Some residents fled in fear after seeing her.

This was after death had earlier been confirmed by Ghana’s consulate in Saudi Arabia, which issued an official death certificate.

Based on this document, her family held Islamic funeral rites shortly after, only to find out later that the confusion was a result of mistaken identity involving two female patients in a Saudi hospital, one travelling on a tourist visa and the other with Ghana’s Hajj delegation.

Officials from the Ghana Hajj Taskforce have since admitted to the error.

According to Alhaji Iddi Sumaila, Director of Administration, when both patients were without their passports, the woman who was still alive was wrongly identified as deceased.

“Usually, when it happens, it is the embassy that takes control, so they issued the certificate. So we knew that one was gone and one was on admission. Mistakenly, we exchanged it,” he said.

Fatima’s family said they were overjoyed but also shocked by the unexpected turn of events.

“I feel happy and sad, because we are still confused about the situation. This is like a wonder,” one relative told local news source Citi News .

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani on Tuesday called on the United Kingdom to support efforts to end the Iran-Israel conflict during a meeting with British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq in Baghdad. According to the Iraqi Parliament’s media office, al-Mashhadani urged London to take a constructive diplomatic role in promoting regional peace and stability, warning against the deepening of tensions. He attributed regional crises in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen to what he termed "the actions of the Israeli entity."

Iraq to launch legal response to Israeli airspace violations

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan met Tuesday to coordinate a legal response to repeated Israeli violations of Iraq’s airspace. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said the talks focused on strengthening coordination among Iraq’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches in light of escalating regional security threats.

Iraq to build five million housing units by 2030

Iraq has awarded contracts for the construction of nearly 1.5 million housing units, with projections reaching five million units by 2030, according to Hassam Al-Khafaji, Chairman of Parliament’s Investment and Development Committee. Khafaji said improved investment laws have attracted more developers to the housing sector. He noted that a significant portion of the projects is concentrated near Baghdad, Basra, and other key regions.

Iraqi parliament urges stronger air defences

Iraq’s Parliament on Tuesday called for immediate upgrades to national air defence systems in response to repeated Israeli violations of Iraqi airspace during military actions against Iran. In a statement after a closed session, lawmakers urged the government to enhance defence capabilities across air, land, and sea, lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations, and uphold national sovereignty. Parliament also endorsed support for Iran and rejected the use of Iraqi territory for cross-border military activity.

Iraq becomes transit Point for Iranian pilgrims

Over 400 Iranian pilgrims arrived in Ayn Tamr, Iraq, on Tuesday after completing Hajj, seeking news from home following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. The pilgrims, who had crossed into Iraq by land after completing their pilgrimage in Mecca, were seen urgently searching for internet connections to contact family members. The scene highlights Iraq’s role as a humanitarian corridor during regional crises and the emotional impact of ongoing Iran-Israel tensions.

According to local reports , the drone shared the vehicle’s location with ground patrols, who quickly moved in and made arrests.

This is part of a strict campaign known as “No Hajj Without a Permit,” aimed at stopping people who try to perform the pilgrimage without the right documents.

Saudi Arabia requires all pilgrims to hold a special Hajj visa issued through official channels.

The Ministry of Interior said that people caught breaking the rules are facing serious penalties.

These include jail time, fines of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals, and deportation for foreign nationals. In some cases, those deported will also be banned from returning to Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.

The government is also asking courts to take away vehicles used to transport illegal pilgrims.

Officials are especially concerned about people who enter Saudi Arabia on visit visas and try to stay behind to join the Hajj.

They are warning that anyone caught performing or trying to perform Hajj without the proper permit could face a fine of up to 20,000 riyals.

The Kingdom says the rules are in place to keep the pilgrimage safe and organised.

It is considered the most wide-reaching programme since the new Hajj rules were introduced.

The new services include multilingual screens placed at important locations, digital tools to help people learn the Qur’an, and mobile apps to explain key parts of the holy book.

Special robots will also be used to guide and support pilgrims in different languages.

Officials say the goal is to improve the spiritual and personal experience for people from all over the world.

The plan also includes new educational and religious support for pilgrims with different cultural and language backgrounds.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, head of religious affairs at the two mosques, said the initiative aims to provide care while staying true to the values of the pilgrimage.

“Our aim is to ensure that pilgrims experience Hajj in accordance with prophetic teachings and with the highest standards of care,” he said .

The plan is part of Saudi Arabia’s continued effort to improve the organisation of Hajj, one of the largest annual gatherings in the world.

Authorities apprehended 20,896 violators during the operation.

Among them, 11,930 were found violating residency laws, 5,649 breached border security regulations, and 3,317 were involved in labour-related offences.

1,374 individuals were caught attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, many of them being Ethiopian nationals (55%) and Yemenis (43%).​

The Ministry of Interior has warned that anyone found facilitating illegal entry, including providing transportation or shelter, could face up to 15 years in prison, fines up to SR1 million (approximately $266,000), and confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offence.​

"We are committed to enforcing our laws to maintain national security and protect our labour market," said a spokesperson from the Ministry.​

The ban includes business visit visas, e-tourist visas, and family visit visas. People from the listed countries who already have valid visas can still travel to Saudi Arabia before April 13, but they must leave by April 29.

The 14 countries affected are India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.

Saudi officials say that many people entered the country last year using the wrong type of visa during Hajj, which led to overcrowding and serious problems.

The new rule is meant to avoid similar issues this year, according to local news reports .

This move follows earlier changes made in February 2025, when Saudi Arabia stopped giving one-year multiple-entry visas to people from the same 14 countries.

At the time, they were only allowed to get single-entry visas for up to 30 days.

Saudi Arabia has also released new dates for Umrah visas. These will be given out from the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah until the 1st of Shawwal every year.

Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca for Hajj, and the large crowds sometimes pose danger, especially for young children.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also said that people going for Hajj for the first time will be given priority this year.

Registration for Hajj 2025 has started, and Saudi citizens and residents can apply through the Nusuk app or an official website by confirming their details and listing any companions. Pilgrims can now also pay for their Hajj packages in three instalments.

Saudi Arabia has also made a big change to its visa rules, local reports say. From February 1, people from 14 countries, including India, will only be able to apply for single-entry visas.

Before this, many people entered Saudi Arabia on multiple-entry visas and performed Hajj without official permission, leading to overcrowding at holy sites.

The new rule affects travellers from several countries including Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has stopped issuing one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits for people from these countries.

Now, they can only get a visa that allows them to stay for 30 days.

This collaboration aims to make the pilgrimage smoother and more efficient, Gulf News reports.

The two organisations have signed an agreement to use data and artificial intelligence (AI) for this project.

Under the project, they will share knowledge, hold workshops, and organise training programs for employees working in the Hajj and Umrah sectors.

This partnership was announced at a Hajj conference in Jeddah.

Last year, around 1.8 million Muslims performed Hajj, with 1.6 million coming from outside Saudi Arabia.

The country is now preparing for the next Hajj season and aims to host 15 million Umrah pilgrims by 2025 as part of its plans to welcome more worshippers to Mecca and Medina, Islam's holiest sites.

This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to modernise services for millions of Muslims visiting the country every year.

This crackdown comes in the wake of a tragic incident during this year’s pilgrimage in June, where around 650 Egyptians were among hundreds of pilgrims who died due to a severe heatwave. Many of the Egyptian victims had travelled to Saudi Arabia without proper Hajj permits. In response, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi formed a task force led by Prime Minister Madbouly to investigate the deaths and the travel companies responsible for facilitating illegal Hajj trips, Ahram reports. 

The ministry’s statement confirmed that the 36 companies had been found guilty of organising illegal Hajj and Umrah trips, allowing citizens to travel on non-Hajj visas, directly violating Saudi regulations.

In line with Article 21 of the Egyptian Hajj Regulation Law, companies found guilty of violating these provisions face financial penalties ranging from EGP 1 to 3 million (approximately $32,000 to $97,000).

The ministry emphasised its commitment to enforcing legal measures against companies that fail to comply with regulations, urging citizens to book their Hajj trips only through licensed agencies.

The Health Minister's statement mandates that all international travellers must complete identification forms at airports upon arrival.

Airport testing is being reinstated, with an immediate focus on those returning from the Mecca pilgrimage .

Previously established protocols during the height of COVID-19 are being reactivated. These include mandatory mask-wearing for individuals with flu-like symptoms, strict hand hygiene practices, and frequent disinfection of shared spaces.

The government has affirmed its preparedness to identify cases and provide complimentary healthcare services nationwide.

Cameroon's first Covid-19 case was reported in March 2020. The Ministry of Public Health has recorded 1,974 deaths due to the pandemic, with over 120,000 cases confirmed in the country.

Saudi Arabia is poised to boost its solar energy capacity by 5,500 megawatts, having inked three pivotal agreements through its main purchasing entity. The agreements, aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy sources, were cemented by the Saudi Power Procurement Co., which secured power purchase contracts for three novel solar photovoltaic initiatives alongside ACWA Power Co., Badeel—owned by the Public Investment Fund—and Aramco Power. According to Arab News , this development is in line with the National Renewable Energy Programme's goal to fulfil the Kingdom's ambition of deriving 50 of its energy from renewable sources by the decade's end, thereby diminishing reliance on liquid fuels and contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030's energy sector goals.

Hajj services praised

India's envoy to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, has commended the Kingdom for the exceptional services rendered to pilgrims in the current Hajj season. Having participated in the Hajj himself and assisted Indian pilgrims, Khan expressed to Arab News his appreciation for the support provided during the pilgrimage, reports Arab News. “We work closely with the Saudi Health Ministry and other authorities to provide our pilgrims the best medical services. We are thankful for all the cooperation we receive from the Saudi authorities in this regard. Saudi authorities are also deploying huge resources in helping the pilgrims of all nationalities with medical emergencies and other medical issues,” he said.

Saudi pavilion inaugurated

On Wednesday, June 26, Saudi Arabia proudly unveiled its pavilion, taking centre stage as the guest of honour at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair, scheduled for June 26-30, as per the Saudi Press Agency. The event, hosted at the Convention and Exhibition Complex in southern Seoul, marks the 66th iteration of the SIBF and is a tribute to Saudi culture. As reported by Arab News , the Kingdom's pavilion is set to showcase the diverse elements of its cultural legacy. An immersive experience, orchestrated by the Ministry of Culture's Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission and supported by various authorities and commissions, will present the richness of Saudi cultural facets to the attendees.

Efforts to eradicate drug-trafficking

Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to eradicate drug use and crack down on the trafficking and funding of illegal drugs. Colonel Omar bin Aida Al-Talhi, Commander of the National Center for Security Operations, stated that the initiative's objective is to "eradicate" drug use and "safeguard society and its younger members from their impact." This declaration was made in alignment with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the UN in 1987 and observed every year on June 26, reports Arab News . World Anti-Drug Day, as the event is commonly known, was “an important day that emphasizes the harm of drugs and their impact on nations, societies and individuals, which requires fighting them in various ways and taking the initiative to report smugglers and dealers,” Al-Talhi said.

Renewable energy project

Saudi Arabia has launched a major geographical survey to identify suitable sites for renewable energy projects across the country. The project is part of the National Renewable Energy Programme and will cover all regions of Saudi Arabia, excluding populated and airspace-restricted areas and dunes. The survey will involve the installation of 1,200 stations to measure solar and wind energy and will use artificial intelligence systems to assess and rank sites for suitability. The aim is to tender new renewables projects with a capacity of 20GW annually starting from 2024, to reach between 100GW and 130GW by 2030. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia revealed the qualified bidders for the fifth round of 3.7GW solar projects under the National Renewable Energy Programme, according to PV Tech .

This year's Hajj pilgrimage was marred by extreme heat, with temperatures soaring beyond 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in over 1,300 fatalities .

A tally Senegal’s Health Minister, Ibrahima Sy, suspects that respiratory syndromes such as COVID-19 may have contributed to the death toll.

"Initially, we thought it was related to heatwaves because the temperature was excessively high, but we realised that there is a respiratory syndrome with the cases of death," Sy said.

"We told ourselves that, probably, there is a respiratory epidemic, and it was our duty to be able to monitor the pilgrims on their return by putting in place a screening system for everything COVID-19 related," he added.

In response, the Senegalese health ministry has tightened its health surveillance system by deploying a team at the airport to provide voluntary screening tests and identify pilgrims suffering from flu-like illnesses.

More than 1.8 million Muslims participated in this year's Hajj pilgrimage, including 12,000 pilgrims from Senegal.

53 Tunisian pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia during Hajj 2024, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). the ministry said the Tunisian Consulate General in Jeddah continues to closely monitor the situation of Tunisian pilgrims in coordination with the Tunisian Embassy in Riyadh, the Tunisian Medical Mission, and the Société des services nationaux et des residences.

Deceased Hajj pilgrims found

A group of missing Tunisian pilgrims have been found . The Consulate General of Tunisia in Jeddah managed, in collaboration with the Tunisian Embassy in Riyadh, the Tunisian medical delegation and the Company of National Services and Stays, to find missing Tunisian pilgrims.

Religious Affairs minister sacked

Tunisian president sacked the Religious Affairs Minister after the death of at least 49 Tunisian pilgrims during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The presidency did not provide a reason for the minister's firing, but it coincided with the pilgrims' deaths. A.A.com reports that The minister was criticized for posting photos of himself performing the Hajj while the deaths were reported.

Border reopening

Libya has postponed the reopening of the Ras Jedir border crossing with Tunisia, impacting trade between the two countries. The closure is due to tensions between Amazigh tribes and the Libyan government. The closure will have serious economic effects on both countries. Relations between Libya and Tunisia are strained, with unresolved issues dating back to 2011. According to The New Arab , the closure has also led to protests by Amazigh tribes against Tripoli's treatment of their community.

Handball

The Tunisian handball team defeated Iran 26-23 at the 2024 President's Cup in North Macedonia. Fatemeh Merikh was named Player of the Match, Mehr News Agency reports.

The trial featured EHang’s EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the world’s first licensed autonomous air taxi.

"With the support of GACA and our partner Front End, we've successfully completed the debut flight of our EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Saudi Arabia! This marks a significant milestone in EHang's ongoing internationalization and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAM reform. Our flight footprint has now expanded to 16 countries!" EHang announced in a statement.

EHang collaborated with Front End Limited Company (Front End), a Saudi-based enterprise specialising in advanced solutions across various industries, to secure approval for its first eVTOL model in the Saudi market.

Saudi officials reported that over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims had arrived in the country by June 11, with the Hajj pilgrimage taking place from June 14 to June 19.

Majid Alghaslan, chairman and CEO of Front End, emphasised that this initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 national programme to foster a “Connected Kingdom” and position Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovative transportation solutions in the Middle East.

In line with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is set to open the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh in the next seven years. The airport, which is anticipated to become one of the biggest airports in the world will be powered by renewable energy, aims to accommodate up to 120 million travellers by 2030 and 185 million travellers by 2050, with the capacity to process 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually.

A Nigerian party leader has died in the Hajj heatwave, along with over 1,000 other pilgrims. The veteran politician, Alhaja Ramota Bankole, was a respected member of the ruling All Progressives Congress party. Her death has sparked grief and condolences from top Nigerian officials. The Hajj pilgrimage has seen over 1,000 deaths this year, with some countries reporting fatalities. The pilgrimage is increasingly affected by climate change, with rising temperatures leading to heat-related illnesses, The New Arab reports.

Sale of old presidential jets

The Nigerian government has appointed a US broker to sell ageing presidential jets to purchase new ones. Debate over the purchase of new planes triggered by concerns over safety and economic hardship. Officials aim to use proceeds from sales to fund new aircraft, The Cable reports.

British Airways encounters technical fault

British Airways grounded its aircraft in Lagos due to a technical fault but apologised to passengers. The airline will cover accommodation and meal costs for affected passengers and re-accommodated most on other flights. According to Premium Times , some passengers were endorsed by other carriers. The flight was rescheduled and later cancelled due to technical issues.

Poor prison conditions

Nigeria's government has denied poor prison conditions for Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, emphasising his access to healthcare and legal proceedings. US lawmakers have called for his release, citing his background in fighting money laundering, according to the Cointelegraph . US enforcement agencies are cracking down on crypto-related crime.

Rising cholera cases

Lagos has seen an increase in cholera cases, with 423 suspected cases and 24 deaths. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 40 cholera-related deaths. Punch reports that the government is actively engaged in contact tracing, sample testing, and treatment. Ogun and Kano states have also reported outbreaks. Cholera is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

A total of 1,081 deaths from 10 different countries have been reported during the pilgrimage. This year’s hajj took place during the harsh Saudi summer, with the National Meteorological Centre recording a high of 51.8°C (125°F) at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

A Saudi study published in April noted that temperatures in the region have been rising by 0.4°C each decade.

Despite Saudi authorities clearing hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca this month, many still participated in the main rites, which began on June 14. These unregistered pilgrims were more vulnerable, as they lacked access to air-conditioned spaces provided for the 1.8 million authorised pilgrims.

“People were tired after being chased by security forces before Arafat day. They were exhausted,” an Arab diplomat said . The diplomat added that heat, combined with high blood pressure and other health issues, was the main cause of death among Egyptian pilgrims.

Egyptian officials have been visiting hospitals to gather information and assist their citizens in receiving medical care. The foreign ministry stated on June 20, “There are large numbers of Egyptian citizens who are not registered in hajj databases, which requires double the effort and a longer time to search for missing persons and find their relatives.”

 President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi has ordered a crisis team, led by the prime minister, to follow up on the deaths and coordinate with Saudi authorities to facilitate the return of the deceased's bodies.

Pakistan and Indonesia also reported more deaths during the same period. Pakistan, with about 150,000 pilgrims, recorded 58 deaths. “Given the number of people and the weather, this is just natural,” a diplomat said .

Indonesia, which had about 240,000 pilgrims, reported 183 deaths, compared to 313 last year. Other countries confirming deaths include Malaysia, India, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, Sudan, and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region. Many authorities have not specified the causes of these deaths.

The hajj timing shifts back about 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar, so next year it will occur earlier in June, potentially bringing cooler conditions.

 A 2019 study by Geophysical Research Letters warned that due to the climate crisis, heat stress for hajj pilgrims would exceed the “extreme danger threshold” from 2047 to 2052 and 2079 to 2086, with increasing frequency and intensity as the century progresses.

Saudi Arabia has risen to 16th place in the World Competitiveness Index 2024, thanks to its economic diversification efforts, government efficiency, and business-friendly environment. The country's Vision 2030 programme has contributed to this growth. The report, from the International Institute for Management Development, ranked Saudi Arabia higher than G20 peers like India, the UK, Japan, Italy, Argentina, Indonesia, Brazil, and Turkiye. Saudi Arabia also ranked first in cybersecurity, long-term employment growth, long-term labour market growth, internet usage per thousand people, business efficiency, stock market capitalisation, and digital transformation, Arab News reports.

Heat kills Jordanians during Hajj pilgrimage

Fourteen Jordanians have died during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with six due to heat stroke. The Saudi health ministry warned of soaring temperatures and advised pilgrims to stay hydrated. The Jordanian foreign ministry is coordinating with Saudi authorities on burying or transporting the deceased according to their family's wishes. The Hajj is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world.

End of Petrodollar deal with US

Saudi Arabia has decided not to extend its petrodollar agreement with the United States after its expiration on June 9, 2024. According to experts , this might lessen the US currency's hegemony by enabling Saudi Arabia to sell oil in currencies other than the US dollar. The agreement was established in 1974 allowing Saudi Arabia to sell oil exclusively in US dollars in exchange for military aid, equipment, and protection.

Neuroradiology saves female Iraqi pilgrim

A female Iraqi pilgrim suffered a stroke in Saudi Arabia, causing her to lose the right side of her body. She was treated at King Abdullah Medical City, part of the Makkah Health Cluster in western Saudi Arabia, where a thrombus was removed, according to Arab News . An interdisciplinary medical team, including an emergency doctor, neurologist, and radiologist, performed rapid procedures to restore her blood supply to the brain.

Criticism of new mega-city

Saudi Arabia's futuristic Neom megacity, The Line, has faced criticism for its environmental impact, practicality, and utility. The project, which includes two parallel mirrored skyscrapers, has been criticised for its sheer cost and lack of sustainability. The Line, along with other plans, includes an octagonal floating city, a luxury island resort, and a ski and adventure mountain range. The project's scale has been reduced to fewer than 300,000 people by 2030, and its costs have also raised concerns.

The authority has equipped fourteen entry points across the country, including airports, seaports, and land borders, with the necessary technical infrastructure.

The SDAIA is also supporting the Makkah Route Initiative by partnering with various government bodies to implement the program in seven countries worldwide, Arab News reports.

A national technical team from SDAIA is ensuring smooth communication and service in key regions such as Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province. They are providing technical support at various entry points, including major airports like King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

A round-the-clock technical support center has also been set up to address issues and ensure smooth operations during Hajj. Mobile technical kits and preventive maintenance on workstations and network devices are in place to ensure swift responses to any problems.

The authority has introduced biometric capture and registration stations at border points, training personnel on the new systems. They have also developed mobile devices for identity verification and platforms to manage crowd sizes at Hajj sites, ensuring a safer experience for pilgrims.

Pilgrims can now use the Tawakkalna app for various services, including managing entry permits, accessing the digital Qur’an, and using the Rescue Me service.

The program aims at using these technologies to help make the Hajj process more efficient and user-friendly.

SDAIA operates in 78 locations at holy sites, providing systems and technical products while integrating with other government agencies to ensure that pilgrims’ data is available before their arrival and to reduce the time needed for entry registration.

  What they said

Some pilgrims expressed joy about the Hajj experience and the ritual circuit walking seven times around the Kaaba. “I was relieved when I arrived at the Al-Masjid Al-Haram and saw the Kaaba,” said a Moroccan pilgrim Rabeia Al-Raghi who came to Makkah for Hajj along with her husband and their daughter. “I am very happy.”

An Indonesian influencer was detained in Saudi Arabia for selling illegal Hajj packages using visit visas to Mecca. According to Jakarta Globe , Saudi authorities are also investigating other social media accounts involved in the same. The Indonesian Consul General in Jeddah is focused on helping the victims who had already paid for the illegal Hajj visas.

Heat waves during Hajj

Hajj pilgrims in Makkah have been advised to take precautions against extreme heat, as temperatures during the pilgrimage can reach up to 48 degrees Celsius. The elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable. Arabnews reports that pilgrims have been cautioned about the need to stay hydrated, cool, and vaccinated to protect against heat-related illnesses and strengthen the immune system. The Saudi government and Hajj authorities have implemented measures to accommodate the needs of pilgrims, including expanding medical facilities and shortening Friday sermons and prayers to alleviate the difficulties of worshippers during the Hajj season.

G7 Summit

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is among at least 13 heads of state invited to the G7 summit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This reflects Italy's desire to broaden the horizons of the G7. The guest list also includes leaders from India, South Africa, Brazil, and other countries. The summit will focus on issues such as the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine's conflict with Russia, and the risks and opportunities posed by Artificial Intelligence. Italy hopes to bolster consensus on critical issues and draw attention to the problems of the Global South, especially Africa. According to the Middle East Monitor , the summit will also provide opportunities for bilateral meetings between leaders.

Worker remittances

Pakistan received a record $3.2 billion in worker remittances in May, with Saudi Arabia being the top contributor. Remittances play a vital role in supporting the country's economy and stabilising its currency. Arabnews reports that the increase in remittances is attributed to stability in the Pakistani currency and expectations of a new IMF program.

Saudi Girl Scout volunteers

Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association has enlisted 220 members from the Saudi Girl Scout Committee to assist pilgrims during the Hajj season in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites. The organisation is committed to increasing the participation of girl scouts and empowering young girls through volunteer work. Princess Sama bint Faisal bin Abdullah, chairwoman of the Saudi Girl Scout Committee, has been instrumental in ensuring the presence of girl scouts in diverse volunteer activities. The initiative reflects the commitment to empower and support Saudi girls and enable them to contribute meaningfully to society, Saudi Gazette reports.