Authorities in Saudi Arabia have confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

The announcement signals that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will be observed as the first day of fasting across the kingdom.

According to a Saudi-based media platform, the new crescent was sighted on Tuesday evening, officially ushering in Ramadan 1447 in the Islamic calendar.

In a message following the sighting, the platform prayed for the acceptance of believers’ acts of worship, including fasting and night prayers, throughout the sacred month.

The official Saudi Press Agency also confirmed the development on social media, declaring Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan.

Neighbouring Gulf countries, including Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, made similar announcements after sighting the moon.

Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria are awaiting an official declaration from the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who traditionally announces the start of Ramadan in the country.

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Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have taken steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation in housing development, construction technology and local building materials manufacturing, following high-level talks held on the sidelines of the 2026 Real Estate Future Forum (RFF 2026) in Riyadh.

The discussions took place during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH), Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail. Both countries explored strategic areas of collaboration aimed at attracting private capital and accelerating large-scale housing delivery in Nigeria.

During the meeting, Dangiwa presented Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, describing it as a flagship initiative designed to deliver affordable and market-rate housing across different income segments through structured public-private partnerships (PPPs). He said the programme is anchored on clear policies, bankable frameworks and strong demand fundamentals that make it attractive to local and international investors.

The minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs initiative, which is targeted at boosting local production of construction inputs, reducing building costs, creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s construction value chain.

According to Dangiwa, the Federal Government is repositioning the housing sector as a key driver of economic growth rather than merely a social intervention. He noted that Nigeria is actively seeking partnerships with credible Saudi developers, manufacturers, financiers and technology providers, particularly in the area of local building materials production.

“Our Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs offer a compelling opportunity for Saudi investors interested in local production and long-term value creation in Nigeria,” he said.

In his response, Al-Hogail welcomed Nigeria’s reform-driven housing agenda and expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to deepen institutional cooperation. He said Saudi authorities recognise Nigeria’s significant housing deficit and the ongoing efforts to unlock private investment in the sector.

According to him, both countries share common objectives in large-scale housing delivery, construction innovation and local manufacturing. He added that MOMRAH is willing to support engagement between Nigerian institutions and reputable Saudi firms with the required capital, technical expertise and operational capacity.

“There are clear areas of synergy between our housing and urban development goals,” Al-Hogail said, noting that Saudi Arabia is open to facilitating partnerships that can translate Nigeria’s housing reforms into concrete investment outcomes.

The engagement underscores Nigeria’s broader strategy of leveraging global platforms such as RFF 2026 to attract foreign direct investment, exchange best practices and forge partnerships that support housing delivery and industrial development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said follow-up engagements would continue with MOMRAH and prospective Saudi partners to convert the discussions into project-level collaborations and tangible investment opportunities in Nigeria.

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In a landmark move to boost foreign investment and stimulate the real estate sector, Saudi Arabia has officially allowed foreign individuals and companies to buy and own property across the Kingdom, effective January 2026.

The new legal framework marks a significant departure from previous regulations, which had severely restricted property ownership by non-Saudis.

Under the law, foreigners can now acquire residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties, with certain conditions applied to sensitive areas.

Residential Ownership Rules

Foreign residents living in Saudi Arabia are permitted to own one residential property outside specific restricted zones.

The holy cities of Makkah and Madinah remain off-limits for most non-Muslim buyers, with ownership in these areas subject to special conditions. Non-resident foreigners can also purchase residential properties, but only in locations approved by the Council of Ministers in coordination with the Real Estate General Authority.

Commercial and Investment Opportunities

The new law grants broad access for foreign investors to acquire commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties across all cities, without the limitations imposed on residential ownership.

This includes investment through companies, funds, and other entities, positioning Saudi Arabia as an attractive destination for international capital.

Registration and Compliance

All foreign buyers must register properties with the official Real Estate Registry. Transactions are subject to fees—typically up to 5% of the property value—and non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, or forced sale of properties. The regulations aim to ensure transparency and safeguard both investors and the domestic real estate market.

Strategic Significance

This reform aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan and reflects the Kingdom’s drive to attract global investors. By opening up its real estate market, Saudi Arabia is signaling its commitment to economic liberalization and creating new opportunities for foreign capital.

With these measures, analysts expect a surge in foreign investment, greater competition in the property market, and enhanced opportunities for innovation in Saudi Arabia’s housing and commercial sectors.

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It said the ban would take effect from April 13 and would block citizens of these countries from entering the Kingdom. According to the document, even travelers with valid visas would be denied entry. It also warned of a five-year ban for anyone who failed to comply.

The countries listed in the fake document included Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh. The supposed ban targeted short-term visas like business and visit visas.

Saudi Arabia Responds

Saudi authorities have denied issuing any such directive. Officials clarified that the memo in circulation is not official. They confirmed that no ban has been placed on any of the countries mentioned.

They also said the only recent announcement relates to hajj travel, not general visa restrictions. The Kingdom urged the public to ignore false documents and only trust official updates.

Clarification on Hajj Visa Rules

The Saudi government reminded travelers that tourist visa holders cannot perform hajj. They are also not allowed to enter or stay in Makkah during the hajj season. This period runs from April 29 to June 11, 2025.

Only travelers with a valid hajj visa can visit the holy city during this time. The hajj visa is a special category issued solely for pilgrimage purposes. Anyone wishing to perform hajj must apply through the proper channels.

No Visa Ban in Place

Saudi Arabia continues to welcome visitors from around the world. Officials stressed that the Kingdom has not imposed any visa restrictions on Nigeria or the other countries mentioned in the fake memo.

They advised travelers to rely on official government channels for information. Unverified reports, they warned, can cause unnecessary fear and confusion.

The post Saudi Arabia Breaks Silence, Dismisses Rumored Visa Ban on Nigeria and 13 Other Nations appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The ban includes business visas (single and multi-entry), tourist e-visas, and family visit visas. Citizens of the affected countries will not be able to apply for these types of visas once the restriction begins.

Nigerians with valid Saudi visas can still travel to the country before April 13. However, they must leave no later than April 29. Anyone who stays beyond this date may face penalties, including a possible five-year entry ban.

Saudi authorities explained that this decision is linked to preparations for the upcoming Hajj. They are trying to prevent overcrowding and manage logistics more effectively. Last year, many pilgrims reportedly entered the country using non-Hajj visas, causing confusion and congestion.

This is not the first measure the Kingdom has taken. In February 2025, Saudi Arabia suspended one-year multiple-entry visas for the same countries. After that, it limited access to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days.

The new rule also affects travelers with valid multi-entry business visas. These individuals will not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia after April 13, even if their visa has not expired.

The 14 countries impacted include Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, and Bangladesh.

In addition, Saudi Arabia has updated its Umrah travel guidelines. Umrah visas will now be issued starting from the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah each year and will close by the 1st of Shawwal.

Officials continue to warn travelers to use the correct type of visa for religious purposes. Violators risk legal consequences if they fail to follow the new rules.

The post Saudi Arabia Clamps Down on Visa Access for Nigerians, 13 Others Ahead of Hajj appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The new pricing structure has pushed the retail cost of a liter of petrol to an unprecedented level, exceeding 200 Kenyan shillings ($1.36).

Kenya is already grappling with a harsh cost of living crisis marked by soaring prices for essential commodities, the introduction of several new taxes, and a depreciating national currency.

Throughout the year, opposition protests against President William Ruto’s government and its economic policies have erupted, with some turning violent and resulting in casualties.

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Under the revised pricing system in effect from Friday until October 14, the cost of a liter of petrol in the capital city of Nairobi has surged by nearly 17 shillings, reaching 211.64 shillings ($1.44), while diesel now stands at 200.99 shillings.

In response, matatu fares—minibuses widely used for transportation in Kenya—are expected to increase by 20 percent nationwide, as reported by the Matatu Owners Association.

Government officials have partially attributed this increase to a reduction in oil production announced earlier in the month by major producers Saudi Arabia and Russia, which has propelled global crude prices to their highest point in 10 months.

Energy Minister Davis Chirchir acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, “There’s nothing much we can do… certainly the pain is heavy, it’s not going to be easy.” Kenya experienced a series of anti-government protests earlier in the year.

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