KSA

Saudi Arabia Allows 12 Activities in Public Parks

Saudi Arabia is considering a major expansion of commercial and community activities within public parks, under proposed regulations designed to boost neighbourhood economies, enhance quality of life and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has published draft rules on the Istilaa public consultation platform that would allow a range of commercial, recreational and social services to operate within parks located along residential streets, subject to strict planning and operational controls.

The proposed framework classifies permitted activities according to park size. Parks covering 5,000 square metres or more would be eligible to host men’s and women’s fitness centres, entertainment venues, childcare facilities, non-residential senior citizen centres and day-care services for people with disabilities.

Smaller parks would also be opened to commercial uses. Parks of at least 1,500 square metres could accommodate retail outlets selling fresh and preserved fruit and vegetables, as well as hydroponic farming projects. Those measuring 1,200 square metres or more could host cafés, ice cream shops, fresh juice outlets and flower retailers.

The ministry said the initiative aims to stimulate economic activity within residential districts while preserving the public character of parks and improving access to community services.

Under the proposed rules, commercial developments would be subject to a series of restrictions intended to protect nearby residents. Buildings would be limited to a maximum of 25 per cent of a park’s total area and could not exceed two storeys in height. Commercial facilities would also be prohibited from directly overlooking neighbouring homes.

Parks selected for commercial investment would need to front roads at least 15 metres wide, while cafés would be barred from serving tobacco products.

For larger parks exceeding 5,000 square metres, municipalities would be required to conduct comprehensive traffic studies and implement any resulting recommendations before approving commercial activities.

The draft regulations place significant responsibilities on investors. In undeveloped parks, investors would be required to finance, build, operate and maintain the entire site in accordance with approved technical standards. In existing parks, investors would assume responsibility for operation and maintenance under municipal guidelines governing landscaping and public green spaces.

The ministry also said all projects must comply with Saudi park design standards, national architectural guidelines and environmental noise regulations to ensure neighbouring communities are not adversely affected.

To oversee implementation, the ministry has proposed the establishment of a committee comprising representatives from its departments responsible for privatisation and financial sustainability, urban planning and land management, and licensing and project coordination. The body would review the rollout of the regulations and consider future amendments to the list of permitted activities.

KSA

Saudi Arabia begins planning for 2027 Hajj season

Saudi authorities have begun early preparations for the 2027 Hajj season, with officials recommending stronger operational planning, closer coordination among agencies and greater preparedness to further improve services for millions of pilgrims.

The recommendations emerged from a series of three-day discussion sessions organised by the Mecca Principality Agency for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, in cooperation with the Hajj Projects Management Office of the Pilgrim Experience Program. Representatives from 60 government entities involved in serving pilgrims at the holy sites took part.

The sessions were held under directives from and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, and under the supervision of Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of Mecca .

Participants reviewed the outcomes of the 2026 Hajj season and developed recommendations aimed at building on its achievements. The proposals focused on enhancing operational plans, strengthening proactive measures, improving integration and coordination among participating agencies, and promoting a clearer understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities.

The discussions also examined ways to achieve the highest levels of operational readiness, including mechanisms to anticipate and address potential challenges while maintaining high standards of service for pilgrims.

KSA

Saudi bans travel to 3 African countries over Ebola

Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and halted the issuance of visas and entry for travellers arriving from the three countries as part of precautionary measures against the spread of the Ebola virus.

The measures also apply to travellers arriving through third countries if they have stayed in any of the three affected countries during the 21 days before entering the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Thursday.

The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) said Saudi Arabia’s health surveillance and epidemic response system was operating continuously in coordination with domestic and international authorities to protect public health and help prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.

Saudi Arabia has also stepped-up precautionary measures for travellers arriving from neighbouring countries affected by the outbreak, including Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Republic of Congo, by enhancing health screening at entry points, disease surveillance and early response procedures.

Weqaya said the overall public health situation in the kingdom remained stable and that no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases had been recorded since the preventive measures were introduced.

The authority said it would continue monitoring regional and international epidemiological developments around the clock and update its recommendations as the outbreak evolves, while maintaining all necessary health measures to strengthen preparedness and safeguard public health.

KSA

Aramco resumes Ras Tanura oil loading after 4 months

Saudi Aramco resumed oil loading on Friday at its Ras Tanura terminal in the Gulf ‌after a near four-month halt, shipping data from LSEG showed.

Two Very Large Crude Carriers were seen loading crude at the terminal, while another waited nearby, the data ⁠showed. Each VLCC is capable of loading 2 million barrels of oil.

The Saudi energy major last loaded a cargo from the Ras Tanura port for China on March 8, the data ‌showed, ⁠and had to divert all its exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu after an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz ⁠during its war with the U.S. and Israel prevented ships from entering the Gulf.

Middle Eastern producers ⁠have been ramping up output and exports after the United States and Iran ⁠struck an interim dealto halt the war.

(Reuters)