Arabia

Temporary Suspension of Umrah and Family Visit Visas for Somali Citizens and Others Riyadh (AX) — Saudi Arabia has recently introduced a temporary suspension of Umrah and family visit visas for Somali citizens, alongside nationals from thirteen additional countries. This decision, aimed at effectively managing crowds and ensuring security in light of the upcoming 2025 Hajj season, is a hallmark of the Kingdom's proactive approach to facilitating one of the largest religious gatherings on the planet. Starting from April 13,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant diplomatic move, the Somali government has embarked on formal discussions with Saudi authorities seeking the release or repatriation of over 100 Somali nationals currently imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. This group includes individuals facing severe penalties, some of whom are sentenced to death for drug trafficking offenses. The situation has sparked considerable concern and discussion among Somalis both at home and abroad. The information was confirmed by Abdiweli Hirsi Abdille,…

Recently, China's Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, conducted insightful conversations with Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. The primary focus of these dialogues was to deliberate on the growing pressure from U.S.-imposed "reciprocal tariffs." Can we ponder for a moment on what these diplomatic exchanges signify? Are they merely routine discussions, or do…

In a world where humanity's pursuit of celestial understanding continues to define our rhythms, Saudi Arabia has declared that Sunday, March 30, 2025, will usher in Eid Al Fitr. Saturday evening witnessed the keen eyes of the moon-sighting committee confirming the Shawwal crescent's emergence. A moment, as tranquil as a whispered prayer, yet imbued with significance, marking the gentle end to a month of fasting known as Ramadan. The process? It's an age-old tradition, as consistent as the moon's reliable dance across the…

It was an exciting Wednesday when the news broke. Tesla, the trailblazer in electric vehicles, announced an upcoming launch event scheduled for April 10 in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Events like these often mark a turning point. One might wonder, what innovations could Tesla unveil this time? With the spotlight steadily turning towards sustainable energy, could this event be a herald of things to come for the region?

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant move towards securing justice for its citizens abroad, the Somali government is campaigning diligently to revoke the death sentences handed down to nearly 40 Somali nationals incarcerated in Saudi Arabia. This endeavor aims to provide essential legal safeguards for Somalis globally. On a hopeful Friday, Hassan Moalim, Somalia's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, shared promising news. He held a series of discussions with the Saudi Ambassador to Somalia, centering on…

The journey of dozens of Gambian women embarking on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia captures the essence of ambition and cooperation. But what exactly drives these brave individuals to travel abroad? At its core, this initiative symbolizes the Gambian government's aim to weave stronger ties with the Middle East's largest economy and redefine the prospects for its citizens. This development blossomed from agreements reached during the illustrious 2023 Africa-Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia. Here, Gambia and the Kingdom…

Significant Developments in Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks In a remarkable turn of events, Ukraine has embraced an American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and has agreed to engage in immediate negotiations with Russia. These discussions are unfolding in Jeddah, marking a critical juncture after three years of intense conflict. During the inaugural high-level meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials since President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent visit to the White House, the U.S. has committed to reinstating military aid.…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to travel to Saudi Arabia for a pivotal meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit precedes crucial discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials aimed at exploring avenues to end the ongoing conflict with Russia, a moment that feels increasingly urgent for Ukraine. “Ukraine wants peace,” Zelensky stated emphatically, asserting that Russia is the "only reason" the war continues. In a recent social media post, he remarked, “Ukraine has been seeking peace since…

In a pivotal gathering in Riyadh, Arab leaders convened to delineate a comprehensive roadmap for Gaza's reconstruction in the wake of recent conflicts. This strategic meeting aims to provide a well-coordinated counterproposal to former President Donald Trump's contentious plan, which suggests an American takeover of Gaza, sidelining its Palestinian populace in the process. Trump’s provocative plan has galvanized Arab nations, forging a united stance against it, though significant differences linger regarding the governance…