Saudi Arabia’s Deemah AlYahya Reappointed as DCO Chief

The Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya. Photo: DCO
The Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya. Photo: DCO
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Saudi Arabia’s Deemah AlYahya Reappointed as DCO Chief

The Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya. Photo: DCO
The Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya. Photo: DCO

The Digital Cooperation Organization announced the reappointment of Deemah AlYahya as secretary-general for a new four-year term, following a nomination by the Kingdom and the approval of member states during the DCO council meeting held virtually in Kuwait.

AlYahya’s reappointment paves the way for implementing the organization’s agenda over the next four years, as announced in February 2025 during the DCO's fourth annual general assembly.

The agenda focuses on supporting collaborative efforts to enhance the resilience of the digital economy and promote social prosperity by advancing digital maturity levels across member states.

On behalf of the DCO council, Kuwaiti Minister of State for Communication Affairs and chairman of the DCO council’s current session Omar Al-Omar congratulated AlYahya on her reappointment as secretary-general.

He noted that the decision reflects her exemplary leadership during her first term and expressed optimism about the continued success of the DCO over the next four years.

Under AlYahya’s leadership, the DCO has expanded its membership from five founding nations to 16 member states, solidifying its position as a multilateral international organization.

The DCO focuses on empowering nations to shape policies and develop digital infrastructure that fosters economic opportunities, supports youth and entrepreneurs, and advances alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



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.


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.


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.