Stories from Saudi Arabia

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina has achieved operational and service readiness ahead of the Hajj season. Services at the airport will be provided 24 hours a day throughout the Hajj period.

The fourth phase of implementing residential and commercial design guidelines for Saudi architecture began today. The guidelines include 19 architectural styles inspired by the kingdom's geographic and cultural characteristics. Implementation will extend to several cities and provinces across the Riyadh, Makkah, and Northern Borders regions, as well as the city of Tabuk. The project is based on urban and cultural studies to enhance innovation. The implementation was initiated via video conference at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. This move is part of the broader Saudi Architecture Map framework.

The condition of Filipino conjoined twins has stabilized seven days after a successful separation surgery. The procedure took place at King Abdulaziz Medical City under the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh. Dr. Abdul Rabia, the medical and surgical team leader, confirmed the stability of the children. The surgery took place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Abdullah Rabia, head of the medical and surgical team for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, provided the update. The procedure was conducted as part of the Saudi program's efforts to assist pilgrims. The separation procedure was performed last Thursday at King Fahd Hospital. The conjoined twins, Kyelia and Maurice Anne, are reported to be in stable condition.

Saudi authorities reported a 99 percent satisfaction rate among Hajj pilgrims. The 'Hajj Without a Bag' initiative has reduced the time from pilgrim arrival to the departure of the last bus to 35 minutes. Electronic tracking and service company compliance contributed to these improved processing speeds. Security forces in Mecca arrested a Yemeni resident for violating Hajj regulations. The incident occurred during a period where total pilgrim numbers reached approximately 5 million for the year 1447 AH. The initiative aims to enhance digital transformation and the pilgrim experience. The King Abdulaziz International Airport has integrated over 27 government and private entities to serve Hajj pilgrims. The Haramain High-Speed Railway has also increased its departing trips to provide pilgrims with the best travel experience.

The Mawhiba organization announced the results for the Kangaroo 2026 competition. A total of 1,981 male and female students won in the competition. These winners were selected from a pool of 3,519 total participants who took the tests.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has been named the most valuable health brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for the fourth consecutive year. The brand value exceeds 1.7 billion USD, which is more than 6.3 billion Saudi riyals.

Jazan Commercial Port exported its first shipment of bagged Portland cement. The shipment exceeded 8,000 tons in volume. This move aims to expand the port's operational capacity and support national exports. The export is intended to enhance commercial activity through the port.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority announced it has completed preparations for the Hajj season by upgrading traditional mist columns with modern, advanced mist fans. These upgrades are located in the western area of the Jamarat facility.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund plans to stop financial support for LiveGolf. The announcement was reported by the BBC World Service. The Liv Tour was established as a breakaway from the PGA Tour and has offered billions of dollars to attract top players. The source did not specify the reason for the funding cessation. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will stop financing live golf at the end of the 2026 season. The fund has invested billions into the league since 2022. This decision creates uncertainty regarding the future of the breakaway league. US media reports suggest the move could impact the league's trajectory. The decision follows controversy surrounding the tour, which critics have described as sportswashing. The decision follows accumulated losses of approximately $1.4 billion within the circuit. The fund reportedly generated only $100 million in revenue in 2025.

Saudi authorities have reportedly assessed and admitted that several architectural ventures are not working as intended due to high costs. The recycled materials are used to create asphalt layers for roads to prevent material waste. Saudi Arabia has executed a journalist as part of a judicial procedure. The execution was reportedly based on the individual's writings. The source noted this is a grave situation occurring amidst efforts to present a more open society. The event occurs amid claims by Saudi Arabia regarding liberal social reforms. Norway remains at the top of the press freedom rankings, maintaining its position for over ten years. The report notes a decline in press freedom across seven Northern European countries, including Norway. The Saudi government's public investment fund has spent approximately £3.7 billion on sports funding over the last four years.