COVID-19, Meningitis, Yellow Fever Vaccinations Mandatory For Pilgrims
Key Takeaways COVID-19, meningitis, polio vaccinations required Pilgrims with chronic illnesses may be disqualified Health screenings enforced at all Saudi
Hajj 2026 (1447) Flight Schedule Announced by Saudi Arabia
Key Takeaways Hajj 2026 arrival phase runs from April 18 to May 21, 2026. Departure phase extends from May 30
Over 13 Million Worshipers Visit Holy Mosques in One Week (Oct 3-9, 2025)
Key Takeaways 13 million visitors to Two Holy Mosques in 7 days 2.8 million Umrah pilgrims recorded at Grand Mosque
Visit Visa Holders Can Now Take Quran Classes at Masjid an Nabawi
Key Takeaways Visit visa holders can join Quran classes at Prophet’s Mosque. Islamic University offers 6-week Arabic course levels. Combined
Saudi Arabia Prohibits Tobacco Sales Near Holy Sites, Mosques and Schools
Key Takeaways Tobacco shops banned within 500m of mosques, schools Stores must meet SFDA standards, install cameras No promotions, discounts
Italy Moves to Ban Burqa and Niqab in Public Spaces
Key Takeaways Italy proposes ban on burqa and niqab in public Fines range from €300 to €3,000 for violations Part
1,000 Riyal Fine Imposed for Feeding Pigeons near Masjid al Haram
Key Takeaways Feeding pigeons in Mecca and Medina now carries a 1,000 Saudi riyal fine. Public encouraged to photograph and
Saudi Scientist Omar Yaghi Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Key Takeaways Omar Yaghi wins Nobel for metal-organic frameworks Published 300+ papers with 250,000 citations Granted Saudi citizenship under Vision
Muslim Scientist Finds Life Clues on Saturn’s Moon
Key Takeaways Complex organic molecules found in Enceladus’s ocean Molecules include esters, ethers, aliphatic and aromatic types Cassini spacecraft data
Italian Sumud Flotilla Captain Tommaso Bortolazzi Converts to Islam
Key Takeaways He served as captain of aid flotilla to Gaza Tommaso Bortolazzi converted in Israeli prison Incident triggered by
