt to undermine peace and stability in the region. Pakistan reaffirmed full support f

UAE announces four-day paid holiday for private sector on Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, May 26–29 (Photography: WAM) ABU DHABI, May 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that May 26 to 29 will be a paid holiday for all private sector employees on the occasion of Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha, WAM reported. The ministry said the decision was issued in line with the UAE Cabinet resolution on official public holidays.

Ultra Gobi to stage first international race in AlUla in 2027. (Photography: Couresy of SPA) ALULA, May 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Ultra Gobi will hold its first international event in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla from Jan. 12 to 20, 2027, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The launch of Ultra Gobi AlUla marks the first time in the race series’ 20-year history that it will take place outside China. The race will pass through AlUla’s desert valleys, oases and monumental rock form

Bahrain condemns drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia MANAMA, May 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Bahrain strongly condemned the drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia using three drones launched from Iraqi airspace. Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry described the attack as a dangerous escalation, a threat to regional security and stability, and a violation of international law and U.N. Security Council Resolution 2817. The ministry affirmed Bahrain’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia

Qatar condemns drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia DOHA, May 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Qatar strongly condemned the drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia, describing it as an unacceptable act of aggression and a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack threatened Saudi Arabia’s security and regional security. The ministry reaffirmed Qatar’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for all measures taken by the King

AlUla marks International Museum Day as world’s largest living museum. (Photography: Courtesy of SPA) ALULA, May 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Royal Commission for AlUla marked International Museum Day as part of efforts to strengthen AlUla’s position as the world’s largest living museum. The commission said AlUla preserves a civilizational legacy spanning thousands of years while supporting cultural, tourism and economic development under Saudi Vision 2030. RCU conti

Kuwait condemns drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia KUWAIT CITY, May 17 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Kuwait strongly condemned the drone attack launched from Iraqi airspace against Saudi Arabia, which was successfully intercepted. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said the attack was part of a series of violations of international law and relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2817. The ministry said such attacks undermine regional security and stability.