Middle East

MAKKAH: The 45th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an commenced on Saturday at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, inaugurated by Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah,…

BAGHDAD:  Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has dismissed senior commanders in a powerful paramilitary force and ordered legal action against those involved in a deadly raid on a government facility last month. The move follows…

LONDON:  A new report by the UK-based war monitor Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) reveals that 88% of Israeli military investigations into alleged war crimes in Gaza have been closed without any charges or findings of wrongdoing since the…

TEL AVIV:  An Israeli court has ruled to release Yinon Levi, a settler accused of killing Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, from house arrest, sparking renewed outrage over settler violence and judicial double standards in the occupied…

BEIRUT: The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) is hopeful that at least 200,000 Syrian refugees will return from Lebanon to Syria by the end of this year under a new government-backed voluntary return plan, according to the agency’s…

JEDDAH: A popular amusement park in the Al-Hada area of Taif, Saudi Arabia, has been ordered shut down following a horrific mechanical failure of a ride that left 23 people injured, including three in critical condition. The…

LONDON: UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan has expressed his appreciation for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent statements in support of recognizing the state of Palestine during their phone call on Wednesday. The…

LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan has described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as one of the worst tragedies in modern history, as the Israeli military campaign in the besieged Palestinian territory enters its 22nd month. Speaking during…

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji has called on the international community to bolster efforts in supporting Somalia’s security, development, and stability during a high-level meeting of the Organization of Islamic…

MECCA, July 27, 2025 — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has announced the closure of 25 hospitality establishments in the holy city of Mecca this month for breaching tourism regulations. The move comes as part of an intensified inspection…