Saudi Ministry of Interior Warns against Violation of Hajj Regulations

Muslim worshippers gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah on June 1, 2025 ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP)
Muslim worshippers gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah on June 1, 2025 ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP)
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Saudi Ministry of Interior Warns against Violation of Hajj Regulations

Muslim worshippers gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah on June 1, 2025 ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP)
Muslim worshippers gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah on June 1, 2025 ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior issued on Sunday a stern warning against violating Hajj regulations by performing or attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit.

Individuals caught performing or attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit will face a fine of up to SAR20,000. Resident violators will be deported to their home countries and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for a period of 10 years.

The Ministry of Interior urged all citizens and residents to strictly adhere to Hajj regulations, emphasizing that these measures are crucial for maintaining the security and safety of pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.



Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
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Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine arrived in Jeddah Thursday. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.

Zelenskiy said he would hold "important meetings" in the Kingdom as part of an effort to bolster ties with Middle East countries amid the Iran war.

"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate ⁠the support and support ‌those who ‌are ready to work ​with us ‌to ensure security," Zelenskyy wrote ‌on X.

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, accompanied Zelenskiy on the ‌visit.


Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with his French, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with his French, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Thursday with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting held France.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two countries, along with ways to strengthen and develop them.

They also discussed the latest developments in the region and ongoing efforts in this regard.

According to SPA, the Saudi minister also met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand.

During their meeting they reviewed cooperation between the two countries in various fields, in addition to discussing the latest developments and issues of common interest.


2 Dead, 3 Wounded as Missile Intercepted in Abu Dhabi

People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
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2 Dead, 3 Wounded as Missile Intercepted in Abu Dhabi

People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)

Two people were killed and three were wounded by falling debris after air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the government media office said on Thursday.

"The incident resulted in the deaths of two unidentified individuals, three injuries, and damage to a number of cars," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a post on X.