Local News
92 violations were recorded at travel agencies in Riyadh and Jeddah during an inspection campaign
A joint inspection campaign uncovered 92 violations in travel and tourism offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, with the participation of 6 government agencies to combat fake Umrah packages and ensure compliance with regulations.
As part of intensive efforts to regulate the travel and tourism services market and ensure the quality of services provided to pilgrims, a large-scale joint field inspection campaign yielded significant results in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah. This campaign targeted travel and tourism service offices to verify the legality of their operations and their compliance with sector regulations.
Results of inspection tours in Riyadh and Jeddah
Official campaign statistics revealed that inspection teams conducted 110 field visits in Riyadh, resulting in the detection of 88 various regulatory violations. In contrast, Jeddah saw 86 thorough inspection visits, during which only 4 violations were recorded. This difference in figures reflects the scale of the efforts undertaken in the comprehensive field survey to ensure establishments' compliance.
Integrating government efforts to combat fake Umrah packages
These field operations are part of an ongoing campaign launched on February 1, 2026, aimed primarily at curbing negative practices in the sector, most notably the marketing of fraudulent and unregulated Umrah packages that prey on those wishing to perform the pilgrimage. This campaign is characterized by high-level government collaboration, involving six key entities: the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Public Security Directorate, and the Public Transport Authority.
The importance of oversight in enhancing the quality of the tourism sector
These campaigns are of paramount importance given the significant expansion of the tourism and travel sector in Saudi Arabia. From a regulatory perspective, these stringent measures aim to protect the rights of consumers and pilgrims from fraud and deceptive marketing practices. They also contribute to creating a fair and competitive environment for compliant establishments, thereby raising standards of quality and reliability in the local market.
The participation of multiple security and civil authorities reflects the state’s commitment to implementing the principle of “comprehensive compliance,” as the observed violations are not limited to one aspect, but include commercial, municipal, security, and regulatory aspects related to travel and Umrah licenses.
Expanding the scope of oversight and anticipated penalties
The participating entities affirmed in their statement that these inspection tours are not a one-off event, but rather part of an ongoing strategy. They indicated that work is currently underway to expand the scope of these inspections in the coming phases to include other cities across the Kingdom. This step aims to enhance comprehensive oversight of travel and tourism services and raise the level of compliance with nationally approved regulations and standards.
In closing, the relevant authorities urged all travel and tourism service offices to fully comply with the approved regulations, warning against marketing fraudulent or unauthorized Umrah packages. They emphasized that violating these regulations would subject establishments to the prescribed penalties, which could include closure and legal prosecution. The authorities also called upon pilgrims, citizens, and residents to cooperate by immediately reporting any observed violations to ensure the safety and reliability of the services provided.
Local News
The Crown Prince receives the Crown Prince of Bahrain in Diriyah to discuss cooperation
Details of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reception of the Crown Prince of Bahrain in Diriyah, in the presence of the Ministers of Energy, Finance and Interior, to discuss historical relations and opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received today in Diriyah his brother, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, in a fraternal meeting that embodies the deep and strong ties between the two leaderships and peoples.
During the reception, the deep-rooted historical relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain were reviewed, and promising opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various political, security and economic fields were discussed, in addition to discussing a number of topics of common interest and developments in the regional and international arenas.
High-level attendance from both sides
The high-level ministerial attendance at the meeting reflected the importance of the issues discussed. From the Saudi side, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, and His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, were present. Also participating were His Excellency Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and National Security Advisor; His Excellency Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance; and His Excellency Nayef Al-Sudairi, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In contrast, the Bahraini delegation included senior officials, headed by His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, His Excellency Mr. Hamad Faisal Al Maliki, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Abdul Rahman Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom.
The depth of Saudi-Bahraini relations
This visit is a continuation of the ongoing coordination between the two kingdoms, as Saudi-Bahraini relations are characterized by a unique bond based on shared destiny, common history, and geographical proximity. The two leaderships work continuously through the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council to enhance integration across various sectors, serving the interests of both countries and strengthening the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Integration of economic and security visions
The presence of the energy, finance, and interior ministers from both sides indicates that the discussions will focus on vital issues that support development and stability. The two kingdoms seek to align the objectives of "Saudi Vision 2030" with "Bahrain Economic Vision 2030" to open new horizons for joint investment, facilitate trade, and enhance energy security, which will positively impact the well-being of both nations and strengthen economic and security stability in the region.
Local News
Media regulation: 1,400 licenses issued and 15 series approved in January
The General Authority for Media Regulation’s report for January 2026 reveals the approval of 15 series and the issuance of 1,400 licenses, reflecting the growth of the media sector in Saudi Arabia and the development of its regulatory environment.
The General Authority for Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia announced remarkable figures in its periodic report for January 2026, revealing significant activity in the local media landscape. The report included the approval of over 1,800 books and publications and the issuance of more than 1,400 new media licenses, a strong indicator of the accelerating growth in the creative and media industries and the Authority's ongoing efforts to raise compliance levels and regulate the market in a way that serves both investors and consumers.
Figure details: Variety in content and methods
The detailed data in the report showed significant activity across various clearance and licensing tracks, with achievements including:
- Visual and audio content: 15 television series and more than 165 films were cleared, reflecting the recovery of the film and drama production market.
- Electronic games: More than 90 electronic games have been approved, in line with the growing interest in the gaming and electronic sports sector in the Kingdom.
- Devices and publications: More than 157,000 media devices were monitored and cleared, in addition to the approval of more than 1,800 books and publications.
In terms of regulatory empowerment, the Authority issued more than 1,400 media licenses for various activities during the same month, and granted more than 895 “trusted” licenses to individuals, which are licenses that regulate advertising on social media platforms. Efforts also included issuing more than 660 professional registrations and granting over 90 no-objection certificates, thus streamlining procedures for practitioners and companies.
The context of media transformation and Vision 2030
These rising figures come amidst the significant transformation underway in Saudi Arabia's media sector, driven by the goals of Vision 2030. Since its restructuring and expanded mandate, the Media Regulatory Authority has been working to create an attractive investment environment characterized by transparency and clarity. These efforts aim to position the Kingdom as a leading regional hub for media production, broadcasting, and digital content creation by streamlining procedures and reducing bureaucracy for both local and international media professionals and companies.
Economic and regulatory impact
This report carries significant economic implications. The increase in the number of licenses and permits issued for devices and content indicates rising demand in the Saudi market, which is the largest in the region in terms of media consumption. Furthermore, the focus on the "trusted" license reflects the Authority's commitment to regulating the digital advertising market and protecting consumers from misleading content, while also safeguarding the rights of advertisers and influencers. Moreover, the approval of this volume of series and films supports the entertainment and film sector, which has become a vital contributor to the non-oil economy, and helps create new jobs for young Saudis in the fields of arts, technology, and media management.
The General Authority for Media Regulation’s continued issuance of these monthly reports reinforces the principle of transparency and provides investors and observers with accurate indicators of the sector’s health and growth, which bodes well for further development and prosperity of the Saudi media landscape in the near future.
Local News
The death penalty was carried out against a citizen in Riyadh for poisoning his father and two sisters
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the execution of Mohammed Al-Otaibi, convicted of murdering his father and two sisters by poisoning their water in Riyadh. Details of the crime and the sentence are available.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the execution of a perpetrator in Riyadh for a horrific crime that shook society, in which he treacherously killed his father and two sisters using poison.
Details of the heinous crime
According to the Ministry's statement, citizen Mohammed bin Shaleh bin Jari Al-Ghabawi Al-Otaibi murdered his father and two sisters (Amina and Maha – both Saudi nationals) using a treacherous and cowardly method. He poisoned their drinking water, causing their deaths. This crime is classified as "premeditated murder" because the perpetrator exploited the victims' trust and security within their home.
The judicial process and the legal ruling
Thanks to God and the efforts of the security forces, the perpetrator was apprehended in record time. Intensive investigations led to his indictment for the crime. Upon his referral to the competent court, a ruling was issued confirming the charges against him. Because the crime was committed in a manner that ensured the victims felt safe from the perpetrator's treachery, he was sentenced to death for treachery, a punishment that cannot be pardoned in Islamic law as it is a right of God and of society to deter treachery and betrayal.
The ruling went through all levels of litigation approved in the Saudi judicial system, as the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling, then the Supreme Court ratified it, and a royal decree was issued after that to enforce what was decided according to Sharia, and the ruling was implemented today in the Riyadh region.
The state's resolve in implementing justice
This incident reaffirms the efficiency of the security and judicial system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its unwavering commitment to maintaining security and achieving justice. The verdict demonstrates the firm stance taken in dealing with crimes against human life, especially those involving treachery and the violation of kinship ties.
The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by emphasizing the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to protect the security of citizens and residents, and to implement the provisions of Islamic Sharia against anyone who attacks the innocent and sheds their blood, while warning anyone who dares to commit such criminal acts that the deterrent Sharia punishment will be his inevitable fate.
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