Germany has officially launched a new online visa application system for Pakistani citizens, revolutionizing the way visa applications are processed. The new system is designed to accelerate processing times, improve transparency, and provide easier access to applicants across Pakistan. Student and employment visa categories have already transitioned to the new Consular Services Portal, marking a significant shift in how visas are managed.

Faster, More Accessible Visa Processing for Pakistanis

For Pakistani students and job seekers, the introduction of this new system is a game changer. The German Consulate General confirmed that the portal will handle all new visa submissions digitally, eliminating long wait times and providing a more streamlined experience. By shifting to a digitally driven process, Germany aims to address years of delays caused by overloaded waiting lists and slow appointment cycles, offering applicants a more efficient path to approval.

Key Benefits of the New System

The new online visa system promises to:

• Speed up processing times for visa applications
• Remove outdated waiting lists that have caused significant delays
• Offer fairer appointment scheduling for applicants
• Increase visa issuance rates and reduce delays in approvals
• Provide real-time updates on application status
• Minimize travel and documentation delays for applicants

The digital shift aligns with Germany’s broader migration reforms, which aim to attract skilled workers, international students, and professional trainees. With this new system in place, applicants can now expect faster responses and smoother processes as Germany seeks to simplify and modernize its immigration procedures.

The End of the Old Waiting Lists

A major change with the introduction of the new system is the immediate closure of all existing visa waiting lists. The consulate confirmed that:

• All old waiting lists have been wiped out.
• Applicants from the old lists will not be contacted and must now start the application process via the online portal.
• Those who already have an appointment will proceed under the old system.

From December 12, 2025, all new visa applications will be processed exclusively through the digital portal, ensuring a fresh start for every applicant.

A Step Toward Simplifying Visa Access

Germany’s move to a fully online visa system for Pakistani applicants reflects the country’s commitment to modernizing its visa processes and attracting global talent. By embracing digital innovation, the German government aims to create a more transparent and efficient system that benefits both applicants and the country’s immigration goals.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA