Thunderstorms to persist across Saudi Arabia until Saturday

Autumn in Saudi Arabia is typically rainy, with rapid weather changes providing relief from the heat, according to the National Center for Meteorology. Above, lightning over Makkah’s clock tower on Aug. 22, 2023. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 22 October 2024
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Thunderstorms to persist across Saudi Arabia until Saturday

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has reported that thunderstorms will continue across Saudi Arabia until Saturday, and urged the public to remain cautious and stay in safe locations.

They advised people to avoid flood-prone areas and valleys, refrain from swimming in these locations, and follow official guidelines on media and social platforms, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate-to-heavy rain, flash floods, hailstorms and dusty winds, affecting areas including Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Lith and Jeddah.

Riyadh and its surrounding regions will see light-to-heavy rain. The Eastern Province, Najran, Baha, Asir, Jazan, Madinah and other regions will experience moderate-to-heavy rain, while Tabuk will see lighter showers.

Autumn in Saudi Arabia is typically rainy, with rapid weather changes providing relief from the heat, according to the National Center for Meteorology.


KSrelief’s 2026 aid plan will support 12 million people worldwide

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KSrelief’s 2026 aid plan will support 12 million people worldwide

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief launched its 2026 plan for humanitarian and relief operations in a ceremony on Wednesday that also honored its major donors and partners.

Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to deliver humanitarian relief on a global scale and thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support.

The results could be seen in the UN Financial Tracking Service rankings, he said, where the Kingdom is placed second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries providing humanitarian aid in 2025.

Outlining the organization’s plans for 2026, Al-Rabeeah said the first goal was based on the operational and human projects plan, which includes 113 projects across 44 countries in partnership with 11 Saudi non-profit organizations. This is set to benefit over 12 million people at a cost of SR400 million.

He also launched the 2026 volunteer programs plan, which includes 309 programs in 42 countries at a cost of SR200 million.

The ceremony also marked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ 2026 gift of dates, targeting more than 13 million beneficiaries in 73 countries, with a total weight of 17,868 tons and a cost of SR123 million.

It concluded with the signing of Memorandums of Understanding with local associations to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian, relief and development efforts, enhance sustainability, and improve the efficiency of aid delivery to vulnerable communities worldwide.

Among the guests were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, several embassies and businesses.

Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji emphasized the Kingdom’s global position on humanitarian matters, saying: “The Kingdom is constantly working to stand for those in need. The Kingdom’s direction is based on the importance of finding fundamental solutions to humanitarian crises, particularly in light of the escalation of humanitarian crises in recent years.”

He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to finding solutions, saying Saudi aid has exceeded SR537 billion to 173 countries; in 2025, the country’s aid efforts exceeded $2 billion.

Djibouti ambassador Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama also took to the stage to applaud the center’s contributions around the world.