Hajj Begins Amid Scorching Heat as Saudi Authorities Prioritize Safety

More than 1.4 million pilgrims gathered in Makkah on Wednesday to begin Islam’s holiest pilgrimage, the Hajj, despite blazing heat that pushed temperatures above 40°C (104°F). The pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, requires every able Muslim to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Wearing white robes symbolizing purity …

Zil Hajj Moon Sighted: Hajj on June 5, Eidul Azha on June 6 in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia officially confirmed the Zil Hajj moon sighting on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the Islamic month on May 28. As a result, the Day of Hajj (Arafat Day) will take place on Thursday, June 5, while Eidul Azha will be celebrated on Friday, June 6. The announcement follows observations reported by moon sighting …

Saudi Arabia to Observe Dhul-Hijjah Moon Tonight to Decide Eid al-Adha Date

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia will observe the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH tonight. The moon sighting will take place on Tuesday evening, 29 Dhul-Qa’dah / 27th May. The Saudi Supreme Court has called on citizens and residents to look for the new moon. The sighting will determine the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. This month includes …

Trump Takes Credit for Averting Nuclear War Between Pakistan and India

US President Donald Trump has claimed global praise for preventing what he called an “imminent nuclear war” between Pakistan and India. Trump expressed joy over his role as a peacemaker, saying it was “the biggest success” he has been credited for. Speaking to Fox News after his Middle East trip, Trump reflected on his diplomatic …

Trump Calls Saudi-Israel Normalisation a ‘Dream’, But Says Timing Is Up to Riyadh

Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump has said he dreams of seeing formal diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, but stressed that such a move must happen on Riyadh’s terms. Speaking amid a backdrop of fresh multi-billion-dollar US-Saudi defence and economic agreements, Trump avoided tying any of the deals to the issue of …

Sudanese Army Says RSF Attacks Military Base Near Port Sudan Airport With Drones

Port Sudan: The Sudanese army has accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of launching a drone attack on military and civilian facilities near Port Sudan Airport. According to army spokesperson Nabil Abdullah, the RSF used suicide drones to strike Osman Digna Air Base, a goods warehouse, and nearby infrastructure. The attack marks the first …

Saudi Arabia and India Strengthen Ties with Key Agreements in Energy, Defense, and Trade

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia and India have taken significant steps to deepen bilateral relations by signing multiple agreements across various strategic sectors during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Kingdom. According to a joint statement released on Wednesday, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in defense industries, energy supply, trade, and …

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Grants 10,000 More Slots to Pakistan

In a major development ahead of Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has approved an additional Hajj quota increase of 10,000 pilgrims for Pakistan. The move strengthens the already deep-rooted ties between the two nations and highlights Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistani pilgrims. High-Level Request Yields Quick Results The decision came after Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad …

Saudi Arabia Eyes Strategic Investment in Pakistan’s Minerals Sector

Saudi Arabia has shown a strong commitment to expanding mineral investment in Pakistan, signaling deeper economic cooperation between the two nations. The interest emerged during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, where Saudi Deputy Minister for Mining Abdul Rahman Al-Balushi led a delegation to meet Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik. Saudi Delegation Expresses …

KSA Temporarily Bans Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj Season

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have announced a temporary visa suspension for 14 countries ahead of the upcoming Hajj season. The move affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas. The restriction will likely remain in place until mid-June, diplomatic sources said. Officials clarified that Umrah visa holders can still enter the Kingdom until April 13. The affected countries …

Saudi Arabia, UAE Confirm Eidul Fitr on March 30 After Moon Sighting

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have officially declared March 30, 2025, as the first day of Eidul Fitr following the sighting of the Shawwal moon. Other Gulf nations, including Kuwait and Qatar, have also announced the same date for the festival, marking the end of Ramadan. Moon Sighting Confirms Eid Date Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee …

Saudi Arabia Announces New Health Requirement for Hajj 2025

JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new health requirement for all participants of the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage. The ministry confirmed that the rule applies to both Saudi citizens and international pilgrims. Officials stressed that meeting this requirement is mandatory to ensure public health and safety during the pilgrimage. “Hajj will …

Shawwal Moon Sighting Expected on March 30, Eid Likely on March 31

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced on Wednesday that the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted on March 30. This means Eid ul Fitr will likely fall on March 31 (Monday). Suparco’s prediction is based on advanced astronomical models and observational data. According to its statement, the new moon for …

PM Shehbaz Sharif Visits Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Economic Ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Jeddah for a four-day visit aimed at enhancing Pakistan-Saudi economic cooperation. He was welcomed by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of Makkah, upon his arrival on March 19, 2025. During his visit, he will hold high-level meetings to boost trade, expand investments, and strengthen …

Ramadan 2025: Which Countries Have Started Fasting?

The holy month of Ramadan has officially begun in several countries around the world, while in Pakistan, the Ramadan crescent was not sighted, delaying the start of fasting. The announcement of Ramadan’s commencement depends on the sighting of the new moon, which varies from country to country based on geographical location and atmospheric conditions. Countries …

Saudi Arabia Condemns Netanyahu’s Remarks on Palestinian Displacement

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments about the displacement of Palestinians. The Kingdom called these remarks an attempt to divert attention from Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza. The Saudi Foreign Ministry rejected “such statements that aim to distract from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers …

Pakistan Reduces Hajj Package Costs, Provides Relief to Pilgrims

The federal government has taken a significant step to ease the financial burden on pilgrims. It has slashed Hajj package costs, offering relief to thousands of devotees. This reduction is expected to bring comfort and joy to those preparing for their sacred journey. The government’s decision aims to make the Hajj pilgrimage more affordable, especially …

Saudi Arabia Rejects Ties with Israel Without Palestinian State

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed that it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is created. The statement came on Wednesday, countering U.S. former President Donald Trump’s claim that the Saudis were not demanding a Palestinian state. The Saudi foreign ministry stated that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made the kingdom’s …

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Sign $1.61 Billion Agreements

Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed two agreements worth $1.61 billion on Monday to boost economic cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad witnessed the signing ceremony. The agreements include a $41 million concessional credit deal for a gravity-flow water scheme in Mansehra. Another agreement covers a …

Pakistani Pilgrims to Spend Rs9.94 Billion on Sacrificial Animals for Hajj 2025

Pakistani pilgrims performing Hajj in 2025 will collectively spend approximately Rs9.94 billion on sacrificial animals, according to sources within the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA). Each pilgrim under the government Hajj scheme is contributing Rs55,500 for this religious obligation. Over 35,000 pilgrims have already deposited Rs1.94 billion for the sacrifice, demonstrating the organized efforts to …

Saudi Firm Set to Invest in Pakistan’s Reko Diq Mine

Riyadh: Saudi Arabian mining company Manara Minerals is expected to invest in Pakistan’s Reko Diq mine within the next two quarters, according to Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik. The investment could mark a significant step in the development of one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold reserves. Manara’s Growing Role in Global Mining Manara Minerals …

Heavy Rainfall Hits Saudi Arabia, Disrupts Traffic and Life

Several regions of Saudi Arabia on Monday, including Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah, experienced heavy rainfall, hail, and thunderstorms. The intense weather caused widespread flooding on roads and highways, leading to major traffic disruptions in these cities. The heavy rains were especially concentrated in the Makkah and Madinah regions, with Jeddah city experiencing significant rainfall. The …

Gold Rate Drops in Saudi Arabia: 24-Karat Gold Now at SAR 3,708 Per Tola

The rate of 24-karat gold in Saudi Arabia fell to SAR 3,708 per tola on Monday, January 6, 2025. According to Forex.pk, the price for 10 grams of 24-karat gold is SAR 3,183. An ounce of gold is priced at SAR 9,900. Gold prices remain subject to global market trends. The last update was recorded …

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