Profit before pilgrims: Saudis may have forgotten Arab hospitality, but it’s still alive in Iraq

Once a destination immersing Muslim pilgrims in the experience of a common faith, unity and equality, management of the Hajj today runs on the engine of commercialization, wiping out centuries of tradition.

Iran and Saudi Arabia resume relations after years of conflict

The breakthrough in mutual relations between the leading Islamic nations comes after decades of rivalry and conflict

Oman opens airspace to Israel

This decision was implemented despite Oman and Israel having no diplomatic relations

At least five people killed during clashes in Basra

The local police of Basra informed that at least five people were killed and numerous wounded during armed clashes in the city

Hezbollah implements travel ban over tense regional issues

Resistance fighters were asked to stay put in Lebanon over the maritime dispute with Israel and growing political instability in Iraq

Saudi Arabia Hajj revenue to surpass $350bln by 2032

Saudi Arabia has faced backlash from the Muslim world over its strict regulations and fierce exploitation of the pilgrimage for profit

Iraq to mediate release of Iranian pilgrim from Saudi Arabia

An unidentified Iranian was arrested by Saudi State Security during the Hajj pilgrimage in June

First Israeli airliner flies over Saudi Arabia’s airspace

The flight operated by Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific airline took off from Hong Kong and landed in Tel Aviv on the morning of 4 August

From Balkh to Konya: Discovering Rumi’s spiritual geopolitics

While Jalal al-Din Rumi is synonymous with Islamic mysticism, a deeper dig brings to light the West Asian political changes and upheaval that shaped his world and other-worldly view.

Riyadh detains Saudi national for helping Israeli journalist into Mecca

The illegal entry of the Israeli journalist into Mecca occurred before Israel’s Regional Cooperation Minister Esawi Frej requested Saudi Arabia to allow direct flights from Tel Aviv to Mecca for Muslim pilgrims

Israel approves transfer of strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia

Under the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty, Egypt took control of Tiran and Sanafir as the sides agreed to demilitarize the islands

Israeli official calls for Muslim pilgrim flights from Tel Aviv to Mecca

In recent months, Israeli officials have sought to expand permission for Israeli airlines to fly over the kingdom to Asian destinations

Ansarallah leader blasts Saudi Arabia over heavy-handed Hajj rules

Anyone in the kingdom found 'illegally transporting' Hajj pilgrims will receive a fine of $13,000 and a prison sentence of six months

Saudi Arabia draws widespread criticism for complicated Hajj rules, fines

The most controversial new rule is the need for a permit to perform Hajj, without which a pilgrim faces a fine of SR10,000 ($2,662)

Two Israelis and an army commander injured in West Bank clashes

According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, 64 Palestinians were injured by Israelis firing tear gas, as well as rubber and live ammunition

‘Mutually Assured Development’: a winning formula for Iran-Saudi rapprochement

Restoring diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia will not only benefit both countries economically, but can help stabilize global oil prices and end the war in Yemen.

Tehran and Riyadh preparing to re-open embassies: Iranian MP

Over the past year, the two historic rivals have been holding bilateral talks hosted by Iraq

Iran announces new round of talks with Saudi Arabia ‘is on the agenda’

For nearly a year, the historic rivals have been holding talks in Iraq in an effort to establish sustainable relations

Iraqi PM becomes first foreign leader to visit new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

During their bilateral meeting the leaders discussed increasing cooperation between Iraq and Iran