Under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic transformation program, the kingdom is building a diversified economy that had the potential to become a 21st century global leader. Watch to know more!

Saudi Vision 2030 Aims To Turn Kingdom Into ‘Reliable, Investible Destination’

The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a massive defense agreement worth nearly $142 billion. The deal is part of agreements in the first phase, which are worth $600 billion. The announcement came during Donald Trump's ongoing visit to West Asia.

US President Donald Trump secures multi-billion dollar deals with Saudi companies

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 13) bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, accusing it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations.&nbsp;
He criticised Iran for tearing down the region and funding bloodshed abroad.&nbsp;
The biggest and most destructive force [in the Middle East] is Iran which has caused unthinkable suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen and beyond,&rdquo; he said during his visit to Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-trumps-presence-at-peace-talks-would-prompt-putin-to-attend-9065417">Zelensky says Trump&rsquo;s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend</a>
<h2>'Offer won't last forever'</h2>
However, he added that he still wants to make a deal with Iran, but the offer won't last forever.&nbsp;
He also warned Iran that if it continues to attack its neighbours, then the US will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure.&nbsp;
"I want to make a deal with Iran. But if Iran&rsquo;s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors then we&rsquo;ll have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure,&rdquo; he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-saudi-crown-prince-sign-major-business-deals-in-riyadh-9065342">Trump, Saudi Crown Prince sign major business deals in Riyadh</a>
He warned to drive Iranian oil exports to zero, adding, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."
&ldquo;The choice is theirs to make,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;This is not an offer that will last forever.&rdquo;
The US president said that he is not just merely condemning the past chaos of Iran's leaders, but offering them a "new path, and a much better path" towards a "more hopeful future".
Trump is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and stressed that this visit marks 80 years of partnership between the two countries, adding that the US-Saudi relationship has been a "bedrock of security and prosperity".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-in-saudi-arabia-meets-crown-prince-mbs-elon-musk-joins-in-for-vip-lunch-9064561">Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, meets Crown Prince MBS; Elon Musk joins in for VIP lunch: See pics here</a>
"Today we take the next steps to make our relationship closer, stronger and more powerful than ever before," Trump said, adding, "It is more powerful than ever before."
The US and Saudi Arabia also made a deal, as Saudis purchased $142 billion worth of American-made military equipment.
"There's no better place to make a future, make a fortune," Trump said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gets-f-15-escort-lavender-carpet-welcome-to-saudi-arabia-9064913">Trump gets &lsquo;lavender&rsquo; carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort</a>

He also warned Iran that if it continues to attack its neighbours, then the US will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure. World

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 13) bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, accusing it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations. He criticised Iran for tearing down the region and funding bloodshed abroad. The biggest and most destructive force [in the Middle East] is Iran which has caused unthinkable suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen and beyond,” he said during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Also read: Zelensky says Trump’s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend 'Offer won't last forever' However, he added that he still wants to make a deal with Iran, but the offer won't last forever. He also warned Iran that if it continues to attack its neighbours, then the US will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure. "I want to make a deal with Iran. But if Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors then we’ll have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure,” he said. Also read: Trump, Saudi Crown Prince sign major business deals in Riyadh He warned to drive Iranian oil exports to zero, adding, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon." “The choice is theirs to make,” he said, adding, “This is not an offer that will last forever.” The US president said that he is not just merely condemning the past chaos of Iran's leaders, but offering them a "new path, and a much better path" towards a "more hopeful future". Trump is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and stressed that this visit marks 80 years of partnership between the two countries, adding that the US-Saudi relationship has been a "bedrock of security and prosperity". Also read: Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, meets Crown Prince MBS; Elon Musk joins in for VIP lunch: See pics here "Today we take the next steps to make our relationship closer, stronger and more powerful than ever before," Trump said, adding, "It is more powerful than ever before." The US and Saudi Arabia also made a deal, as Saudis purchased $142 billion worth of American-made military equipment. "There's no better place to make a future, make a fortune," Trump said. Also read: Trump gets ‘lavender’ carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort

'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering

The US has given the green light for a massive $3.5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, including 1000 advanced AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles. This deal aims to bolster security in the Gulf region, according to the US Defense Department.

US State Department approves $3.5 billion missile sale to Saudi Arabia

According to Pakistan's Daily Dawn newspaper, 4,700 beggars have been deported from Saudi Arabia. Khwaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Defence, stated that there are about 22 million beggars in Pakistan, generating an annual income of at least Rs 42 billion. He expressed concerns that the rising number of beggars is harming the country’s image abroad while addressing members of the Pakistan Ready-Made Garments Manufacturer and Exporters Association in Sialkot.

Saudi Arabia deports nearly 5,000 beggars from Pakistan

Saudi Arabia is making a bold move onto the world film stage with the announcement of five major productions under its new Riyadh-based studios. Turki Alalshikh revealed a high-profile slate of epic films aimed at positioning the kingdom as a global cinema powerhouse. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class ambitions, Saudi Arabia is staking its claim in international filmmaking.

Saudi Arabia unveils global film ambitions with major Riyadh studio launch

Saudi Arabia on Sunday kicked off worldwide Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Watch in the visuals!

Saudi kicks off Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mark end of Ramadan

After 12 hours of negotiations, US-Russia talks on Ukraine ended without a breakthrough. President Zelensky has accused Moscow of making "hollow statements about peace" as Russian missile strikes on Sumy leave 88 injured. With tensions rising, is a resolution still possible, or is the conflict set to escalate further? Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky accuses Moscow of making 'hollow statements about peace

US and Russian officials concluded four hours of Ukraine-related talks in Riyadh, with both sides expressing cautious optimism. Despite no European participation, both nations hailed the discussions as positive and crucial for ongoing diplomacy.

Russia: Talks with US 'positive' after four-hour meeting

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky insists no agreements without Ukrainian consent

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in green innovation, with the country accounting for nearly 75% of West Asia's investment in climate technology startups. This includes a focus on energy solutions, where Saudi Arabia has invested $363 million in climate-friendly energy technologies. Watch in for more details!

Saudi’s Green Tech Promises: Can They Deliver On Desertification?

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salmans slams Israel’s war in Gaza. Mohammed bin Salman condemns Israel’s occupation in Gaza, calling it ‘genocide’. Statement comes as one of the harshest public criticisms of the country by a Saudi official. Watch to know more!

Gaza War: Saudi Crown Prince Condemns Israel’s Occupation In Gaza | WION Originals

Saudi Arabia's top military official arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian officials, state media reported, in a rare high-level meeting since the countries restored ties last year.

Fayyad al-Ruwaili, chief of staff of the Saudi armed forces, met his Iranian counterpart General Mohammad Bagheri at the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff Headquarters&nbsp;in the capital, the official news agency IRNA reported.

"The development of defence diplomacy and the expansion of bilateral cooperation are among the main topics of this meeting," it added.

The Fars news agency said that at the meeting, Bagheri noted increased security cooperation between the two countries.

"We would like the Saudi navy to join Iranian naval exercises next year, either as participants or observers," Fars quoted Bagheri as saying.

In March 2023, Shiite Muslim-dominated Iran and Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia resumed relations under a surprise China-brokered deal.

Tehran and Riyadh had severed ties in 2016 after Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran were attacked during protests over Riyadh's execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

The two countries have long backed opposing sides in conflict zones across the region, notably in Syria and Yemen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-admits-he-okayed-lebanon-pager-blasts-reveals-three-recent-calls-with-trump-on-iran-775056">Netanyahu admits he ‘okayed’ Lebanon pager blasts; talked to Trump thrice</a>

Bagheri had declared Iran's readiness to improve military relations with Saudi Arabia in a phone call with the Saudi defence minister in November 2023, the IRNA reported at the time.

In October, Saudi Arabia announced that it had held war games with Iran and other countries in the Sea of Oman. &nbsp;

Iraqi National Security Adviser Qassem al-Araji was also expected in Tehran to meet senior officials, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Saudi Arabia's top military official arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian officials, state media reported, in a rare high-level meeting since the countries restored ties last year.

Saudi Arabia's top military official arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian officials, state media reported, in a rare high-level meeting since the countries restored ties last year. Fayyad al-Ruwaili, chief of staff of the Saudi armed forces, met his Iranian counterpart General Mohammad Bagheri at the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff Headquarters in the capital, the official news agency IRNA reported. "The development of defence diplomacy and the expansion of bilateral cooperation are among the main topics of this meeting," it added. The Fars news agency said that at the meeting, Bagheri noted increased security cooperation between the two countries. "We would like the Saudi navy to join Iranian naval exercises next year, either as participants or observers," Fars quoted Bagheri as saying. In March 2023, Shiite Muslim-dominated Iran and Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia resumed relations under a surprise China-brokered deal. Tehran and Riyadh had severed ties in 2016 after Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran were attacked during protests over Riyadh's execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. The two countries have long backed opposing sides in conflict zones across the region, notably in Syria and Yemen. Also read: Netanyahu admits he ‘okayed’ Lebanon pager blasts; talked to Trump thrice Bagheri had declared Iran's readiness to improve military relations with Saudi Arabia in a phone call with the Saudi defence minister in November 2023, the IRNA reported at the time. In October, Saudi Arabia announced that it had held war games with Iran and other countries in the Sea of Oman. Iraqi National Security Adviser Qassem al-Araji was also expected in Tehran to meet senior officials, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Saudi military chief visits Iran for rare high-level defence talks

Riyadh air, the new saudi airline set to commence operations in 2025, has announced a significant $1.3 billion credit facility to bolster its financial position as it gears up for launch. The financing agreement, secured with a consortium of eight banks, includes an initial $800 million revolving credit facility and an option for an additional half a billion dollars.

Riyadh Air Secures $1.3 BN Credit Boost

Beneath the clear waters of the Red Sea off Jeddah, a Saudi couple "took the plunge" — exchanging wedding vows in a stunning underwater ceremony.

The couple, Hassan Abu Ola and Yasmine Daftardar, were surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life as they started their new life together in a romantic, unique and unforgettable ceremony.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1805}">First-of-its-kind wedding&nbsp;</h2>

The married couple are avid divers, which is why they chose this surreal setting to start their life together. The underwater celebration, as per Gulf News, was one of the first in Saudi Arabia.

It was orchestrated by the local diving group Saudi Divers, led by Captain Faisal Flemban, and among the wedding guests were a small group of divers. The team not only provided the gear but also surprised the couple with a special underwater festivity.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:279,&quot;w&quot;:720,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1966}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-pledges-1mn-daily-cash-giveaways-to-trump-supporters-as-2024-us-election-battle-heats-up-769071">Musk pledges $1mn daily cash giveaways to Trump supporters as 2024 US Election battle heats up</a>

"It was indeed a surprise," said the groom Hassan in an interview.

"After we geared up, Captain Faisal and the team told us they had planned to celebrate our wedding right there under the sea. It was a beautiful and unforgettable experience."&nbsp;

Fellow divers, also in attendance, cheered and created a one-of-a-kind memorable scene for the couple beneath the waves.

Both experienced divers, Hassan and Yasmine, navigated the ceremony with ease, thanks to the well-prepared Saudi Divers team.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-echoes-trumps-voting-machine-conspiracy-theories-pushes-for-paper-ballots-just-too-easy-to-hack-769131">Elon Musk echoes Trump's voting machine conspiracy theories, pushes for paper ballots: 'Just too easy to hack'</a>

"Alhamdulillah, there were no challenges," Hassan Abu Ola said. "The celebration went smoothly, and everyone was amazed by how unconventional and spectacular it was."

The couple hopes that sharing their underwater wedding will inspire others to explore the diving wonders of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

"This is just one way we can contribute to realizing the vision of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prince of Youth and the visionary leader of our great country."

(With inputs from agencies)

Beneath the clear waters of the Red Sea off Jeddah, a Saudi couple "took the plunge" — exchanging wedding vows in a stunning underwater ceremony. The couple, Hassan Abu Ola and Yasmine Daftardar, were surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life as they started their new life together in a romantic, unique and unforgettable ceremony.

Beneath the clear waters of the Red Sea off Jeddah, a Saudi couple "took the plunge" — exchanging wedding vows in a stunning underwater ceremony. The couple, Hassan Abu Ola and Yasmine Daftardar, were surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life as they started their new life together in a romantic, unique and unforgettable ceremony. First-of-its-kind wedding The married couple are avid divers, which is why they chose this surreal setting to start their life together. The underwater celebration, as per Gulf News, was one of the first in Saudi Arabia. It was orchestrated by the local diving group Saudi Divers, led by Captain Faisal Flemban, and among the wedding guests were a small group of divers. The team not only provided the gear but also surprised the couple with a special underwater festivity. Also read | Musk pledges $1mn daily cash giveaways to Trump supporters as 2024 US Election battle heats up "It was indeed a surprise," said the groom Hassan in an interview. "After we geared up, Captain Faisal and the team told us they had planned to celebrate our wedding right there under the sea. It was a beautiful and unforgettable experience." Fellow divers, also in attendance, cheered and created a one-of-a-kind memorable scene for the couple beneath the waves. Both experienced divers, Hassan and Yasmine, navigated the ceremony with ease, thanks to the well-prepared Saudi Divers team. Also read | Elon Musk echoes Trump's voting machine conspiracy theories, pushes for paper ballots: 'Just too easy to hack' "Alhamdulillah, there were no challenges," Hassan Abu Ola said. "The celebration went smoothly, and everyone was amazed by how unconventional and spectacular it was." The couple hopes that sharing their underwater wedding will inspire others to explore the diving wonders of Saudi Arabia. "This is just one way we can contribute to realizing the vision of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prince of Youth and the visionary leader of our great country." (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi couple takes the plunge with stunning underwater wedding

A Saudi court sentenced a retired teacher to 30 years in jail for criticising the government on social media, less than two months after his death sentence was overturned, his brother said on Tuesday.

A Saudi court sentenced a retired teacher to 30 years in jail for criticising the government on social media, less than two months after his death sentence was overturned, his brother said on Tuesday. The death sentence against Mohammed al-Ghamdi highlighted what critics describe as heightened repression under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Gulf kingdom's de facto ruler. Prince Mohammed addressed the case in an interview with Fox News that aired in September 2023, saying the government was "ashamed" over it and expressing hope the outcome could be changed. Ghamdi's death sentence was overturned on appeal in August. But the appeals court sentenced him to 30 years imprisonment on the same charges, his brother Saeed al-Ghamdi, an Islamic scholar who lives in Britain, told AFP. Mohammed al-Ghamdi had been sentenced to death in July 2023 by the Specialised Criminal Court, which was set up in 2008 to deal with terrorism-related cases. The former teacher, who is in his 50s, was arrested in June 2022. Also read: X reveals first transparency report under Musk; 5 million accounts axed in 2024 The case against him was at least partly built on posts criticising the government and expressing support for "prisoners of conscience" like the jailed religious clerics Salman al-Awda and Awad al-Qarni, his brother has previously said. His account on social media platform X had only nine followers, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights said when his legal troubles came to light last year. The charges he faced included conspiracy against the Saudi leadership, undermining state institutions and supporting terrorist ideology, sources briefed on the details said at the time. "This about-face in judgements testifies to the dramatic state of the kingdom's politicised judicial system," Saeed al-Ghamdi said on X. "My brother is not guilty to be arrested and tried in this way," he added. The Saudi authorities could not immediately be reached for comment. Human Rights Watch and Saeed al-Ghamdi reported last month that another brother, 47-year-old Asaad al-Ghamdi, had been sentenced to 20 years over critical social media posts. There was no word on Tuesday on whether judges would also review Asaad al-Ghamdi's sentence. Under Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia has been pursuing an ambitious reform agenda known as Vision 2030 intended to transform the formerly closed-off kingdom into a global tourism and business destination. However, Saudi authorities continue to take heat for the country's rights record and restrictions on free speech in particular. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Saudi man escapes death penalty, gets 30 years’ jail sentence for criticising government on social media

To diversify its economy away from oil and make it a more appealing location to live, work, and vacation, Saudi Arabia has undertaken $1.3 trillion worth of real estate and infrastructure projects over the last eight years.

Saudi Arabia's vision 2030 in focus

Saudi Arabia will lower the price of its premium oil grade for its primary Asian market for October due to growing fears about falling demand. State-owned Saudi Aramco will sell its Arab light oil to customers in Asia for 1.30 dollars per barrel. That is a cut of 70 cents compared to the regional norm.

Saudi cuts October crude oil price to Asia as demand wanes | World Business Watch | WION

Saudi Arabia has announced new business regulations designed to enhance transparency and attract foreign capital. The updated investment law will provide stronger protections for investors by ensuring the rule of law, fair treatment, and the freedom to transfer funds without delay.

Saudi Arabia eases business regulations, targets $29 bn FDI in 2024

Saudi Aramco is expanding its investments in China as part of a strategic push to transform more of its crude oil into chemicals. This move is set to include additional investments in chemical plants in China this year and next.

Saudi Aramco targets more chemical plants in China

Chinese investors are pouring money into two new Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that track Saudi Arabian shares. This is driven by the demand surge for international assets due to the terrible performance of domestic stocks.

On their debut in Shanghai and Shenzhen on July 16, the Saudi-focused ETFs had a brisk start. Both funds soared over the daily 10 per cent limit on their first two trading days. Managers alerted the exchanges that the company's share price premium above its net asset value had grown too high. This led to their suspension for a portion of July 18.

An explanation for the excitement over the two ETFs could be the strengthening of China's and Saudi Arabia's economic and trade links.

A slew of multi-billion dollar partnerships spanning the tech industry, solar power, and electric cars have been announced in recent months by firms and sovereign funds from both sides.

Nelson Yan, co-chief investment officer at Fosun Wealth International in Hong Kong, said, 'Chinese investors are thirsty for better returns from overseas assets as the yield from China assets is too thin.' Yan added, 'The relationship between China and Saudi Arabia is good, investment-wise, and the geopolitics risk is smaller.'

The bet on Saudi Arabian stocks is hardly the first instance where Chinese investors have become smitten with the stocks of a specific nation. Optimism over ties between the two nations has investors keen to learn more, even though the Saudi market may seem more exotic to Chinese investors than US or Japanese shares.

The two Saudi Arabian Exchange-Traded Funds follow the performance of the FTSE Saudi Arabia index. The index ranks financials, basic commodities, and energy businesses as its top three components.

Three-quarters of the measure is accounted for by Saudi National Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, and Saudi Aramco. Is this a reflection of Saudi being a game changer? Is the kingdom gaining prominence in its new avatar? These themes will be in focus as Saudi transitions away from oil-related activity.

Chinese investors are pouring money into two new Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that track Saudi Arabian shares. This is driven by the demand surge for international assets due to the terrible performance of domestic stocks.

Chinese investors are pouring money into two new Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that track Saudi Arabian shares. This is driven by the demand surge for international assets due to the terrible performance of domestic stocks. On their debut in Shanghai and Shenzhen on July 16, the Saudi-focused ETFs had a brisk start. Both funds soared over the daily 10 per cent limit on their first two trading days. Managers alerted the exchanges that the company's share price premium above its net asset value had grown too high. This led to their suspension for a portion of July 18. An explanation for the excitement over the two ETFs could be the strengthening of China's and Saudi Arabia's economic and trade links. A slew of multi-billion dollar partnerships spanning the tech industry, solar power, and electric cars have been announced in recent months by firms and sovereign funds from both sides. Nelson Yan, co-chief investment officer at Fosun Wealth International in Hong Kong, said, 'Chinese investors are thirsty for better returns from overseas assets as the yield from China assets is too thin.' Yan added, 'The relationship between China and Saudi Arabia is good, investment-wise, and the geopolitics risk is smaller.' The bet on Saudi Arabian stocks is hardly the first instance where Chinese investors have become smitten with the stocks of a specific nation. Optimism over ties between the two nations has investors keen to learn more, even though the Saudi market may seem more exotic to Chinese investors than US or Japanese shares. The two Saudi Arabian Exchange-Traded Funds follow the performance of the FTSE Saudi Arabia index. The index ranks financials, basic commodities, and energy businesses as its top three components. Three-quarters of the measure is accounted for by Saudi National Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, and Saudi Aramco. Is this a reflection of Saudi being a game changer? Is the kingdom gaining prominence in its new avatar? These themes will be in focus as Saudi transitions away from oil-related activity.

'Game-changer' Saudi: Strong market debut for Saudi ETFs in China

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman was received by his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Beijing on Tuesday. A reception was held for Prince Khalid who is on an official visit to the country.

Saudi defence minister meets Chinese counterpart in Beijing; ministers discuss strategic ties

The death toll during the&nbsp;Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia has surpassed 1,000 this year amid scorching heat, AFP reported&nbsp;on Thursday (June 20).

Out of the reported deaths, over half of them were unregistered worshippers who perished due to intense heat while performing the annual rituals in the holy city of Mecca.

The new deaths reported on Thursday (June 20) included 58 from Egypt, as per an Arab diplomat who provided a breakdown that showed out of 658 Egyptians who had lost their lives due to extreme temperatures, 630 were unregistered pilgrims.

The people were searching for their missing relatives and friends as the mercury soared over 50 degrees Celsius in Islam's holiest city on&nbsp;Wednesday (Jun 19).

Earlier on Monday, the temperature in Mecca&nbsp;was recorded at 51.8 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

Every year, almost 1.8 million people from across the world visit Mecca to take part in a mostly outdoor pilgrimage. Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims with the means are advised to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hajj-2024-turkish-pilgrim-undergoes-life-saving-brain-surgery-in-saudi-arabia-732439">Also read: Hajj 2024: Turkish pilgrim undergoes life-saving brain surgery in Saudi Arabia</a>

Saudi Arabian authorities say the temperatures&nbsp;have risen 0.4 degrees each decade in the city, piling more misery on the faithful crowd.

<h2>'68 dead from India'</h2>

At least 68 Indians have perished in the deadly heat conditions in Mecca, reported news agency AFP citing an Asian diplomat.

"Some (died) because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that's what we assume," the diplomat said.

The deaths have also been confirmed by Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia has surpassed 1,000 this year amid scorching heat, AFP reported on Thursday (June 20). Out of the reported deaths, over half of them were unregistered worshippers who perished due to intense heat while performing the annual rituals in the holy city of Mecca.

The death toll during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia has surpassed 1,000 this year amid scorching heat, AFP reported on Thursday (June 20). Out of the reported deaths, over half of them were unregistered worshippers who perished due to intense heat while performing the annual rituals in the holy city of Mecca. The new deaths reported on Thursday (June 20) included 58 from Egypt, as per an Arab diplomat who provided a breakdown that showed out of 658 Egyptians who had lost their lives due to extreme temperatures, 630 were unregistered pilgrims. The people were searching for their missing relatives and friends as the mercury soared over 50 degrees Celsius in Islam's holiest city on Wednesday (Jun 19). Earlier on Monday, the temperature in Mecca was recorded at 51.8 degrees Celsius. Every year, almost 1.8 million people from across the world visit Mecca to take part in a mostly outdoor pilgrimage. Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims with the means are advised to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Also read: Hajj 2024: Turkish pilgrim undergoes life-saving brain surgery in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian authorities say the temperatures have risen 0.4 degrees each decade in the city, piling more misery on the faithful crowd. '68 dead from India' At least 68 Indians have perished in the deadly heat conditions in Mecca, reported news agency AFP citing an Asian diplomat. "Some (died) because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that's what we assume," the diplomat said. The deaths have also been confirmed by Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. (With inputs from agencies)

Hajj pilgrims death: Toll surpasses 1,000 amid day temperature soaring above 50 degrees

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky made an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia the Ukrainian president met the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and held talks focusing on this week's Peace Summit.

Zelensky lands in Saudi Arabia for an unannounced visit; holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince

The United States is anticipated to remove its embargo on the transfer of offensive weaponry to Saudi Arabia, possibly in the upcoming weeks. According to a person familiar with the situation, Washington had already told Saudi Arabia that it was ready to withdraw the restriction.

US set to lift 2021 ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is developing a futuristic city- 'NEOM'. The nation is clearing all obstacles. One of the obstacles is residents on land. Saudi ‘Arabia has approved 'lethal force’ to clear residents from land for a futuristic city.

Saudi Arabian forces to 'kill' residents to clear land for its futuristic city Neom

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud is likely to visit Pakistan in the second week of May, according to reports. This will be the first visit by the Saudi Crown Prince to the country in five years.

Saudi Crown Prince likely to visit Pakistan this month

A historic defence pact that could reshape geopolitics around West Asia is in near completion. Saudi Arabia and the United States are set to be closing in on a landmark defense pact and nuclear artificial intelligence cooperation dubbed as Plan B.

Saudi Arabia-US explore bilateral defence pact

Saudi Arabia’s economy contracted for a third straight quarter, following the kingdom’s decision to cut petroleum production. The non-oil economy, on the other hand, grew at its slowest pace since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Non-oil economy grows at its slowest pace since Covid pandemic

Saudi Arabia's ambitious economic transformation plan, known as vision 2030, remains steadfast despite facing some setbacks. Officials emphasise prioritising initiatives beneficial for both the delayed projects and the economy. The government's focus includes enhancing human capital, increasing female workforce participation,and strengthening institutions to tackle challenges.

Saudi prioritises human capital & women's workforce participation

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken to visit Israel, Jordan - Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine - Biden, Netanyahu review hostage -release talks - Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue - FIR over 'doctored' Amit Shah video

Amit Shah fake video row | Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue

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