RIYADH: The General Directorate of Passports began issuing Saudi passports valid for 10 years, since Monday. Citizens who are at least 20 years old will have option of a five-year or 10-year passport beginning this Ramadan, said Sulaiman Al-Suhaibani, director of the General Directorate of Passports.
He said the new system of issuing a 10-year passport is being implemented according to a directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior.
He said that those who apply for a 10-year passport will not be allowed to include his or her dependents on the passport.
The design of the passport and its size had not been changed, he added.
The General Directorate of Passports had urged citizens last year to get separate passports since family travel documents are not accepted by some countries.
Lt. Col. Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Luhaidan, spokesman for the department, said many citizens had applied for separate passports for family members because they could not get family visas for some countries.
The authorities are therefore urging citizens to get a passport for each family member. Citizens can use the Ebsher electronic system to renew or apply for new passports on the website www.gdp.gov.sa.
In February, the Shoura Council approved the proposal to extend passport validity to 10 years from the current five years for citizens aged more than 20.
KSA begins issuing passports to citizens valid for 10 years
KSA begins issuing passports to citizens valid for 10 years
King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit
- Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.
One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.
The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.
The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader.
Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.
