Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays
Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays/node/2596205/saudi-arabia
Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays
More than 6.8 million passengers and Umrah performers passed through four Saudi airports from the first of Ramadan until the seventh of Shawwal. (SPA)
Short Url
https://arab.news/2k53h
Updated 07 April 2025
Arab News
Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays
MOI said that financial penalties will be imposed on any company or establishment that delays reporting individuals who remain in the Kingdom beyond their authorized stay
Penalties can reach SR100,000 and will be multiplied based on the number of individuals who violate their departure deadlines
Updated 07 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior has emphasized that Hajj and Umrah service companies and establishments must strictly adhere to all relevant regulations and instructions in 黑料社区.
The ministry said that financial penalties will be imposed on any company or establishment serving pilgrims and Umrah performers that delays reporting individuals who remain in the Kingdom beyond their authorized stay to the relevant authorities.
Penalties can reach SR100,000 ($26,600) and will be multiplied based on the number of individuals who violate their departure deadlines, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
On Monday, Matarat Holding Co. announced that more than 6.8 million passengers and Umrah performers passed through four Saudi airports from the first of Ramadan until the seventh of Shawwal.
These included King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, and Taif International Airport.
Passenger traffic was split between international flights, with over 4.6 million passengers, including arrivals and departures, and 2.1 million passengers on domestic flights.
RIYADH: Live demonstrations of traditional crafts by skilled artisans at the eighth Al-Atula Archeological Village Festival have drawn significant interest, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
Festival supervisor Othman Al-Zahrani said the event features more than 10 sections dedicated to traditional crafts.
These include ancient building techniques, door and window engraving, sword and dagger making, and Sadu weaving, the SPA reported on Wednesday.
The sections offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional professions firsthand with the artisans using simple tools and natural materials rooted in the heritage of the Baha region.
The event aligns with the Year of Handicrafts, an initiative launched to celebrate and support traditional crafts across the Kingdom.
The Baha region is known for its thriving craft industries that reflect the identity and history of its people.
More than 200 artisans from the region practice and preserve 20 distinct types of skills passed down through generations and showcased in local markets and cultural events.
KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued its humanitarian efforts across some of the world鈥檚 most vulnerable regions this week, launching new development and emergency response initiatives in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan.聽
Updated 06 August 2025
Arab News
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued its humanitarian efforts across some of the world鈥檚 most vulnerable regions this week, launching new development and emergency response initiatives in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan. Fighting Cholera in Yemen
KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement on Monday with a civil society partner to implement an urgent cholera response project in Yemen. The program aims to reach more than 1.15 million people, according to SPA.
The agreement outlines the provision of essential medical tools, antibiotics, and intravenous solutions to reduce the number of cholera cases and prevent the disease鈥檚 spread. Medical teams will also be deployed at air and land ports to screen travelers and curb cross-border transmission. Food Security Support in Sudan
Meanwhile, in Khartoum State, Sudan, KSrelief annpounced the recent distribution of 700 food baskets to displaced families, benefiting 7,041 individuals, according to SPA. The aid forms part of the third phase of the 2025 Food Security Support Project, aimed at helping those uprooted by conflict and facing acute food shortages.
Sudan remains in the grip of a deepening humanitarian crisis, as conflict, displacement, and inflation severely limit access to food and basic services. Emergency Shelter in Yemen鈥檚 Hadhramaut
KSrelief also announced the distribution of shelter materials in response to natural disasters in Yemen鈥檚 Hadhramaut Governorate. This included the provision of tents and emergency kits to residents of Rumah district affected by floods and strong winds. The assistance reached 120 individuals, according to SPA. Empowering Families in Pakistan
KSrelief also signed a joint executive program with a civil society organization in Pakistan鈥檚 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to support economic empowerment for the region鈥檚 poorest families.
The project is expected to directly benefit 2,500 families approximately 17,500 individuals and indirectly impact 88,000 people, according to SPA. The program will provide beneficiaries with livestock and poultry, along with hands-on training in animal husbandry, in an attempt to help them reduce reliance on external aid.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Cabinet session in NEOM on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 05 August 2025
Arab News
Cabinet appreciates positive results of international conference on Palestine co-chaired by 黑料社区
Cabinet welcomed announcements made by several participating countries of their intention to recognize the Palestinian state
Updated 05 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Cabinet on Tuesday expressed its appreciation for the positive results of the recently held High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
The conference, co-chaired by 黑料社区 and France, was held between July 28-30 and aimed to catalyze concrete, time-bound, and coordinated international action toward the implementation of the two-State solution.
The chairs underlined the need to support Palestinian statehood, reinforce regional and international cooperation, and ensure respect for international law.
The Cabinet also welcomed announcements made by several participating countries of their intention to recognize the Palestinian state, Saudi Press Agency reported.
France, the UK, Canada, Portugal, Malta, and other countries have said they may recognize a State of Palestine at the UN in September.
The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom鈥檚 call on all UN member states to support the final declaration issued by the international conference, which constitutes a comprehensive and implementable framework for implementing the two-state solution, that would in turn achieve international peace and security and contribute to building the future of the region and its peoples.
The Cabinet is following up on the Kingdom鈥檚 comprehensive support for the State of Palestine and its people, particularly on the humanitarian front, by continuing to send shelter, medical, and food aid to the Gaza Strip through the Saudi air and sea bridges.
It also condemned in the strongest terms provocative practices by Israeli government officials at Al-Aqsa Mosque, and stresses 黑料社区鈥檚 demand that the international community halt these practices, which violate international laws and norms.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefed the Cabinet on the contents of letters received by King Salman and himself from the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his meeting with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
鈥楾erhal鈥 depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in 黑料社区. (SPA)
Updated 05 August 2025
Arab News
鈥楾erhal鈥 play returns to Diriyah with rich tapestry of Saudi culture
Compelling tale of young man searching for roots in Kingdom
Innovative use of live music, acrobatics and equestrian displays
Updated 05 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: A celebration of 黑料社区 heritage is underway in Diriyah with the return of the play 鈥淭erhal,鈥 which offers a visually rich and emotionally resonant expression of the Kingdom鈥檚 cultural tapestry.
Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the production of the Ministry of Culture combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling to narrate the evolving story of the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
鈥楾erhal鈥 depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in 黑料社区. (SPA)
At the heart of 鈥淭erhal鈥 is the story of Saad, a young Saudi who travels across the country鈥檚 diverse regions in search of his roots and future.
His personal journey becomes a symbolic reflection of the nation鈥檚 broader transformation and is grounded in heritage, driven by ambition, and inspired by generations past.
FASTFACTS
鈥 Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the Ministry of Culture鈥檚 production of 鈥楾erhal鈥 combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling.
鈥 The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom鈥檚 landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase.
鈥 Tickets can be booked via webook.com.
The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom鈥檚 landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase.
鈥楾erhal鈥 depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in 黑料社区. (SPA)
Audiences are treated to dazzling acrobatics, immersive soundscapes, live music, equestrian performances, and cultural displays, including references to traditional crafts, attire and cuisine.
Building on the artistic and public success of its 2023 debut, 鈥淭erhal鈥 continues to push the creative boundaries of local theater production.
Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
Updated 05 August 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
Saudi craftsman creates inclusive artwork by adding Braille to decorative plaque
Adel Al-Shehri created heritage piece intended to be accessible to all
Using specialized tools, he embossed Braille onto luxury wood
Updated 05 August 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Craftsman Adel Al-Shehri has created a unique decorative plaque inspired by Saudi heritage and embossed with Braille writing.
His creation honors Saudi culture and embraces the concept of inclusivity, driven by a conviction that the decorative piece should be accessible to all, including the visually impaired.
The plaque, titled 鈥淢y Heritage in Braille,鈥 is designed in a traditional style that reflects the deep-rooted culture of 黑料社区.
The Saudi artist hopes that his approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work. (Supplied)
It features a globe in its center surrounded by artistic motifs reflecting the concepts of universality.
In an interview with Arab News, Al-Shehri spoke about the inspiration behind his selected materials and design choices.
He crafted the plaque from luxurious walnut and mahogany woods, prized for their durability and rich, elegant grain.
It wasn鈥檛 easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance.
Adel Al-Shehri, Saudi craftsman
He added subtle metal inlays to complement the aesthetics and highlight the geometric details with contemporary flair.
The plaque鈥檚 base features a stepped circular design, inspired by the shape of ancient terraces found in historical buildings in the Kingdom.
Incorporating Braille into the design proved to be a challenge for the craftsman. The reading system, which features raised dots that are read by touch, is not easy to recreate on materials like wood and metal.
Braille is usually printed on paper, but adding it to a solid surface requires extreme precision.
Al-Shehri devised a special method to achieve this, using engraving tools that enabled him to shape the Braille dots to the appropriate height (between 0.9 mm and 1.4 mm), while maintaining precise geometric spacing between the dots.
This allowed them to be read by touch without losing their meaning or interfering with the other decorative elements on the plaque.
鈥淭his step presented both a technical and aesthetic challenge. How could I create a language that is read by touch and integrate it into a plaque meant to be admired visually?
鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance,鈥 he said.
Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all.
He hopes that his pioneering approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work.
