Saudi Arabia and Russia Sign Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption

The agreement underscores the commitment of both countries in facilitating entry procedures for their citizens - SPA
The agreement underscores the commitment of both countries in facilitating entry procedures for their citizens - SPA
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Saudi Arabia and Russia Sign Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption

The agreement underscores the commitment of both countries in facilitating entry procedures for their citizens - SPA
The agreement underscores the commitment of both countries in facilitating entry procedures for their citizens - SPA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation have signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for citizens of both countries, that took place on the sidelines of the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum, held in Riyadh on the December 01, 2025, and inaugurated by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak, SPA reported.

This exemption extends to all types of passports (diplomatic, special and regular) and allows visa-free entry for visitors traveling for tourism, business, or to visit relatives and friends, for a duration of up to (90) consecutive or nonconsecutive days within a year.

The agreement underscores the commitment of both countries in facilitating entry procedures for their citizens, which will increase reciprocal visits and enhance tourism, economic, and cultural cooperation.

It will also contribute to strengthening various sectors and expanding cooperation and partnerships between both countries. It is important to emphasize that this exemption does not extend to individuals traveling for (work, study, residency, or Hajj), as these require special visas.

The Russian Federation is the first country with which the Kingdom has signed a mutual visa exemption agreement that includes holders of regular passports.



Saudi Arabia Distributes Shelter Aid to over 3,100 Displaced People Across Six Yemeni Governorates

The distribution was carried out under the fifth phase of Yemen's emergency shelter plan - SPA
The distribution was carried out under the fifth phase of Yemen's emergency shelter plan - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Distributes Shelter Aid to over 3,100 Displaced People Across Six Yemeni Governorates

The distribution was carried out under the fifth phase of Yemen's emergency shelter plan - SPA
The distribution was carried out under the fifth phase of Yemen's emergency shelter plan - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 463 tents and 528 shelter kits across 13 displacement camps in Aden, Hadhramaut, Taiz, Lahj, Abyan, and Shabwa governorates between September 10 and 23, 2026.

Benefiting 3,110 individuals displaced from west coast districts in Al-Hudaydah and Taiz, the distribution was carried out under the fifth phase of Yemen's emergency shelter plan, SPA reported.

The initiative is part of the ongoing relief and humanitarian assistance Saudi Arabia provides through KSrelief to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.


Arab Interior Ministers Council Condemns Houthi Terrorist Attacks on Riyadh, Khamis Mushait

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Arab Interior Ministers Council Condemns Houthi Terrorist Attacks on Riyadh, Khamis Mushait

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The General Secretariat of the Arab Interior Ministers Council expressed its strong condemnation of the launch of ballistic missiles and drones by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh and the city of Khamis Mushait.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the General Secretariat firmly denounced these cowardly attacks as a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law, SPA reported.

It emphasized that deliberately targeting civilians and civilian objects reflects the militia's persistent criminal conduct and poses a grave threat to regional security and stability.

The secretariat reiterated its full solidarity with and complete support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to defend its security, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens and residents.


GCC Condemns Attempted Houthi Attacks on Riyadh and Khamis Mushait

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC Condemns Attempted Houthi Attacks on Riyadh and Khamis Mushait

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi “strongly condemned” on Saturday the latest attempts by Yemen’s Houthi militias to target Saudi Arabia.

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said early on Saturday that the Coalition had intercepted two ballistic missiles and two drones launched by the Houthis towards the Kingdom.

He said in separate statements that the missiles were headed towards Khamis Mushait and the drones towards the capital, Riyadh.

Albudaiwi described the latest attempted Houthi attacks as a “grave escalation and threat to regional security.”

Albudaiwi stressed that GCC member states stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom, backing all measures it undertakes to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

He also called on the international community to adopt a decisive stance to end these recurrent terrorist attacks and hold the perpetrators accountable.