Saudi Arabia to Welcome 400,000 Umrah Pilgrims During Ramadan

Worshipers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file photo)
Worshipers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file photo)
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Saudi Arabia to Welcome 400,000 Umrah Pilgrims During Ramadan

Worshipers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file photo)
Worshipers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file photo)

Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat revealed that some 400,000 pilgrims are expected to perform the Umrah during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which begins in early April.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said: "The Umrah is open. There is no limit to how many travelers will come from outside Saudi Arabia. The daily numbers will be determined according to the capacity at the Grand Mosque."

He added that as the Kingdom gradually eased coronavirus-related restrictions, the number of Umrah pilgrims began to rise. It now welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims per day.

Mashat said the lifting of restrictions was carefully assessed and the pandemic situation in the Kingdom is reassuring. He noted the high vaccination rate and level of health services.

Moreover, he highlighted the eatmarna app that was developed by the health ministry that has facilitated official processes for pilgrims from around the world.

Saudi Arabia has not set a limit to how many pilgrims it will receive. Anyone who can obtain a Umrah permit is welcome in the Kingdom, he stressed.

Asked about how many Hajj pilgrims will likely carry out the holy journey this year, he replied that it was too soon to tell.

He explained that the health ministry was still assessing the development of the pandemic and its impact.

Mashat was speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Conference and Exhibition of Hajj and Umrah Services, “Transformation towards Innovation”. The event is organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Doyof Al-Rahman Program, which is one of the executive programs of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah region, kicked off the event at the Jeddah Superdome. Ministers from over 20 countries were present at the opening.



Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur Military Airport

The Abu al-Duhur base following the Israeli strikes, Syria, August 18, 2026. (Reuters)
The Abu al-Duhur base following the Israeli strikes, Syria, August 18, 2026. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur Military Airport

The Abu al-Duhur base following the Israeli strikes, Syria, August 18, 2026. (Reuters)
The Abu al-Duhur base following the Israeli strikes, Syria, August 18, 2026. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Tuesday Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur Military Airport.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom slammed the attack as a “flagrant violation of international law and Syria's sovereignty.”

“The Kingdom stresses its rejection of this blatant act of aggression and renews its call on the international community to put an end to Israel’s violations of international laws and norms,” it demanded.

It reiterated its solidarity with Syria and “support for all efforts aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, preserving the integrity and unity of its territory, and achieving security and stability for the brotherly Syrian people.”


UAE Accuses Iran of Firing Ballistic Missiles at Its Territory

Tuesday's warning was the first such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an attack that ultimately did not enter UAE territory. (Reuters)
Tuesday's warning was the first such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an attack that ultimately did not enter UAE territory. (Reuters)
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UAE Accuses Iran of Firing Ballistic Missiles at Its Territory

Tuesday's warning was the first such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an attack that ultimately did not enter UAE territory. (Reuters)
Tuesday's warning was the first such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an attack that ultimately did not enter UAE territory. (Reuters)

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles at its territory, marking the first time the defense ministry detected a barrage aimed at the country in months. 

"UAE air defenses detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the country, with the first falling outside the country's territorial waters, while the second fell within the territorial waters," said a statement posted by the defense ministry on X. 

The statement came nearly two hours after a brief phone alert warned UAE residents of a "potential missile threat". 

"Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, immediately seek a safe place in the closest secure building," the interior ministry said in the phone alert, which was lifted shortly after. 

It was the first such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an attack that ultimately did not enter UAE territory. Before that, the last missile warning came in early May. 

Tankers belonging to state-owned oil company ADNOC have been repeatedly targeted in the past few weeks. 

When the Middle East war began on February 28, the UAE bore the brunt of Iran's attacks, with nearly 3,000 missiles and drones directed at the country -- more than anywhere else in the region. 

After a memorandum of understanding came into effect in June between the two parties, which has since collapsed, the UAE reported no attacks. 


Saudi Cabinet Welcomes Launch of Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud  - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA
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Saudi Cabinet Welcomes Launch of Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud  - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session on Tuesday, which reviewed Saudi Arabia’s recent discussions and consultations with brotherly and friendly nations to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation across various fields, achieve mutual interests, and support regional and international security and stability.

The Cabinet welcomed the institutional and operational activation of the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance following the completion of its organizational and planning frameworks. This marks a new phase of joint action to achieve full operational readiness and fulfill its mission to enhance collective maritime security, protect freedom of navigation across maritime straits and waterways, and support the continuity of international trade and global supply chains.

The Cabinet reiterated its categorical rejection of repeated Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and tankers, viewing them as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the safety and security of maritime navigation.

It also affirmed that these attacks constitute a grave violation of international laws and norms and a blatant defiance of the Security Council resolution obligating respect for commercial vessels' freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and condemning any threats or actions obstructing it.

On bilateral relations, the Cabinet deemed establishing the Saudi-Sudanese Coordination Council an extension of both nations' commitment to institutionalized joint coordination, advancing cooperation and integration through tangible outputs, initiatives, projects, and objectives to achieve desired aspirations.

The Cabinet commended the Kingdom's successful presidency of the 16th session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP16), which launched international partnerships and initiatives to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought, enhance water and food security, support climate adaptation, and advance innovative solutions for environmental protection and sustainable development.

On World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19, the Cabinet expressed pride in Saudi Arabia's pioneering humanitarian role and its prominent standing among the world's leading donor nations. This reflects the Kingdom's long history of generosity, proactive initiative, and providing aid, assistance, and disaster relief to countries and communities in need globally.

Domestically, as the new academic year approaches, the Cabinet reviewed the education sector's achievements, notably in improving organizational and operational efficiency, advancing educational institutions, expanding students' scientific expertise, upgrading teachers' capabilities, and providing exemplary learning environments with leading curricula and specialized programs that foster innovation and creativity—all contributing to human capital development and Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The Cabinet also commended the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) financial performance and continued progress toward its targets, evidenced by revenue and net profit growth in 2025. This reflects PIF's ongoing drive to spur economic diversification in the Kingdom, expand domestic and international investments, and bolster key strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, technology, energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

The Cabinet praised government agencies' tangible progress in the 2026 Digital Experience Maturity Index, reflecting ongoing commitment to developing operations, innovating flexible and effective technological solutions, and delivering top-tier procedures and services to citizens, residents, and visitors, in line with the Kingdom's leadership and competitiveness in international rankings and indicators.