Hajj 2026: Dual 23kg Luggage Policy Raises Logistical Concerns

A new luggage policy introduced for the 2026 Hajj, which allows each pilgrim to travel with two 23kg bags and one backpack, has drawn operational scrutiny from stakeholders concerned about its logistical implications. By Chimezie Godfrey A new...

Joseph Parker’s stunning resurgence back to top of boxing sparked by Saudi Arabian snub of being hired to LOSE

JOSEPH PARKER’S resurgence was sparked by a Saudi Arabian snub — when he was hired but openly expected to LOSE. The New Zealander, 33, boxed Deontay Wilder on the same 2023 Riyadh card as Anthony Joshua’s clash with Otto Wallin. Sign up for the...

Hajj 2026: The Dual 23kg Luggage Policy and the Looming Logistical Challenge

The new luggage policy introduced for the 2026 Hajj, which allows each pilgrim to travel with two 23kg bags and one backpack, warrants closer operational scrutiny to assess its advantages and potential drawbacks. Previously, Nigerian pilgrims were...

SAUDI FINANCING FOR GB, ELEUTHERA AND EXUMA AIRPORTS

Posted on 21 October 2025. by Jones Bahamas By Gerrino J. Saunders Bahama Journal News Editor After long negotiations, funding has been secured for Grand Bahama’s international airport and airports in North Eleuthera and Georgetown Exuma through...

Govt to refund Rs3.45b to over 66,000 pilgrims from last year’s Hajj

ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to refund Rs3.45 billion to 66,377 pilgrims who performed Hajj last year. The refund process will be completed by October 31, directly transferring the amounts into pilgrims’ bank accounts....

Popularity of anime in Saudi Arabia is an increasingly powerful tool for brands, report finds

Nada Al-Turki RIYADH: A new report reveals how anime has become a cultural cornerstone for Saudi youth and a powerful new platform for brands. The research was carried out by global advertising and digital media agency Dentsu MENAT. At the Athar...

MATI elected to UN Tourism Board of Affiliate Members for 2026–2029 term

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has been elected to the UN Tourism Board of Affiliate Members for the 2026–2029 term, marking a significant milestone as the first organisation from the Maldivian tourism sector to serve on this...

Tourist Flow to Moscow Remains Strong: Over 126,000 Visitors from the Middle East in the First Half of 2025

Moscow — Moscow continues to strengthen its position as one of the most attractive travel destinations for visitors from the Middle East. According to the Moscow City Tourism Committee, more than 126,000 tourists from the Gulf region visited the...

Jordanian migrant 'sexually molested four women and girls travelling alone on the Tube - including a 12-year-old'

By NICK PISA, SENIOR REPORTER Published: 11:12 EDT, 23 October 2025 | Updated: 11:12 EDT, 23 October 2025 A migrant living in taxpayer-funded accommodation is alleged to have sexually molested four different women and girls in as many weeks while...

Smotrich apologizes after Saudi camel remark

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich drew backlash Thursday after dismissing the idea of normalization with Saudi Arabia tied to Palestinian statehood, telling an audience: “If Saudi Arabia tells us, ‘Normalization in exchange for a Palestinian...

Saudi Arabia bans employers from charging fees to workers

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has banned employers from charging any fees to domestic workers, including those related to recruitment, work permits, transfer of services, or change of profession, the Saudi Gazette reported. Under the new regulations,...

Emotion-driven travel tops 2026 trends for the UAE, KSA residents: study

In 2026, travel is shaping up to be intentional trips that begin with purpose, driven more by emotion than destination. Coined ‘The Whycation’ by Hilton‘s 2026 Trends Report, people are embracing travel plans that allow them to have meaningful...

SAUDIA Airline Begins Operations from VIA’s New Terminal 1

SAUDIA Airline has officially commenced operations from the newly inaugurated Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport (VIA), marking another milestone in the airport’s ongoing expansion and modernization efforts. A special ceremony was held...

Airblue to Launch Flights to Another Major City in Saudi Arabia

Airblue has hinted at the launch of a new international destination, triggering buzz among travelers on social media. In a recent post on its official Facebook page, the Pakistani airline shared a teaser that read, “Something exciting is about to...

Govt returns Rs3.45b to Hajj pilgrims 2025

Published on: October 23, 2025 5:33 PM ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that over 66,000 pilgrims who performed Hajj in 2025 will receive refunds totaling Rs3.45 billion. The refund process will be completed by October...

The Urban Blue: Pathways for Port-Led Inclusive Growth in India

Introduction Port cities have long served as engines of trade, cultural exchange, and urban transformation.[1] Strategically positioned at the intersections of land and sea trade, they drive national and regional growth through logistics,...

Saudia unveils fashion brand at Riyadh Fashion Week

The brand, SV by Saudia, is billed as the airline’s first foray into the fashion and lifestyle sector, “inspired by our identity, creating endless opportunities for customers to engage with us in a fashionable, elegant, creative and comfortable...

Ghana, Saudi Arabia sign General Cooperation Agreement

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji have signed a General Cooperation Agreement to strengthen relations that...

UiPath opens new office in Riyadh to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s automation and AI agenda

Daniel Dines, founder and CEO, UiPath/Image: Supplied UiPath, a global leader in agentic automation, has officially inaugurated its new office at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, marking a major milestone in the company’s...

Saudi crown prince to visit US seeking similar defence pact to Qatar: Report

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is headed to the White House next month to meet with the very same man he came to see on his last trip in 2018, US President Donald Trump. The Financial Times is reporting that the crown prince is...