Riyadh, June 11, 2026, SPA — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has established its first office dedicated to cybersecurity. Through training, research, policy development and knowledge exchange, the Riyadh-based UNITAR Cybersecurity Office will support efforts to strengthen cyber resilience globally. The new office is the third office in the UNITAR network, joining those in Hiroshima, Japan, and Bonn, Germany. Its establishment reflects Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in hosting platforms for international collaboration and supporting global initiatives in cybersecurity. Assistant Secretary-General of
Jeddah, June 11, 2026, SPA — The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) will host the 20th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 17, 2026, under the theme “Achieving Sustainable Prosperity through Islamic Finance,” in conjunction with the IsDB Group Annual Meetings. Marking its 20th edition, the forum serves as a flagship platform for high-level dialogue, convening policymakers, regulators, development practitioners, academics, and industry leaders to advance innovation and development in Islamic finance. This year’s forum will focus on strengthening regional integration and unlocking sust
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- UNITAR launches Its First Global Cybersecurity Office in Riyadh
- 20th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance to Convene in Azerbaijan
- Early Date Harvest Arrives in Al-Ahsa Central Markets
- Al-Baha Cultural Evening Explores Arabian Leopard’s Place in Memory, Wildlife
- Industry Minister Discusses Mining Investment Opportunities with Kazakh Companies
- Almunawarah Platform Unifies Access to Madinah Services, Experiences
- Saudi Arabia Participates for First Time as GPAI Member at Paris Meeting
- King Salman Reserve and Houbara Foundation Sign Biodiversity MoU
Browsing: Makkah
Makkah, June 01, 2026, SPA — The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites announced the awarding of six development sites under the Developed Districts Program, covering a total area of more than 2.7 million square meters and representing investments valued at SAR13.3 billion. The initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to enhance the urban environment, support economic growth, improve the quality of life, and advance sustainable development in the Holy City. The commission stated that the awarded sites are located in the neighborhoods of Jurhum South, Al-Khalidiyah, Al-Hajlah, Al-Hindawiyah East, Al-Hindawiyah South,
Mina, May 30, 2026, SPA — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by the Holy Makkah Municipality, conducted over 38,000 field inspection tours during the 1447 AH Hajj season to maintain high compliance levels and preserve the quality of municipal services provided to pilgrims across Makkah and the holy sites. The ministry stated that the field inspections targeted health and commercial establishments, catering kitchens, food outlets, and various seasonal service sites related to the Hajj to guarantee the highest standards of health, safety, and service quality for all pilgrims.
Makkah, May 30, 2026, SPA — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development conducted over 10,000 field inspection visits across Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites during this year’s 1447 AH Hajj season to verify establishments’ compliance with labor laws, mplementing regulations, and strict seasonal work environment requirements. The intensive inspection tours significantly raised compliance levels among private-sector establishments operating during the busy season, leading to the identification of approximately 2,400 violations and the resolution of 87 direct reports. To effectively regulate seasonal labor, the minis
Celebrate the Spirit of Eid Al Adha in the Heart of Makkah at Address Jabal Omar Makkah A Time of Faith, Gratitude, and Togetherness Steps from Al Masjid Al Haram Makkah, Saudi Arabia, May 2026: As the sacred days of Arafah and Eid Al Adha approach, Address Jabal Omar Makkah invites guests to experience a meaningful time shaped by faith, reflection, and togetherness, just steps from Al-Masjid Al-Haram. This period draws worshippers to Makkah for moments of devotion and spiritual focus, followed by the quiet joy and connection that define Eid. With its exceptional proximity to the Haram, the hotel offers a setting where guests can
Makkah, April 27, 2026, SPA — The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC) launched the “Discover Makkah” digital platform, aimed at providing a unified reference that facilitates visitors’ access to information and services related to Makkah, enhancing their religious and cultural experience. The platform offers integrated content covering historical landmarks, enrichment sites, and museums, alongside interactive tools such as smart maps and a trip planner, enabling users to plan their visits and navigate between sites with ease. Discover Makkah provides reliable and up-to-date information through a uni
Jakarta, April 28, 2026, SPA — The Hajj journey no longer begins upon arrival in Saudi Arabia; it now starts thousands of kilometers away, at departure airports, where the experience is reshaped into one that is calmer, smoother, and more reassuring. In Indonesia, the Makkah Route Initiative has long embodied this concept, offering a distinct experience in which travel procedures are completed before departure rather than upon arrival. The initiative first took shape in 2017, when it was implemented in Indonesia as one of the earliest participating countries. It is part of the Ministry of Interior’s initiatives, carried out under t
Makkah, April 24, 2026, SPA — In his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque today, Imam Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais affirmed that Hajj serves as a school of monotheism, emphasizing that Makkah remains a sanctuary of safety and guidance for all humanity He stressed the vital importance of adhering to official Hajj regulations and instructions, specifically highlighting the necessity of obtaining a permit to fulfill the Sharia objectives of preserving lives. Sheikh Al-Sudais urged pilgrims to maintain exemplary character, exercise gentleness, and avoid crowding during the rituals. Concluding his sermon, he commended the security and organ
Jakarta, April 22, 2026, SPA — The first flight carrying beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative departed today from Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, for Saudi Arabia via the initiative lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, bound for Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by receiving them and completing their procedures in their own countries with ease. The process begins with biometric data collection and electronic issuance of Hajj visas, followed by passport procedures at the airport of departure after ver
Dhaka, April 18, 2026, SPA — The first flight carrying beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative departed today from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Kingdom through the initiative’s dedicated lounge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, heading to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, in the presence of Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah bin Abiyah. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by receiving them and completing their procedures in their home countries
Makkah, March 15, 2026, SPA — Markets in Makkah are bustling with activity as Eid Al-Fitr approaches, drawing residents, visitors, and Umrah performers eager to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Shops are expanding their offerings with a wide range of products, special deals, and discounts to attract shoppers. Traditional markets and modern malls feature diverse options for clothing and tailoring as families prepare for Eid. Traditional sweets and hospitality supplies are also in high demand for the celebrations. To ensure a safe shopping environment, the Holy Makkah Municipality has intensified monitoring efforts. Inspection teams conduct
