Government | Friday 18 August, 2017 5:36 am

Distribution of Zamzam water: A success story

Distributing Zamzam water to 2 million pilgrims in Makkah is not an easy task. It is carried out by institutions established to provide water to pilgrims at their hotels every day. Abdul Jaleel Zamzami, head of the United Zamzam Office, told Arab News that it will distribute 3 million bottles, or ...

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Government | Thursday 17 August, 2017 10:09 am

16-day Eid holiday for govt staff

The Ministry of Civil Service announced a 16-day holiday for Eid Al-Adha for government employees during this year. The holidays will begin at the end of the working day on Thursday, Aug. 24 (Dhul Hijjah 2) and will end on Saturday, Sept. 9 (Dhul Hijjah 15). Sunday, Sept. 10 will be the first...

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Government | Wednesday 16 August, 2017 7:13 am

Over 350,000 pilgrims to avail Mashaer train services

The Mashaer train will transport more than 350,000 pilgrims between Makkah and the holy sites in seven days, Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar was told during an inspection visit to the project’s site on Monday. The trains are scheduled to make about 1,000 trips Prince...

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Government | Tuesday 15 August, 2017 10:20 am

Royal Saudi Air Force aircraft arrive in US to participate in ‘Red and Green Flag 2017’ exercise

 Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) aircraft have arrived in the US to participate in the “Red and Green Flag 2017” exercise for the sixth time in a row. The RSAF is participating in the exercise, held at Nellis air base, with 11 Typhoons, air and technical crews, and air control...

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Government | Tuesday 15 August, 2017 10:16 am

Over 95,000 people turned away for lacking Hajj permits

The Hajj Security Forces, which are assigned to regulate the entry of pilgrims into Makkah and the holy sites, have turned away more than 95,000 people for failing to carry authorized Hajj permits. The commander of the Hajj Security Forces, Gen. Khalid Al-Harbi, said 95,400 people who tried to...

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Government | Tuesday 15 August, 2017 10:14 am

Saudi-Iraqi border crossing to reopen after 27 years

Al-Jadidah Arar border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, which has been closed for some 27 years, will soon reopen for trade following bilateral rapprochement, according to the Saudi Makkah Daily. Iraqi pilgrims continued to use the crossing during the years of closure, while Saudi Arabia...

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Government | Tuesday 15 August, 2017 10:12 am

Saudi Arabia repatriates 1,392 domestic workers

 The Ministry of Labor and Social Development yesterday revealed that 1,392 domestic workers left the female workers’ shelter (guest house) and departed to their home countries during the Hijri month of Shawal. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to repatriate all other domestic workers ...

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Government | Tuesday 15 August, 2017 10:10 am

Saudi Arabia to launch joint trade council with Iraq

 The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, decided on Monday to set up the General Authority for Military Industries, which enjoys legal status as well as financial and administrative independence. The agency aims to regulate the military industry in the Kingdom, develop ...

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Government | Monday 14 August, 2017 9:56 am

Saudi budget deficit halves as financial reforms kick in

 Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit halved in the first six months of the year following sweeping spending cuts that form part of an ambitious economic reform plan. The deficit shrank by 51 percent to SR72.73 billion ($19.38 billion) which officials said reflected progress made in improving...

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Government | Sunday 13 August, 2017 1:39 pm

Security chief: 9,000 Saudi officers to protect Hajj metro

 As many as 9,000 officers and soldiers will be assigned to protect the “Hajj metro” train service and passengers, a security chief said. The Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, as the transport service is known, operates for one week a year during the main pilgrimage season. The...

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