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SAUDI ARABIA BREAKING NEWS


Holy Quran Museum in Makkah showcases rare manuscripts and historic artifacts
Photography | Courtesy of SPA RIYADH, May 3 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - The Holy Quran Museum in the Hira Cultural District in Makkah offers visitors an overview of the history of the Holy Quran, its sciences and the development of its transcription through rare manuscripts and artifacts, state media reported. Among the exhibits is a copy of the Quran engraved on brass plates dating to the 12th century AH, or 18th century CE, reflecting the craftsmanship of Islamic arts an
May 31 min read


Saudi Arabia Warns of Fines, Deportation for Unauthorized Hajj Attempts
📷 | SPA RIYADH, April 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior warned Saturday that holders of visit visas are not entitled to perform Hajj, announcing fines of up to SAR 20,000 for violators. The penalty applies to visit visa holders who enter, attempt to enter, or remain in Makkah and the holy sites between the first day of Dhul-Qi'dah and the end of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah. Residents and overstayers who attempt to perform Hajj without auth
Apr 191 min read


Makkah marks World Heritage Day with focus on preservation efforts
SPA MAKKAH, April 18 — Makkah marked World Heritage Day on Friday by highlighting efforts to preserve its historical, cultural and architectural legacy. Authorities continue to support initiatives aimed at protecting both tangible and intangible heritage through restoration and rehabilitation programs, as well as cultural events and interactive exhibitions. The city is home to historic districts, sites linked to early Islamic history, and museums and cultural centers that hel
Apr 181 min read


Saudi Arabia Sets Makkah Entry Rules Ahead of Hajj Season
SPA RIYADH, April 13 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior said residents wishing to enter Makkah will be required to obtain official permits starting Monday, April 13, as the Kingdom begins implementing arrangements for the 1447 AH Hajj season. The ministry said residents without the required permits would be denied entry to Makkah. Exemptions apply to holders of residency permits issued in Makkah, those holding a Hajj permit, and individuals wit
Apr 131 min read


Saudi weather agency issues red alert for heavy rain in parts of Makkah region
Riyadh, March 23, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s National Center of Meteorology issued a red alert on Monday warning of heavy rain in the governorates of Adham and Al Lith in the Makkah region, including Bani Yazid, Jadhm and Yalamlam. The alert also covers open areas and highways, with expected impacts including strong winds, near-zero visibility, hail, flash floods and thunderstorms. The center said the weather condition is expected to begin at 10 a.m. o
Mar 231 min read


Makkah reports over 64 million passengers transported during Ramadan peak season
SPA MAKKAH, March 18, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites reported that more than 64 million passengers were transported via shuttle bus services to and from the Grand Mosque during Ramadan, one of the busiest periods of the year. The shuttle transport system operated over 1.5 million trips using more than 2,600 buses across seven central stations, helping ease congestion and improve access to the Grand Mosque dur
Mar 181 min read


Makkah Transport System Carries More Than 31 Million During First Third of Ramadan
SPA Riyadh, March 8, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – More than 31 million passengers used transport services in Makkah during the first third of Ramadan 1447 AH, the General Transport Center in the holy city said. The center said shuttle transport services to and from the Grand Mosque and the Makkah bus network carried the passengers as part of efforts to manage movement and facilitate access for residents, visitors and Umrah performers. More than 700,000 trips were opera
Mar 81 min read


Hira Cultural District launches Ramadan programme in Makkah
SPA Riyadh, February 27, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Hira Cultural District has launched a cultural and recreational programme running from Ramadan 9 to 18, targeting residents and visitors in Makkah. The programme features a Ramadan market, workshops and a storyteller’s pavilion. Visitors can take part in competitions or visit the Holy Quran Museum and the Revelation Exhibition for an interactive educational experience. It is held daily from 9:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m
Feb 271 min read


Grand Mosque minarets in Makkah rise up to 137 meters, blending Islamic design with modern engineering
SPA Makkah, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Grand Mosque in Makkah has 13 minarets ranging in height from 98 to 137 meters, forming a skyline shaped by traditional Islamic design and modern engineering, with the towers positioned across major entrances. Each minaret follows a five-part structure consisting of a base, a primary balcony, a slender shaft, a secondary balcony and a crowning cap topped with a crescent moon. The minarets serve the religious fun
Feb 201 min read


Holy Quran Museum in Makkah displays rare 15th-century manuscript section
SPA Makkah, Jan 28, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Holy Quran Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District is showcasing a rare quarter of the Holy Quran, featuring part 25 and estimated to date back to the 9th century AH (15th century AD). Written in Levantine Naskh script, the manuscript is marked by intricate decorative elements and gilding. The piece is preserved at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, with the display forming part of a collabora
Jan 281 min read


Makkah municipality completes rehabilitation of Al-Misfalah Park
SPA Makkah, Jan 26 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Holy Makkah Municipality has completed the rehabilitation of Al-Misfalah Park as part of broader efforts to strengthen the city’s urban landscape and improve quality of life for residents and visitors. The project covers more than 54,000 square metres and includes expanded green areas with more than 1,000 trees selected to suit the Makkah environment, increasing vegetation cover and improving the park’s visual setting. Wor
Jan 261 min read


Saudi perfume corner at Global Village in Makkah showcases incense, oud and Arabic scents
SPA Makkah, January 13, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Saudi perfume corner at the Global Village in Makkah is highlighting the Kingdom’s perfume and incense traditions, offering visitors a selection of incense and oud, as well as oriental Arabic perfumes. The display presents elements of Saudi perfumery heritage, including an overview of production stages, oud sources and the role of fragrances in religious and social occasions, linking the tradition to Saudi identi
Jan 131 min read


Grand Mosque in Makkah Provides Integrated Services to Facilitate Pilgrim Movement
SPA Makkah, December 12, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Grand Mosque in Makkah, covering more than 1.8 million square meters and accommodating over 2.5 million worshippers, offers a range of integrated services aimed at facilitating the movement of pilgrims and supporting the safe performance of rituals. The services are overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. Measures include clearly d
Dec 12, 20251 min read


Princess Wafa bint Bandar bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Passes Away
📷SPA RIYADH, November 10, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Royal Court announced in a statement today the death of Princess Wafa bint Bandar bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The funeral prayer will be performed tomorrow, Tuesday, after Maghrib prayer at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Nov 10, 20251 min read


Over 13 million visit the Two Holy Mosques during Rabi’ Al-Akhir 1447 AH
📷SPA Makkah, October 11, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s...
Oct 11, 20251 min read


Princess Abta bint Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud passes away
📷SPA Riyadh, September 28 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Royal Court announced on Sunday the death of Princess Abta bint Abdulaziz...
Sep 28, 20251 min read


Hira Cultural District in Makkah Launches Six-Day Events for Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day
📷SPA Makkah, Sept 22, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Hira Cultural District in Makkah will launch a six-day program of special...
Sep 21, 20251 min read


Makkah Streets Decorated With Flags and Lights Ahead of National Day Celebrations
📷SPA Makkah, September 19, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Streets, squares, and tunnels across Makkah have been decorated with...
Sep 18, 20251 min read


Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque Authority Highlights Digital Achievements in Serving Worshippers
📷SPA Makkah, September 18, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and...
Sep 18, 20251 min read


Royal Commission Advances Development of Miqats to Enhance Pilgrim Experience
SPA Makkah, September 10, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC) is implementing...
Sep 10, 20251 min read
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