Saudi Arabia

05 June 2023; MEMO: Members of the OPEC+ alliance yesterday agreed to implement a voluntary cut in oil production until the end of 2024 instead of the previous date scheduled for the end of 2023.

The members said in a statement that the voluntary cut is in addition to a mandatory cut of 1.4 million barrels per day, which will start early next year and continue for a full year.

31 May 2023; MEMO: Saudi Arabia has extended its 'Makkah Route Initiative' to Turkiye, making it easier for pilgrims from the country to plan and make their trips to the Islamic holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

01 June 2023; MEMO: The population of Saudi Arabia has reached 32.2 million, 42 per cent of whom are foreign nationals, with 63 per cent of Saudis under age 30, the country's general authority for statistics said on Wednesday, Reuters reports.

The median age of the total population is 29, according to a 2022 census, the first in 12 years, it added in a statement.

31 May 2023; MEMO: Real Madrid captain, French-Algerian star Karim Benzema has received a $214.5 million offer to join Saudi's Al-Ittihad Club.

The Spanish radio station, Cadena COPE, revealed that Benzema had agreed to join the Saudi club, which won the league title this year, starting next season.  Benzema is contracted with Real Madrid until 2024 but there are reports that the club would allow him to leave should he choose to accept the offer.

Makkah Mukarma, May 30 (APP): As the Hajj ritual draws near, the Pakistan Hajj Moavineen are diligently preparing exceptional facilities to cater to the expected surge of intending pilgrims traveling from Madinah to Makkah Mukarma.

Talking to APP, Sajjad Haider Yildrim Director of Moavineen e Hujjaj reassured that the local and Pakistan based Moavineen have been extensively prepared and adequately equipped to deliver comprehensive support to Hajj pilgrims.

RIYADH, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces on Monday agreed to a five-day extension of a cease-fire agreement they signed on May 20 after negotiations in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, Al Arabiya News reported.

The two sides stressed commitment to allowing safe passage of all civilians from conflict areas and protecting civilian supplies.

Madinah Munawawarah: May 25 (APP): The Pakistan Hajj Mission, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has established a dedicated helpline 800-11 666 22 in Saudi Arabia to provide facilitation and information to pilgrims, ensuring their convenience during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Director General Pakistan Hajj Mission has advised hajj pilgrims to utilize the toll-free Hajj helpline to register any grievances, as well as any other issues they may encounter during their time in Madinah Munawwarah and Makkah Mukarma.

May 24 (Reuters) - Once labelled a pariah, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took centre stage as master of ceremonies last week when Arab states readmitted Syria to the Arab League, signaling to Washington who calls the regional shots.

His effusive greeting of President Bashar al-Assad at the Arab summit with kissed cheeks and a warm embrace defied U.S. disapproval at Syria's return to the fold and capped a turnabout in the prince's fortunes spurred by geopolitical realities.

22 May 2023; MEMO: Axiom Space company yesterday launched its second private mission to the International Space Station carrying two Saudi astronauts including the first Saudi woman.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi launched at 17:37 (21:37 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Centre in the US state of Florida.

22 May 2023; MEMO: A fire at a hotel in the Muslim holy city of Makkah killed at least eight Pakistani pilgrims and injured six others on Friday, a month before the annual Hajj pilgrimage is set to begin.

In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Office said: "We have reports of eight deaths and six injured Pakistanis in the incident. Our Mission in Jeddah is in contact with local authorities to provide relief to the victims and their families."