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Saudi Vice FM Receives US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Other Diplomats

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. (SPA)
Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. (SPA)
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Saudi Vice FM Receives US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Other Diplomats

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. (SPA)
Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. (SPA)

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received in Riyadh the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney, with whom he reviewed relations between the two countries, ways to boost ties, and regional and international developments, the Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday.
El-Khereiji also met separately with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia Oraz Charyyev, with whom he discussed relations and means to bolster them, as well as topics of common interest.
He also held talks with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chen Weiqing, who bid farewell upon the conclusion of his term in the Kingdom.
El-Khereiji commended Weiqing's efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and wished him the best in his future endeavors.

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Gulf

Saudi Minister of Tourism Inspects Readiness of Hospitality Facilities for Pilgrims in Makkah

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and other officials are seen during his inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and other officials are seen during his inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Tourism Inspects Readiness of Hospitality Facilities for Pilgrims in Makkah

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and other officials are seen during his inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and other officials are seen during his inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb inspected the readiness of hospitality facilities and temporary accommodations designated for pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, reviewing the level of services provided to pilgrims at their residences, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The tour included hospitality facilities and temporary accommodations across Makkah. He assessed operational procedures, facility preparedness, and the services offered to pilgrims. This contributes to boosting service quality within accommodation facilities.

During the tour, Al-Khateeb met with trained tourism personnel serving pilgrims and reviewed their readiness and role in delivering services. This reflects the impact of the ministry’s training and qualification programs aimed at empowering national talent in the tourism sector.

He visited the Ministry of Tourism branch in the Makkah Region. The branch supports the ministry’s year-round field presence, brings services closer to investors and operators, and strengthens monitoring and oversight of hospitality facilities and temporary accommodations designated for pilgrims during the Hajj season.

At the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, Al-Khateeb met with investors and operators of hospitality facilities and temporary accommodations. They discussed the sector’s readiness for the Hajj, explored ways to improve service quality for pilgrims, and enhanced coordination and integration across all aspects of pilgrim accommodation services.

He stressed to investors and operators the importance of providing a hospitality experience that enriches pilgrims' journey to the Grand Mosque. He underlined the need to fulfill the national responsibility of caring for pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals in comfort and peace.

The minister announced the achievement of the target to increase bed capacity in Makkah’s hospitality sector.

He underscored the success of the ministry’s initiatives, including the launch of the “Temporary Accommodation” licensing service for pilgrims and expanded hospitality capacity in Makkah.

This year, the Ministry of Tourism assumed full responsibility for overseeing the pilgrim accommodation sector in Makkah. The “Temporary Accommodation” licensing service contributed to adding more than 566,000 beds to the pilgrim hospitality sector in Makkah through a structured framework and clear standards that enhance service quality and diversify accommodation options for pilgrims.

Gulf

Makkah Police Arrest Five Residents for Violating Hajj Regulations

Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on April 24, 2026. (SPA)
Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on April 24, 2026. (SPA)
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Makkah Police Arrest Five Residents for Violating Hajj Regulations

Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on April 24, 2026. (SPA)
Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on April 24, 2026. (SPA)

Makkah Region police arrested five Egyptian residents for violating Hajj regulations and instructions by entering and remaining in Makkah without obtaining a Hajj permit, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday. They also documented and shared the violation on social media.

The individuals have been detained, and legal action has been taken against them.

The General Directorate of Public Security urged all to comply with the regulations governing the Hajj season and to cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, stressing that violations will result in legal penalties.

It also called for the prompt reporting of violators through the dedicated hotlines.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Discusses Means to Ease Regional Tensions

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Discusses Means to Ease Regional Tensions

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held on Monday a series of a telephone calls with his various counterparts to tackle efforts to ease tensions in the region.

He held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on regional developments and means to contain the tensions.

He also received a telephone call from Afghanistan’s FM Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Prince Faisal telephoned Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Omani FM Badr Albusaidi and Egyptian FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty to discuss regional developments and joint efforts to restore security and stability.