Saudi King Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Performers from 66 Countries in Guests Program

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi King Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Performers from 66 Countries in Guests Program

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

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the hosting of 1,000 individuals from 66 nations to perform Umrah during this year, 1446 AH, as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation.

The guests will be received over four groups as part of this program, which is executed and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Marking this occasion, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and General Supervisor of the program, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation towards King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for empowering Muslims from diverse nations worldwide to perform Islamic rituals comfortably and peacefully, covering the expenses personally.
He highlighted that throughout its ongoing journey, the program has extended its reach across various continents, benefiting over 140 countries since its inception. The program's guests enjoy an array of services through a comprehensive system, ensuring a seamless experience from departure to their safe return.



Saudi FM Holds Separate Talks with Jordanian, Turkish Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah looks on during a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (not pictured) at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, 05 January 2026. (EPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah looks on during a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (not pictured) at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, 05 January 2026. (EPA)
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Saudi FM Holds Separate Talks with Jordanian, Turkish Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah looks on during a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (not pictured) at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, 05 January 2026. (EPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah looks on during a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (not pictured) at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, 05 January 2026. (EPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Safadi.

They discussed developments in the region and efforts made in this regard, SPA reported.

The Saudi FM also received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Hakan Fidan.

During the call, they exchanged views on the latest regional developments.


Saudi Permanent Representative to Arab League Meets with Somali Counterpart

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Permanent Representative to Arab League Meets with Somali Counterpart

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ambassador Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Matar met with Somalia's Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ali Abdi Awari at the delegation’s headquarters in Cairo.

The meeting focused on reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of preserving its stability and rejecting any attempts to impose parallel entities that undermine national unity, SPA reported.

The two sides also discussed issues of mutual interest within the framework of the Arab League.


Saudi Leadership Extends Condolences to Thailand over Victims of Crane Collapse on Train

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Extends Condolences to Thailand over Victims of Crane Collapse on Train

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

The Saudi leadership extended condolences on Sunday to King of Thailand over the victims of a crane accident that fell onto a train in northeastern Thailand killing tens and injuring several.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques sent a cable to King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, offering his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the deceased, and the Thai people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, sent a similar cable to the Thai king.

He extended his deepest condolences to the king, the families of the deceased, and the Thai people.