Saudi Arabia reaches out to foreign tourists with new visa drive

The resumption of direct flights between Doha and Riyadh for the first time since 2017 is the latest step towards ending a multi-year rift between the two Gulf states.

Witnesses have reported hearing a loud explosion over Riyadh, three days after a missile was intercepted on its way to the city.

384 stranded Nigerians arrive Saudi Arabia

The Saudi-led military coalition intercepted an armed drone launched by Yemeni rebels, state media reported Sunday. The official Saudi Press Agency carried a statement from coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki saying they "intercepted and destroyed an armed drone."

A Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Hathloul was arrested just before the ban on female driving was lifted. She had also protested against the male guardianship system, in which women have limited rights without male consent.

Saudi Arabia has rejected a US intelligence report linking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Riyadh said it took "all necessary judicial measures" in the case.

Joe Biden's rhetoric about Saudi Arabia has changed since entering office. The new president's approach has been tempered as he shies away from punishing the nation for alleged human rights abuses.

One of the explosive-laden drones fired at Saudi Arabia struck an oil terminal, resulting in a fire. Yemen's Houthi rebels have recently mounted increasing attacks on the kingdom.

255 stranded Nigerians in Saudi Arabia arrive in Abuja

The Saudi soldiers committed "the crime of high treason in cooperation with the enemy," officials said, but did not specify who the enemy was.

Every spring, roses bloom in the western Saudi city of Taif, turning pockets of the kingdom’s vast desert landscape a vivid and fragrant pink. In April, they are harvested for the essential oil used to cleanse the outer walls of the sacred Kaaba, the cubic structure in the holy city of Mecca towards which Muslims around the world pray. This year, the harvest falls during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which observant Muslims devote to prayer and reflection.

The rivals for regional power have plenty to talk about. If they do come closer, it would have a significant impact on the Middle East's most pressing conflicts.