Eid Al-Fitr Prayers in Saudi Arabia Set for 15 Minutes After Sunrise

The Minister of Islamic Affairs in Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid Al-Fitr prayers will take place 15 minutes after sunrise.

This decision comes as the country prepares to celebrate the end of Ramadan, with the prayers expected to foster community spirit and unity among Muslims.

The announcement emphasizes the importance of this religious observance, encouraging worshippers to attend their local mosques for the prayers.

Specific timings may vary by region, so residents are advised to check with local authorities for exact schedules.

As the holy month of Ramadan concludes, this year’s Eid Al-Fitr promises to be a time of joy and reflection for Muslims across the kingdom.

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Arab Local

From Mecca to Medina: Saudi Arabia Recreates the Prophet’s Migration for Visitors

Saudi Arabia is set to welcome 300,000 visitors this November for a unique cultural and spiritual experience that traces Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) historic migration route from Mecca to Medina.

The project, titled “In the Prophet’s Steps,” has garnered over one million registrations globally, with 300,000 selected for its inaugural season by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

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Project Highlights

Immersive Experience

  • Route Reconstruction: The initiative reconstructs the 470-kilometre Hijrah route, with 305 kilometres made walkable, allowing visitors to follow the Prophet’s footsteps through restored landscapes and historical sites.
  • Landmarks and Stations: Forty-one landmarks along the route have been rehabilitated, complemented by eight stations and five interactive hubs that narrate key moments of the migration.

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Dedicated Facilities

  • Migration Museum: A dedicated museum will further enhance visitors’ understanding of this significant event in Islamic history.
  • Amenities: The route features 30 restaurants and 50 shops, with a capacity to host up to 12,000 visitors per day.

Transportation and Accessibility

To ensure comfort and safety along the rugged terrain, specially designed 4×4 vehicles will transport visitors. New technology has also reduced the journey to the Cave of Thawr—a key Hijrah site—from a strenuous two-hour climb to just three minutes.

Global Interest and Future Plans

GEA Chairman Turki Al Sheikh stated that the project reflects the leadership’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage and offers an opportunity to explore the landmarks of the Hijrah.

The initiative has seen particularly strong interest from Indonesia, with plans for international rollouts in Malaysia, Turkey, and India. By 2030, the goal is to welcome five million visitors annually.

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Gulf Trick

Saudi Arabia’s Electric Vehicle Market: A Surge in Interest and Upcoming Chinese Brands

Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle (EV) market is on the rise, with more buyers showing interest in EVs as dealerships prepare to partner with leading Chinese carmakers.

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Current Landscape

  • Tesla’s Entry: After a long wait, Tesla opened its first outlet in Saudi Arabia in April. Additionally, luxury EV brand Lucid Motors, backed by Saudi investment, has laid the groundwork for promoting non-fuel automotive options.
  • Chinese Brands Coming Soon: Following the trend seen in the UAE, several Chinese-made EVs are set to be introduced in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning car market. The UAE has already seen over 10 Chinese EV brands debut since late 2023, with increasing buyer interest.

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Market Potential

  • By the end of 2024, EV registrations in the UAE accounted for about 4%-5% of new car sales, while Saudi Arabia’s share was only 1%.
  • The Saudi car market is projected to surpass 600,000 units annually by the end of the decade. Analysts predict that if EV sales reach 10%-15% of this total, significant growth will occur.

Factors Influencing Growth

Financing and Insurance

  • Favorable Financing: Saudi banks are beginning to offer advantageous financing options for EV purchases, and dealers are collaborating with insurers to provide buyer-friendly packages.

Consumer Perception

  • Challenges: Despite the government’s push for electrification, concerns around high acquisition costs, charging infrastructure, after-market service, and resale value still persist among Saudi consumers.

Infrastructure Development

  • Charging Networks: Mohammad Bakr Gazzaz, CEO of EVIQ, highlights the rapid development of a reliable fast charging network in Saudi Arabia as a key factor in overcoming infrastructure barriers to EV adoption.

The Role of CEER Motors

  • Domestic Brand Launch: Saudi Arabia’s own EV brand, CEER Motors, is set to launch by the end of this year. As a joint venture between the Saudi wealth fund PIF and tech giant Foxconn, CEER aims to create buzz with competitively priced models.
  • Impact on Adoption: Analysts believe that if CEER can offer models at attractive price points, it could significantly accelerate EV adoption in the Kingdom.

Future Expansion Plans

  • Charging Network Expansion: EVIQ plans to expand its charging network significantly, including new routes between Riyadh-Dammam and Mecca-Madinah, alongside further developments on the Riyadh-Qassim route.

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Gulf Trick

Saudi Arabia Sets New Skill-Based Work Visa System

Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant change to its work visa system aimed at benefiting skilled foreign jobseekers. For the first time, all foreign workers will be classified into three skill levels: high-skilled, skilled, and basic.

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Overview of Changes

Previously, work permits were issued based primarily on job titles, often leading to mismatches between roles and worker qualifications. The new system, effective for current workers from July 5, 2025, and for new hires from August 3, 2025, aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms.

New Skill Categories

  1. High-skilled:
    • Reserved for professions like engineers, doctors, and IT specialists.
    • Candidates must meet a points-based system considering education, professional experience, and salary.
  2. Skilled:
    • Covers mid-level roles such as technicians, supervisors, and administrative staff.
    • Requires some experience and verified qualifications but does not necessitate meeting the high-skilled points threshold.
  3. Basic:
    • For manual labor and support roles.
    • Workers in this category must be under the age of 60.

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Importance for Jobseekers

The new system enhances transparency and predictability in the hiring process. Jobseekers will have a clearer understanding of their standing based on their credentials, and employers must ensure that classifications align with contracts and qualifications.

Opportunities for Professionals

For jobseekers with robust educational or technical backgrounds, the new framework creates clearer pathways to higher-tier job opportunities. Professional accreditation programs, such as Qualification Verification or Skills Verification, will play a more significant role in determining employment eligibility.

Responsibilities for Employers

Employers are now required to:

  • Accurately classify all current and new foreign hires.
  • Update job titles and employee records in the Qiwa platform.
  • Submit corrections for any inaccurate classifications.

Failure to classify workers correctly could impact a company’s ability to hire foreign workers in the future.

Tips for Jobseekers

To improve your classification:

  • Gather documentation of your education and professional experience.
  • Consider enrolling in Saudi-approved verification programs.
  • Ensure your job title and duties are clearly aligned in your employment contract.

Uncertainties Ahead

While the new system clearly defines skill tiers, the Saudi government has yet to announce whether higher-tier classifications will offer additional rights, expedited processing, or cost differences.

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