Saudi Arabia

Tourism, which makes up about 5% of the domestic economy, is expected to be a major growth engine as Saudi Arabia seeks to attract more foreign visitors

OPINION | Layers to Pak-Saudi defence pact will usher in more volatility

Pakistan-Saudi defence agreement solidifies a new strategic reality.  It raises the stakes for both India and Iran, and may prompt several countries in West Asia to recalibrate their doctrines. While the pact has been designed for deterrence, it may usher in a new volatile reality in West Asia

Cosying up to Israel could be costly strategic gamble for India, a Middle East expert says

Trita Parsi said that India is playing a gamble by being close to Israel, which is close to becoming an international pariah

Saudi stocks jump most since 2020 on plan to relax foreign curbs

The Tadawul All Share Index jumped 5.1% on Wednesday, the most in more than five years

Understanding the Saudi-Pakistan defence pact and its context

The old security order is crumbling fast as the US’ guarantees are proving to be worthless. While these two countries have long-standing security ties, the new pact has its roots in the expanding West Asian conflict. India cannot afford to remain on the sidelines any longer

Pakistan defence ties go beyond Saudi Arabia

The South Asian country supplies 9% of Nigeria’s defence imports, even as China cements its role as Islamabad’s dominant supplier

India to include refineries in HML, easing PIF entry into mega projects: Report

In July, India inked a long-term pact with Saudi Arabia to source 3.1 million metric tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP) annually for five years beginning 2025-26, with an option to extend by another five years

Saudi Arabia’s Humain launches Arabic chatbot with ‘Islamic’ values

Powered by its Allam large language model, Humain Chat is designed around Islamic values and heritage, the company said in a statement

A guide to Nusuk Umrah: All about Saudi Arabia’s one-stop digital service for Hajj pilgrims

The launch of Nusuk Umrah is tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to make religious travel more efficient while strengthening the country’s role as a global religious and cultural hub.

India's oil refiners explore Gulf route as Russian crude turns bitter over US concerns: Report

New Delhi was a major buyer of Gulf crude before Russia started selling its fossil fuel with steep discounts

Saudi may finalise investment in Indian refineries upon feasibility report completion in 7-8 months: Govt source

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) are currently working on DFRs of their respective upcoming refineries in India.

Saudi Arabia rolls out 20-hour hotel check-out policy – What travelers need to know

Saudi Arabia’s new 20-hour hotel check-out rule ensures guests get a minimum stay but no late extensions. Plan your visit smartly to avoid surprises.

Over 200 executed by Saudi Arabia this year: How drug offenses are driving the Kingdom’s deadly crackdown

Amnesty noted that 37 people were executed for drug-related crimes in June alone, including 34 foreigners from countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Syria.

Jamnagar district likely to get ONGC’s latest refinery; Saudi Arabia to supply crude oil

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, which is currently working on the detailed feasibility report, is in talks with Saudi Arabia for a joint venture company to establish the greenfield refinery in Gujarat.

No travel restrictions for Indians to Saudi Arabia, only temporary visa curbs for Hajj season: Report

The clarification came after some reports claimed that the Saudi government has put restrictions on Indians travelling to that country

No Travel Ban on Indian Visitors to Saudi Arabia, Confirms Government Sources

No travel ban on Indians visiting Saudi Arabia, confirms MEA. Visa curbs are temporary, routine Hajj-season measures, ending June 30, 2025.

Saudi Arabia Blocks 2.7 Lakh Without Hajj Permits | Major Crackdown on Unauthorized Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has stopped over 269,600 people without Hajj permits from entering Mecca ahead of this year's pilgrimage. Authorities say unauthorized pilgrims cause overcrowding and were a major factor in last year’s heat-related deaths. Over 23,000 residents have been penalized and 400 Hajj company licenses revoked. The government has introduced strict fines, deportations, and even deployed drones to monitor the pilgrimage. With 1.4 million official pilgrims already in Mecca, the Hajj is under tight surveillance to ensure safety and order.

Saudi Arabia blocks over 269,000 Muslims from entering Mecca, cites overcrowding and heat risks

Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies.

OPEC+ agrees on third oil supply surge to deepen price slump

The hike follows equally sized increases scheduled for May and June, marking a clear break with years of efforts by the group to support global oil prices.

India to exempt Saudi fund from foreign portfolio investment rules: Report

The rules, which club investments through various sovereign entities together and cap it at 10% in a single company, have prevented different subsidiaries of the Public Investment Fund from investing more in India

Saudi Crown Prince hopes 'ceasefire' will restore calm between India, Pakistan

Prince Mohammed made the remarks while delivering a speech during a meeting of leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and US President Donald Trump in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Trump diplomatic blitz spins big gambles as signs of success

Crucial elements remain unresolved on Iran as well as Ukraine, with Russia so far balking at a ceasefire, while India has disputed some US claims about its role in mediation efforts

Crude oil's worst month since 2021 as likely OPEC+ production hike, demand worries weigh

Oil prices fell 16 percent in April as Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia hinted being unwilling to support the oil market with more supply cuts.

How Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s ally earlier, tilted towards India

Pahalgam terror attacks happened when PM Modi was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. Following the attack, the Kingdom immediately offered India assistance. It encapsulated the extent of change in its approach, characterised by zero tolerance for terrorism and a deepening of counter-terrorism co-operation with countries such as India

The new Saudi Arabia PM Modi is visiting: What has changed under MBS and why it matters

PM Modi in Saudi Arabia: Under MBS's dynamic leadership, the Kingdom is experiencing a period of unprecedented change, marked by ambitious economic and social reforms collectively known as "Vision 2030."