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 …

Restrictions Lifted on Voluntary Prayers in Riyaz-ul-Jannah

Medina: The restriction on offering voluntary prayers in Riyaz-ul-Jannah at Masjid-e-Nabawi ﷺ once a year has been lifted. However, visitors will still require a permit via the Nusk mobile app to access the sacred area. The Haramain Sharifain administration has announced that visitors can now obtain a new permit every 20 minutes through the Nusk …

Burjeel Holdings Acquires IziSpecialist in Makkah for SAR 6.5 Million

ABU DHABI: Burjeel Holdings PLC, listed on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, has fully acquired IziSpecialist, a healthcare facility in Makkah. The acquisition was completed through its subsidiary, Burjeel Saudi Arabia, for a total investment of SAR 6.5 million (AED 6.36 million). The company announced the acquisition in a press release, emphasizing its commitment to …

Saudi Arabia to Purchase 15% Shares of Reko Diq for $540 Million

In a significant development, Saudi Arabia is set to purchase 15% of the shares of the Reko Diq project for $540 million. The federal cabinet has approved the deal, which will be completed under the Inter-Governmental Transaction Act. Payment Structure and Timeline Saudi Arabia will pay Pakistan in two installments. The first installment of $330 …

KSA Extends $3 Billion Deposit to Support Pakistan’s Economy

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has extended the $3 billion deposit placed with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The deposit, which was set to mature on December 5, 2024, will now remain for another year. The extension comes through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s economy. …

Saudi Arabia Issues Guidelines for Female Visitors to Masjid-e-Nabawi

The supervisory committee of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia has issued nine guidelines for female visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid-e-Nabawi, Peace Be Upon Him). According to a report by the Saudi news agency, the guidelines address female visitors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum. They …

Bushra Bibi Faces Fresh Cases Over Remarks Against Saudi Arabia

Three more fresh cases have been lodged against Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, in Gujranwala district. The cases accuse her of hate speech, religious provocation, and other charges stemming from her video statement criticizing Saudi Arabia. The cases were registered at Sadar Gujranwala, Civil Lines, and Gakhar Mandi police stations. Two cases …

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