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Saudi Arabia Suspends Short-Term Visas for 14 Countries, Including India and Pakistan, Before Hajj

Unknown passports and international travel, saudi arabia, tourists, travel, world

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<div class="content count-br">
 
 
 Dubai
 [
 UAE
 ], April 8 (ANI):
 Saudi Arabia
 has declared a brief pause on granting new
 short-term visa
 as for residents from 14 nations -- including
 India
 ,
 Pakistan
 , and Egypt — as part of their initiatives to improve traveler management before the approaching Hajj season, according to Gulf News reports.
 
 
 Effective from April 13th, this suspension will cover business visit visas (including both one-time and multiple entries), electronic tourist visas, as well as family visit visas. The travel restrictions also impact citizens of additional nations such as Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.
 
 
 As stated by Saudi authorities, individuals from affected nations with current, valid visas can continue to enter the country up until April 13, but they must depart by April 29 at the latest, according to reports from Gulf News.
 
 
 This decision has been made due to the logistical challenges and congestion faced during the previous Hajj season, where many travelers arrived with regular visas instead of those designated for Hajj purposes. Officials have implemented this measure to enhance management and guarantee a smoother and safer religious journey this time around.
 
 
 Basil Al Sisi, a representative from Egypt’s Chamber of Tourism Companies, stated in a TV interview, “The authorities have pinpointed the nations that were involved in causing the issue last year,” alluding to people who participated in the Hajj using temporary or non-dedicated visa categories.
 
 
 In a related update,
 Saudi Arabia
 has released updated directives for
 Umrah
 visa issuance and travel. The new regulations state that
 Umrah
 visas will be issued each year starting on the 14th of
 Dhu Al Hijjah
 and will close by the 1st of Shawwal. Entry for
 Umrah
 pilgrims will be permitted from
 Dhu Al Hijjah
 14 until Shawwal 15, and all pilgrims must exit by the 1st of Dhu Al Qa'dah, Gulf News reported.
 
 
 The Kingdom has reiterated that all individuals performing religious pilgrimages must obtain the appropriate visa type and warned of legal consequences for those who fail to comply. (ANI)
 
 
</div>
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Saudi Arabia Suspends Short-Term Visas for 14 Countries, Including India and Pakistan, Before Hajj

Unknown passports and international travel, saudi arabia, tourists, travel, world

Dubai [ UAE ], April 8 (ANI): Saudi Arabia has declared a brief pause on granting new short-term visa as for residents from 14 nations -- including India , Pakis…

Saudi Arabia Opens Doors to Elon Musk as Tesla Faces Critical Moment

Unknown cars, electric cars, elon musk, investing company news, saudi arabia

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/slideshow/AA1BKnEu" data-reference="slideshow"/>

 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1oB5OF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1oB5OF.jpg"/>
 <ul class="summary-list">
 <li>
 Tesla announced that it will enter the Saudi market in April.
 </li>
 <li>
 The firm stated that their unveiling ceremony in Riyadh will "demonstrate what's ahead in AI and robotics technology."
 </li>
 <li>
 This arrives at a critical juncture as Tesla grapples with decreasing sales figures and a plummeting stock price.
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Elon Musk's
 Tesla has entered the biggest economy of the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia, during a critical period for the electric car manufacturer.
 
 
 On Wednesday,
 Tesla
 has announced a launch event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital city, scheduled for April 10.
 
 
 You and your loved ones are cordially invited to attend our launch event at Bujairi Terrace on April 10th,
 announcement
 on Tesla's website read.
 
 
 "Dive into the future of self-driving technology with Cybercab, and encounter Optimus, our humanoid robot, as we demonstrate what’s ahead in AI and robotics," the statement said.
 
 
 The notification stated that a Tesla representative will be available to address inquiries about Tesla ownership, at-home charging solutions, and additional topics.
 
 
 Musk has had a
 testy relationship
 with Saudi Arabia.
 
 
 In August 2018, Musk
 wrote
 On Twitter — now known as X — he stated that he planned to take Tesla private.
 
 
 "I'm thinking about making Tesla private at $420 per share. The funding is all set," Musk stated.
 
 
 In a post on the company’s blog, Musk mentioned that he had connected with officials from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, known as the Public Investment Fund. He stated that these discussions began in early 2017 following his announcement of considering taking Tesla private.
 
 
 The transaction failed to materialize as the PIF declined to allocate any funds.
 
 
 Musk and Tesla faced legal action from Tesla shareholders who claimed that Musk’s hasty declaration led to financial losses for them. In court, Musk accused the PIF of being responsible for "
 backpedaling
 " on their plans.
 
 
 In 2018, the PIF made an announcement about
 $1 billion investment
 to Tesla’s competitor, Lucid Motors.
 
 
 The move by Saudi Arabia to welcome Tesla arrives as a crucial moment for the electric vehicle company, following a significant drop of more than 40% in its share price since reaching peak levels in mid-December.
 
 
 Tesla's stock finished trading around $272 on Wednesday, marking a decline from its highest closing price of $479 back in December.
 
 
 The firm has slipped from its position as the leading electric vehicle maker globally, falling behind the major Chinese EV corporation.
 BYD's revenue outpacing Tesla's
 in 2024.
 
 
 BYD
 recently unveiled chargers
 as they claim to be four times more potent than those of Tesla and capable of charging an electric vehicle in just five minutes.
 
 
 On Tuesday, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association announced
 Tesla's European sales have dropped by 42%.
 during the initial two months of the year.
 
 
 Tesla's representatives did not reply to Business Insider’s request for commentary.
 


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1AIxot" data-reference="video"/>
 
 If you liked this tale, make sure to follow
 Business Insider
 on MSN.

Saudi Arabia Opens Doors to Elon Musk as Tesla Faces Critical Moment

Unknown cars, electric cars, elon musk, investing company news, saudi arabia

Tesla announced that it will enter the Saudi market in April. The firm stated that their unveiling ceremony in Riyadh will "demonstrate what's ahead in AI and robotics technology."…

World Cup qualifiers: UAE misfire in Iran, Salem Al Dawsari revives Saudi Arabia and Kluivert’s tough start

Unknown asia, international news, saudi arabia, sports, world

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 The first side to advance to the 2026 World Cup – other than hosts United States, Canada and Mexico – was decided on Thursday.


 Although Japan’s progress to the main event has been serene, the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to tread a potted path in their qualifying campaigns.

<h2>
 
 Misfiring UAE
 
</h2>

 The
 <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/03/20/brazilians-africans-and-an-englishman-the-changing-face-of-uae-team-ahead-of-crucial-world-cup-qualifiers/?_gl=1*yzawcn*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzYHeyYOx_gIVio1oCR2hVQImEAAYASAAEgJK7vD_BwE">
 changes in the fabric of the UAE team
 </a>
 have been so dramatic in recent times, that if success does not immediately follow, criticism is inevitable.


 The national team gave debuts to two more naturalised Brazilians against Iran in Tehran. Caio Lucas, the free-scoring Sharjah forward, and Lucas Pimenta, the centre-back, are the latest recruits to the big transformation of the national team.


 Expecting them both to be up to speed immediately is harsh, but both looked lost at times in a side which misfired when something spectacular was required.


 Gaps frequently appeared in the new five-man backline, in which Pimenta was centrally placed. And, as the man furthest forward, Lucas was often left isolated in attack.


 <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/03/20/iran-v-uae-paulo-bentos-side-see-world-cup-hopes-hit-by-defeat-in-tehran/?_gl=1*14gik55*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzYHeyYOx_gIVio1oCR2hVQImEAAYASAAEgJK7vD_BwE">
 The UAE fell a long way short of what was required
 </a>
 , and the 2-0 loss could be terminal for their hopes of an automatic top two qualifying berth from this round of Asian qualifying.


 With three matches to play, they are nine points behind Iran, and six behind second-placed Uzbekistan, who they host in June. They will need a vast improvement when they face North Korea in Riyadh on Tuesday.

<div>
 
 
</div>
<h2>
 
 Dynamic Al Dawsari
 
</h2>

 Saudi Arabia have some momentous challenges ahead in the three group stage fixtures that remain. They face undefeated Japan on Tuesday, and – either side of a game against Bahrain – host Australia on the final match day in June, in what seems likely to be the decisive fixture.


 They are still within touching distance of an automatic place thanks to their talisman,
 <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/10/31/salem-al-dawsari-wins-afc-mens-asian-player-of-the-year-award/?_gl=1*iqlwel*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzYHeyYOx_gIVio1oCR2hVQImEAAYASAAEgJK7vD_BwE">
 Salem Al Dawsari
 </a>
 . His goal gave them a 1-0 win over China in Riyadh, which maintains their place in third in the group, a point behind Australia.


 <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2024/10/21/al-hilal-beat-al-ain-in-nine-goal-acl-thriller-as-al-dawsari-and-rahimi-hit-hat-tricks-and-neymar-returns/?_gl=1*iqlwel*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzYHeyYOx_gIVio1oCR2hVQImEAAYASAAEgJK7vD_BwE" title="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2024/10/21/al-hilal-beat-al-ain-in-nine-goal-acl-thriller-as-al-dawsari-and-rahimi-hit-hat-tricks-and-neymar-returns/?_gl=1*iqlwel*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzYHeyYOx_gIVio1oCR2hVQImEAAYASAAEgJK7vD_BwE">
 The fact Al Dawsari came up with the goods
 </a>
 when required was no surprise, but the encounter with China was far from plain sailing.


 The home players were visibly upset by a head injury suffered by Ali Lajami, their defender. He was booted in the forehead by Lin Liangming while ducking down to head clear, and was treated on the field for the best part of 10 minutes before being stretchered off.


 Liangming was sent off, and the home team regained their poise, with Al Dawsari providing the decisive strike in the second half.

<div>
 
 
</div>
<h2>
 
 Tough baptism for Kluivert
 
</h2>

 If the UAE are transitioning to a side with more overseas-born players than has been traditional, then they are not the only ones.


 The face of the Indonesian side has also been entirely altered. Their squad for this qualifying window includes more players who were born in Europe than in Indonesia – the majority of whom are from the Netherlands.


 If the fact there were so many people of Indonesia-origin in the Netherlands was news to the uninitiated, then probably so, too, was the fact there are so many in Australia.


 The stands in Sydney were awash with the red shirts of Indonesia’s national team, and optimism abounded ahead of their game against Australia.


 Dutchman Jordi Cruyff is technical advisor to the Indonesian FA, and former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert was overseeing his first game in charge. The power of celebrity counted for nothing, though, as they were thrashed 5-1.

<h2>
 
 Japan sail on
 
</h2>

 <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2024/02/21/president-sheikh-mohamed-welcomes-fifa-chief-gianni-infantino-to-abu-dhabi/">
 Gianni Infantino
 </a>
 , the Fifa president, was poised and ready to get his comms team to press send on the congratulations message to the first side to make it to the World Cup.


 On Thursday afternoon, Japan booked their place, alongside hosts United States, Canada and Mexico, when they beat Bahrain 2-0.


 “Omedetou [congratulations], Japan, for being the first country to qualify for the Fifa World Cup 26 in addition to the host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States of America,” Infantino said.


 “You deserve this qualification. We all remember the emotions of the last World Cup in Qatar, the emotions that you gave to the entire world in a thrilling qualifying stage, passing the group stage. And we all remember you, as well, as a brilliant co-host of the 2002 Fifa World Cup. See you in North America in 2026.”


 Daichi Kamada, the Japan forward, put it in rather less robotic terms. “We know this isn’t normal and we had a lot of trouble qualifying last time,” Kamada said. “We’re relieved and happy.”

<h2>
 
 Iraq stay in touch
 
</h2>

 While Japan are World Cup finals regulars, not everyone enjoys such regular passage to the big show.


 Iraq have been to the World Cup once before, back in 1986. They had seemed well set for the second qualifying place in their group, behind leaders South Korea, until they fell two goals behind against Kuwait in Basra.


 They fought back to force a 2-2 draw with thrilling stoppage time goals from Akam Hashim and Ibrahim Bayesh.


 Two dropped points means they dropped behind Jordan on goal difference into third place, but with three games left there is everything to play for.

<div>
 
 
</div>

World Cup qualifiers: UAE misfire in Iran, Salem Al Dawsari revives Saudi Arabia and Kluivert’s tough start

Unknown asia, international news, saudi arabia, sports, world

The first side to advance to the 2026 World Cup – other than hosts United States, Canada and Mexico – was decided on Thursday. Although Japan’s progress to the main event has been serene, the UAE a…

Sharjah's Deputy Ruler Launches Islamic Art Exhibition in Oman

Unknown art, artwork, culture, exhibitions, saudi arabia

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 SHARJAH, 17th March, 2025 (WAM)-- H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the "Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization" exhibit on Monday at the National Museum of Oman.


 Ongoing until May, this exhibition acts as a cultural stage highlighting the profound historical connections and robust cooperation between the UAE and Oman in safeguarding their heritage and advancing Islamic culture.


 The inauguration began with a address from Jamal Al Moosawi, the Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman, who greeted Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and the guests present.


 He stressed that the exhibition showcases the progression and elegance of Islamic art, stemming from the collaboration between the National Museum and the Sharjah Museums Authority.


 Al Moosawi stated that the exhibit comprises three segments: Calligraphic Arts, Sciences and Innovations, and Harmony and Diversity. Each segment showcases items highlighting the profound artistic legacy of Islamic civilization throughout history. He emphasized that this exhibition supports the National Museum’s dedication to cultural diplomacy and promotes an understanding of Islamic heritage.


 Aisha Rashid Deemas, the Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, conveyed her joy over hosting the exhibit at one of Oman’s premier cultural establishments. She emphasized the robust familial bonds and common heritage linking the UAE and Oman, which have been reinforced under the guidance of their respective leaders.


 Deemas highlighted that the trip of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and ruler of Sharjah, to Oman served as significant motivation for arranging this exhibition. This initiative embodies his belief in leveraging culture and art as means to fortify ties and encourage mutual understanding between the two countries.


 The exhibit goes on to showcase the strong historical, cultural, and social ties that have developed over time among different generations.


 She mentioned that the exhibition serves as more than just a stage for showcasing rare Islamic artifacts; it’s also a chance to contemplate the collective historical heritage of the area. The event underscores the remarkable artistry and innovation that characterized Islamic civilization across different periods.


 One of the notable exhibits being shown publicly beyond the borders of the UAE for the very first time include a silver goblet adorned with the imperial insignia of Ottoman Emperor Abdul Hamid II, an elaborately designed hexagonal eating seat made specifically for Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, along with the initial Islamic coin struck in Baghdad following the Mongol conquest.


 Other significant displays feature an eleventh or twelfth-century cat-form incense burner and a thirteenth-century gilded earthenware pitcher, showcasing the rich artistic variety within Islamic culture.


 Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi toured the exhibition, receiving detailed explanations about the 82 rare artefacts on display. These include Islamic manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, and historical coins, each illustrating the artistic evolution and cultural richness of successive Islamic civilisations.

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 The exhibition celebrates the strong ties between the UAE and Oman and embodies the vision of the Sharjah Ruler to enhance cultural cooperation and use the arts as a medium for dialogue and mutual understanding. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the artistic and aesthetic dimensions of Islamic civilisation through a carefully curated selection of artefacts that narrate centuries of Islamic history.


 The exhibition aims to highlight the artistic achievements of Islamic civilisation, strengthen collaboration with regional and international cultural institutions, and raise awareness of the rich heritage of the Islamic world. By fostering cultural appreciation and knowledge exchange, the event contributes to a deeper understanding of the enduring artistic traditions of the Islamic world.


 The opening ceremony was attended by Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Oman; Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Oman; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority; Jamal Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman; along with several senior officials and diplomats.

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Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Sharjah's Deputy Ruler Launches Islamic Art Exhibition in Oman

Unknown art, artwork, culture, exhibitions, saudi arabia

SHARJAH, 17th March, 2025 (WAM)-- H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the "Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Sharjah Mu…

Salam meets with Saudi crown prince in Mecca

Unknown government, politics, politics and law, politics of saudi arabia, saudi arabia

<div>
 
 Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met Sunday in Mecca with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman after performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer with him at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
 
 
 Al-Jadeed TV had reported that Salam traveled Saturday evening to Saudi Arabia aboard a private Saudi jet.
 
 
 A statement carried by the Saudi news agency said Salam and bin Salman discussed “the bilateral ties between the two countries, the developments of the situations in Lebanon and the region, and the efforts exerted toward them.”
 
 
 The Lebanese Premiership meanwhile said Salam lauded Saudi Arabia’s hosting of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese workers while praising the efforts to lift the ban on Lebanese exports and on the travel of Saudis to the country, noting that “Lebanon is carrying on with the policy of reforms, especially the financial and institutional among them, in order to boost investments and revive the country’s economy.”
 
 
 Salam also said that the Lebanese government “will continue to exert its authority across its territory, with its own forces, according to the Taif Agreement and in a manner that achieves the country’s safety and stability and creates a safe environment for investors and tourists.”
 
 
 The Saudi crown prince for his part underscored that “Saudi Arabia will always stand by Lebanon” and is “keen on the restoration of its prosperity in the various fields, through establishing security and stability and conducting the necessary reforms,” the Premiership said.
 
 
 The crown prince also called for “benefiting from all the chances available today to achieve that and overcome the continuous crises.”
 
</div>
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Salam meets with Saudi crown prince in Mecca

Unknown government, politics, politics and law, politics of saudi arabia, saudi arabia

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met Sunday in Mecca with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman after performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer with him at Mecca’s Grand Mosque. Al-Jadeed TV had reporte…