Saudi Arabia Inaugurates Asir Region Development Plan

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Right) and Prince Turki bin Talal, Governor of Asir Region
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Right) and Prince Turki bin Talal, Governor of Asir Region
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Saudi Arabia Inaugurates Asir Region Development Plan

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Right) and Prince Turki bin Talal, Governor of Asir Region
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Right) and Prince Turki bin Talal, Governor of Asir Region

Saudi Arabia is set to launch a plan on Sunday designed to complete the pending and upcoming infrastructure and service projects in southwestern Asir region.

“Under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Asir Region, will patronize the plan to complete the basic projects in Asir region. He will be joined by Saudi Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Acting Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Dr. Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi and Minister of Transport Dr. Nabil bin Mohammed al-Amoudi,” an official statement said.

The ministers will announce the plan for completion of pending projects which signal an important milestone for the region's people. Projects include health, transport and public sectors in service of not the region alone, but the Kingdom as a whole.

The projects will also contribute to the expansion of the infrastructure and services needed by the region. They are also part and parcel of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and efforts to diversify its economy while expanding on tourism and reaching untapped resources in the Kingdom’s many regions.

“These projects represent an important step forward for the region's sons and daughters who have long been looking forward to it. The diversity of the projects represent the health, transportation and municipalities sectors within a large system of projects, not only in the region but at a Kingdom-wide level,” the statement added.



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.


Saudi Arabia to Host 39th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference this Week

The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
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Saudi Arabia to Host 39th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference this Week

The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)

Saudi Arabia will host the 39th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) on Thursday via videoconference under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The conference, organized by the Shura Council and AIPU, will bring together speakers of Arab parliaments and legislative councils, as well as delegates from several organizations.

Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh expressed his appreciation for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' patronage of the conference. He said the support reflects the commitment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening joint Arab cooperation and highlighting the role of Arab solidarity in supporting regional security and stability.

He also underscored the Kingdom's commitment to advancing development and prosperity across the Arab world.

"Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges and an important basis for unifying positions and coordinating parliamentary efforts," Al Al-Sheikh said.

He added that such efforts contribute to enhancing stability, protecting shared Arab interests, promoting the role of parliaments in supporting development efforts, and consolidating the values of dialogue and integration among Arab states.

Al Al-Sheikh said the Shura Council looks forward to welcoming participants to the conference and expressed hope that its outcomes will support joint Arab parliamentary action and strengthen parliamentary diplomacy as an effective tool for advancing Arab causes in the region and the world.


Saudi, Qatari FMs Discuss Efforts to Support Regional Security

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi, Qatari FMs Discuss Efforts to Support Regional Security

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has made a phone call to Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

During the call on Sunday, the two ministers reviewed the latest developments and their implications for the region, as well as the two countries’ efforts to support security and stability.