Saudi Arabia Appoints Saleh Al-Maghamsi as Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque

Sheikh Saleh Al-Maghamsi in a photo published by Arrajol magazine during a previous interview (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Sheikh Saleh Al-Maghamsi in a photo published by Arrajol magazine during a previous interview (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Saudi Arabia Appoints Saleh Al-Maghamsi as Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque

Sheikh Saleh Al-Maghamsi in a photo published by Arrajol magazine during a previous interview (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Sheikh Saleh Al-Maghamsi in a photo published by Arrajol magazine during a previous interview (Asharq Al-Awsat).

A royal decree has appointed Sheikh Saleh Al-Maghamsi as an imam at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of religious affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, said Saturday that the directive reflects the Saudi leadership’s strong commitment to the Two Holy Mosques and its ongoing support through the appointment of qualified scholars.

He added that such decisions strengthen the mosques’ mission of promoting guidance and moderation, while serving worshippers and visitors.

Al-Sudais congratulated Sheikh Al-Maghamsi on the appointment, praying for his success in carrying out what he described as a great responsibility in line with the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership and the message of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Al-Maghamsi is a prominent Saudi preacher known for his contemporary approach and broad engagement in education, sermons and religious lectures. In recent years, he served as imam and preacher of Quba Mosque in Madinah.

He has also lectured at the Higher Institute for Imams and Preachers at Taibah University and headed the Al-Bayan Center for Reflecting on the Meanings of the Quran. Over the course of his career, he has held several academic and administrative posts and is widely regarded for his humility and scholarly depth.

Born in 1963 in Wadi Al-Safra village in Badr Governorate, west of Madinah, Al-Maghamsi later moved to Madinah, where he was raised in a scholarly environment. He specialized in Quranic exegesis during his academic studies.

He completed his primary, intermediate and secondary education in Madinah before earning a bachelor’s degree in Arabic language and Islamic studies from King Abdulaziz University (Madinah branch). He later pursued postgraduate studies.

Al-Maghamsi began his professional career as a teacher before moving into educational supervision and academic instruction. He became a faculty member at the Teachers College — now the College of Education at Taibah University — and went on to serve in several key roles, most notably as imam and preacher of Quba Mosque in Madinah.

He has delivered numerous lectures in Quranic interpretation and Islamic sciences, and has produced widely known recorded programs and scholarly series.



Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Escalation with Spanish Counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Escalation with Spanish Counterpart

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

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Thursday from his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares.

During the call, they discussed the regional escalation and the efforts being exerted in this regard.


Pakistani Prime Minister Arrives in Jeddah

Pakistan's Prime Minister arriving in Jeddah - SPA
Pakistan's Prime Minister arriving in Jeddah - SPA
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Pakistani Prime Minister Arrives in Jeddah

Pakistan's Prime Minister arriving in Jeddah - SPA
Pakistan's Prime Minister arriving in Jeddah - SPA

Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his accompanying delegation arrived in Jeddah on Thursday, SPA reported.

At King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Pakistani prime minister was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, and several other officials.


Fallen Debris in Dubai after Drone Interception

Workers inspect the damage at the Address Creek Harbour hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Workers inspect the damage at the Address Creek Harbour hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
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Fallen Debris in Dubai after Drone Interception

Workers inspect the damage at the Address Creek Harbour hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Workers inspect the damage at the Address Creek Harbour hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Dubai reported an attempted drone attack and fallen debris in two locations on Thursday.

The Dubai government's media office reported "a minor incident caused by debris from a successful interception that fell onto the facade of a building on Sheikh Zayed Road.”

Earlier, the media office reported "a minor drone incident in the Al Bada'a area.”

Both incidents caused no casualties, it said in the statements on X.