Saudi Arabia

General view of Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in Saudi Arabia May 21, 2018. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah RIYADH, June 28 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - A helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed on Sunday in Ras Tanura on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast on the Gulf, killing 14 nationals. The incident occurred at 6 a.m. local time, west of the Strait of Hormuz. The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Relevant authorities launched a full

Saudi customs authority thwarts smuggling of 1,098 kg of narcotics and 25 million pills RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 26 — Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said it thwarted attempts to smuggle 1,098 kilograms of narcotics and 25,112,378 prohibited pills through the Kingdom’s land, sea and air ports of entry. The attempts were recorded between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. ZATCA said the illicit substances were concealed using different methods inside shipments i

Saudi Arabia urges global action to protect children in armed conflicts NEW YORK, June 26 — Saudi Arabia affirmed before the UN Security Council that protecting children in armed conflicts is a shared global responsibility requiring concerted efforts to address its root causes and repercussions, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Delivering the Kingdom’s statement, Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Abdulaziz Alwasil said Saudi Arabia places childr

Saudi Sabha prayer beads remain symbol of heritage, identity across generations | 📷SPA RIYADH, June 26 — The Sabha, or prayer beads, continues to hold a prominent place in Saudi society as a symbol of male identity, heritage and social belonging, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Passed down through generations, the Sabha is commonly carried by men during formal gatherings and social occasions. While it retains its religious function as a tool for counting supplications and

Saudi weather center issues heat warning for Eastern Region, rain alert for Al-Baha DAMMAM/AL-BAHA, Saudi Arabia, June 25 — Saudi Arabia’s National Center of Meteorology issued weather alerts for the Eastern Region and Al-Baha on Thursday. The center warned of a heat wave accompanied by active winds in parts of the Eastern Region, including Buqayq, Al-Udayd, Dhablotin, Al-Ahsa, Al-Hijr and affiliated areas. The conditions are expected to raise dust and reduce horizontal visib

King Salman to host 1,000 Umrah performers at personal expense RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 24 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the hosting of 1,000 male and female Umrah performers from around the world at his personal expense. The initiative falls under the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. The program will be

Thunderstorms, Hail Forecast Across Parts of Saudi Arabia RIYADH, June 22 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusty winds are forecast to continue in parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha and Makkah regions, the National Center for Meteorology reported. Maximum temperatures are also expected to continue rising in the Eastern Region. The center forecast gusty winds and blowing dust in parts of the Eastern Region, as well as parts of Madinah, Hail, Tab

Saudi Civil Defense Urges Installation of Smoke Detectors in Buildings RIYADH, June 21 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the installation of smoke detectors in residential and commercial buildings as a measure to enhance public safety and reduce fire risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The directorate said smoke detectors help protect lives and property through early detection. It said the devices can limit fire damag

Saudi Arabia Records 15,288 Residency, Labor and Border Security Violations in One Week RIYADH, June 21 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Saudi Arabia recorded 15,288 violations of residency, labor and border security laws during inspection campaigns carried out across the Kingdom from June 11 to June 17, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Ministry of Interior said the violations included 7,864 residency violations, 4,576 border security violations and 2,848 labor law violatio

Saudi 911 Security Operations Centers Handle More Than 210 Million Calls | 📷SPA RIYADH, June 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Saudi Arabia’s Unified Security Operations Centers have handled more than 210 million calls across Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Region, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The National Center for Security Operations has supported safety, security and quality of life across the Kingdom through the Ministry of Interior’s Unified Security Operat

Saudi Air Navigation Services Earns IATA Recognition | SPA RIYADH, June 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - The International Air Transport Association commended Saudi Arabia’s air traffic management efficiency during recent geopolitical developments in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported. IATA praised the Kingdom’s aviation sector for its operational readiness and its ability to maintain air traffic flow and operational continuity while adhering to safety, security and

Royal Court Announces Passing of Princess Sarah bint Ahmed Al Abdulrahman Al Saud RIYADH, June 17 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - The Royal Court announced on Wednesday that Princess Sarah bint Ahmed Al Abdulrahman Al Saud had passed away. The funeral prayer will be performed today after Asr prayer at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia confirms Islamic New Year date as Muharram 1448 begins on June 16 RIYADH, June 15 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced that Tuesday, June 16, 2026, will mark the first day of Muharram 1448 AH. In a statement, the Supreme Court prayed for the continued success of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The court also prayed for Muslims worldwide to be guided and brou

Final Production Stages of New Kaaba Kiswa Completed in Makkah | 📷SPA MAKKAH, June 15 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - The final stages of producing the new Kaaba Kiswa have been completed at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah. The production process combines advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship in preparing the covering of the Kaaba. Salah Al-Sulami, head of the department for assembling and sewing the Kaaba Kiswa, said the process begins

Cultural House in Jazan Hosts Program on Venus-Jupiter Conjunction | 📷SPA JAZAN, June 10 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - The Cultural House in Jazan hosted an astronomical phenomena program, bringing together astronomy enthusiasts and skywatchers to observe the peak of the Venus-Jupiter conjunction. The program was organized by the Space and Astronomy Club of the Harf Educational Association and focused on one of the most visible celestial events in the night sky. Participant

More Than 18,000 Poinciana Trees Enhance Najran Urban Landscape NAJRAN, June 9 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — More than 18,000 poinciana trees are contributing to the urban and environmental landscape of Najran, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The trees, known for their red flowers and dense green foliage, line streets, parks and public gardens across the region. They have contributed to improving the urban scene, supporting quality of life and attracting visitors to public