Latest from Gulf Insider
Gulf Insider
4 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: GCC Citizens And Residents Can Now Perform Umrah Anytime
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year, with entry permitted through all land, air, and sea ports. Permits for Umrah can be obtained conveniently through the official Nusuk application. The decision is part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to streamline pilgrimage procedures and improve the overall experience for pilgrims. In tandem with these measures, residents of GCC countries, not just citizens, are now eligible to perform Umrah using multiple types of visas. These include Umrah visas available via transit visas issued in partnership with Saudi Airlines and Flynas ( and and tourist visas that can be obtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official portal ( To access the holy sites, all pilgrims, whether citizens or residents, are required to obtain a prior permit through the Nusuk app for Umrah and prayer in the Rawdah Al Sharifah, the sacred chamber in the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. On June 10, Saudi Arabia resumed issuing Umrah visas to international pilgrims. The ministry started issuing Nusuk Umrah permits on June 11. In the Umrah season calendar, the ministry clarified that it will stop accepting applications for qualifications of external agents, with contracts with Umrah companies being approved and documented on the first day of Shaaban of the following year. The first of Shawwal will be the last date for issuing Umrah visas, the 15th of the same month will be the last date for pilgrims to enter, while the first of Dhul Qi'dah will be the last date for pilgrims to leave the Kingdom.
Gulf Insider
4 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Nearly Half Of Saudis Spend Over Seven Hours Online Daily
Nearly half of Saudi Arabia's internet users, approximately 48.6 percent, spend seven hours or more online each day, according to the Saudi Internet 2024 report released by the Kingdom's Communications, Space and Technology Commission last week. The report highlights a sharp rise in the consumption of digital content and e-services, driven by the country's broader digital transformation agenda. The data shows that peak internet usage occurs between 9pm and 11pm, with March recording the highest overall usage levels throughout the year. Saturdays were found to be the most internet-active day of the week. Home remains the primary location for internet use, with 87.9 percent of users logging on from their residences. This is followed by internet use during travel, at 79.3 percent, and the workplace, where 41.7 percent of users reported being connected. In terms of devices, mobile phones dominate the digital landscape, with 99.4 percent of users accessing the internet via smartphones. Computers came in second at 50.7 percent, followed by tablets at 37.5 percent. Android holds the lion's share of mobile operating systems, accounting for 55 percent of usage, compared to 45 percent for iOS. Meanwhile, Windows remains the dominant platform for computers, used by 91.1 percent of users, far outpacing Macintosh (7.5 percent) and Linux (1.4 percent).
Gulf Insider
4 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Customs Foil Attempts To Smuggle Over 922 Kg Of Narcotics And 20 Million Drug Pills In A Year
The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has been instrumental in the seizure of more than 922 kilograms of narcotic and prohibited substances along with over 20 million illegal narcotic pills within a year. The Customs authorities at various land, sea and air ports have successfully thwarted numerous attempts to smuggle large quantities of narcotics in various forms. The ZATCA said in a statement that it continues to intensify security operations to combat narcotics smuggling across all land, sea, and air customs ports. As part of its vital mission to safeguard the security and stability of society, ZATCA is actively monitoring and intercepting smuggling attempts using advanced detection and inspection technologies. ZATCA's ongoing successes underscore the integrated efforts of relevant security agencies and its commitment to advancing inspection and detection capabilities. It continues to implement intensive training programs for customs personnel, significantly enhancing their ability to detect and counter smuggling attempts. ZATCA urges the public to report any smuggling crimes or customs violations through its dedicated security hotline number 1910, via email at 1910@ or by calling the international number 009661910. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality, and individuals who provide accurate and actionable information may be eligible for a financial reward, the authority said.
Gulf Insider
7 hours ago
- General
- Gulf Insider
Cabin Manager Dies On Board London-Bound Saudia Flight
Saudi Arabian Airlines has announced the passing of its Cabin Manager Mohsen bin Saeed Alzahrani, who died while on duty aboard flight SV119 bound for London from Jeddah on Thursday, June 26. Alzahrani suffered sudden medical emergency condition during mid-flight. Despite the swift and professional response by crew members and medical personnel on board, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Cairo International Airport. Saudia called the demise of Alzahrani as a tragic moment losing one of the most dedicated team members of the national carrier. Described by colleagues as a model of commitment and professionalism, Alzahrani was widely admired for his integrity, work ethics, and high moral standards. Saudia, in coordination with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Egypt, is currently finalizing the necessary procedures for the repatriation of the body. The airline also extended its sincere gratitude to the flight crew for their exceptional professionalism and calm in handling the situation, ensuring the continuation of the journey under extraordinary circumstances. Saudia likewise thanked all passengers aboard for their patience and cooperation during the ordeal. 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to Alzahrani's family, colleagues, and friends,' the airline said, adding: 'Saudia remains fully committed to supporting his loved ones and all those affected by this profound loss.'
Gulf Insider
7 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: SFDA Penalizes Food Safety Violators
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has taken punitive measures against erring food establishments in various regions of Saudi Arabia. It affirmed zero tolerance for any violations affecting food safety. Inspection teams from SFDA, in coordination with relevant government agencies, detected a number of violations related to food safety and quality as part of their ongoing inspections of food establishments. This inspection aims to enhance proactive oversight and limit any practices that lead to contamination or food poisoning. The inspections resulted in the seizure of more than two tons of food of unknown origin, in addition to the destruction of approximately 200 kg of spoiled products unfit for human consumption. Large quantities of food stored in conditions that do not comply with health requirements and standards were also detected at a residential site run by expatriate workers. The workers were arrested and legal action was taken against them. In a related development, the SFDA halted production lines at a food factory after seizing approximately 150 kg of products of unknown origin. The inspection tours revealed several violations affecting product safety, including the possession of unknown raw materials and a clear decline in hygiene standards, which led to spreading of insects inside the raw materials warehouse, along with rust in food preparation equipment, the use of ineffective insect traps, and the presence of expired materials in the production hall. The emergency door was also found as a direct passage for workers to the production area, in violation of safe entry standards for food establishments. These measures are part of the precautionary oversight process aimed at protecting consumers and highlight the effectiveness of coordination and integration between relevant authorities in ensuring establishments' compliance with safety and quality standards. The authority reiterated that it has taken all necessary legal measures against violators, noting that violating the Food Law and its executive regulations is punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years or a fine of up to SR10 million, or both. The authority stressed its continued efforts to monitor food establishments' compliance with regulatory requirements, calling for reporting any violations via the unified number 19999.
