Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Saudi Arabia Suspends Two Umrah Firms Over Accommodation Violations
Gulf Insider
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July 10, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended two Umrah companies for violating regulations, including housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations—an act the ministry described as a serious breach that jeopardises pilgrim safety. Legal...
Saudia Resumes Dammam–London Flights After 15 Years Amid Market Growth
Routes
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Saudia is resuming flights between Dammam and London Heathrow after a 15-year hiatus, a move that reflects growing demand and intensifying competition in the UK–Saudi Arabia market. The SkyTeam carrier will operate the route three times per week...
KSA to allow foreign property ownership in Riyadh, Jeddah
Bangladesh Post
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Saudi Arabia approved a new law allowing foreigners to own real estate as part of the kingdom’s plan to diversify its economy and open it to foreign investment. The long-awaited reform, passed on Tuesday, allows foreigners to buy property in...
Sea Travel for Hajj Pilgrimage Could Be Affordable, Says Minister
Tempo.co
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July 10, 2025
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar suggested that the Hajj pilgrimage by sea could be affordable if multiple organizing operators participate. "If there are a lot of competitive [players], it could be...
Minister Says Many Companies Interested in Sea Route Hajj Proposal
Tempo.co
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July 10, 2025
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said that several companies have approached his office to propose the idea of conducting Hajj pilgrimages via sea routes. However, he noted that these companies do not own their own...
2025 Hajj Smooth, Successful – NAHCON Chair
The Will
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July 10, 2025
July 10, (THEWILL) — The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has described the 2025 Hajj as very smooth and successful. Prof. Usman made the remarks while addressing newsmen at his Kano...
PIA successfully concludes post-Hajj 2025 operations
Dunya News
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Pakistan Pakistan PIA successfully concludes post-Hajj 2025 operations Close Over 41,500 pilgrims return home via national flag carrier Topline National airline operated 147 return flights from Saudi Arabia CEO congratulates teams for smooth...
Emirates reveals the top 5 summer destinations travelers can’t get enough of
The Manual - Oregon
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July 10, 2025
Emirates’ latest analysis of global booking data has revealed where Americans – and international travelers- are headed this summer, showing a shift towards new cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The analysis of global...
Saudi foreign property ownership rules will be 'transformational' for long-term expats
The National News
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Saudi Arabia updating its rules to allow foreigners to buy property in specific zones will encourage long-term expats to invest in homes, boost the real estate sector and benefit businesses from banks to cement companies, analysts said. Non-Saudis...
NAHCON announces early preparations for 2026 Hajj
The Guardian (Nigeria)
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July 10, 2025
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said preparation for the 2026 Hajj has begun with a tentative Hajj fare that would be announced in the next three months. Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman gave the...
Global tourism on the rise, though industry grapples with challenges
Consultancy.org
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July 10, 2025
The global tourism and travel (T&T) sector will contribute around $16 trillion to the world’s GDP by 2034, when it hits 30 billion trips yearly. That is according to a report from the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Kearney and the...
SRSA licenses Maritime Solutions to boost coastal tourism
Travel & Tourism News Middle East
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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality July 2025 268 As part of its ongoing efforts to regulate and develop a thriving coastal tourism sector, the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) issued a maritime tourism agent license to Maritime Solutions Company, based...
TDF launches programmes for tourism entrepreneurs, startups
Travel & Tourism News Middle East
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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality July 2025 373 The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) - the national enabler of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector- has announced the launch of 3 flagship programmes designed to support and empower entrepreneurs and startups....
Saudi Red Sea Authority Issues Maritime Tourism Agent License to Support Coastal Tourism Activities
MENAFN
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July 10, 2025
(MENAFNEditorial) As part of its ongoing efforts to regulate and develop a thriving coastal tourism sector, the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has issued a maritime tourism agent license to Maritime Solutions Company, based in Jeddah. This step...
Solar eclipse 2026: A traveller’s guide to the best places to be when the light goes out
The Independent (U.S.)
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July 10, 2025
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...
Saudi Arabia won't lift its alcohol ban anytime soon. Here's why
The New Arab
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July 10, 2025
Saudi Arabia has denied a report claiming it would allow limited and controlled sales of alcohol on its soil for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The denial was a reminder that, while Riyadh has permitted sweeping top-down loosening of myriad societal...
Saudi Arabia opens doors for foreigners to buy property
The National News
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Saudi Arabia has approved a law that will allow foreigners to buy property in specific zones as it seeks to attract international investors and boost its economy. Non-Saudis will be able to own property in designated areas in Riyadh and Jeddah,...
flynas Launches Riyadh-Moscow Flights: Gulf Carriers Expand Russia Routes Amid Sanctions
Simple Flying
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July 10, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier flynas will expand its route network by adding new flights to Moscow, Russia. The budget airline will launch inaugural flights to Russia’s capital on August 1, 2025. By operating three weekly flights, flynas will...
Saudia retains growth target for 2025; happy with orderbook for now
Times Aerospace
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This was explained by Khaled Tash, group chief marketing officer at Saudia Group speaking to media at an event to mark the opening of its new lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4. “We don't think that the impact is going to be severe. Of all the...
Saudi travellers favour visa-free destinations: Wego
Travel & Tourism News Middle East
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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality July 2025 95 Saudi travellers are shifting towards visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, focusing on short, immersive trips that emphasise authentic cultural engagement and seamless entry procedures, according to...