The Latest Breaking News from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Forging ahead with Economic Reforms, Tackling Rising Costs

Saudi Arabia is carrying on with its economic reform process to achieve economic sustainability and mitigate the effect of global economic changes and developments. The government has developed financial planning that has contributed to creating tools capable of influencing and handling financial and economic variables. These tools have also been…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 6, 2022

TBA pushes to enhance Thai-Saudi trades

Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) highlights the prominent role of commercial banks in supporting international trade and the aim to upgrade trade transactions between Thailand and Saudi Arabia with 2 projects that will improve competitiveness of Thai importers and exporters.

Bangkok Post · Jul 6, 2022

OIC Secretary-General: E-Draw Consolidated Fairness in Pilgrim Selection

The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, said that the success of the Hajj seasons every year was “a clear message to all those who question Saudi Arabia’s leading role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims.” In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 6, 2022

Mecca's merchants relieved as foreign pilgrims return to haj

Mecca's crowded streets provided Saudi merchant Dhikra Faqihi with much-needed relief as pilgrims returned to the annual haj after two years of pandemic-related disruption, with many rushing to buy her prayer beads and rugs.

Reuters · Jul 5, 2022

Mainz vs Newcastle friendly to go ahead despite fans’ ‘sportswashing’ protest

Supporters have expressed disquiet over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record

The Independent UK · Jul 5, 2022

Back from Europe, Biden turns to diplomatically delicate Saudi Arabia trip

U.S. President Joe Biden turns his attention this month to a sensitive trip to the Middle East that will test his ability to reset relations with Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince after Biden denounced him as a pariah.

Reuters · Jul 5, 2022

Anger as families of US detainees in Middle East left off Blinken call

‘Infuriating’ exclusions made just weeks before Joe Biden’s Saudi visit and expected rapprochement with the crown prince

The Guardian - US · Jul 5, 2022

Makkah Businesses See Hajj Boom Ending Pandemic Slump

"Business is back", exclaims Abdullah Mekhlafi at the shop where he sells prayer mats in Islam's holiest city, which is preparing for the biggest influx of hajj pilgrims since the coronavirus pandemic began. Two years of drastic restrictions on the number of pilgrims who could perform the hajj emptied shops…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 5, 2022

Kevin Campbell jumps to defence of Newcastle United fans amid third kit controversy

The release of the third kit at St James' Park has been met with lots of controversy over its resemblance to the Saudi Arabia shirt

Chronicle Live · Jul 4, 2022

Saudi Arabia Welcomes 1 Million for Biggest Hajj Pilgrimage Since Pandemic

White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest Hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic began. Banners welcoming the faithful, including the first international visitors since 2019, adorned squares and alleys, while armed security forces patrolled the ancient city, birthplace of…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 4, 2022