Saudi Arabia
Saudi reforms are softening Islam’s role, but critics warn the kingdom will still take a hard line against dissent
By Nathan French — September 11, 2023
(The Conversation) — A scholar who has closely followed reforms that MBS has made to Wahhabism, an austere form of Islam, explains the changes taking place in the Saudi kingdom and their impact.
Tourists search for Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia – but does a geographical location for pivotal Bible event even exist?
By Jacob F. Love — July 31, 2023
(The Conversation) — A scholar of the Hebrew Bible argues that very little is known about the location of Mount Sinai, and it is likely that it was once part of a foundational legend.
Technology remains at the heart of the hajj
By Andrea Stanton — July 5, 2023
(The Conversation) — The Saudi government is using digital technology to help the hajj run smoothly and safely – the latest updates in a 200-year history of technology and the hajj.
Saudi Arabia’s new Hajj booking process has left many foreign pilgrims frustrated
By Fiona André — June 27, 2023
(RNS) — After postponing their trip for three years, many American Muslims expected a return to normalcy for this year’s Hajj, but a new online platform intended to streamline the process has instead brought complications.
Hajj pilgrims perform final rituals in Mecca before heading to Mina
By Riazat Butt — June 26, 2023
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia has restored full pilgrim capacity for this year’s Hajj, following three years of dramatically reduced numbers due to the pandemic, with more than 2 million Muslims expected to take part
Ambitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change
By Riazat Butt — June 23, 2023
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The increased number of pilgrims, with the associated surge in international air travel and infrastructure expansion, also raises sustainability concerns, even as the oil giant pursues the goal of getting half its energy from renewable resources by 2030.
Official says Yemeni pilgrims depart Sanaa on first direct flight to Saudi Arabia since 2016
By Ahmed Al-haj — June 20, 2023
SANAA, Yemen (AP) — The flights between Sanaa and Saudi Arabia are another sign of easing tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which has been attempting to end its involvement in country's conflict.
Saudi police arrest man who helped Israeli sneak into Mecca
By Aya Batrawy and Abdullah Al-shihri — July 25, 2022
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The public backlash over television reporter Gil Tamary’s visit was immediate on social media, with Muslims and Saudis expressing their anger over his deception and apparent disregard for the sanctity of the site.
President Biden, don’t forget to tell the Saudis to protect religious minorities
By David Curry — July 14, 2022
(RNS) — Biden needs to make a bold statement on behalf of religious minorities across the Middle East.
From caravans to markets, the hajj pilgrimage has always included a commercial component
By Noorzehra Zaidi — July 12, 2022
(The Conversation) — The start of the hajj is reigniting debates around its commercialization, but pilgrimages are also a time for seeking business opportunities, writes a scholar of Islam.
Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat as hajj reaches apex
By Amr Nabil — July 8, 2022
MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The pilgrims set out for Arafat before dawn, chanting. They remain there until nightfall in deep contemplation and worship.
A hajj closer to normal: 1 million Muslims begin pilgrimage
By Isabel Debre and Amr Nabil — July 7, 2022
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — While this year’s attendance is far below the pre-pandemic influx of 2.5 million pilgrims, it represents a significant step closer to normal after the kingdom restricted the event to a small number of Muslim residents for the past two years.
Saudi Arabia expecting 1 million in largest hajj since virus
By Amr Nabil — July 6, 2022
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow some 850,000 Muslims from abroad to make the annual pilgrimage marks a major step toward normalcy after two years of a drastically scaled-down hajj restricted to Saudi residents.
Antisemitism monitor lands in Saudi Arabia on first official trip
By Yonat Shimron — June 27, 2022
(RNS) — Deborah Lipstadt said she wanted to raise awareness of antisemitism in the Persian Gulf region, which is predominantly Muslim.
Pilgrimage to Mecca is never easy. Saudi Arabia just made it a lot harder.
By Dilshad Ali — June 17, 2022
(RNS) — Less than a month before the pilgrimage to Mecca was to begin, the Saudis changed the rules.
Page 1 of 7
