Saudi Arabia
38 stories related to this topic, newest first.
en.antaranews.comSaudi Arabia Uses Drones to Deliver Medical Supplies at Hajj
With temperatures reaching 45C in Mecca, health workers have turned to drones to restock 127 clinics treating heat-stressed pilgrims. The technology supplements traditional cooling methods during the annual hajj.
Abc NewsMuslim Pilgrims Gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Peak
Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims assembled on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for the Day of Arafah, the spiritual high point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The gathering marks the second official day of the multi-day ritual, one of the five pillars of Islam.
indiatoday.intoday.inKaaba Draped in 670 kg Silk Kiswah for Hajj Pilgrimage
More than 1.5 million pilgrims began the annual Hajj in Mecca on 25 May 2026. The Kaaba is covered by a black silk cloth called the Kiswah that weighs about 670 kg and is embroidered with gold and silver thread.
upi.comSaudi Crown Prince Said Ready to Recognize Israel if King Approves
The Saudi crown prince told an evangelical leader that he would recognize Israel immediately if not for his father's opposition. The statement was made privately during a conversation reported by Jerusalem Post.
en.antaranews.comSaudi Arabia Uses Technology to Manage Hajj Pilgrimage
Saudi authorities have introduced AI systems, mobile applications, and infrastructure upgrades to handle crowd flow and services during the annual Hajj. The measures include surveillance tools, real-time apps, and cooling road coatings at key sites.
gamereactor.euHeat Remains Main Challenge for Hajj Pilgrims in Mecca
Pilgrims in Mecca continue to face high temperatures during the annual Hajj. The heat challenge follows more than 1,300 deaths reported during the 2024 pilgrimage.
al-monitor.comTemperatures near 47°C in Mecca as Hajj begins 24 May
Pilgrims used umbrellas for shade while temperatures reached nearly 47°C during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi authorities increased covered space at the Holy Mosques by five times compared with 2024.
pakistantoday.com.pkMore Than 1.2 Million Muslims Gather in Mecca for Hajj
Over 1.2 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the multi-day hajj pilgrimage that begins Monday. The gathering takes place under a fragile ceasefire amid ongoing regional tensions following Iranian attacks on Gulf targets.
SemaforSaudi Arabia's NEOM Delays The Line Project Until After 2030
NEOM has postponed further work on The Line, a planned 170-kilometer development, until after 2030. The decision follows a strategic review and reflects shifts in spending priorities by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
SemaforIran War Disrupts Saudi Economic Diversification Plans
Saudi Arabia has ordered government entities to freeze payments to strategy advisers, management consultants, and law firms. The move comes as the Iran war affects the kingdom's efforts to reduce reliance on oil.
SemaforSaudi Arabia Orders Government Agencies to Freeze Consultancy Payments
Saudi Arabia has directed government ministries and entities to halt payments to strategy advisers, management consultants, and law firms through the end of June. The instruction covers existing contracts and new hiring at agencies including the Public Investment Fund.
bbc.co.ukSaudi Arabia Backs Regional Peace Efforts
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister stated support for initiatives seeking lasting peace in the region and globally. The announcement came via an official post on X.
espn.co.ukSaudi Arabia Calls for Urgent Iranian Response to Mediation Efforts
Saudi Arabia stated it hopes Iran will respond promptly to ongoing mediation efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the region. The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
news.sky.comIraq Condemns Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and Distances Itself From Militias
Iraq condemned recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and pledged cooperation in the investigation. The country also moved to distance itself from Iranian-backed militias amid U.S. pressure.
Nearly Two Million Muslims Prepare for Annual Hajj Pilgrimage Beginning May 25
Nearly two million Muslims are preparing to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage that begins on May 25. The five-day observance is the fifth pillar of Islam and is required once in a lifetime for adult Muslims who are physically and financially able.
en.rfi.frFrench Judge to Investigate Complaint Against Saudi Crown Prince Over Khashoggi Killing
A French investigative magistrate will examine a complaint filed by rights groups against Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman regarding the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The move follows a court of appeal decision that cleared the way for the case afte…
america.cgtn.comSaudi Arabia Proposes Non-Aggression Pact With Iran
Saudi Arabia has discussed the idea of a non-aggression pact between Middle East states and Iran as part of talks with allies on managing regional tensions after the US-Israeli war with Iran ends. Riyadh is considering the 1970s Helsinki Process as a model. Diplomats said the reg…
theedgemarkets.comSaudi Aramco Seeks at Least $10 Billion in Real Estate Sale and Leaseback
Saudi Aramco is pursuing a sale and leaseback transaction for its real estate assets that could raise at least $10 billion. The deal would include the company's residential community in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. OilPrice.com reported the plans on Wednesday, citing sources…
opindia.comSaudi Arabia Continues Support for Regional De-Escalation
The Saudi foreign minister said his country remains committed to efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region. He stressed the importance of restoring normal shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz. The comments were reported by @LiveSquawk on May 13, 2026.
Nbc NewsSaudi Arabia Conducts Airstrikes on Iran
Saudi Arabian Air Force carried out tit-for-tat strikes on Iran in response to Iranian attacks on Saudi oil, civilian and military sites in late March, Reuters reported citing Iranian and Western officials. The strikes occurred during the war and follow similar retaliatory action…
manilatimes.netSaudi National Orchestra Joins Andrea Bocelli for Concert at Rome’s Temple of Venus and Roma
The tenor joined 32 Saudi musicians and 30 local youth orchestra members last Friday in a concert hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The program featured a new commission exploring centuries of cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Italy. Bocelli has previously met Pre…
jpost.comSaudi Arabia Denies Authorizing U.S. Use of Bases or Airspace for Strait of Hormuz Escort Operation
Saudi Arabia has denied the United States access to its military bases and airspace for a proposed shipping protection operation in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision forced the cancellation of the plan. Saudi Arabia's $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund separately opened a second…
jpost.comTrump Cancels Project Freedom After Saudi Arabia Denies Airspace and Base Access
President Trump suspended the military escort operation for commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz days after announcing it, following Saudi Arabia's decision to block U.S. use of its airspace and bases. The reversal came after a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin…
CNBCLucid Group Aligns 2026 Production with Demand as New CEO Reviews Operations
Lucid Group suspended its prior target of 25,000 to 27,000 vehicles for 2026 while incoming CEO Silvio Napoli evaluates the business for greater cost efficiency. The EV maker reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $282.5 million and a loss per share of $3.46, citing supplier issu…
japantimes.co.jpUAE Withdraws From OPEC; Iran Fires Missiles
The United Arab Emirates withdrew from OPEC on May 1 to pursue national interests, prompting ADNOC to accelerate $55 billion in investments. Three days later, Iran launched 19 weapons at the UAE, which intercepted them all. The move highlights tensions with Saudi Arabia and shift…
azernews.azOPEC+ Countries Agree to Boost Oil Output by 188,000 Barrels Per Day in June
Seven OPEC+ nations, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, decided to implement a production increase from prior voluntary cuts amid ongoing market reviews. The adjustment aims to support stability while allowing flexibility based on conditions. The move follows a virtual meeting on…
247wallst.com**OPEC+ Raises June Oil Output Quota by 188,000 Barrels Per Day**
OPEC+ raised oil production quotas for June by 188,000 barrels per day during an online meeting, involving seven key members but excluding the United Arab Emirates after its recent exit. The decision comes against a backdrop of output shortfalls and disruptions from the Mideast w…
Japan TimesSaudi Arabia Ends Funding for LIV Golf After Five Seasons and Over $5 Billion Invested
Saudi Arabia has ended its involvement with LIV Golf, the oil-funded tour that operated for five seasons. The exit, confirmed on Thursday, follows investments exceeding $5 billion and aims achieved in elevating the kingdom's global profile. Experts indicate this does not signal a…
SemaforUAE Withdraws from OPEC Effective May 1
The United Arab Emirates has announced its formal exit from OPEC starting May 1, 2026, aiming to pursue independent oil production strategies. The move highlights ongoing tensions with Saudi Arabia over quotas and reflects broader shifts in global energy markets driven by U.S. sh…
Responsible StatecraftUAE Withdraws From OPEC
The United Arab Emirates has announced its formal withdrawal from OPEC effective May 1, citing a desire to increase oil output beyond cartel constraints. The move highlights growing tensions with Saudi Arabia and aligns with U.S. interests in lower oil prices during the Iran war.…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAramco Expands Investments in AI and Advanced Technologies
Saudi Aramco is increasing its involvement in artificial intelligence through its venture capital arm, focusing on deep-tech startups. The company manages $7.5 billion in assets and partners with Microsoft for AI solutions. These efforts aim to enhance operational efficiency and…
Responsible StatecraftUAE Withdraws From OPEC
The United Arab Emirates announced its formal withdrawal from OPEC on May 1, 2026, citing production quota constraints and geopolitical differences with Saudi Arabia. The move positions the UAE to increase oil output once regional conflicts subside. Experts note implications for…
Senator Vicente Tito Sotto / Wikimedia (Public domain)GCC Leaders Hold First In-Person Meeting in Jeddah Since Iran Targeting Began
Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for their first in-person meeting since Iran started targeting their countries two months ago. The meeting occurs amid recent regional tensions. Al Jazeera reporter Mike Appel provided coverage from Doha, Q…
Hamed Malekpour / Wikimedia (CC BY 4.0)Iranian Pilgrims Depart for Hajj in Saudi Arabia Amid Recent Conflicts
The first group of Iranian pilgrims has left for Saudi Arabia to participate in the Hajj. An estimated 30,000 Iranians are expected to join this season. The departures occur despite conflicts in the region over the past few weeks.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSaudi Wealth Fund Unit in Talks for Joint Venture with US Firms on Arenas
A unit of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is negotiating a partnership with two US companies to manage stadiums and promote events in the kingdom. The deal involves Oak View Group and Live Nation, with an announcement possible next month. This aligns with Saudi Arabia's pla…
upi.comJapan's Prime Minister Takaichi Seeks Energy Procurement Help from Saudi Crown Prince
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed energy procurement with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a recent phone call. The request aims to secure additional energy supplies for Japan. Specific outcomes of the call were not detailed in the report.
Support Forces of Ukraine Command / Wikimedia (CC BY 4.0)U.S. Deploys Ukrainian-Made Counter-Drone System at Saudi Air Base Following Iranian Attack
The U.S. military has deployed Ukrainian counter-drone systems, including Sky Map and interceptor drones, to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia following an Iranian drone attack last month. Reuters confirmed the deployment on April 22, 2026. Ukrainian experts trained U.S. per…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSaudi Arabia's Sovereign Wealth Fund Cuts Spending Due to Cash Constraints
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is reducing its expenditures amid financial pressures. This involves scaling back on major projects and international investments. The adjustments reflect ongoing cash strains as reported by The Wall Street Journal.