Saudi Public Security: Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Denied Entry to Holy Sites During Hajj 

Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (AP)
Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (AP)
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Saudi Public Security: Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Denied Entry to Holy Sites During Hajj 

Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (AP)
Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (AP)

Saudi Arabia’s Public Security announced on Tuesday stricter measures to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj this year.

Unauthorized vehicles will be prohibited from entering the holy sites as of midnight on Tuesday and until June 19.

According to the Public Security, individuals transporting pilgrims without valid Hajj permits will face imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to SAR50,000 for each unauthorized pilgrim transported.

Court rulings may also include confiscation of the vehicle and deportation of the transporter if they are a resident with a subsequent temporary entry ban.

Pilgrims lacking valid Hajj permits will be fined SAR10,000. For residents, this will be followed by deportation and a temporary entry ban.

The Public Security emphasized the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure a secure, safe, and comfortable environment for all pilgrims.



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
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GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.