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Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
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Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports is utilizing modern technologies, including self-service E-gates at international airports, to streamline departure procedures for post-Hajj pilgrims across all border ports.

By instantly matching biometric data, these automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds.

The initiative, by the Ministry of Interior, significantly enhances passenger flow, reduces waiting times, and ensures a smoother, more efficient exit journey for travelers.

Saudi Arabia had announced the exceptional success of this year’s Hajj season that was backed by an integrated system of security, organization, and services, allowing pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.

The 2026 Hajj saw 1,707,301 pilgrims perform the rituals, with 1,485,729 pilgrims arriving via air ports, 54,429 by land, and 6,497 by sea.

Spokesperson of the General Directorate of Passports Major Nasser Al-Otaibi stressed on Sunday that the directorate continues to implement its operational plan for the departure of pilgrims through all international air, land, and sea ports.

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Gulf

GCC Condemns Terrorist Houthi Attack against Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
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GCC Condemns Terrorist Houthi Attack against Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)

The Gulf Cooperation Council strongly condemned on Monday the terrorist Houthi attack with ballistic missiles against the Southern Region in Saudi Arabia.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi stressed that the “cowardly attack is a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”

It reflects the Houthi militia’s “insistence on undermining security and stability and threatening the safety of civilians and installations.”

He called for a “firm and deterrent international stance to put an end to its hostile practices and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

He said that the security of Saudi Arabia “is an integral part of the security of the GCC member states, and that the Council stands as one with the Kingdom in all measures it takes to protect its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory.”

Gulf

UAE: Two Iranian Missiles Struck Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
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UAE: Two Iranian Missiles Struck Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /

The UAE Defense Ministry said early on Tuesday that two UAE-flagged vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.

The ministry added that one Indian crew member was killed and eight others were wounded in the latest escalation in the strategic waterway.

The ministry condemned the attack as a serious violation and a clear breach of international law that threatens regional security and stability. It said the UAE reserved the right to respond to the escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability, and defend its national interests.

The ministry said it remained on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any threats, adding that it was taking all necessary measures to counter any attempts to undermine the country's security and stability. It urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating rumors or unverified reports.

Gulf

Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Italian 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 Holds Phone Call with Italian 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 held a telephone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The call reviewed relations and ways to strengthen them. The two ministers also discussed regional developments, the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, and international efforts to implement the two-state solution and achieve a just and lasting peace.