هاجمت قوات الجيش واللجان الشعبية اليوم مواقع مرتزقة العدوان السعودي بمنطقة الصفراء بمديرية عسيلان بشبوة....

اليمن (العالم) 2017/8/24- إرتفعت حصيلة المجزرة السعودية في مدينة أرحب قرب العاصمة اليمنية صنعاء إلى 51 شهيداً وعشرات الجرحى....

اليمن (العالم) 2017/8/24- إرتفعت حصيلة المجزرة السعودية في مدينة أرحب قرب العاصمة اليمنية صنعاء إلى 51 شهيداً وعشرات الجرحى....

انطلقت حملة «لانشتري السلع السعودية» بين الحجاج الإيرانيين المتوجهين الى السعودية في مطار الامام الخميني (رض) الدولي في طهران....

ارتفع عدد شهداء غارات طيران العدوان السعودي على فندق بمنطقة أرحب والنقاط الأمنية حول العاصمة اليمنية صنعاء، فجر اليوم الأربعاء، إلى 41 شهيدا وعشرات الجرحى، فيما يواصل الطيران قصف العاصمة....

كشفت وزارة الداخلية بالكويت، اليوم الأربعاء عن انتحار نزيل سعودي الجنسية بالسجن المركزي، داخل زنزانته باستخدام الزي الذي يرتديه....

تحقق نيابة الإسكندرية في واقعة ضبط رجل أعمال أثناء محاولة تهريب مجموعة من القطع والمقتنيات المشتبه في أثريتها، وذلك بالمخالفة لقانون حماية الآثار....

Author: SYED SALAHUDDINWed, 2017-08-23 03:00ID: 1503441719617869600KABUL: The fervor of visiting Islam’s holiest site, Makkah, never dies in the heart of Afghan Muslims. With conflict, a humanitarian crisis and poverty gripping Afghanistan, Afghans say pilgrims should avoid frequent Hajj. Bound by local customs and traditions in Afghanistan, Hajjis throw lavish food parties and offer gifts upon their return home, increasing the cost threefold in comparison to the average expense estimated $2,500 per person. Afghanistan’s annual quota for Hajj is 30,000. According to locals, thousands make repeated trips to Makkah every year. Fearing social criticism for failing to abide by local traditions, some Afghans who can afford Hajj, will not fulfill the pilgrimage, because they are not rich enough to host food parties and provide gifts — sometimes expensive watches and even gold. Now, some Afghans are pushing for an end to this practice which is abhorred in Islam as well. They say while Afghans rely on international aid, millions of people are jobless, and over 1.2 million of the country’s population is internally displaced due to the long war, repeated Hajj is unnecessary. “Those who go for second, third or fourth visits on Hajj, without any religious justification, need to know that they are committing a mistake, or if I can say, a big sin,” Fazl Ahmad, a resident of the western province of Herat, while waiting for his Hajj paperwork, told Arab News in Kabul. “We have launched a campaign in our neighborhood and in the mosques to tell people that God would be far more pleased with us if we give the money for repeated Hajj trips instead to the poor and needy.” His trip mates, consisting of elderly men, said a nationwide and even global public awareness campaign should be launched to both make pilgrims avoid non-religious post-Hajj expenses and repeated pilgrimages. The novel campaign in Herat is even included in satire and in local poetry, says Abdul Wahab, who sports a salt-and-pepper trimmed beard. “God is in the heart of the poor who lives in the neighborhood of the would-be Hajji, and the Hajji for gaining God’s consent travels to Saudi Arabia,” he recalled part of the satire to Arab News. Due to the enthusiasm and eagerness of worshippers to visit the holiest site for Muslims, tens of thousands of Afghans have to wait for up to eight years for their turn, according to officials. They need to deposit at least $500 dollars in a private bank account, which will keep the money until the lucky day of the would-be visitor approaches. Sayed Masood, who is in charge of the national TV’s Islamic education department, said the deposited amount could reach up to tens of millions of dollars. “This is a serious problem and it is a serious question for me as to what happens to the money that is deposited in the bank. I, very much think that they [the bank] run business on this. It is an issue that needs to be probed.” Pilgrims said they knew about the accumulation of money, but did not know who was benefiting from the cash in the bank. Ishaq Arab, a spokesman for Ministry of Hajj and Religious Trust, confirmed the accumulation, but did not share further details as to what happens with the millions of dollars kept for years in the bank. “The money is deposited in the bank and will be given back to the heirs of a deceased,” he said in a short interview over the phone before terminating the connection, saying he has no time because of his engagement in dispatching Hajjis. Masood, who has been to Makkah in the past and covered various annual pilgrimages for the media, said bribery, nepotism and patronage would ease the process of sending a Hajji from Afghanistan. But he says: “Unlike past years, Afghan pilgrims now have access to better accommodations, transport and other facilities.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Hajj 2017Afghanistanrelated_nodes: Saudi Arabia continues to welcome Yemeni HajjisSaudi Education Ministry launches kindergartens for pilgrims’ children during HajjNo special conditions placed on Iran resuming participation in Hajj: Makkah governor

Author: ARAB NEWSWed, 2017-08-23 03:00ID: 1503441719577869300NAJRAN: The Wadiha border crossing in the Shahara district of Najran continues its 24-hour ongoing work of receiving Yemeni pilgrims to perform their Hajj in ease and peace, following instructions from the Kingdom’s leadership, and under the supervision of Najran Gov. Prince Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz. Their entry is being facilitated through biometric passports and an accelerated signing and stamping procedure to let the pilgrims pass without delay. The General Directorate of Medical Services in Najran is offering all medical services to pilgrims, including vaccines, medicines, necessary prevention services and educational brochures on hygiene and health care practices during Hajj. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA), along with 11 ambulatory assistance centers situated on the way of the pilgrims, is fully prepared and ready to assist pilgrims with all medical services and ambulances. Yemeni pilgrims expressed their gratitude for the Kingdom’s efforts, services and projects, and praised its role in assisting the Yemeni people so they can perform their Hajj. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Hajj 2017Yemenrelated_nodes: Afghans call repeated Hajj an extravagance in war-torn countrySaudi Education Ministry launches kindergartens for pilgrims’ children during Hajj700 chefs ready to cater for pilgrims during Hajj

Author: ARAB NEWSWed, 2017-08-23 03:00ID: 1503441719567869000TABUK: The scout camp of the Tabuk Directorate of Education serves the elderly and pilgrims with special needs at the Halat Ammar crossing in Tabuk by providing wheelchairs to facilitate the movements of these Hajjis. The deputy general supervisor of the camp, Abdullah Al-Harthi, said that the scout camp has been fully equipped with all requirements, and noted that all leaders and scouts in the camp offer their best services to pilgrims in line with the government’s expectations. Al-Harthi noted that 55 scouts and their leaders are taking part in the camp in shifts, and that their services include receiving pilgrims, presenting them with gifts, helping the elderly, as well as helping security and passport personnel. More than 25 government bodies continue their work around the clock at the pilgrims’ city at the crossing, with the help of an integrated service system and full coordination among different departments. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Hajj 2017tabukrelated_nodes: No special conditions placed on Iran resuming participation in Hajj: Makkah governorAfghans call repeated Hajj an extravagance in war-torn country700 chefs ready to cater for pilgrims during Hajj

Author: RODOLFO C. ESTIMO JR.Wed, 2017-08-23 03:00ID: 1503441719547868700RIYADH: The Ministry of Education has launched seasonal kindergartens in Makkah and Madinah for the benefit of pilgrims who take their children to the holy places, local media reported. The kindergartens will serve as safe educational institutions that take care of children between the ages of one and six, and protect them from overcrowding, possible loss and infection. The opening of kindergartens will be subject to licensing requirements approved by the ministry. The children will be under kindergarten supervisors who are experts in special education and security, and who will be in charge of technical and administrative supervision to ensure the safety of the children. The ministry explained that the curriculum applied in preschools and seasonal kindergartens are derived from the self-education curriculum followed in the field of education. The ministry provides preschools and seasonal nurseries with medical clinics in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. Medical care will be provided for children through health specialists throughout the child’s stay at the educational facility. In its program, the ministry will provide transport services for mothers with their children, and female employees to facilitate their transportation to and from the nurseries. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: SaudiHajj 2017MakkahMadinahrelated_nodes: Afghans call repeated Hajj an extravagance in war-torn country

Author: TARIQ AL-THAGAFIWed, 2017-08-23 03:00ID: 1503441712187862200MAKKAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal stressed that there are no special Saudi conditions placed on Iran to resume its participation in Hajj, insisting there are just special conditions for the organization of Hajj for all pilgrims. He added that all pilgrims receive equal treatment as guests of God who should be served in the same way. Prince Khaled also affirmed, during his visits to many finished projects in the sacred sites yesterday, that the expected number of pilgrims this year is over two million, 11 percent more than last year, and the number of pilgrims who actually arrived as of 5:30 p.m. yesterday reached 1.207 million. The number of Qatari pilgrims who arrived so far was 434, all through Salwa border crossing, he added. Prince Khaled said that Makkah Development Authority has accomplished 14 projects at the sacred sites with a total cost of SR300 million ($79.9 million). These projects, he added, were recommended by people who worked on the ground in previous Hajj seasons, it is hoped that the projects will improve the movement of pilgrims, transportation, and security this year. Prince Khaled also declared that the Ministry of Finance has established a shelter center in Arafat for emergency situations and accidents. The capacity of the shelter center is about 6,000 pilgrims, and there are other centers in Muzdalifah and Mina, which can take up to 30,000 pilgrims. Moreover, Prince Khaled said that the waste treatment plant in Almuaisem is capable of processing 9,000 tons of animal waste and transforming them into organic fertilizer. Prince Khaled noted that there is a prepared project for the development of the sacred sites. The project is in its final touches at the Ministry of Hajj at the moment and will be executed as soon as possible. Prince Khaled expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the crown prince and the government authorities for their continuous support. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Hajj 2017related_nodes: Saudi Education Ministry launches kindergartens for pilgrims’ children during HajjAfghans call repeated Hajj an extravagance in war-torn countryHajj minister to open grand symposium

أعلن الأمير خالد الفيصل، مستشار الملك السعودي، أمير منطقة مكة المكرمة رئيس لجنة الحج المركزية، أن عدد الحجاج القطريين الذين عبروا منفذ سلوى بلغ 443 حاجا....

یزور الحجاج الاماکن المقدسة فی المدینة المنورة بما فیها مسجد قباء ومسجد ذو القبلتین وقبر حمزة و کذلک مرقد شهداء غزوة احد علی جبل احد....

شن جوليان أسانج، مؤسس موقع ويكيليكس، هجوما حادا على قناة «العربية»، المدعومة من الحكومة السعودية....

أعلنت المحكمة العليا في السعودية، امس الاثنين، أنه تعذر رؤية هلال ذي الحجة ليلة امس....

نشر المعارض السعودي المعروف غانم الدوسري، مقطعا مصورا لشخص (لم يحدد هويته) يبعث برسالة للملك سلمان وآل سعود....

متقمصا شخصية المستشار بالديوان الملكي السعودي، سعود القحطاني، شن وزير الخارجية البحريني خالد بن أحمد آل خليفة هجوما عنيفا على دولة قطر ولكن هذه المرة ليس دفاعا عن البحرين بل دفاعا عن السعودية ليثبت اللقب المطلق على مملكته باعتبارها “مملكة الريتويت”....

تداول مستخدمون لشبكات التواصل الاجتماعي بشكل واسع مقطع فيديو يرصد امرأة تقود سيارة جيب «لكزس»، وهي مرتدية زي رجل، ما اثار جدلاً عارماً....

تداول رواد موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “تويتر” ، لحظة نشوب مضاربة عنيفة بالعصي بين هنود وباكستانيين في جدة....

تداول ناشطون بموقع المقاطع المصورة الشهير “يوتيوب”، فيديو صادم قالوا إنه لامرأتين سعوديتين وقع بينهم شجار عنيف جدا وتشابك بالأيدي، أثناء خلافهم على أولوية “الشحاذة” بالمنطقة المقيمين فيها....

أعلنت السعودية الأحد انها لم تتمكن حتى الآن من تسيير طائرات لنقل الحجاج القطريين من الدوحة إلى مكة المكرمة....

تداول نشطاء بمواقع التواصل الاجتماعي اليوم الأحد مقطع فيديو «صادمًا» لسائق «لكزس» يعطي مفاتيح سيارته لفتاة مخمورة....

نشر ناشطون سعوديون، مقاطع فيديو، في ساحات «التفحيط» بالسعودية، بوضعيات وصفوها بالمخلّة....

Author: ARAB NEWSSun, 2017-08-20 03:00ID: 1503174219476273000NEW YORK: Adviser to the Royal Court and general supervisor of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (KSRelief), Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, on Friday met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the World Humanitarian Day Conference 2017. The Saudi ambassador to the UN, Abdullah bin Yahya Al-Muallami, also attended the meeting. Al-Rabeeah stressed the Kingdom’s humanitarian role, represented by KSRelief, in crises worldwide. The meeting explored efforts exerted in Yemen by KSRelief, which has implemented 101 projects for children covering food, health, nutrition, education, and social and health rehabilitation at a cost of $260 million, he said. The meeting also discussed humanitarian and relief work, as well as cooperation and partnership between KSRelief and UN organizations. Addressing the conference, Al-Rabeeah urged the international community to attach great importance to protecting humanitarian and relief workers, as well as beneficiaries of their services. “We extend our deep thanks and appreciation to humanitarian workers and volunteers around the world, irrespective of their religious and racial differences,” he said. He said support and finance to any individual, group or state for any form of violence or terror against innocent citizens or relief and humanitarian workers is considered a despicable act and a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law. “We have to exert maximum effort to safeguard the lives of relief workers and those receiving humanitarian and relief assistance.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: KSReliefYemenYemen WarKing Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aidrelated_nodes: KSRelief’s efforts against cholera in Yemen laudedKSRelief implements 218 projects worth $748m for YemenisKSRelief aid to Yemen reaches SR2.3bn

Author: ARAB NEWSSun, 2017-08-20 03:00ID: 1503174219426272400RIYADH: During the last three years, 3.18 million visas were issued for domestic workers, 35 percent of which were issued for Filipinos and Indians, Aleqtesadiyah newspaper reported. The number of visas issued in 2016 increased by 15 percent to 1,173,500, against 995,930 in 2015 and 847,927 in 2014, according to a report by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. Riyadh had the highest rate of visa issuance in the last three years at 25 percent. The ministry said domestic workers will be transferred to other homes if their employer does not pay their salaries for three months for no valid reason. The ministry urged people not to get involved in ads selling or leasing the services of domestic workers on social media by unlicensed authorities or individuals. It said it is monitoring such violations and transferring them to competent authorities for punishment. The ministry called on social media to abide by regulations prohibiting these ads. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi maidsJawazatJeddahHousemaidsrelated_nodes: Saudi Arabia repatriates 1,392 domestic workersDomestic workers can transfer sponsorship if salary is delayed for 3 monthsSaudi Labor Ministry launches plan for bank accounts for domestic workers

Author: RODOLFO C. ESTIMO JR.Sun, 2017-08-20 03:00ID: 1503174219386271800RIYADH: The Health Ministry recorded 23 cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS) during the 25 days of the current hijri month of Dhul Qaada, local media reported. The ministry recorded the most cases — 13 — in Dumat Al-Jandal in the northwest, followed by Jeddah with three cases, Riyadh with two, and the rest in other parts of the Kingdom including Khamis Mushayt, Madinah and Hail. Eight cases were due to infection acquired from a health facility, 12 from direct contact with camels, and three are still under investigation. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman, an infection control consultant, advised people — particularly senior citizens — to take adequate precautions when visiting patients in hospital. Between July 4 and Aug. 12, Saudi Arabia reported 26 cases of MERS. Since June 2012, there have been 1,667 cases, including 680 deaths, in various parts of the Kingdom. MERS is a viral respiratory disease that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: MERSmers-covJeddahRiyadhrelated_nodes: Woman dies of MERS in Riyadh, raising toll to 6832 die of MERS in Hail, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Health Ministry saysMoH plans tougher rules to check coronavirus

Author: RODOLFO C.ESTIMO JR.Sun, 2017-08-20 03:00ID: 1503174219366271500RIYADH: The Ministry of Health announced on Friday that 58 cases of malaria have been detected among pilgrims from eight countries. All 58 cases were reported among incoming pilgrims, as Hajj areas are free from malaria-carrying mosquitoes, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Of the number, 56 have been treated and two are still being treated in a hospital, the SPA added. The ministry said that malaria is endemic in a number of Islamic countries, and the number of cases observed during Hajj varies from year to year depending on the activity of the disease in the countries where the pilgrims come from. It added that in the epidemiological aspect, monitoring and investigation of malaria during the Hajj season are aimed at detecting cases as quickly as possible. The ministry said this is being done through rapid screening methods and treating all cases by classification. “The prevention of endemic diseases in Hajj areas depends on continuous insect monitoring and prevention of carrier return to these areas,” the ministry said. It added that in the same context, public health teams visited the headquarters of pilgrimage missions with malaria infections among their pilgrims’. The purpose of the visit was to coordinate the evaluation and treatment of the mosquito-borne infectious disease at the pilgrim’s residence using rapid detection, and to provide full on-site service and coordination for the transfer of cases requiring intravenous medications to hospitals. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: MalariaSAUDI HEALTH MINISTRYhajjHajj 2017Hajj pilgrimsrelated_nodes: Oldest Hajj pilgrim, 104, arrives from IndonesiaKSA provides 12m vaccines for Yemeni childrenUN: Yemen unlikely to get cholera vaccine as first planned

وصل 9 حجاج بريطانيون إلى مكة المكرمة راكبين دراجاتهم الهوائية لأداء فريضة الحج، السبت 18 أغسطس/آب....

قالت وزارة الموصلات القطرية إن المكتب الدائم لدولة قطر في المنظمة الدولية للطيران المدني (إيكاو) سلم الأمين العام، ورئيس مجلس المنظمة، وممثلي الدول الأعضاء في مجلس المنظمة، رسالة رسمية من دولة قطر حول تعدي دول الازمة الخليجية عبر قنواتهم الفضائية؛ بهدف ترويع وترهيب المسافرين....

دشن الشيخ القطري ،عبدالله بن علي آل ثاني، حسابا على «تويتر»، بعد زيارة مثيرة للجدل قام بها للملك السعودي سلمان بن عبد العزيز وولي عهده....

قال وزير الخارجية القطري الشيخ محمد بن عبد الرحمن آل ثاني إن السعودية وحلفائها لم يقدموا إلى الآن وبعد 73 يوما من الحصار أي دليل يدعم اتهاماتهم لقطر بدعم الإرهاب....

Author: RODOLFO C. ESTIMO JR.Sat, 2017-08-19 03:39ID: 1503092668079369600RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has allocated seven Boeing 777-300 flights to transport Qatari pilgrims from Doha to King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah from Aug. 22 to 25. The return flights will be on Sept. 5 at the end of the pilgrimage. Earlier, the SPA reported that the king approved a plan to reopen the Salwa border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as the dispatch of a private aircraft from Saudia’s fleet to Doha to fly Qatari pilgrims to Jeddah. Mohammed Al-Otaibi, director general of air transport at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), said that Saudia is preparing to operate specified flights after applying for the necessary permits from the Qatari authorities, adding that permits have not yet been received. Al-Otaibi added that Qatari pilgrims who wish to travel via Dammam or Al-Ahsa airports will be transferred to scheduled Saudia flights. “If necessary, they will take special flights,” he said, adding that “all these flights are at the expense of King Salman.” The GACA has directed all its airports to provide the necessary assistance to the pilgrims in implementation of the royal order and the allocation of time slots required by Saudia flights coming from Doha for the Hajj season. 200,000 lighting units to illuminate Makkah skies during Hajj The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has completed maintenance work through the city’s secretariat to illuminate Makkah skies during the Hajj season this year. The ministry’s maintenance team has installed 200,000 lighting units in Makkah and the holy places and installed 950 electrical distribution panels with long ground cables. The lighting maintenance in Makkah is supervised by a technical staff of engineers, supervisors and technicians, whose role is in the field of administration and follow-up on all aspects of the lighting network in the holy places. The maintenance team inspects the lighting units and replaces damaged interior parts including lamps and wiring connecting the internal components. It also maintains electrical distribution boards, and constantly inspects panels to ensure that they continue working. The team also makes field tours to check on these panels and repair sudden failures of panel components. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: hajjHajj 2017Hajj pilgrimsrelated_nodes: 17,000 personnel deployed to serve Hajj pilgrimsSaudi King Salman, Qatar’s Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani discuss opening of Salwa border for Hajj pilgrimsKing Salman orders Salwa border crossing opened to Qataris performing Hajj

Author: TARIQ AL-THAQAFISat, 2017-08-19 03:00ID: 1503092668099369900MAKKAH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense in a press conference yesterday announced the designation of more than 17,000 highly trained personnel, supported by 3,000 advanced vehicles, to provide pilgrims with the highest levels of safety during Hajj. Maj. Gen. Hamad Al-Mubaddel, director of the Civil Defense for Hajj, confirmed that forces have been deployed to all sacred sites and that they are fully prepared to carry out the directorate’s plan for Hajj in cooperation with 32 government bodies. He also noted the introduction of new technology and digital maps of the sacred sites. Brig. Gen. Hamoud bin Sulaiman Al-Faraj, director of the Civil Defense in Mina, explained the importance of the basic pillars of the plan, such as the preventive side, through analysis of past data and geological surveys of problematic areas. Al-Faraj stressed the importance of deploying field teams and preventive supervision posts in suitable areas for easy movement and swift arrival at target locations. Moreover, Brig. Gen. Abdullah Al-Hammad, director of the Civil Defense in Arafat, said that civil defense conducts round-the-clock observation of the area. Brig. Gen. Ali Al-Muntashiri, director of the Civil Defense in Makkah, remarked that they work in accordance with a detailed annual plan that consists of three main parts, including the operational and preventive plans. As for Madinah, Col. Khalid Al-Juhani, spokesman for the directorate in the region, said that the plan is divided into two phases: Before and after Hajj. Responding to reporters’ questions, Al-Mubaddel said that Civil Defense services are developing all the time, and new elements are added every year based on past experiences and studying new challenges, in cooperation with all participating authorities. Other Civil Defense officers covered various important points, such as the inspection of pilgrims’ residences, the deployment of rapid intervention teams and crowd management. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: hajjHajj 2017Hajj pilgrimsrelated_nodes: Saudia allocates 7 flights for Hajjis from Doha to JeddahOldest Hajj pilgrim, 104, arrives from IndonesiaMutawafas in Hajj: Keeping their ancestors’ traditions

Author: ARAB NEWSSat, 2017-08-19 03:00ID: 1503092668179371100RIYADH: Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Rushdi Al-Ani announced on Friday that the Kingdom is seeking to establish two new consulates in Iraq and is preparing to open a new border crossing between the two countries. Al-Ani said in an interview with Alyaum: “The Kingdom sent me an urgent request to open a general consulate in Najaf and there are also intentions to open a Saudi consulate in Basra. We welcome this initiative and consider it as a step in the right direction.” The Saudi crossing border of Jamima in Iraq will soon be open, and work to open the border crossing is real progress, he said. He added that the crossing will serve the south of Iraq, along with the Arar crossing which days ago saw a heavy flow of pilgrims headed for Hajj. Al-Ani added that “Saudi-Iraqi relations are at their highest and most promising level since their re-establishment, indicating that the two countries are coordinating to fight the “terrorism cancer.” Saudi Arabia and Iraq reopened the Arar crossing this week for the first time in 27 years. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi-IraqRiyadhBaghdadrelated_nodes: Saudi-Iraqi border sees heavy flow of pilgrims headed for HajjSaudi-Iraqi Coordination Council to boost bilateral trade, cooperation: Commerce ministerIraq asks UN to collect evidence to prosecute Daesh