The Accidental Revelations of a Russian Spy’s Memoir

Before the Russians conquered Mariupol, they annihilated it. In the center of this city in southeastern Ukraine, more than half the buildings were damaged, and almost every high-rise was destroyed. The Russians bombed 86 out of 89 educational...

Govt begins refunding Rs3.5bn to Hajj pilgrims under regular scheme

75% of pilgrims to get refunds from Rs12,000 to Rs110,000. Minister says refund process transparent, ongoing nationwide. 25% of pilgrims with best accommodation not eligible for refunds. The federal government has begun issuing refunds to pilgrims...

Saudi Arabia Abolishes Kafala System After 50 Years In Landmark Reform For Migrant Workers

In a historic move, Saudi Arabia has officially abolished its decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) system, a decision that promises to transform the lives of millions of migrant workers across the kingdom. Announced in June 2025, the sweeping reform...

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Meet Trump at White House in November

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is scheduled to visit the White House on November 18 to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump, with plans to sign agreements spanning artificial intelligence, defense, nuclear...

Across New York, educators socioemotionally support their newly arrived students

The auditorium glowed under stage lights, a low hum of anticipation in the air. Rows of graduates sat in their black caps and gowns. In the audience, families whispered, some holding up phones to record. Near the edge of the stage, Duaa smoothed...

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...

Fortune Forum Cements Riyadh’s Role as Global Trade, Innovation Hub

International business leaders are turning their attention to Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia will host the Fortune Global Forum for the first time on October 26–27, in a move underscoring the Kingdom’s growing status as a global economic hub and a...

How Nigeria is Stifling Tourism Growth, Losing Billions of Dollars to Stringent Visa Processing

Chinedu Eze There are strong indications that the challenge in Visa processing is stifling tourism growth in Nigeria, causing the nation to gradually lose billions of dollars that would have been earned if it has liberal visa process and comes as...

Building smarter cities with traffic data

By Guest contributor | 28 October 2025 While congestion in cities can manifest in different ways – whether that’s gridlock at rush hour, bottlenecks resulting from accidents or construction work, or inefficiencies caused by outdated traffic...

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...

Historic milestone: MATI secures seat on UN Tourism Board of Affiliate Members

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has been elected to the United Nations Tourism Board of Affiliate Members – becoming the first Maldivian tourism body to be represented on the global tourism platform. In a statement on Thursday...

Rude Travel by Vir Sanghvi: A new final frontier

It took me 10 years to learn to love Dubai. In the beginning, I simply did not warm to it, and all the descriptions that the city’s haters had used seemed appropriate: Too much bling, vulgar, shallow, imitative and derivative, Singapore without...

Why Madinah is fast becoming Saudi’s most promising investment destination

Rua Al Madinah (Image: Supplied by Accor) The city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia is rapidly redefining itself as a prime business and investment hub, driven by a sweeping programme of development projects, infrastructure expansion, regulatory reforms...

India, the Quad and the fallout from the Saudi-Pakistan defense pact

THE Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Mutual Defense Pact signed on Sept. 17 has fundamentally altered the regional balance of power in the Middle East and South Asia. Unlike previous agreements, this one goes far beyond symbolic cooperation. Pakistani...

ATP Adds New Masters Tournament in Saudi — Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The tennis season is winding down, and what a ride it’s been! Four Grand Slams, multiple 500s, and nine Masters on the calendar. The Slams are done, with just a handful of 500s left and one last Masters showdown in Paris. The players have given it...

12 Most Shocking TV Scenes Of 2025 (So Far)

We've watched a lot of TV over the years — like, way more than you think — but we still have the capacity to be shocked... and 2025 proved that over and over again. This past year has served up some truly jaw-dropping and (we'll just say it)...

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...

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...

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,...