Saudi Arabia has announced a major change in its Umrah visa policy, reducing the visa validity from three months to just one month. Pilgrims must now enter the country within 30 days of visa issuance, or the visa will be automatically canceled. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that while entry must occur within one month, the duration of stay in Saudi Arabia remains up to three months. This decision comes ahead of the cooler months, preparing for a large influx of pilgrims to Mecca and Medina. Since June, over four million foreign pilgrims have arrived, surpassing last year’s total. Analysts note that the growth in Umrah participation highlights rising global interest among Muslims in visiting the holy sites.

Saudi Arabia is seeking to formalize a defence treaty with the United States, modelled after the agreement signed between Washington and Qatar that treats any armed attack on Qatar as an armed attack on the U.S.

According to reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will travel to Washington next month and meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, with the objective of securing stronger military and intelligence cooperation.

With U.S. bases in the Gulf and growing regional instability — including in the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea region — Riyadh sees the pact as a strategic hedge and stepping-stone for deeper defence ties with Washington.

Pending details remain “in flux” as discussions continue, but the significance of such a deal could reshape Gulf security architecture and renew the long-standing U.S.–Saudi strategic partnership.

In a landmark reform, Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) system that tightly controlled the movement and employment of foreign workers. The new labor model replaces the restrictive framework with a contract-based employment system, allowing migrant workers to change jobs, renew visas, and leave the country without needing employer permission. This historic move is expected to directly benefit over 13 million expatriates, most from South and Southeast Asia. Human rights groups have hailed the decision as a “new chapter in Saudi labor history,” though they stress the importance of strict implementation to ensure genuine change. The reform aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to modernize the economy and strengthen workers’ rights. By ending employer dominance over workers, the kingdom seeks to create a more balanced, transparent, and competitive labor environment across the Gulf region.

Saudi Arabia has announced a grand development plan surrounding Mecca’s Holy Grand Mosque under the name “King Salman Gate.” Spanning 12 million square meters, the project will feature high-rise towers offering prayer spaces, residential, commercial, cultural, and hotel facilities. Designed to accommodate up to 900,000 worshippers simultaneously, the expansion will also create 300,000 new jobs. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will oversee the implementation, aiming to enhance the spiritual and infrastructural experience of pilgrims. Developed by Rua Al Haramain Al Makki, the project is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to welcome 30 million Hajj pilgrims annually. AI-generated visuals reveal futuristic skyscrapers rising beside Mecca, symbolizing modernity and faith merging in the holiest Islamic city.

Saudi Arabia is in advanced discussions with the United States to establish a major defense agreement, potentially to be signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House next month. According to the Financial Times, while negotiations are ongoing, the details of the pact have not yet been finalized. Sources indicate the agreement could resemble the U.S.-Qatar defense pact, in which any military attack on Qatar would be treated as an attack on the United States. The discussions occur amid regional tensions involving Iran and Israel. Last month, Saudi Arabia also signed a mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan, signaling a shift toward strengthening strategic partnerships in the Middle East. U.S. officials and the Saudi government have not issued formal statements, but analysts suggest the potential pact could alter regional strategic balances and deepen Saudi-U.S. military collaboration.

Saudi Arabia has announced sweeping changes to the Umrah pilgrimage process, introducing ten new rules to ensure transparency and order. Pilgrims must now apply for a dedicated Umrah visa through the Nusuk platform and book approved hotels and transport during the visa process. Staying with relatives requires linking the host’s Saudi ID, while tourist visas can no longer be used for Umrah. Authorities will verify bookings at airports, and only authorized taxis, buses, or trains may be used. The Haramain train will not run after 9 PM, requiring advance transport arrangements for late arrivals. Some travelers from the UK, US, Canada, and Schengen nations may receive visas on arrival under specific conditions. Travel itineraries submitted with visas cannot be altered, and overstaying will incur heavy fines. Both pilgrims and agents face strict penalties for violations, with fines starting from 750 riyals. The new rules aim to streamline the Umrah journey and prevent misuse of the system.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that the Israel-Palestine conflict is resolvable through dialogue if there is genuine political will. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, he expressed hope for the near-term implementation of a two-state solution. He emphasized that a sustainable Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, coupled with reconstruction in Gaza, is essential for lasting peace. Arab and Muslim nations have consistently highlighted the risks of West Bank occupation, and constructive negotiations remain key to regional stability.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a defense pact under which an attack on either country will be considered an act of aggression against both.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A joint statement described the pact as a reflection of both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing security and promoting peace in the region and beyond.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two leaders also discussed strengthening strategic cooperation across various sectors, as well as regional and international developments.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has instructed pilgrims not to stop in front of the Hajar al-Aswad while performing Tawaf to avoid crowding and ensure safety. The ministry emphasized that pointing toward the Black Stone is sufficient and does not affect the validity of Tawaf. This directive aims to facilitate smooth movement, prevent congestion, and protect pilgrims. Authorities clarified that stopping is not required for a valid Tawaf and urged cooperation for collective safety.

Saudi Arabia has strongly criticized Israel’s plan to build over 3,000 homes in the occupied West Bank, calling it a provocative move that obstructs the long-standing process of establishing an independent Palestinian state. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said such illegal actions threaten the peace process and the two-state solution. According to Peace Now, around 700,000 Jews live in 160 settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, lands Palestinians hope to use for a future sovereign state.

Workers at Genoa port have detained the Saudi vessel Bahri Yanbu, reportedly carrying weapons from the U.S. intended for Israel. The ship, previously docked in Maryland, was discovered to already have arms and ammunition. Around 40 port workers boarded the vessel to inspect and confirm the cargo. Saudi Arabia’s Bahri shipping company has denied all allegations, calling them baseless, and emphasized compliance with international maritime laws. European port workers are increasingly acting to prevent arms reaching Israel amid the ongoing Gaza crisis.

Saudi authorities have arrested 23,630 foreigners between July 31 and August 6 for violating residency, labor, and border security laws. The detainees include 13,833 residency law violators, 4,624 border law offenders, and 3,615 labor law violators. Among them, 35% are Yemeni, 64% Ethiopian, and 1% from other countries. Some were caught attempting illegal entry or exit. Authorities warned that aiding offenders can lead to up to 15 years in prison, heavy fines, asset confiscation, and public naming.

The Saudi Arabian cabinet has reiterated its commitment to supporting Syria’s sovereignty, stability, and reconstruction efforts.

Chaired by King Salman, the cabinet reviewed progress on Saudi aid to the Syrian people and endorsed a joint statement from allied nations supporting a peaceful resolution in Syria.

The session also welcomed a statement by 28 countries condemning Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid in Gaza and urged the international community to take swift action against Israel's defiance.

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal, famously known as Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’, has passed away at the age of 36 after spending nearly two decades in a coma.

He fell into a coma following a severe brain injury from a car accident in London at the age of 15. Since then, he had been on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. His death has sparked emotional reactions globally. His father mourned his loss by sharing a Quranic verse. Funeral prayers were held on Sunday, with the family declaring a three-day mourning period.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel’s continued airstrikes on Syrian territory and reiterated its firm support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Saudi Foreign Ministry described Israel’s repeated violations of international law and breaches of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement as “deplorable.” Riyadh has called upon the international community to stand in solidarity with Syria. The latest Israeli air raids targeted Syrian tanks and military sites in Suwayda and Daraa, just hours after Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra held ceasefire talks with Druze leaders. Prior to the attacks, the region witnessed armed clashes leaving over a hundred casualties.