Mecca
Saudi authorities release Iranian cleric arrested for bad mouthing Kingdom, Sunnah
Iranian cleric Ghasemian was arrested in Mecca for insulting Saudi Arabia but was quickly released and returned to Iran before completing Hajj. Both countries downplayed the incident.
Tehran pushes for Saudi Arabia to release Iranian cleric who posted critical video
Hundreds reportedly died at this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia
Iran's Khamenei politicizes Hajj again, calls for global dissociation from Israel
Fourteen Jordanians die during hajj in Saudi Arabia, some succumb to heat
Stampedes, tent fires, heat and other factors have caused hundreds of deaths at the event over the past 30 years.
Syrian pilgrims regain ability to make Hajj thanks to improving relations with Saudi Arabia
Under the auspices of the kingdom's Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has played a leading role in Syria’s gradual reintegration into the regional fold.
Israel will have direct flights to Mecca by 2024, FM Cohen predicts
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had hoped it could arrange for direct flights between the two countries, even in advance of the deal, but to date, those efforts have not borne fruit.
Saudi-Iran thaw improves haj services for Iranian pilgrims
Sayid Mahdi, who will be in charge of around 2,800 Iranian pilgrims that will perform haj next week, said Saudi Arabia has been more cooperative in finding hotels for Iranians this year.
Israel says it is discussing possible direct Haj flights to Saudi Arabia
Muslims from Israel and the Palestinian territories currently travel to Mecca through third-party countries, which can spell additional expense and bother.
Voices from the Arab press: Conspiracy theories won't stop Saudi reforms
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
On This Day: The Muslim conquest of Mecca in 630 CE
Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is home to Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world which has within it the Ka'ba toward which all Muslims pray.
Respect must go both ways in Israel-Middle East normalization - editorial
The incident in Mecca needs to be used for education. While Israel wants to have normal relations with the Islamic world, there is also much to learn about this new relationship.
Saudi who helped Israeli journalist enter Mecca arrested
The Saudi Public Prosecution is working to take necessary procedures against the Israeli journalist as well.
Jewish Channel 13 reporter sparks outrage after visiting Mecca
Israel's Regional Cooperation Minister Esawi Frej (Meretz), who is Muslim himself, called the incident "a stupid thing to do and take pride in."
Saudi Arabia expected to grant access to Israeli air travel - US official
The announcement is expected to come during Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia later this week, the official said. Biden has made it a focus to integrate Israel into the broader Gulf region.
