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Deal to Transport 12,000 Yemeni Pilgrims Via 5 Airports Including Sanaa

A previous flight of Yemenia Airways at Al-Ghaydah International Airport during its reopening by the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A previous flight of Yemenia Airways at Al-Ghaydah International Airport during its reopening by the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Deal to Transport 12,000 Yemeni Pilgrims Via 5 Airports Including Sanaa

A previous flight of Yemenia Airways at Al-Ghaydah International Airport during its reopening by the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A previous flight of Yemenia Airways at Al-Ghaydah International Airport during its reopening by the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemen’s Ministry of Endowments and Guidance has teamed up with Yemenia Airways to fly Yemeni pilgrims from five airports, including Sanaa International airport, for this year’s Hajj season.

The agreement comes after coordination with Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Mukhtar Al-Rabash, a deputy from the ministry, highlighted the cooperation between Yemen and Saudi Arabia in facilitating flights from Aden, Seiyun, Al Rayyan, Al Ghaydah, and Sanaa to the holy sites in the Kingdom.

Al-Rabash pointed out that this step will ease the suffering of pilgrims, sparing them the hardship of long travels due to the ongoing closure of routes between provinces by Houthi militias, backed by Iran.

He expressed gratitude for Saudi cooperation in facilitating flights from Yemen’s airports, including Sanaa, to the holy sites, aiming to make the pilgrimage easier for them.

“The ministry will oversee all stages of issuing air tickets for pilgrims through specialized committees at all airports,” added Al-Rabash.

Mohsen Haidarah, Deputy Managing Director for Commercial Affairs at Yemenia Airways, stressed the importance of the cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Endowments to transport around 12,400 pilgrims via Yemenia Airways.

Haidarah emphasized the need for continued coordination to ensure smooth transportation and the best services for pilgrims.

According to the Yemeni Ministry of Endowments, this year’s Yemeni pilgrims number 24,255.

Early preparations were made through coordination with relevant Saudi authorities and the signing of several agreements to serve Yemeni pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Rabash described Saudi efforts for this year’s Hajj and Umrah season as “blessed and commendable,” operating in an organized and developmental manner, reflecting the insightful vision of the Kingdom’s leadership in serving the pilgrims.

A delegation from the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation visited Al-Ghaydah International Airport in Al-Mahra Governorate last week to prepare for international flights, including those for Yemeni pilgrims for this year's Hajj season.

The Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen rehabilitated and equipped the airport, with flights resuming in July 2023, enhancing transportation services in Yemen.

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Gulf

4 People Injured after Debris Falls on South Dubai Houses

Lightning illuminates the sky over Dubai during a thunderstorm on March 26, 2026. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)
Lightning illuminates the sky over Dubai during a thunderstorm on March 26, 2026. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)
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4 People Injured after Debris Falls on South Dubai Houses

Lightning illuminates the sky over Dubai during a thunderstorm on March 26, 2026. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)
Lightning illuminates the sky over Dubai during a thunderstorm on March 26, 2026. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)

Four people were injured by debris from an interception that fell on residential houses in southern Dubai Tuesday, authorities said.

"Authorities confirm that they are responding to an incident caused by debris from a successful interception that fell on residential houses in southern Dubai, resulting in property damage and minor injuries to four Asian nationals," the Dubai Media Office said on X.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Intercepts 7 Missiles Targeting Riyadh, Downs 10 Drones

Saudi defenses intercepted a drone in the Al-Kharj province. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Saudi defenses intercepted a drone in the Al-Kharj province. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Saudi Arabia Intercepts 7 Missiles Targeting Riyadh, Downs 10 Drones

Saudi defenses intercepted a drone in the Al-Kharj province. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Saudi defenses intercepted a drone in the Al-Kharj province. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Saudi air defenses thwarted on Tuesday a series of Iranian missile attacks and drone incursions targeting the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province. 

The Saudi Civil Defense said that debris from intercepting a drone fell in al-Kharj Governorate, resulting in two minor injuries and limited material damage 

Defense Ministry spokesman Turki al-Malki stated earlier Tuesday that four ballistic missiles launched towards the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province were intercepted and destroyed.  

He also announced the interception and destruction of an additional three ballistic missiles, bringing the total number shot down to seven. 

Al-Maliki added that Saudi Air Defense Forces also managed to intercept and destroy 10 drones in the past hours, as part of the ongoing response to aerial attacks. 

The official spokesperson for the Civil Defense stated that drone interception debris fell twice in Al-Kharj, causing material damage in residential areas.  

The first incident damaged six homes without injuries, while the second affected three homes and vehicles. Two people were slightly injured in the later incident, with one already discharged after treatment. 

Authorities confirmed that the incidents were handled according to established procedures. Saudi defenses remain on high alert to counter various threats and protect airspace and vital facilities. 

Gulf

Bahrain Says it Busts a 'Hezbollah Terrorist Cell'

The three detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
The three detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
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Bahrain Says it Busts a 'Hezbollah Terrorist Cell'

The three detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
The three detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)

Bahrain announced on Monday the arrest of three people “for forming a cell affiliated with the Lebanese terrorist Hezbollah group,” saying the necessary legal procedures had been completed and that the detainees had been referred to the Public Prosecution.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry said the suspects “coordinated with terrorist elements abroad and sought to engage in espionage with them with the intent to undermine the sovereignty of the state, spread fear and panic among citizens and residents, and endanger the security and safety of the country.”

The suspects were identified as Ahmed Ahmed Hussain Madan, 24, Hassan Abdulameer Ashoor, 22, and Muntadhar Abdulmohsen Ali Madan, 29, reported Bahrain’s state news agency BNA.

They revealed that “during their travel to Lebanon, they received weapons training after meeting with members of the Lebanese Hezbollah terrorist organization.”

They also sent images and information about the repercussions of the Iranian attacks against Bahrain and collected funds under the guise of charitable work, transferring them to support Hezbollah activities in preparation for being tasked by its leaders with carrying out terrorist plots and acts in Bahrain, said the statement.