Tag: Middle East news

Human Interest

Saudi Arabia’s Oldest Man, Claimed to Be 142, Dies in Riyadh, Leaving Behind 134 Descendants from Multiple Marriages

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Al Wadaei, widely regarded as Saudi Arabia’s oldest man, passed away in Riyadh on January 11, 2026, at a claimed age of 142, according to family members and local reports. His death marked the end of a life that, as relatives describe, spanned nearly every phase of the modern Saudi state.

Born around 1884 in the Dhahran Al Janub region of southern Saudi Arabia, Al Wadaei was believed to have witnessed the reign of all Saudi monarchs, from King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who unified the Kingdom in 1932, to the current ruler, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Family members often referred to him as a living link to the country’s past, recalling stories of life before oil transformed the nation.

According to relatives, Al Wadaei performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times and remained active well into advanced age. He was known for regularly visiting mosques and for mediating disputes within his community, earning respect as an elder whose advice was valued.

He is survived by 134 children and grandchildren from multiple marriages, forming what his family described as a large and close-knit household. More than 7,000 people reportedly attended his funeral in Dhahran Al Janub, reflecting the esteem and recognition he commanded in the region.

Despite widespread belief in his extraordinary longevity, Al Wadaei’s age was never officially verified. Civil birth records in Saudi Arabia were introduced decades after his reported birth, and his claim was not recognised by Guinness World Records. Even so, for those who knew him, his long life, wisdom, and enduring presence remain a powerful legacy that transcends official documentation.

International

Saudi Arabia Discovers 7.8 Million Ounces of Gold Across Four Sites

allycaralgoa

Saudi Arabia has made a major breakthrough in its mining sector with the discovery of 7.8 million ounces of gold across four different sites, reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing role in the global minerals and resources landscape.

The discovery aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil by unlocking the potential of the mining and minerals sector. Authorities have identified the gold reserves at multiple locations, signalling strong prospects for expanded exploration and long-term commercial development.

Mining has emerged as a strategic pillar for Saudi Arabia, with gold playing a key role in strengthening national revenue streams and attracting foreign investment. The newly discovered reserves are expected to contribute significantly to employment generation, regional development, and industrial growth.

Officials have indicated that advanced exploration techniques and geological surveys were instrumental in identifying the reserves. Further assessments and feasibility studies are expected to determine extraction timelines and production capacity.

The discovery adds momentum to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global mining hub, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in precious metals production while enhancing economic resilience and sustainability.

As global demand for gold remains strong amid economic uncertainty, the discovery underscores Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in international commodity markets and marks a significant milestone in its long-term economic transformation journey.

International

Iran’s Currency Plunges to Historic Low as Rial Loses Value Against Major Currencies

allycaralgoa

Iran’s national currency, the Iranian rial, has plunged to historic lows amid mounting economic pressure, soaring inflation, and prolonged geopolitical challenges. The sharp depreciation has pushed the rial’s value against major global currencies to levels that are now considered among the weakest in the world.

In euro terms, one Iranian rial is now worth only a minuscule fraction, effectively nearing zero when expressed in everyday financial comparisons. While not literally worthless, the collapse in value underscores how severely inflation and currency devaluation have eroded purchasing power inside the country.

The decline has been driven by a combination of economic sanctions, reduced oil revenues, limited access to foreign exchange, and persistent inflation, which has placed immense pressure on households and businesses alike. Everyday essentials have become increasingly expensive, savings have lost value, and financial uncertainty continues to rise.

The currency collapse has also had social repercussions, triggering widespread public frustration and concern over the cost of living. Despite various government efforts, including discussions around currency reforms and structural adjustments, economic stability remains elusive.

Economists warn that without significant policy changes, improved international trade access, and inflation control, the rial’s weakened position could persist, further straining Iran’s economy and the daily lives of its citizens.

International

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, the ‘Sleeping Prince’, Passes Away at 36 After Two-Decade Coma

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Riyadh | July 19, 2025 – Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, famously known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36, ending a poignant chapter that touched millions around the world. The news was confirmed by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, on Saturday via the social media platform X.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMcostLs1en/

In 2005, at just 15 years old, Prince Al-Waleed met with a tragic car accident while undergoing military training in London. The accident left him in a coma due to severe brain injuries. For nearly two decades, he remained unconscious under extensive medical care at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.

Despite the grim prognosis, the royal family never gave up. Prince Khaled regularly posted hopeful updates on social media, sharing brief moments of movement from his son’s hands or fingers — moments that gave strength to many families facing similar battles.

Born in 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. The young prince once had a promising future, enrolling in military training before his life was tragically interrupted.

His passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from across the globe. Social media is flooded with prayers, tributes, and condolences for the royal family. Known not only for his royal lineage but also for his symbolic role as a beacon of hope, Prince Al-Waleed’s legacy is one of resilience, faith, and enduring love.

Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

  • Men’s prayer: Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Riyadh
  • Women’s prayer: King Faisal Specialist Hospital

Condolences will be accepted through July 22.