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Saudi Arabia shakes up travel rules with stunning visa abolition discussion

11:34 PM | 30 Sep, 2023
Saudi Arabia shakes up travel rules with stunning visa abolition discussion

TEHRAN - In a pleasantly surprising move, the authorities in Saudi Arabia are currently discussing abolishing visas with another Muslim country, deemed rival a few months ago. 

Saudi Arabia harbors a history of tough ties with Iran reflected through speeches and actions as well but in the latest development, the Iranian deputy tourism minister has announced the continuation of efforts to develop tourism relations and cancel visas between the two countries.

Maryam Jalali Dahkardi, who is currently in the Saudi capital Riyadh to participate in World Tourism Day, elaborated that she and Deputy Minister of Tourism for International Relations and Foreign Tourism, Sultan Al-Musallam have discussed methods to remove obstacles to the development of tourism ties between the two countries.

The minister also invited the Saudi tourism minister to visit Iran besides discussing matters of mutual importance.

Last March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations seven years after severing them which came as a surprise to the Muslim community.

Both countries are special in the sense that Saudi Arabia attracts millions of Muslims each year for Hajj and Umrah purposes while on the other hand, Iran attracts millions of Muslims for religious events considered special by a sect of Muslims.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding rivalry rooted in religious, political, and regional differences. One major point of contention is their religious divide as Iran predominantly follows Shia Islam, while Saudi Arabia adheres to Sunni Islam. This has led to tensions and competition for influence within the Muslim world.

Additionally, both countries vie for power and influence in the Middle East, often supporting opposing factions in conflicts in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.

Historical disputes over control of holy sites in Mecca and Medina have also contributed to the animosity. Economic competition, especially in the oil industry, further fuels the conflict. Their rivalry has played out through proxy conflicts in various regional disputes, causing ongoing instability in the Middle East; however, the news of visa abolition has come as a positive development for the Muslim world.

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Pakistani rupee exchange rate to US dollar, Euro, Pound, Dirham, and Riyal - 10 Dec 2023

Pakistani rupee remains largely stable against the US dollar, and other currencies in the open market on Sunday.

Dollar Rate in Pakistan Today

On Sunday, the US dollar was being quoted at 283.4 for buying and 285.95 for selling.

Euro comes down to 307 for buying and 310 for selling. British Pound rate remains unchanged at 358.5 for buying, and 362 for selling.

UAE Dirham AED witnessed slight drop and new rate stands at 77.2 whereas the Saudi Riyal remained stable at 76.

Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)

Currency Symbol Buying Selling
US Dollar ‎USD 283.4 285.95
Euro EUR 307 310
UK Pound Sterling GBP 358.5 362
U.A.E Dirham AED 77.2 78
Saudi Riyal SAR 76 76.8
Australian Dollar AUD 187.2 189
Bahrain Dinar BHD 755.82 763.82
Canadian Dollar CAD 209 211
China Yuan CNY 39.82 40.22
Danish Krone DKK 41.14 41.54
Hong Kong Dollar HKD 36.37 36.72
Indian Rupee INR 3.41 3.52
Japanese Yen JPY 1.39 1.45
Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 922.14 931.14
Malaysian Ringgit MYR 60.82 61.42
New Zealand Dollar NZD 175.33 177.33
Norwegians Krone NOK 26.12 26.42
Omani Riyal OMR 738.71 741.76
Qatari Riyal ‎QAR 78.07 78.77
Singapore Dollar SGD 211 213
Swedish Korona SEK 27.32 27.62
Swiss Franc CHF 324.5 327
Thai Bhat THB 8.08 8.23

Gold price drops in Pakistan; Check out today gold rates here

Gold prices decreased in local markets in line with the trend in the international market.

Gold Rates in Pakistan Today - 10 December 2023

On Sunday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs216,300, and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs185,450.

Single tola of 22 Karat Gold price costs Rs198,274, 21 karat rate per tola costs Rs189,263 and 18k gold rate is Rs162,225 for each tola.

In the global market, gold prices hovers around $2,004 per ounce, after drop of $23.35 on Sunday.

Today Gold Rate in Pakistan

City Gold Silver
Lahore PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Karachi PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Islamabad PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Peshawar PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Quetta PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Sialkot PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Attock PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Gujranwala PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Jehlum PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Multan PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Bahawalpur PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Gujrat PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Nawabshah PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Chakwal PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Hyderabad PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Nowshehra PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Sargodha PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Faisalabad PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486
Mirpur PKR 216,300 PKR 2,486

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