International airlines are steadily reinstating services to destinations across the Middle East after widespread disruptions caused by heightened regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. While several carriers have announced plans to resume operations, others continue to postpone flights to key destinations as security and operational assessments remain ongoing.

Aegean Airlines has extended the suspension of flights to Dubai until August 31, while services to Erbil and Baghdad remain cancelled through September 30.

airBaltic will not operate flights to Dubai until October 24.

Air Canada has prolonged the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai through October 24.

Within the Air France-KLM group, Air France has suspended flights to Beirut until August 2. KLM, meanwhile, kept services to Riyadh, Dammam, and Dubai suspended until July 15, according to information published on its website.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific plans to restart flights to Dubai and Riyadh from September 1.

Delta Air Lines has extended the suspension of its Atlanta-Tel Aviv service until December 18. The carrier intends to resume flights between New York JFK and Tel Aviv on September 6, while the planned launch of its Boston-Tel Aviv route has been postponed indefinitely.

Finnair has cancelled flights to Doha until October 2 and continues to avoid the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Israel. Seasonal flights to Dubai are expected to resume in October.

At International Airlines Group (IAG), British Airways has delayed the return of flights to Doha until August 1 and to Riyadh until August 8. Services to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman remain suspended for the rest of the summer season, with operations scheduled to restart on October 25. When services resume, the airline plans to operate one daily flight to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv, while removing Jeddah from its network.

Japan Airlines has suspended Tokyo-Doha flights until August 31, with Doha-Tokyo services set to remain paused until September 1.

Poland's LOT plans to resume its winter Dubai route in October and restart flights to Beirut as part of its Summer 2027 schedule.

The Lufthansa Group continues to maintain extensive restrictions across the region. SWISS has postponed the resumption of Tel Aviv flights until August, while Brussels Airlines has suspended services until October 24. Lufthansa and SWISS will keep flights to Dubai suspended until September 13.

Additionally, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines have extended flight suspensions to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat, and Tehran until October 24. Low-cost subsidiary Eurowings, which has already resumed flights to Erbil, Beirut, and Tel Aviv, expects to restore services to its remaining Middle East destinations during the autumn.

ITA Airways has also extended the suspension of flights to Riyadh until July 31 and to Dubai until October 24, citing operational reasons.

Norwegian Air has indefinitely postponed the launch of planned services to Tel Aviv and Beirut, with no revised start dates announced.

Singapore Airlines has prolonged the suspension of its Singapore-Dubai route until October 24. To accommodate increased passenger demand, the airline is adding capacity on routes linking Singapore with London Gatwick and Melbourne from late March through October 24.

SunExpress, the joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, is scheduled to resume its Antalya-Dubai service later on July 15.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Wizz Air continues to suspend flights from mainland Europe to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until mid-September, reflecting the cautious approach many airlines are still taking as the regional situation evolves.

Source: Reuters News

Saudi security authorities arrested 13,905 people during nationwide campaigns targeting violations of residency, labour and border security regulations between October 15 and 21, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

Of those arrested, 6,554 were accused of violating residency rules, 3,865 of breaching border security regulations and 3,486 of violating labour laws.

Security forces also detained 1,881 people for attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally and another 22 for trying to leave the Kingdom through unauthorized border crossings. A further 21 people were arrested on suspicion of transporting, sheltering, employing or concealing individuals who had violated residency, labour or border security regulations.

The ministry said 37,618 expatriates were undergoing legal procedures at the time of the announcement. The group comprised 35,449 men and 2,169 women.

Authorities referred 20,252 individuals to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 6,555 were directed to complete arrangements for their departure. A total of 7,934 people were deported during the reporting period.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of border security violators, transports them within the Kingdom, provides accommodation or offers other forms of assistance faces severe penalties.

The penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years and fines of up to SR1 million. Vehicles and properties used to shelter violators may also be confiscated, and offenders' identities may be made public.

The ministry classified such offences as major crimes warranting arrest and involving breaches of honour and trust.

It urged the public to report suspected violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province. In other regions, reports can be made through 999 or 996.

Source: Saudi Gazette

The Red Sea has long been central to Jeddah’s identity, shaping the city’s culture, economy and social traditions across generations. Beyond its geographical significance, the sea remains a source of livelihood, inspiration and shared memories for residents.

Historically, the Red Sea served as a vital route for fishing boats, merchant vessels, goods, travellers and pilgrims. These maritime connections helped establish Jeddah as an important gateway for trade and pilgrimage, bringing diverse cultures into contact and influencing the city’s urban character and social fabric.

The sea has also played a lasting role in everyday community life. Families and friends have traditionally gathered along the waterfront to enjoy the coastal breeze, watch sunsets and share time together. Today, Jeddah’s waterfronts continue to provide popular spaces for recreation and social gatherings.

Maritime traditions remain embedded in the city’s folk heritage. Stories of sailors and fishermen, traditional sea chants, boatbuilding and fishing-net repair reflect the skills and customs developed through generations of coastal living.

Fishing remains another important expression of Jeddah’s connection with the sea. The practice has been passed down through families, while fishing boats, harbours and traditional seafood markets continue to form part of the city’s coastal landscape. Seafood dishes also retain a prominent place in local cuisine.

Jeddah’s Corniche attracts residents and visitors throughout the year, particularly at sunset, when the changing colours of the sky meet the waters of the Red Sea. The waterfront’s scenery reinforces the sea’s place in the city’s collective memories and cultural identity.

The maritime setting has also contributed to Jeddah’s openness to different cultures. Centuries of trade, travel and human interaction have influenced local cuisine, folk arts and social customs, leaving a lasting imprint on the city’s heritage.

Recreational boat trips offer another way for residents and tourists to experience the coastline and view Jeddah from the water. These activities are also part of the broader development of coastal tourism in Saudi Arabia.

In this context, the Saudi Red Sea Authority is working to regulate coastal tourism activities. Its Requirements and Conditions for Recreational Boat Chartering are intended to improve passenger safety and service quality while protecting the marine environment.

These measures aim to support a coastal tourism experience that respects the relationship between local communities and their maritime surroundings.

For Jeddah’s residents, the Red Sea remains much more than a geographical feature. It is an enduring part of the city’s identity, connecting generations through shared traditions, livelihoods and memories while continuing to shape its future as a coastal destination.

Source: SPA

Al-Makhwah Governorate in the Tihama area of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Baha Region is emerging as a popular autumn destination for residents of the surrounding highlands and visitors from across the region.

Surrounded by mountains and valleys, the governorate offers warmer temperatures that attract people seeking a break from the cooler conditions of the Sarawat highlands. Its parks, scenic landscapes and historic landmarks provide a range of experiences for visitors.

One of its principal attractions is Thee Ain Historical Village, known for its multi-storey stone buildings standing on a white rocky hill. Freshwater springs and green orchards surround the village, supporting the cultivation of bananas, kadi, sweet basil and almonds.

The governorate’s cultural and commercial life also centres on its weekly Tuesday market, which covers more than 30,000 square metres. The market serves as a meeting place for local communities and a showcase for regional products, including honey, dates, grains, aromatic plants, traditional foods and handicrafts.

Goods produced by families engaged in small-scale and home-based industries also feature among the market’s offerings, providing opportunities for local producers to reach customers and preserve traditional crafts.

By combining the historic architecture of Thee Ain Village with open-air parks and traditional markets, Al-Makhwah offers visitors a varied tourism experience connecting the mountain landscapes of Al-Baha with the coastal plains of Tihama.

Source: SPA

Rijal Almaa Governorate in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer Region offers a distinctive combination of mountain landscapes, traditional agriculture and historic architecture, making it a destination for nature and cultural tourism.

Located along the rugged slopes stretching from the Sarawat Mountains towards the Tihama coastal plain, the governorate features terraced farms, forests, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Between August and October, seasonal rainfall transforms the surrounding mountains into lush green landscapes, revitalising the agricultural terraces built by local communities to cultivate the steep terrain.

A major attraction is Rijal Almaa Heritage Village, known for its multi-storey buildings constructed from local stone, mud and timber. Their facades are decorated with white quartz, creating a distinctive architectural appearance that reflects generations of adaptation to the mountainous environment.

The buildings feature multiple levels that historically served different household needs, including family accommodation, grain and fodder storage, and shelter for livestock. Together, they illustrate the traditional construction methods and agricultural practices that shaped life in the region.

Beyond its architectural heritage, Rijal Almaa is recognised for its honey production, which plays an important role in the local economy and tourism sector. The area's diverse plant life supports traditional beekeeping, with local producers offering visitors opportunities to learn about honey varieties, seasonal foraging and indigenous apiculture practices.

One such destination is the Honey Hut, where visitors can sample locally produced honey while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape. These experiences connect agricultural traditions with tourism, allowing travellers to explore the relationship between the area's natural environment and its rural livelihoods.

Fruit orchards, terraced farms and traditional handicrafts further contribute to the governorate's appeal. By combining these activities with heritage visits and nature-based experiences, local communities can create additional opportunities for farmers, artisans and family-run businesses.

The integration of traditional agriculture, honey production and historic architecture positions Rijal Almaa as a destination where visitors can experience the natural beauty and cultural traditions of Aseer Region.

Source: SPA

Boulevard City is bringing together theatre, live entertainment, interactive attractions and dining experiences as part of the seventh edition of Riyadh Season in the Saudi capital.

The entertainment destination offers activities for visitors of all ages, with a programme spanning theatrical productions, musical performances, games and family-oriented attractions.

Theatre is among the zone’s main draws, with venues hosting productions featuring prominent Arab theatre stars throughout October and November. The shows cover comedy and social themes, offering audiences a variety of performances during the season.

Visitors can also explore a range of interactive attractions. Bob’s Bowling provides a lively setting for bowling, while Doos Karting caters to visitors interested in racing and competitive driving.

Other experiences include Flying Over Saudi, a virtual flight attraction that offers a different perspective on the Kingdom’s landmarks, and WWE Experience, which brings wrestling fans closer to the sport through interactive activities.

Families with children can visit Luca Land, which offers entertainment tailored to younger visitors. Additional games and interactive activities provide opportunities for adventure, entertainment and friendly competition.

Boulevard City’s theatres and event venues also host concerts, musical performances and other live shows, adding to the destination’s varied entertainment programme.

A broad selection of restaurants and cafés further enhances the visitor experience, with food and beverages available alongside shopping and leisure activities. Open spaces, pedestrian walkways and illuminated surroundings contribute to the atmosphere of the entertainment district.

Riyadh Season’s seventh edition continues to feature events and attractions spanning sports, arts, culture, theatre and music. Its various entertainment zones also offer dining, games and interactive experiences designed to appeal to a broad audience.

Source: SPA