Grand Mufti: Saudi Vision 2030 Drives Ongoing Successes, Achievements for All

The Saudi Senior Scholars Council, chaired by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, holds its 96th session at the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
The Saudi Senior Scholars Council, chaired by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, holds its 96th session at the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
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Grand Mufti: Saudi Vision 2030 Drives Ongoing Successes, Achievements for All

The Saudi Senior Scholars Council, chaired by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, holds its 96th session at the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
The Saudi Senior Scholars Council, chaired by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, holds its 96th session at the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)

The Saudi Senior Scholars Council, chaired by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, held its 96th session at the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday, with the attendance of council members and its secretary general.

In his opening speech, Al Al-Sheikh highlighted the support of 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, for the Senior Scholars Council. The support has enabled the council to study all matters referred to it and issue appropriate Sharia rulings.

Al Al-Sheikh stated: “We praise Allah Almighty for the numerous blessings He has bestowed upon this blessed country. This nation was established based on the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed. Unity was achieved and all regions of the Kingdom have enjoyed security, stability, and prosperity since the era of the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.”

“This has been further solidified under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince,” he added.

“In this regard, we recognize and commend the many blessings enjoyed by Saudi citizens and residents, including security, stability, progress, and development. These are—after the grace of Allah—a blessed result of the wise leadership based on the Kingdom’s firm and enduring constitution, which is the source of its pride, strength, and leadership: the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed,” he went on to say.

“This foundation ensures justice under Sharia for all, upholds the service of Islam and Muslims, and grants the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and caring for their visitors. This noble path has also established the Kingdom’s firm and just positions, particularly its unwavering and honorable stance—of which we are all proud—on the Palestinian cause, reaffirming the Palestinian people's right to live in their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he continued.

The Grand Mufti stated: “We also praise the continued successes and achievements of the Saudi Vision 2030, which bring prosperity and benefit to all, as well as the Kingdom’s generous humanitarian contributions to those in need around the world.”

He highlighted the significant efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, whose international initiatives are widely recognized. “We also praise the high standard that the Kingdom has achieved in transparency, integrity, and anti-corruption— issues that Islamic teachings have strongly warned against due to their harmful consequences,” Al Al-Sheikh said.



Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj
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Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki stated that reports circulating about Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj Governorate having been targeted are inaccurate, SPA reported.

Major General Al-Malki said: “The activation of warning sirens in Al-Kharj Governorate early this morning was a precautionary measure following the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen, which disappeared near the border. Investigations are still underway to determine the details and circumstances of this launch.”


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.