Saudi Arabia Tightens Hajj Regulations, Prevents Over 269,000 Unauthorized Pilgrims from Entering Mecca

Activists and former inmates have exposed severe abuses at Saudi Arabia's “Dar al-Reaya” or “care homes,” which are officially labeled as rehabilitation centers for vulnerable women. According to a recent report by The Guardian, these facilities, established in the 1960s, have been described as places of torment, featuring weekly floggings, forced religious indoctrination, and complete isolation from the outside world. Maryam Aldossari, a London-based Saudi activist, noted that young women are held until they comply with strict rules. Reports indicate multiple instances of suicide or attempted suicide due to the harsh conditions, as women are often confined for years without the ability to leave unless granted permission by a male guardian. Sarah Al-Yahia, an advocate against these institutions, highlighted ghastly conditions including strip searches and virginity tests. In response to the allegations, a Saudi government spokesperson defended the homes as specialized facilities, denying any mistreatment claims and stating that women can leave at any time without needing a guardian's approval.

Recent investigations have shed light on Saudi Arabia's "Dar al-Reaya," or care homes for women, which are officially promoted as rehabilitation shelters. According to The Guardian, former inmates and activists have described these facilities as sites of severe mistreatment, including weekly floggings, forced religious indoctrination, and complete isolation from the outside world. Maryam Aldossari, a Saudi activist, commented that women often remain in these homes until they conform to strict behavioral rules. Sarah Al-Yahia, who is campaigning for the abolition of these institutions, shared distressing accounts of women undergoing extreme measures such as strip searches and virginity tests. These practices exemplify what activists label as a calculated strategy by the Saudi regime to control and punish women. Despite these allegations, a Saudi government spokesperson insisted that the care homes are specialized facilities where women can leave freely without needing permission from male guardians, rejecting claims of abuse. As gender-based violence remains a contentious issue, activists are calling for genuine support systems for vulnerable women instead of punitive measures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in a crucial effort to end the ongoing war with Russia. This meeting follows Zelensky's challenging visit to the White House last month, which concluded without significant agreement. Zelensky aims to engage in "constructive dialogue," emphasizing the need for Ukraine's interests to be adequately represented during negotiations. The talks in Jeddah, which will also include discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are viewed as vital for establishing a framework for a peace agreement and a potential ceasefire. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff noted that this dialogue aims to bring both peace closer and ensure continued support for Ukraine. This comes amid reports of the US suspending military aid to Kyiv in a bid to push for negotiations with Moscow. Zelensky’s negotiating team includes key ministers from his administration, as ongoing tensions and the impact of sanctions on Russia remain at the forefront of discussions.