The long-standing ban on Internet calls will soon be lifted in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom's minister of Communications and Information Technology announced on Wednesday.

Within one week, Internet voice and video calling apps such as Skype, Viber and WhatsApp will be unblocked in the kingdom. 

Minister Abdullah bin Amer Al-Sawaha announced on Twitter that the ministry is in talks with Saudi telecoms partners to lift the ban on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, digital telephone services in which calls are made over the Internet through apps. 

"This fruitful cooperation between the Kingdom’s telecoms partners comes under the umbrella of ‘Customer First,’ a policy in which everyone works in order to give all telecom subscribers in the Kingdom the best services that meet their expectations and satisfy their needs," he wrote, as translated by Arab News.

Al-Sawaha added that the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission will work with telecom companies and review regulatory compliance requirements to enable the VoIP services, starting next Wednesday.

The authorities responsible for implementing the decision have emphasized that all customers, both Saudi nationals and residents, will be able to make voice and video calls at "the highest quality." 

The decision comes in line with the objectives of the kingdom's Vision 2030 and will reportedly be followed by several initiatives that aim to enhance both the telecom sector and customer experience. 

With the kingdom deciding to lift the ban on VoIP services, people are wondering if fellow Gulf state, the United Arab Emirates, will follow suit.

Such services are restricted in the Emirates, and only licensed providers are authorized to offer such services. 

In June, UAE residents got a glimpse of false hope when WhatsApp voice and video calls were briefly available in the country due to a technological glitch.

Saudis are flocking to face unknown horrors at a Summer Festival in Dammam. 

For the first time, a "Horror Tent" has been set up at the 45th Summer Festival at King Abdullah Park, located along Dammam's waterfront. Thousands of Saudis have visited the tent, facing their fears within its dimly lit awnings.

"I can confirm that the ‘Horror of Tent’ at the festival is a huge success, and we’re encouraged to repeat it again in the future if and when we hold this festival again," Hamad Al-Suwaikh, supervisor of the tent, told Arab News.

This attraction has brought excitement and fear to the young and old alike, with visitors sticking close together and children grabbing tightly to their parents' hands as they enter the tent. 

The 16-meter by 11-meter tent is divided into several sections, including a prison, a bedroom, a kitchen and a puppet theater.

"In each of these sections, there are elements of excitement and horror which drew the attention of the visitors, both young and old alike," Al-Suwaikh said.

Visitors stay for about four terrifying minutes inside the tent. Five to seven individuals can enter at once. 

Although it may be a scary experience, it's important to remember it's just one terrifying illusion.

"The focus has been on the use of special decorations and distinctive lighting effects," Al-Suwaikh explained, saying that sound and optical effects are what make the experience for visitors.

What are you waiting for? Are you ready to face your fears?