Death of an icon of Saudi weather forecasting

The Saudi media and society were shocked today (Friday) by the news of the death of renowned media personality and meteorologist, Hassan Karani, who was the most famous weather presenter on Saudi television. Karani passed away after a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional media presence and a memory etched in the minds of millions of Saudis whose daily lives were intertwined with his voice and face.

The late broadcaster was renowned for his spontaneous and engaging style of weather forecasting, and for his melodious voice with which he would conclude his daily broadcasts with his timeless phrase: “My dear listeners, thank you for listening, with my best wishes.” This phrase was more than just a closing; it became a unique vocal signature and an integral part of the evening rituals in every Saudi home, and a landmark in the history of visual media in the Kingdom.

Historical context: The voice of the family in the pre-internet era

To understand the extent of Hassan Karani's influence, it's essential to return to the historical context in which he rose to prominence. In the 1980s and 90s, before the widespread adoption of the internet and instant weather apps, Saudi television was the primary source of information and entertainment for families. The news broadcast, including the weather segment, was a daily event that brought families together. In this context, Karani was not merely a conduit of information; he was a trusted daily guest in every home, reassuring farmers, guiding travelers, and sharing details of the day ahead with a style that blended scientific accuracy with simple presentation.

A career journey from Mecca to the media world

Hassan Karani was born in Mecca in 1949 and began his career in Saudi radio as an announcer and program presenter. However, his passion for science led him to specialize in meteorology, a rare field at the time. He didn't just present the news; he actively contributed to the development of the sector, holding administrative positions at the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection. He played a pivotal role in developing both the technical and media aspects of weather information dissemination. His career spanned more than 40 years, during which he participated in numerous international conferences and seminars as a certified climate expert, reflecting the depth of his knowledge and his influence that extended far beyond the television screen.

An impact that transcends generations and a lasting legacy

Hassan Karani's influence extends far beyond his role as a television presenter; he was a cultural icon representing an entire era. His voice resonated with the childhood and youthful memories of generations. His death sparked a wave of grief and tributes on social media, where he was remembered by citizens, officials, and media figures alike as an integral part of their personal and national history. This widespread outpouring of support underscores that Karani was more than just a public servant; he was a public figure who forged a bridge of trust and affection with the public, making him a media legacy that will endure. He officially retired in 2019, bringing to a close a career marked by significant contributions.

The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to take place at Al-Amoudi Mosque in Jeddah Governorate, after which he will be buried in Hawa Cemetery, thus concluding a humanitarian and professional journey that left a good impression on the hearts of millions.

In a historic move aimed at boosting economic openness and attracting foreign investment, the General Authority for Real Estate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the entry into force of the system allowing non-Saudis to own real estate, with its provisions taking effect today, 3 Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to January 22, 2026. This decision is considered one of the most prominent modern real estate legislations aimed at regulating and enhancing the efficiency of the Saudi real estate market.

Historical background and context of Vision 2030

This system represents a significant shift in the Kingdom's real estate policies, which previously imposed considerable restrictions on foreign ownership of property. This move aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify national income sources and reduce reliance on oil. By opening up the real estate market, the Kingdom seeks to create an attractive investment environment for international investors and global companies, as well as attract talent and expertise to live and work, thus contributing to a thriving economy and a vibrant society.

Application process via the "Saudi Real Estate" portal

The authority clarified that ownership applications are received exclusively through the official digital portal, “Saudi Real Estate.” The platform was designed to streamline procedures for different categories, with the beneficiary's journey varying according to their circumstances

• Residents within the Kingdom: They can apply directly through the portal using their residency number, where the conditions are automatically verified and the procedures are completed electronically.
• Non-residents: Their journey begins through Saudi embassies and consulates abroad to obtain a digital identity, and then they complete the ownership application via the portal.
• Foreign companies and entities: Companies that do not have a presence in the Kingdom must first register with the Ministry of Investment through the “Invest in Saudi Arabia” platform to obtain the unified number (700), before starting the ownership procedures.

Expected economic and social impact

This system is expected to have broad positive impacts across various sectors. Domestically, it will stimulate demand in the real estate market and raise project quality by attracting experienced international developers, creating healthy competition that benefits the end consumer. It will also contribute to creating thousands of job opportunities for Saudi citizens in the construction and real estate services sectors. Regionally and internationally, this decision strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a global investment hub, placing it among the leading countries in the region for real estate investment, competing with other established markets.

Geographic controls and scopes

The authority confirmed that the system allows non-Saudis to own property in various regions of the Kingdom, with special regulations for the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, in addition to Mecca and Medina. Precise details will be specified in the Geographical Zones document, which will be announced later. It is worth noting that ownership in the two holy cities will remain restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether from within the Kingdom or abroad, in order to preserve their religious significance.

The General Authority for Real Estate called on all those wishing to own property to visit the official portal “Saudi Real Estate” or contact the unified call center on the number (920017183) to obtain more information and complete their procedures with ease and convenience.