Saudi Arabia’s decision to deploy defensive missile systems, such as the U.S.-made Patriot missile systems, around Mecca, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage, is driven by a critical need to protect its holy sites and the millions of pilgrims who visit them annually from external threats.

Here’s a breakdown of the reasons:

1. Houthi Missile and Drone Threats:
   • Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has been engaged in a conflict with the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have repeatedly launched ballistic missiles and drones towards Saudi territory, including critical infrastructure, airports, and even holy cities.
   • There have been multiple documented instances of Houthi missiles being intercepted by Saudi air defenses near Mecca, Taif (a city close to Mecca), and Jeddah. While the Houthis often claim to be targeting military installations, Saudi Arabia asserts that these attacks are aimed at disrupting the Hajj and causing casualties, including among pilgrims.
   • The deployment of missile systems is a direct response to these tangible and ongoing threats from Yemen, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and the safety of those within its borders.
2. “Mission to Protect God’s Guests”:
   • Saudi Arabia considers itself the “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” (Mecca and Medina) and views the protection of pilgrims as a paramount religious and national duty.
   • The Hajj pilgrimage brings millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca, creating a massive gathering that could be a vulnerable target. Ensuring the safety and security of these “Guests of the Merciful” is a non-negotiable priority for the Saudi government.
   • The deployment of advanced air defense systems is part of a multi-layered security strategy that includes aerial surveillance by military helicopters, ground forces, and strict Hajj permit regulations, all aimed at creating a secure environment for pilgrims.
3. Regional Tensions and Deterrence:
   • The broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts (like in Gaza) and heightened regional tensions, contributes to Saudi Arabia’s proactive defense posture.
   • Deploying visible and effective missile defense systems serves as a deterrent to any potential aggressors, signaling that Saudi Arabia is prepared to defend its most sacred sites and its people. It sends a clear message that attacks on these areas will not be tolerated.
4. Technological Preparedness:
   • The Patriot missile system is an advanced, U.S.-made weapon designed to counter ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Its deployment signifies Saudi Arabia’s reliance on cutting-edge defense technology to protect its airspace. Saudi Arabia has also acquired other advanced systems like THAAD for longer-range defense.

In essence, the installation of defensive missile systems in Mecca is a necessary and strategic measure driven by credible threats, a deep sense of religious duty to protect pilgrims, and the broader aim of ensuring national security and stability in a volatile region.

The decision to allow foreigners to buy property in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to take effect in January 2026 for designated areas like Riyadh and Jeddah, is a landmark move with significant potential impacts on the Saudi economy. This initiative is a core component of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy away from oil and transform into a global investment powerhouse.

Here’s a breakdown of the likely impacts:

Positive Impacts:

• Increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): This is perhaps the most direct and significant impact. Allowing foreigners to own property will attract substantial capital inflows into the real estate sector, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and industrial developments. This new source of investment can fuel mega-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and Diriyah, as well as smaller-scale developments across the Kingdom.
• Economic Diversification: By boosting the real estate sector’s contribution to GDP (which nearly doubled from 5.9% in 2023 to about 12% in 2024), foreign property ownership helps reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on oil revenues. It fosters the growth of a robust non-oil economy.
• Stimulation of Related Industries: The influx of real estate investment will create a ripple effect, stimulating growth in various related sectors such as:
  • Construction: Increased demand for new builds will boost the construction industry, creating jobs and driving demand for building materials.
  • Hospitality and Tourism: Foreign ownership can support the development of hotels, resorts, and tourism infrastructure, especially as Saudi Arabia aims to attract 100 million tourists annually by 2030.
  • Retail and Services: New residential and commercial developments will naturally lead to an increased demand for retail spaces, restaurants, and various services.
  • Financial Services: Increased property transactions will boost demand for mortgage lending, real estate financing, and related financial services.
• Job Creation: Growth in the real estate and related sectors will lead to the creation of numerous job opportunities for Saudi citizens and expatriates, supporting the Kingdom’s goal of reducing unemployment.
• Increased Housing Supply and Market Growth: Foreign investment, particularly from developers, can help increase the supply of housing units, addressing growing demand due to population expansion and urbanization. This can lead to a more balanced and dynamic real estate market.
• Enhanced Market Transparency and Regulation: To attract and protect foreign investors, Saudi Arabia is enacting new regulations and frameworks aimed at improving transparency, reducing speculative practices, and ensuring fair market conditions. The use of digital platforms for property management is also contributing to this.
• Attracting and Retaining Talent: The ability for long-term expatriates to own property provides a greater sense of stability and belonging, potentially encouraging more skilled foreign professionals to stay in Saudi Arabia and contribute to its economy. This aligns with programs like the Premium Residency program.
• Replicating Regional Success: The move draws parallels with successful models in neighboring markets like Dubai, which has significantly benefited from foreign real estate investment. Saudi Arabia aims to achieve similar benefits.

Potential Risks and Challenges:

• Speculative Bubbles and Affordability Concerns: A rapid influx of foreign capital could lead to speculative buying, driving up property prices and making housing less affordable for Saudi citizens. The government will need to carefully manage designated zones and regulatory controls to prevent this.
• Market Volatility: The Saudi real estate market could become more susceptible to global economic trends and capital flows.
• Regulatory Complexity: While new laws aim to streamline processes, foreign investors may still face complexities in navigating legal, administrative, and cultural aspects of property ownership.
• Infrastructure Strain: Rapid development in designated areas could strain existing infrastructure if not adequately planned and managed.
• Cultural and Social Integration: While property ownership provides stability, ensuring smooth cultural and social integration of a larger foreign resident population will be important.
• Limited Access in Holy Cities: Foreign ownership will remain subject to specific conditions and limitations in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, which could be seen as a limitation by some investors.

Overall, the decision to allow foreign property ownership is a strategic and bold move by Saudi Arabia to accelerate its economic transformation. While potential risks exist, the anticipated benefits in terms of increased FDI, economic diversification, job creation, and market growth are substantial and align directly with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. The success of this policy will largely depend on effective implementation, regulatory oversight, and a balanced approach to market development.

he rising prices of vehicles, both new and used, are a complex issue driven by a combination of economic, technological, and geopolitical factors. Here are the main reasons:

• Supply Chain Disruptions:
  • Semiconductor Shortage: This has been a major factor. Modern cars rely heavily on semiconductors for everything from engine management to infotainment systems. The pandemic-induced surge in demand for electronics, coupled with production bottlenecks, led to a severe shortage of chips, forcing automakers to cut production and delay vehicle launches.
  • Raw Material Costs: The prices of essential materials like steel, aluminum, copper, and lithium (for EVs) have increased, directly impacting manufacturing costs.
  • Logistics Challenges: Disruptions in global shipping, port congestion, and increased freight rates have made it more expensive and time-consuming to transport parts and finished vehicles.
• Increased Demand and Economic Factors:
  • Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery: As economies recovered, consumers who had delayed car purchases returned to the market, increasing demand for both new and used vehicles.
  • Inflationary Pressures: General inflation across the economy has led to higher costs for goods and services, including vehicle production and related services like insurance and repairs.
  • Shift to Used Cars: The scarcity and higher prices of new cars pushed more consumers towards the used car market, increasing demand and consequently prices for pre-owned vehicles.
• Technological Advancements and Regulations:
  • Advanced Features: Modern vehicles incorporate increasingly sophisticated technologies, such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), larger infotainment screens, and enhanced safety features. These add to the research, development, and production costs.
  • Electrification: The shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles involves significant investments in new technologies and components (like batteries), which often have higher upfront costs.
  • Environmental Regulations: Stricter emission and fuel efficiency regulations globally compel manufacturers to invest in new, more expensive technologies to meet these standards.
• Labor Costs:
  • Rising Wages: Increased labor costs in manufacturing countries and demands for higher wages and benefits in developed countries contribute to the overall production cost.
• Geopolitical Factors and Trade Policies:
  • Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported vehicles and auto parts (e.g., steel, aluminum, electronics) directly increase the cost for manufacturers, which is often passed on to consumers.
  • Trade Disputes and Political Instability: Geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions can disrupt the flow of parts and materials, leading to increased costs and reduced availability.

In summary, the confluence of supply chain vulnerabilities, robust consumer demand, rising input costs, technological evolution, and regulatory pressures has created a challenging environment for vehicle pricing, leading to the sustained increase consumers are experiencing.

To avoid getting poisoned by chicken meat, which can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium perfringens, follow these essential food safety practices:

1. Proper Handling and Storage (Preventing Cross-Contamination):

• Shopping:
  • Place raw chicken in a disposable plastic bag before putting it in your shopping cart or at the bottom of the cart to prevent juices from leaking onto other foods.
• Refrigeration:
  • Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator in a sealed container or wrapped securely to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods, especially ready-to-eat items like salads or cooked foods.
  • Keep your refrigerator at or below 40∘F (4∘C).
• Thawing:
  • Never defrost raw chicken at room temperature on the kitchen counter.
  • Thaw chicken safely in the refrigerator, in cold water (changing the water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. If using the microwave, cook it immediately after thawing.
• Preparation:
  • DO NOT WASH RAW CHICKEN. Washing can splash harmful bacteria onto your hands, surfaces, and other foods, leading to cross-contamination. Only proper cooking will kill the bacteria.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw chicken.
  • Use separate cutting boards, knives, and utensils for raw chicken and ready-to-eat foods (like salads, fruits, or cooked items). If you don’t have separate boards, prepare vegetables and fruits first, then raw meat, and thoroughly wash everything with hot, soapy water between uses.
  • Clean and sanitize all cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing chicken and before preparing other foods.
  • Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate or surface that previously held raw chicken without thoroughly washing it first.
  • If marinating chicken, always do so in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Do not use marinade that has touched raw chicken on cooked foods unless it has been boiled first.

2. Proper Cooking:

• Cook to the Safe Internal Temperature: The most crucial step is to cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165∘F (74∘C). This temperature effectively kills harmful bacteria.
• Use a Food Thermometer: Do not rely on visual cues like the color of the meat or juices. Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bones. Check different parts of a whole chicken.
• Clear Juices and No Pink: While not a definitive test alone, ensure the juices run clear and there is no pink meat visible in the thickest part.

3. Proper Handling of Cooked Chicken and Leftovers:

• Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate or freeze leftover cooked chicken within 2 hours of cooking (or within 1 hour if the food is exposed to temperatures above 90∘F, such as in a hot car or at a picnic).
• Storage of Cooked Chicken: Cooked chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating Leftovers: When reheating cooked chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165∘F (74∘C) again, until it is steaming hot throughout.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of food poisoning from chicken.