Typhoon Dolphin brought torrential rain to Shanghai on Monday, August 10, 2026, flooding roads and commercial areas and severely disrupting air travel in the city.

The weather system forced Shanghai’s two airports to cancel a combined 943 flights, while their overall passenger capacity was reduced by nearly 40%.

The disruption followed Dolphin’s landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday evening. The typhoon struck areas south and west of Shanghai with maximum sustained winds of 151 kilometres per hour near its centre.

Dolphin later weakened into a tropical storm, but its remaining rain bands continued to bring heavy precipitation across large parts of eastern China.

Shanghai, the country’s second-most populous city, experienced widespread flooding, including in several major commercial districts.

China Eastern Airlines said it was working to gradually restore flights to Shanghai, Zhejiang and other affected destinations as weather conditions improve.

Source: Asia News Network

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