The unprecedented scale of the Coronavirus pandemic; the sudden fall in oil prices, caused by Riyadh’s incompetent policies, and the looming economic crisis have all resulted in enormous losses for Saudi Arabia’s economy, and dealt a severe blow to its state budget. These developments have also prompted the rest of the world to lose confidence…
Ismail Mahmud left his home in Minya, Egypt and headed for a neighbourhood cafe to write his will. He was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness two years ago and knew his time in this world was short. He had one final wish: to complete the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, but obtaining a visa to do…
The feud between the Saudi-led block and Qatar escalated over the weekend, with Doha protesting to the UN over restrictions on its citizens flying to Mecca, and Riyadh threatening “war” over what it considers calls to “internationalize the holy sites” in Mecca and Medina. Following a meeting Sunday of the so-called Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ) of…
Muslim pilgrims have to wear electronic bracelets made by a British security firm while performing the annual Hajj. G4S security company has reportedly concluded a deal with the government of Saudi Arabia to make and distribute electronic bracelets on millions of pilgrims as a new security measure meant to ‘provide care and identify people’. The…
Iran has slammed Saudi Arabia for poor management of the annual hajj pilgrimage, citing last year’s event that saw hundreds killed. Tehran suggested that Riyadh be replaced as curator, while the Saudis accuse Iran of “politicizing” the sacred tradition. “Because of Saudi rulers’ oppressive behavior towards God’s guests, the world of Islam must fundamentally reconsider…
