ديجيتال فابلت

الوسم: Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Arabia Extends Visa Validity for Stranded Visitors Until April 18

    Saudi Arabia Extends Visa Validity for Stranded Visitors Until April 18

    Saudi Arabia has extended the validity of all types of visas—including visit, Umrah, transit, and final exit—until April 18, 2026, to assist visitors stranded due to regional issues. The Ministry of Interior announced that individuals whose visas expired on or after February 25, 2026, and who couldn’t leave the country because of the current circumstances, are eligible for this extension. Visa holders are advised to go directly to departure points, where their exit procedures will be processed smoothly without needing pre-approvals. This service is offered free of charge for those choosing to depart immediately.

    Many foreigners faced delays in departing due to ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which disrupted regional air travel. Several nations shut down their airspace, and airlines halted services following Iran’s retaliatory strikes across Gulf countries.

  • Saudi Arabia and UAE to Observe Eid ul-Fitr This Friday

    Saudi Arabia and UAE to Observe Eid ul-Fitr This Friday

    Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that the first day of Eid al-Fitr will be observed on March 20, Friday, due to the Shawwal moon not being visible in the country. The moon-sighting committee gathered after sunset to confirm whether the Shawwal moon had been seen, but it was not detected. An official statement from the Royal Court confirmed that Thursday marks the last day of Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr celebrations will begin on Friday across the kingdom. Muslims worldwide mark Eid al-Fitr as the holiday following the completion of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

  • Iran Calls for Gulf Relations Review, Denies Saudi Oil Attack Role

    Iran Calls for Gulf Relations Review, Denies Saudi Oil Attack Role

    Iran has announced that its relationship with Gulf nations will need a “serious review” due to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict, emphasizing the importance of minimizing external influences to foster regional prosperity. Tehran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, conveyed that despite concerns about potential damage to diplomatic ties, Iranians and Gulf neighbors are interconnected and must reassess their partnerships.

    He pointed out that regional issues over the past fifty years have resulted from exclusionary policies and excessive dependence on outside powers. Enayati called for stronger cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council member states, along with Iraq and Iran.

    Since the conflict began on February 28, the Gulf Arab states have endured over 2,000 missile and drone strikes. Targets have included U.S. diplomatic missions, military installations, and critical oil infrastructure, ports, airports, and hotels. The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has suffered the most, but all Gulf countries have been affected and uniformly condemn Iran.

    Behind closed doors, analysts suggest there is mounting frustration with the United States, which has long been the security guarantor for the region, for involving Gulf nations in a conflict they did not support but are paying dearly for.

    Attacks have primarily targeted Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil-rich region, as well as the Prince Sultan Airbase near Riyadh and the Diplomatic Quarter on the city’s western side, according to Saudi authorities. Saudi Arabia and Iran renewed full diplomatic ties in 2023 after years of hostility.

    Enayati denied Iran’s involvement in attacks on Saudi oil facilities, including the Ras Tanura refinery and attempted drone strikes near the UAE border on the Shaybah oil field. He stated, “Iran is not responsible for these attacks. If we had carried them out, we would have claimed responsibility.” He refused to name those responsible.

    Saudi defense officials have not officially blamed Iran for specific incidents. Enayati emphasized that Iran’s targets are primarily U.S. and Israeli interests and claimed that Iran maintains ongoing communication with Saudi officials, including cooperation on religious pilgrimages and medical aid. Discussions are also reportedly ongoing regarding Saudi Arabia’s public assurance that its territory will not be used to attack Iran.

    He reiterated that the war is an imposed conflict on the region and stressed the need for the US and Israel to cease their attacks. He called on regional countries to stay out of the conflict and urged international guarantees to prevent further escalation. Only by doing so, he said, can the region focus on building prosperity.

  • Saudi Arabia warns Iran against attack, warns of retaliation, sources say

    Saudi Arabia warns Iran against attack, warns of retaliation, sources say

    Smoke rises over the city amid heightened tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 5, 2026. — Reuters

    • Iran was warned about potential retaliation, according to sources.
    • The Saudi foreign minister had a direct conversation with his Iranian counterpart.
    • Iran’s president issued an apology to Gulf states for recent actions.

    Saudi Arabia has informed Tehran that, although it favors diplomacy to resolve the conflict with the United States, ongoing assaults on the kingdom’s territory and energy infrastructure could force Riyadh to respond militarily. The warning was issued prior to a speech on Saturday by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in which he apologized to neighboring Gulf nations for Tehran’s recent strikes that targeted civilians, seemingly aiming to ease regional outrage.

    Two days earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan clarified Riyadh’s stance during a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s openness to mediation and negotiations. He also stressed that neither Saudi nor other Gulf states had permitted US forces to use their airspace or land for strikes against Iran.

    However, Prince Faisal reportedly warned that if Iran’s attacks on Saudi territory or energy facilities persisted, Riyadh would be compelled to allow US forces to operate from its bases, and might retaliate against continued assaults on critical infrastructure.

    Sources mentioned that Riyadh has maintained ongoing communication with Tehran through its ambassador since the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran began on February 28, following failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Neither the Saudi nor Iranian foreign ministries responded to requests for comments.

    Drone and missile assaults target Gulf nations

    Over the past week, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia have all experienced intense drone and missile attacks originating from Iran. In the wake of escalating conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed on the first day of the conflict. Tehran responded with strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. military bases, while Israel targeted Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

    In an interview Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated he remains in constant contact with his Saudi counterparts and assured Tehran’s commitment to prevent its territory, waters, or airspace from being used for attacks on Iran.

    President Pezeshkian announced that Iran’s temporary leadership had authorized a suspension of strikes against neighboring countries unless those nations attacked Iran first. He personally apologized to affected Gulf nations for Iran’s recent actions, though it remains uncertain whether this signals a permanent shift. Despite this, reports indicate Iran continued strikes on Saturday.

    Adding to internal divisions, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters — Iran’s unified military command — declared in a statement that U.S. and Israeli military targets throughout the region would remain high-priority targets. While Iran’s armed forces have so far respected regional sovereignty, they stated that they would direct powerful strikes against U.S. and Israeli assets located on land, at sea, and in the air.

    U.S. President Donald Trump claimed via social media that Iran had “apologized and surrendered” and promised no further aggression — a statement he suggested was driven by relentless U.S. and Israeli pressure.

    Iranian sources confirmed a call had taken place in which Riyadh warned Tehran to stop attacks on Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf states. Tehran reiterated that its assaults targeted U.S. interests and military bases, not Gulf nations themselves. Some Iranian officials have demanded that U.S. bases across the region be closed and that Gulf states halt intelligence sharing, which Tehran suspects is used to coordinate attacks. Meanwhile, some military commanders argue that strikes should continue, accusing the U.S. of using regional bases and airspaces to conduct operations against Iran.

    Despite previous efforts to foster regional diplomacy, Iran’s recent missile and drone campaigns—led by the Revolutionary Guards—have shattered those initiatives, leading to increased regional instability.

  • Did Cristiano Ronaldo Depart Saudi Arabia After Iran Attacks?

    Did Cristiano Ronaldo Depart Saudi Arabia After Iran Attacks?

    Reports indicate that Portuguese soccer star and Al-Nassr FC team captain Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly departed Saudi Arabia on his private jet to Madrid following an Iranian drone attack that struck Riyadh’s U.S. Embassy on Monday night.

    According to The Sun, Ronaldo’s $80 million private jet took off from Saudi Arabia at midnight. It remains unclear whether the football star was onboard with his wife, Georgina Rodriguez, and their five children. The flight tracker also caught sight of the jet flying over Egyptian skies.

    The aircraft left Riyadh at 8 p.m. and landed in Madrid at 1 a.m.

    Did Cristiano Ronaldo leave Saudi Arabia after Iran’s attacks?

    BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet departed from Saudi Arabia headed to Madrid after an Iranian drone target near the U.S. embassy in Riyadh. View Tweet

    On Monday night, drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia, causing a small fire at the diplomatic compound, according to Al Jazeera. The embassy sustained only minor damage, with some reports describing the fire as limited. This incident followed an Iranian attack on the ARAMCO oil facility in Ras Tanura, with videos of both events circulating widely on social media.

    Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand, the legendary Manchester United player and Ronaldo’s former teammate, shared on his show “Rio Ferdinand Presents” that he was trapped in Dubai with his wife under what he called a “Covid-like lockdown,” describing Iran’s ongoing assaults across the Middle East as “frightening.”

  • Saudi Refinery, Kurdish & Israeli Fields Halted in Mideast Strikes

    Saudi Refinery, Kurdish & Israeli Fields Halted in Mideast Strikes

    On Monday, Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its largest domestic oil refinery following a drone attack, according to an informed source. This comes amid a pattern of increased hostilities involving Israeli and U.S. counterstrikes, along with Iranian retaliation, which have led to the closure of multiple oil and gas facilities throughout the Middle East.

    Attacks persisted into the third day, prompting the shutdown of most oil production in Iraqi Kurdistan and several major Israeli gas fields, which in turn reduced exports to Egypt. Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, a key part of the energy complex on the Gulf coast capable of processing 550,000 barrels per day, was closed as a preventative measure. This complex also functions as a vital export terminal for Saudi crude oil.

    In Iraqi Kurdistan, where 200,000 barrels per day are shipped via pipeline to Turkey’s Ceyhan port, oil companies such as DNO, Gulf Keystone Petroleum, Dana Gas, and HKN Energy have ceased operations at their fields as a safety measure, reporting no damage. Offshore Israel, the Chevron-led Leviathan gas field was shut on Saturday, and Energean has also halted operations at its smaller gas fields.

    The Saudi oil infrastructure was targeted; two drones were intercepted near the Ras Tanura facility, causing debris that led to a small fire, according to the Saudi defense ministry. No injuries were reported. While some units at the refinery were temporarily shut, the supply of petroleum products domestically remained unaffected. Nonetheless, the shutdown is expected to heighten fears over supply disruptions, especially as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil trade passes, has slowed significantly following attacks on vessels.

    This escalation is viewed as a serious development by experts. Torbjorn Soltvedt, a Middle East analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, described the attack as a substantial increase in hostilities, signaling that Iran’s interests are now directly targeted within the Gulf’s energy infrastructure. He warned that this could draw Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf nations closer to U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.

    Saudi Arabia’s critical energy facilities have been previously attacked; notably, in September 2019, drone and missile strikes on the Abqaiq and Khurais plants temporarily halted more than half of the kingdom’s crude output. The Ras Tanura plant was also attacked by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in 2021.

  • Buy Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Bisht’ for $20,000

    Buy Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Bisht’ for $20,000

    Famous Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo recently drew international attention during Saudi Arabia’s “Founding Day” celebrations when he donned a ‘bisht,’ sparking a worldwide surge in demand for the luxurious men’s cloak.

    The captain of Al-Nassr wore a beige ‘bisht’ adorned with gold accents following his team’s match against Al Hazem on Saturday. However, the 4-0 victory for Al-Nassr made history when Ronaldo became the first player to reach 500 goals after turning 30, according to Gulf News.

    Sources report that the 41-year-old started the match with 499 goals since his 30th birthday. Ronaldo scored two goals in the game against Al Hazem, pushing his total to 501.

    You can purchase Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘bisht’ for $20,000

    In celebration, Ronaldo marked the moment in style by wearing the beige ‘bisht’ at the end of the game. He told reporters, “Yeah, I’m very happy,” adding, “As I’ve said many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia. This country has embraced me, my family, and my friends very warmly. I am happy here, and I want to continue my stay.”

    According to 24, the event triggered a significant international buying frenzy, with over 1,000 orders placed just hours into the founding day festivities.

    Ali Al-Ghawas, a traditional bisht craftsman and Saudi Arabia’s representative at Expo 2025 Japan, told Al-Eqtisadiah that Ronaldo’s ‘bisht’ is among the rarest and most valuable, with a style dating back over 50 years. Its value is estimated at 80,000 riyals, approximately $21,000.

    Al-Ghawas mentioned that the website dedicated to bisht production experienced a surge in visitors, leading to a temporary shutdown due to overwhelming interest. He added, “As a result of the high traffic, our team received thousands of inquiries and calls both inside and outside the Kingdom.”

  • Saudi Arabia Finds Ramadan Moon, Fast Starts Feb 18

    Saudi Arabia Finds Ramadan Moon, Fast Starts Feb 18

    The crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan has been observed in Saudi Arabia this evening, which indicates that the first day of fasting will be on February 18.

    This is an ongoing update and more details will be provided as they become available.

  • Erdogan’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Sparks Renewed Bilateral Warmth

    Erdogan’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Sparks Renewed Bilateral Warmth

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday, marking his first visit to the kingdom in over two years, according to Saudi media reports. The improvement in relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia has been gradual, with both nations working together on multiple diplomatic fronts. This includes mutual support for Gaza and backing the new government in Syria following Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow in 2024.

    During his visit, Erdogan is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—his first trip to Saudi Arabia since July 2023. That trip was part of a broader Gulf tour aimed at attracting investments. Official details about the topics of discussion have not been disclosed, but Turkish state-run Anadolu News Agency reported that the talks would focus on deepening bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues. Erdogan is also expected to travel to Cairo on Wednesday.

    The Riyadh meeting comes just days before a potential round of discussions in Turkey between the U.S. and Iran on February 6. An Arab official told AFP that Iran has called for a restart of nuclear negotiations, and Washington has warned of repercussions if an agreement isn’t reached. Erdogan has been positioning himself as a key mediator in efforts to de-escalate tensions between the longtime rivals, striving to facilitate a resolution and prevent open conflict.

  • US Approves Billion-Dollar Arms Deals with Saudi Arabia and Israel

    US Approves Billion-Dollar Arms Deals with Saudi Arabia and Israel

    The U.S. approved a $3.8 billion deal to sell 30 Apache attack helicopters to Israel, which has recently agreed to a tentative ceasefire in Gaza. The State Department emphasized the importance of supporting Israel’s security, stating, “The United States is committed to Israel’s safety, and it is essential for U.S. national interests to help Israel develop and sustain a robust self-defense.” The package also includes a $1.8 billion sale of joint light tactical vehicles.

    These arms sales come amid heightened tensions with Iran. The U.S. also authorized a $9 billion sale of 730 Patriot missile systems to Saudi Arabia, aimed at bolstering regional defense against potential threats. Israel carried out extensive bombing strikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites last year, while Iran faces mounting pressure following massive protests against its government, which has responded with violence resulting in thousands of deaths. Saudi Arabia has exercised caution regarding any potential attack on Iran, as neighboring Gulf nations fear destabilization that could threaten their reputation as financial hubs.

    The Biden administration recent developments have focused on a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, primarily concentrating on disarming Hamas. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 civilians and taking some hostages during the conflict. Since then, Israel’s military response has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,600 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities.

  • Crown Prince: Riyadh Won’t Allow Iran Attacks on Saudi Soil

    Crown Prince: Riyadh Won’t Allow Iran Attacks on Saudi Soil

    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman delivered a speech from his office at the Saudi Green Initiative forum’s opening ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. — Reuters/File

    – Iran’s president, MBS, discuss regional security over a call.
    – Masoud Pezeshkian warns US threats could destabilize the region.
    – Riyadh reiterates its support for dialogue to resolve conflicts.

    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during their phone call on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia will not permit attacks on Iran to originate from its territory.

    The prince “affirmed the kingdom’s stance on respecting Iran’s sovereignty, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia will not allow its airspace or land to be used for any military operations against Iran,” according to an official statement from Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry.

    He also emphasized that Riyadh supports all efforts aimed at resolving disputes through diplomatic means.

    During the conversation, the Iranian president cautioned that US threats against Tehran would only contribute to regional instability. Pezeshkian remarked that “American threats and psychological tactics are aimed at destabilizing the region’s security and will only lead to increased chaos for themselves,” as reported by his office.

    He also told MBS that unity among Islamic nations can ensure long-term security, stability, and peace in the area. The Iranian leader added that Tehran consistently welcomes any international-law-based initiatives that aim to prevent war.

    This phone call coincides with the U.S. announcing a large, multi-day air force exercise in the Middle East. The exercise intends to demonstrate the U.S. military’s capacity to deploy and sustain combat airpower across the region, the U.S. Air Force’s Central Command said. Specific dates and locations have not been disclosed.

    Saudi Arabia has become the second Gulf state after the UAE to publicly declare it will not allow attacks on Iran to be launched from its territory or airspace. On January 26, the UAE foreign ministry reaffirmed that the UAE “has committed to not permitting its airspace, land, or waters to be used for any hostile military operations against Iran.” The UAE hosts thousands of U.S. personnel at Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi and other regional military facilities. The statement emphasized that the best approach to current crises is through dialogue, de-escalation, adherence to international law, and respect for national sovereignty.

    Former U.S. President Donald Trump had repeatedly warned Iran that any crackdown on protesters would prompt U.S. military intervention and encouraged Iranians to seize control of state institutions, claiming “help is on the way.” However, earlier this month, he pulled back from ordering strikes, asserting Tehran had halted executions after pressure from Washington.

    Protests began in Iran in late December, primarily driven by economic issues, with large demonstrations continuing for days starting January 8.

  • Iran’s President Warns US Threats Create Instability for Saudi Crown Prince

    Iran’s President Warns US Threats Create Instability for Saudi Crown Prince

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, warning that U.S. threats aimed at Tehran would only create instability in the region.

    “The threats and psychological operations by the Americans are targeted at destabilizing regional security and will only lead to unrest for them,” Pezeshkian told MBS, according to his office, after a U.S. aircraft carrier arrived in the region.

    Pezeshkian emphasized that unity and cohesion among Islamic countries can ensure long-term security, stability, and peace across the Middle East.

    The Iranian leader also stated that Tehran remains open to any diplomatic efforts, within the bounds of international law, that aim to prevent conflict.

    This phone call comes as the U.S. has announced a multi-day Air Force drill in the Middle East. The move followed the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, significantly increasing American military presence in the area.

    The upcoming exercise is meant to demonstrate the U.S. ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower throughout the region. Specific dates and locations have not been disclosed.

    In Iran, protests erupted in late December over economic issues, escalating into large-scale demonstrations from January 8. Former President Donald Trump repeatedly warned Iran that any violent suppression of protesters could trigger U.S. military intervention and encouraged Iranians to challenge the state, suggesting “help is on the way.” However, he later refrained from ordering strikes, claiming Tehran had halted executions under U.S. pressure.

    Iran has also issued warnings about the consequences if the European Union proceeds with listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Italy’s foreign minister had urged Brussels to move forward with the designation, prompting Iran to respond by summoning Italy’s ambassador and condemning the move as reckless, warning of “destructive consequences” if it goes ahead.

    Rome’s top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, indicated he would propose the idea during an upcoming EU foreign ministers meeting. Iran strongly criticized this stance, with the foreign ministry calling on Italy to reconsider its position.

  • Saudi King Salman Discharged from Hospital After Medical Tests

    Saudi King Salman Discharged from Hospital After Medical Tests

    Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz was discharged from the hospital after undergoing medical tests in Riyadh, according to the Royal Court. The statement described the test results as “reassuring.” The 90-year-old monarch left King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh on Friday following procedures that confirmed his health as stable, a relief given ongoing speculation about his well-being.

    King Salman has been on the throne since 2015, although his son, Mohammed bin Salman, was appointed crown prince in 2017 and now serves as the de facto ruler. The king’s health has rarely been discussed publicly, but he has been hospitalized multiple times over recent years for surgeries and medical evaluations.

    In 2024, the Royal Court reported he battled lung infections but recovered. Back in May 2022, he was hospitalized for a colonoscopy and other tests, staying over a week for additional examinations and rest, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. Earlier that year, he also underwent a successful procedure to replace his pacemaker’s battery, and in 2020, he had his gall bladder removed.

  • Ramadan 2026: Top Series on MBC Shahid

    Ramadan 2026: Top Series on MBC Shahid

    Digital Phablet has announced its lineup of dramas for Ramadan 2026, showcasing a diverse range of Arabic productions that blend social themes, comedy, and suspense. The platform revealed, through media reports, a lineup that includes works from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, Egypt, and the Levant. This season emphasizes variety in storytelling and artistic styles, featuring a notable roster of top-tier stars.

    Ramadan 2026: List of Series on Digital Phablet:

    1. Al-A’sha Street Season Two — a Saudi drama based on the novel Love Affairs of Al-A’sha Street by Badriya Al-Bashar.
    2. Jak Al Elm — a comedy series portraying the life of a Bedouin couple in a humorous light.
    3. Kahilan — follows a young man’s quest for self-awareness amid societal pressures.
    4. Diary of a Married Man — a family-centered drama exploring marital life.
    5. Al-Ghamida — revolves around revealing long-held family secrets.
    6. Ghalat Banat (Girls’ Mistakes) — a comedic take on social issues faced by a group of girls.

    Additionally, the lineup features:

    1. Wa Nanasa Ele Kan — an Egyptian television series starring Yasmin Abdel Aziz.
    2. Al Set Monalisa — charts a woman’s journey of confronting her social environment.
    3. The King — an Egyptian crime and action series featuring Mohamed Adel Imam.
    4. Efraj — another engaging series.
    5. Mr. Sameer — a compelling narrative featuring the titular character.
    6. Baba W Mama Jeran — a family-oriented series.
    7. Bel Haram — starring Lebanese actress Maguy Bou Ghosn.
    8. Momken — featuring Nadine Nassib Njem and Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine.

    Maguy Bou Ghosn is pictured holding the script for her Ramadan 2026 series Bel Haram.

    Digital Phablet continues to deliver compelling content, bringing together renowned actors and fresh storytelling to keep viewers engaged throughout the season.

  • UAE Begins Troop Pullout from Yemen Amid UAE-Saudi Tensions

    UAE Begins Troop Pullout from Yemen Amid UAE-Saudi Tensions

    The UAE’s defense ministry announced on Tuesday that its counterterrorism units in Yemen have voluntarily concluded their mission, according to the state news agency WAM. The decision followed a thorough review of recent events and circumstances. The ministry also posted a statement in Arabic on X (formerly Twitter), citing recent developments and potential risks to the safety and success of its counterterror efforts as reasons for the decision.

    This development comes after a Saudi-led coalition launched an airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, targeting what it described as foreign military support for UAE-backed southern separatists. Additionally, Saudi Arabia called for UAE forces to withdraw from Yemen within 24 hours.

    Since 2015, the UAE participated in the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen. It began withdrawing troops in 2019 but still remains committed to supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government backed by Saudi Arabia. Recently, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) has sought independence for southern Yemen and launched a surprise offensive this month against government forces supported by Saudi Arabia, breaking a long-standing deadlock. The STC claims to have gained broad control over much of the south, prompting warnings from Saudi Arabia against military actions in the eastern province of Hadramout and calls for the group to withdraw its forces.

    This is an evolving story that will be updated as more details become available.

  • Video: Cardi B Sports Hijab During Saudi Arabia Visit

    Video: Cardi B Sports Hijab During Saudi Arabia Visit

    Digital Phablet – Famous American rapper Cardi B recently amazed her followers after a video showed her wearing a hijab while jogging on a treadmill during her latest trip to Saudi Arabia.

    Cardi traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform at the 2025 Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh, sharing the stage with top artists such as Swedish House Mafia, DJ Snake, Tyla, Post Malone, Halsey, and others.

    In the video, the rapper was seen running on a treadmill and cycling on an upright gym bike. She began by greeting with “Assalamualaikum,” to which others responded, “Wa alaikum assalam!”—a greeting commonly used throughout Saudi Arabia and neighboring Arab nations.

    Video: Cardi B wears hijab during her Saudi Arabia trip

    Watch the video on Instagram

    In the clip, Cardi B also promoted her upcoming “Little Miss Drama Tour,” scheduled to continue through 2026.

    She shared another post from inside a shopping mall in Saudi Arabia, featuring a modest outfit, captioning it: “Hello Saudi Arabia … Halal B has arrived.” Both posts attracted millions of likes and nearly 60 million views combined.

    An Instagram user commented under the treadmill video, “Y’all hear that breath control while speaking on a treadmill? Oh yea, she’s ready for the tour,” while another remarked, “One thing about Halal B is she knows how to secure the bag.”

    See the Instagram post here

    Moreover, Cardi B donned another modest look in a Saudi mall, which she shared on her official Instagram account. In her caption, she wrote, “Hello Saudi Arabia … Halal B has arrived.”

    Both posts amassed millions of likes and around 60 million views. Under the treadmill video, a user commented, “You can hear her breath control while running on the treadmill—she’s definitely ready for the tour,” and another added, “One thing about Halal B, she knows how to secure the bag.”

  • Saudi Arabia and Qatar agree on high-speed rail connection

    Saudi Arabia and Qatar agree on high-speed rail connection

    Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to build a high-speed rail connecting their capitals, highlighting a warming of relations between the two Gulf nations once at odds. The “high-speed electric passenger railway” will link Riyadh and Doha, with plans to include the cities of Al-Hofuf and Dammam along the route. The train is expected to reach speeds over 300 km/h (186 mph), making the trip between Riyadh and Doha approximately two hours, compared to about 90 minutes by direct flight.

    The project is scheduled for completion within six years and aims to serve around 10 million passengers annually. The deal was signed during Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s emir, marking a significant step in the recent improvement of Gulf relations.

    Relations between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt with Qatar had been severed in June 2017 but were fully restored in January 2021 after a summit in AlUla. Prince Mohammed’s visit to Doha in December 2021 was the first since the thaw began. Since then, leaders from both countries have met regularly and collaborated on diplomatic efforts, including advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. Riyadh also expressed support for Qatar following Israeli strikes on Doha over the summer.