Saudi Arabia: News
Saudi women can start their businesses without a male guardian
2017 was the year of women empowerment in Saudi Arabia. Taking it further, the government has now announced that women can start their own businesses without a male guardian's/husband's permission.
Muslim women shouldn't watch football, says new fatwa
Another fatwa has been issued from Uttar Pradesh's Deoband, trying "to discipline women and save them from turning immoral."
Prince Alwaleed freed: The end of Saudi's corruption crackdown?
Billionaire Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed bin Talal was released from detention yesterday, more than two months after he was taken in for alleged corruption.
First women-only car showroom opens in Saudi Arabia
A few months after they were allowed to drive, women get their first exclusive car showroom in Saudi Arabia. This was opened in Jeddah's Le Mall.
Pakistani anchor brings daughter on show to condemn 8-year-old's rape
As Pakistan reels with the horrific rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl, a popular anchor hosted news bulletin with her infant daughter on her lap as a protest against the appalling incident.
Kerala woman forcibly converted, trapped as sex slave for IS
Two persons have been arrested in Kerala for allegedly forcing a 24-year-old woman to convert and planning to take her to Syria as a 'sex slave' for IS terrorists.
11 Saudi princes arrested for protesting outside king's palace
Saudi Arabia on Saturday arrested 11 princes for staging a protest outside one of king's palaces, Qasr a-Hokm, and refusing to leave despite royal orders. All of them will face trial shortly.
Saudi Arabia arrests 337,281 illegal immigrants
Saudi Arabia has arrested 337,281 expatriates, living illegally in the gulf nation without residence or work permit.
Saudi Arabia, UAE introduce VAT; not tax free anymore
In the new year, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have become the first nations in the Gulf region to introduce value-added tax (VAT).
Saudi Araba denies visa to Israeli chess players
Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy by denying visas to seven Israeli players who were to participate in the ongoing King Salman Rapid and Blitz World Chess Championship in Riyadh.
Haj reform: Single Muslim women's Haj applications rise to 1,244
Following the Centre's decision to allow Muslim women for the Haj pilgrimage without being accompanied by a male relative, as many as 1,244 women have applied for the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia's Mecca.
Saudi Arabia intercepts rebel-fired ballistic missiles from Yemen
The Saudi-led coalition forces fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen have reportedly intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the latter above Saudi Arabia's capital city, Riyadh.
Meet the millionaire Independent who defeated Anurag Thakur's father-in-law
One of the most prominent defeats in the Himachal elections was of BJP stalwart Gulab Singh Thakur, Anurag Thakur's father-in-law.
Another crown jewel for the Saudi Crown Prince
Spread over 57 acres of landscaped parks, the Chateau Louis XIV with its gold-leafed fountains, hedged labyrinths, and marbled statues sold for over $300 million in 2015.
Saudi Arabia: Women can now drive motorbikes, trucks
Saudi Arabia has implemented some eventful liberal reforms in 2017, including lifting a ban on women drivers three months ago.
Saudi Arabia lifts 35-year ban on public theatres
It was a grand day for movie enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia as the conservative kingdom lifted a 35-year-old ban on public theatres.
Saudi purge: Most detainees accept pardons for cash settlements
Most of the elite individuals detained in Saudi Arabia's anti-corruption drive have agreed to monetary settlements in exchange for a pardon, according to attorney general Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb.
Saudi's $300bn privatization plans, 'sale of the century', in shambles
About 1.5 years ago, Saudi Arabia unveiled plans of a $300bn privatization program which many billed the "sale of the century".
When Riyadh's Hotel Ritz became a five-star prison
Riyadh's world-famous luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel is now a detention centre.
Saudi Arabia finally approves Yoga as a sports activity
2017 has been the year of momentous changes in Saudi Arabia. These changes range from allowing women to drive to permitting its female citizens to watch sport events in stadiums.
Saudi Arabia: Anti-corruption purge uncovers embezzlement of $100 billion
Saudi Arabia's attorney general Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb has revealed that a whopping $100 billion had been embezzled and misused.
UN official: War-torn Yemen might face world's biggest famine
The war in Yemen has left the country in tatters and has rendered life a living hell for common citizens.
#SaudiPurge: What Crown-Prince Salman's actions mean for Saudi-Arabia
Earlier this week, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign which witnessed the detention of 11 princes, four sitting ministers, and dozens of former ministers.
Saudi Prince killed in chopper crash
A Saudi prince has been killed in a helicopter crash near its southern border with Yemen.
Several Saudi princes detained among dozens in new anti-corruption purge
According to media reports, a newly constituted anti-corruption body in Saudi Arabia has detained 11 princes, four sitting ministers, and dozens of former ministers.
Saudi Arabia to allow women to visit sporting stadiums
Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on women from attending sporting events in stadiums.
Saudi Arabia grants citizenship to robot in historic decision
Saudi Arabia has just granted citizenship to Sophia, a humanoid robot, the first ever to get citizenship.
Should we be worried about Indian-origin ISIS fighters?
Several countries, including India, are preparing against potential threats posed by terrorists returning after the fall of ISIS' de-facto capital in Iraq, Raqqa, last week.
Saudi Arabia's new city Neom is being built for dreamers
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to build a city for "the dreamers of the world."
Saudi Aramco eyes Indian demand, plans JV by 2018
State-run oil giant Saudi Aramco has reportedly launched its unit in India. The world's largest oil exporter wants to cater to the rising energy demands of the world's third-biggest oil consumer.
Reports: Saudi police foil attack near king's palace in Jeddah
American citizens have been warned by the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia to exercise caution in the area surrounding the king's place in Jeddah, following reports of an attack there.
US to sell THAAD system to Saudi in $15bn deal
The US has approved a $15 billion deal to sell its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to Saudi Arabia.
Lebanon's 'most powerful woman' fired reportedly over anti-Saudi Arabia tweet
Major Suzan Hajj Hobeiche, popular as "Lebanon's most powerful woman", has been fired from her position as head of the Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Bureau.
Telangana to introduce law curbing the Arab-Indian child bride nexus
The Telangana government plans to introduce a law to end the exploitation of minor girls by Arab sheikhs.
Girl makes video seeking return of 'slave' mother from Saudi
After failing to get assistance from police, the children of Paramjit Kaur have now made a video, requesting the ministry of external affairs to aid the safe return of their mother.
Another breakthrough for Saudi women! They can now issue fatwas
Shura Council, Saudi Arabia's advisory council has, in a historic decision, now allowed the kingdom's women to issue fatwas, i.e. Islamic legal pronouncements.
Meet Manal al-Sharif: The Saudi woman who dared to drive
How dangerous can driving a car be for women?
Saudi Arabia lifts ban on women drivers at last
Women in Saudi Arabia can finally get behind a steering-wheel like their counterparts elsewhere in the world.
Indian trafficking victim comes back home from Saudi Arabia
Jacintha Mendonca, hailing from Udupi in Karnataka, has finally made it back to India after 14 harrowing months in Saudi Arabia where she was forced to work as a "slave".
Ignoring US warning, Iran tests new missile
According to Iran's state media, Iran has successfully tested a new medium-range missile though the US had warned that it may cancel the nuclear deal if this is done.