Hajj Ministry Announces Opening of Registration for Local Pilgrims

Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)
Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)
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Hajj Ministry Announces Opening of Registration for Local Pilgrims

Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)
Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Friday the opening of registration for pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia.

Eligible citizens and resident must not be older than 65 years of age and have a valid residence permit.

The ministry added that priority will be given to those who have not previously performed the Hajj and are fully immunized against the coronavirus.

In a press statement, the ministry said that registration can be obtained electronically through its website or through the “Eatmarna” application.

Those interested can review all programs for domestic pilgrims, and choose the appropriate program, and service providing companies and institutions.

The Eatmarna app allows pilgrims to review all available packages, create a list of preferred packages and choose from them, add companions, as well as ensure that all the registrants' data, immunization status, and requirements are met.

An application will be dismissed if any of the requirements are omitted or are not met.

The ministry called on all applicants to ensure the accuracy of information when registering and choosing packages.

The ministry stressed that there will be no additional advantages to the date of registration, and all applications will be processed after the registration deadline expires.



Saudi Defenses Intercept and Destroy Cruise Missile

The Ministry of Defense reiterated the readiness of its forces to deal with various threats. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The Ministry of Defense reiterated the readiness of its forces to deal with various threats. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
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Saudi Defenses Intercept and Destroy Cruise Missile

The Ministry of Defense reiterated the readiness of its forces to deal with various threats. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The Ministry of Defense reiterated the readiness of its forces to deal with various threats. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Malki said on Sunday that the Kingdom's defenses shot down a cruise missile in recent hours.

The interception process was successful, he added.

The Ministry of Defense reiterated the readiness of its forces to deal with various threats to ensure the security of the Kingdom and the safety of its territories.


UAE Says Air Defenses Responding to Iran Missiles, Drones

 A man walks along Dubai's Creek Harbor, with the Burj Khalifa visible in the background, on April 3, 2026. (AFP)
A man walks along Dubai's Creek Harbor, with the Burj Khalifa visible in the background, on April 3, 2026. (AFP)
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UAE Says Air Defenses Responding to Iran Missiles, Drones

 A man walks along Dubai's Creek Harbor, with the Burj Khalifa visible in the background, on April 3, 2026. (AFP)
A man walks along Dubai's Creek Harbor, with the Burj Khalifa visible in the background, on April 3, 2026. (AFP)

Emirati air defenses were responding to missile and drone attacks from Iran, the United Arab Emirates defense ministry said Sunday.

"UAE air defenses... are actively engaging with missiles and UAV threats," the ministry posted on X in English, along with an Arabic statement that said the projectiles were coming from Iran.

"MOD (Ministry of Defense) asserts that the sounds heard across the country are the result of ongoing engaging operations of missiles and UAVs," it added.

Gulf nations have borne the brunt of Iran's retaliatory attacks since the US and Israel launched strikes in late February that ignited a regional war.


Kuwait Power, Water Desalination Plants Damaged by Iranian Attack

A drone view shows Kuwait City, in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, in Kuwait, February 28, 2026. (Reuters)
A drone view shows Kuwait City, in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, in Kuwait, February 28, 2026. (Reuters)
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Kuwait Power, Water Desalination Plants Damaged by Iranian Attack

A drone view shows Kuwait City, in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, in Kuwait, February 28, 2026. (Reuters)
A drone view shows Kuwait City, in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, in Kuwait, February 28, 2026. (Reuters)

Two Kuwaiti power and water desalination plants were damaged by a drone attack from Iran, the electricity and water ministry said Sunday.

The attack resulted in "significant material damage and the shutdown of two electricity generating units", the ministry said in a post on X, adding there were no deaths or injuries.

Earlier, the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said a fire broke out in its Shuwaikh oil sector complex, which houses the oil ministry and KPC headquarters, after a drone attack, the Kuwaiti state news agency ‌reported early ‌on Sunday.

Kuwaiti state ‌media, ⁠citing the finance ⁠ministry, said an Iranian drone hit an office complex for government ministries, causing significant material damage but no casualties.

No injuries were ‌reported.

An Iranian drone attack had also caused "significant" damage to a government building in Kuwait City on Saturday evening, a finance ministry statement said, adding there were no reports of deaths or injuries. 

Staff from the several ministries housed in the complex would work remotely on Sunday and visits would be suspended, the statement said. 

The latest attacks come as the US-Israeli war on Iran, how in its sixth week, broadens, with Tehran striking Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US military installations.

There was no official comment from Iran.