Local News
Meteorology: Thunderstorms and active winds expected in 5 Saudi regions
The National Center for Meteorology warns of the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds and active winds over the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah and Madinah, with a chance of fog formation.
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert for the coming hours, indicating the formation of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds over large parts of the highlands of five major regions. These regions include Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah, in addition to extending the weather system to parts of the highlands of the Madinah region.
The climatic context of the southwestern region
These forecasts are consistent with the typical climatic pattern of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, which are characterized by their unique geography. Unlike most of the Kingdom's arid desert climate, these highlands receive significant amounts of seasonal rainfall, particularly during the spring and summer months. This is due to the influence of humid monsoon winds originating from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, which cause the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and heavy rainfall over the mountain ranges—a phenomenon that contributes to the fertility and biodiversity of these regions.
Details of the weather situation and its expected effects
According to the center, the weather conditions are not limited to rain, but also include the possibility of dense fog forming in parts of these areas, which could lead to a sharp decrease in horizontal visibility. This necessitates extreme caution from drivers on mountain roads and highways. The report also indicated that fog may form in parts of the eastern region. Regarding maritime navigation, the center noted that surface winds on the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northeasterly in the northern and central parts at speeds ranging between 12 and 28 km/h, while they will be southerly to southwesterly in the southern part at speeds ranging between 15 and 40 km/h, potentially reaching speeds of up to 52 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which may affect the movement of ships and small boats.
Importance and potential impacts
These rains are of great importance both environmentally and economically, as they contribute to replenishing groundwater and filling dams, and support the agricultural sector for which these regions are renowned, such as coffee and fruit cultivation. However, they also carry some risks, as the mountainous terrain of the area makes it susceptible to flash floods in valleys and ravines. The Civil Defense Directorate usually issues warnings to citizens and residents to stay away from floodplains and valleys during rainfall to ensure their safety. Balancing the benefits of rainwater with the avoidance of its dangers is an ongoing challenge that requires community awareness and adherence to the instructions of the relevant authorities.
Local News
King Fahd Causeway toll increase 2026: Find out the new prices
The King Fahd Causeway Authority has announced revised toll rates between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for 2026. Find out the full details of the new prices and exemptions for students and people with disabilities.
The King Fahd Causeway Authority has announced an update to the toll fees for crossing the vital bridge linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, with the new prices taking effect on February 18, 2026. This adjustment is part of ongoing development plans to ensure the bridge's continued efficiency and provide the best possible services to travelers.
According to the new toll, the fee for small cars and motorcycles will increase to 35 Saudi Riyals for a one-way crossing. The fee for minibuses (coasters) has been set at 55 Riyals, while the fee for large buses will be 70 Riyals. For freight vehicles, a new pricing mechanism has been adopted at 7 Riyals per ton of truck load, more accurately reflecting the volume of use and the operational footprint on the bridge's infrastructure.
Historical background and strategic importance
The King Fahd Causeway, officially opened in 1986, is one of the region's most prominent engineering projects and a vital artery strengthening economic, social, and cultural ties between the two sister kingdoms. Spanning approximately 25 kilometers over the Arabian Gulf, the bridge sees millions of travelers cross annually, making it one of the busiest land crossings in the Middle East. This was not the first time tolls had been adjusted; the first increase since the bridge's opening came in early 2016, when tolls for small vehicles rose from 20 to 25 riyals.
Expected impacts and consideration of social aspects
The new revenue is expected to contribute to funding routine maintenance and ongoing development projects for the bridge facilities, including upgrading security and technological systems and improving the overall passenger experience. Economically, while the adjustment to truck fees may have a slight impact on transportation and logistics costs between the two countries, it aims to ensure the continued efficient and safe flow of goods.
In a move reflecting consideration for humanitarian and social aspects, the King Fahd Causeway Authority confirmed that specific categories of travelers will not be affected by this increase. Tolls for people with disabilities, students studying in the other country, and frequent travelers who cross the bridge daily will remain unchanged, in recognition of their special circumstances and to facilitate their continuous movement, which forms an essential part of the interconnected social fabric between the two kingdoms.
Local News
1800 foreign Umrah agencies suspended | Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the suspension of 1,800 foreign Umrah agencies as part of its efforts to improve the quality of services and ensure the rights of pilgrims, while granting them a grace period to rectify the situation.
In a significant regulatory step aimed at enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Sunday the suspension of dealings with 1,800 foreign travel agencies specializing in Umrah services. The ministry explained that this measure grants the affected agencies a 10-day grace period to rectify their operations and bring them into compliance with the approved standards.
The ministry confirmed in its statement that this regulatory measure is limited to suspending the issuance of new Umrah visas only. It emphasized that pilgrims who already possess valid visas or have confirmed bookings will not be affected at all, and services provided to them will continue as planned without any changes. This decision is based on the results of the periodic evaluation of agency performance, which revealed shortcomings in performance levels and poor service quality at the agencies affected by the suspension.
In the context of Vision 2030 and the development of the Umrah system
This decision falls within the broader framework of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop the Hajj and Umrah sector, a key pillar of Vision 2030. The Vision aims to increase the capacity to receive Umrah pilgrims to 30 million annually by 2030, while enriching their religious and cultural experience. To achieve this ambitious goal, the Ministry is working to implement the highest standards of quality and oversight for all service providers, both within and outside the Kingdom. The classification and evaluation of foreign agents is a vital tool to ensure their compliance with Saudi regulations and to provide a smooth and safe experience for pilgrims from the moment they depart their home countries.
Importance and expected impact of the procedure
This regulatory measure is of paramount importance on several levels. Internationally, it sends a clear message to all Umrah agencies worldwide that the Kingdom will not compromise on quality and professional standards, thus driving the market towards greater self-regulation. For pilgrims, this decision serves as a safeguard, protecting their rights and ensuring they receive services that meet their expectations, while minimizing the risks of dealing with non-compliant agencies. Domestically, the decision enhances the credibility of the Saudi Umrah system and supports committed local companies and institutions that provide high-quality services, fostering a healthy, competitive, and efficient environment.
For his part, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Ghassan Al-Nuaimi, stated that the Ministry will take all necessary legal measures against any agency that fails to rectify its situation within the specified timeframe. He emphasized the Ministry's continued commitment to using monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure the protection of pilgrims' rights and to enhance the transparency and reliability of the entire Umrah sector.
Local News
Saudi Arabia: Integrity Commission suspends 127 government employees on corruption and bribery charges
The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, 'Nazaha', announces the suspension of 127 employees in sovereign and service ministries as part of its efforts to enhance transparency and combat the exploitation of official influence.
The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced the latest results of its oversight efforts, revealing that it initiated several criminal and administrative cases last month, resulting in the investigation of 383 employees and the suspension of 127 of them. This step comes as part of the ongoing national campaign to promote integrity and eradicate corruption in the public sector.
According to the statement issued by the authority, the investigations included employees in vital and sovereign ministries, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health. The charges against those involved ranged from bribery and abuse of official influence to misuse of power—crimes that undermine the integrity of public office and squander public funds.
General context: Part of Vision 2030
These periodic campaigns fall within the broader framework adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030, which places transparency, governance, and combating corruption as key pillars. Since the launch of the Vision, the Kingdom has witnessed fundamental transformations in oversight and accountability mechanisms, including the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) with broad powers to ensure the law is applied to everyone without exception. These measures aim to create an efficient and transparent government work environment, thereby enhancing the confidence of citizens and investors in state institutions.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, these measures send a strong deterrent message to anyone tempted to misappropriate public funds or exploit their position for personal gain. They also contribute to raising the level of government services provided to citizens, ensuring that resources are used for their intended purposes. Regionally and internationally, these efforts enhance the Kingdom's reputation as a safe and reliable investment destination. Foreign investors seek a transparent business environment governed by the rule of law, which the Kingdom is working to establish through these practices. Combating corruption systematically and methodically contributes to improving Saudi Arabia's ranking in global corruption perception indices, reflecting its serious commitment to international standards of good governance.
The authority confirmed that it conducted 1,543 inspection visits last month, reflecting the extensive field efforts of its teams to verify the integrity of administrative and financial procedures across various government entities. Nazaha continues to receive and investigate reports with complete confidentiality, emphasizing that the nation's fight against corruption is ongoing and relentless.
-
Local news one week agoLandslide in Riyadh: Details of the incident in Al-Sahafa neighborhood and containment efforts
-
Local news one week agoThe death penalty was carried out against a citizen who stabbed another to death in Tabuk
-
Culture and Art 7 days agoHaifa Wehbe's absence in Riyadh: A photo crisis or a strained relationship with the media?
-
Local news one week agoFirst birth on the Riyadh train: A heartwarming story at Andalus station
-
Local News 7 days agoRiyadh collapse: Emergency plans to secure water after a main pipeline burst
-
Culture and Art 7 days agoCity Kitchen series: A drama of conflict and the middle class during Ramadan
-
Culture and Art 7 days agoThe series "Kasra": Dawood Hussein in a moving social drama this Ramadan
-
Local News 6 days agoApplying for the 1447 Opportunities Program for Teachers via the Fares System