In recent months, the crown prince has increased pressure on relatives of Saad al-Jabri, including detaining his adult children, to try to force his return to the kingdom from exile in Canada, the former intelligence official’s family say.

The decision comes after weeks of speculation over whether Saudi Arabia would cancel the pilgrimage altogether or allow the hajj to be held in symbolic numbers

The agreement aims to close the rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, nominal allies in a war against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The Houthi health minister had said 13 civilians, including four children, were killed in Monday's air strike in Saada province,

Yemeni tribal leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, confirmed that Saudi warplanes had targeted a vehicle in the Shada area of Saada province, a rebel stronghold, killing everyone inside.

The curbed output represents some 10 per cent of the world's overall supply.

The government expanded scrutiny for foreign investments in April citing pandemic economic risk.

National security experts warn the government needs a strategy as the pandemic ravages businesses.

The announcement was largely expected because the trial in Saudi Arabia left the door open for reprieve by ruling in December that the killing was not premeditated.

Ahmed Cheema, a 24-year-old man who died in a motorcycle crash in Regina on Tuesday, will be remembered by his friends for his kindness and willingness to give back.