When the stars align in Saudi for astronomy enthusiasts

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Updated 28 August 2025
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When the stars align in Saudi for astronomy enthusiasts

  • Back-to-back celestial events this week a bright spot for stargazers

RIYADH: Residents in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region witnessed a striking celestial event on Wednesday evening, as the crescent moon aligned closely with Spica, the brightest star in the Virgo constellation.

The conjunction was clearly visible to the naked eye, creating a vivid contrast against the night sky and drawing the attention of astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

While such lunar alignments with zodiacal stars occur regularly, favorable weather conditions and clear skies contributed to the clarity and prominence of this event.

The Spica conjunction is just one of a series of notable astronomical phenomena observed across the Kingdom in recent days.

On Tuesday night, stargazers observed a triple alignment involving the crescent moon, Mars, and the star Chi Virginis.

In addition, observers reported the appearance of several large spots on the surface of the sun — an indication of heightened solar activity.

Astronomers note that these events not only offer visual displays but also contribute to ongoing research in space science, solar behavior, and atmospheric conditions.


Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

Updated 15 December 2025
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Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

  • New milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport 
  • Lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded a new historic milestone on Sunday with the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger for year 2025.

The 50 million milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

It also placed KAIA among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. The figure represents a 1.83 percent growth from 49.1 million passenger arrival recorded in 2024.

“This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at KAIA and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world,” the report said.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah. (SPA)

It also underscores the airport’s vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

KAIA serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah.

She was welcomed by JEDCO’s leadership, who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.

JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar said that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years.