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Saudi Arabia Expands Visitor e-Visa to Eight Additional Countries 

Saudi Arabia will grant visitor e-visa to travellers from eight newly-eligible countries. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia will grant visitor e-visa to travellers from eight newly-eligible countries. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Expands Visitor e-Visa to Eight Additional Countries 

Saudi Arabia will grant visitor e-visa to travellers from eight newly-eligible countries. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia will grant visitor e-visa to travellers from eight newly-eligible countries. (SPA)

In a bid to make it easier than ever before to experience the authentic home of Arabia, Saudi Arabia will grant visitor e-visa to travellers from eight newly-eligible countries: Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, for leisure, business, and religious (Umrah only) travel.

Nationals of these countries can apply for a Saudi visitor visa ahead of their journey via the official e-visa portal.

The Kingdom is reimagining the tourism experience, with the famously warm and generous Saudi welcome, known as Hafawah, at the heart of its plans. The visitor e-visa is valid for an entire year, grants multiple entries, and permits a stay of up to 90 days. Visit Saudi offers an online trip planner for visitors to create custom itineraries with ease.

From visiting the Kingdom’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea – one of the world's most spectacular undiscovered diving spots, wandering Taif's world-famous Rose Gardens, shopping like a local in Riyadh's Deira Souq, chartering the unknown on land in the lush, green Asir region and tasting Saudi Arabia’s diverse and delicious culinary scene, from fragrant Arabic dishes to internationally-renowned fine dining restaurants, there is something for everyone.

Since launching the e-visa program in 2019, Saudi Arabia has welcomed 93.5 million visits in 2022, a 93% increase compared to 2021, resulting in a tourism spend of SAR 185 billion (USD 49 billion). This rapid tourism growth is due to expanding visa initiatives, which now include 57 nations and two special administrative regions, compared to the initial 49 countries at the program's launch.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia extended regulations to provide a visitor e-visa to holders of valid Schengen, United Kingdom and United States of America visas that have been used to enter those countries before arriving in Saudi Arabia and to permanent residents of EU and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and the UK and US.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the free 96-hour Stopover Visa, allowing passengers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours. Stopover Visa holders will be eligible for a complimentary one-night hotel stay during the stopover when booking through SAUDIA.

Travellers can use the Stopover Visa to explore the Kingdom and perform Umrah. Religious travellers can book flights through SAUDIA and Flynas and register for Umrah through the Nusuk platform.

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Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Captures Attention of US Media

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an interview with Fox News (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an interview with Fox News (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Crown Prince Captures Attention of US Media

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an interview with Fox News (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an interview with Fox News (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Extensive media coverage in the United States has focused on Fox News’ interview with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which was aired on Wednesday evening.

The dialogue with the Crown Prince shed light on the situation in the Middle East and relations with Israel.

Additionally, the interview brought attention to the Crown Prince’s commitment to enhancing living conditions of Palestinians.

Topics covered during the interview were diverse and resonated in both political and economic dimensions. They encompassed discussions about Chinese and American leaders, Iran, energy markets, Vision 2030, economic growth, and judicial reforms.

US media outlets gave emphasis to the Crown Prince’s leadership abilities and his willingness to establish improved relations with Iran, while also highlighting his determination to obtain nuclear capabilities should Iran acquire them.

They directly referenced messages conveyed during the interview to President Joe Biden’s administration, which could represent a significant political triumph in foreign policy if negotiations for normalization with Israel were successful.

The New York Post’s Victor Nava covered statements by the Crown Prince on the Kingdom’s approach when it comes to the question of acquiring nuclear weapons if Iran does so first.

According to Nava, the Crown Prince expressed “concern” about the possibility of a nuclear Iran in the wide-ranging interview with Fox News host Bret Baier.

“Well, we are concerned [about] any country getting a nuclear weapon. That’s a bad move,” said the Crown Prince.

“You don’t need to get a nuclear weapon because you can’t use it even if you can get a nuclear weapon.”

The Crown Prince argued that if Iran is able to obtain a nuclear weapon and its authoritarian regime decides to use it, the country would quickly find itself at war with “the world.”

“The world cannot see another Hiroshima,” he noted.

On the other hand, CNN emphasized the statements made by the Saudi Crown Prince regarding the prospects of normalizing ties with Israel.

The news channel pointed to the Crown Prince’s statements on Saudi Arabia getting closer every day to reaching an agreement with Israel.

CNN deemed these statements as unprecedented, particularly in the context of ongoing negotiations being taken “very seriously.”

The Crown Prince had told Baier that a pact with Israel would be “the biggest historical deal since the Cold War.”

Gulf

‘South Lion 4’ Military Exercise Between Saudi, French Armies Kicks Off

The exercise seeks to reinforce military training and exchange expertise between both countries. (SPA)
The exercise seeks to reinforce military training and exchange expertise between both countries. (SPA)
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‘South Lion 4’ Military Exercise Between Saudi, French Armies Kicks Off

The exercise seeks to reinforce military training and exchange expertise between both countries. (SPA)
The exercise seeks to reinforce military training and exchange expertise between both countries. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and France have kicked off the joint military exercise “South Lion 4” in the town of Saumur in western France.

Commander of Saumur military schools Brigadier General Benoit Aymonier inaugurated the training in the attendance of the supervisor of the exercise from the Saudi side, Colonel Ziad bin Saad Al-Jalil.

The flags of both countries were raised to announce the commencement of the training.

Then Aymonier delivered a speech, welcoming the Saudi Arabian army and hailing the readiness of the participating forces.

The training seeks to reinforce military training, exchange expertise, unify concepts, train on planning for regular and irregular war, and make military decisions.

On the sidelines of the training, academic seminars are expected to be held by several officers from both countries.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Calls for Comprehensive Reforms at UN Security Council 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at a ministerial meeting to prepare for the Summit of the Future in September 2024 in New York on Thursday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at a ministerial meeting to prepare for the Summit of the Future in September 2024 in New York on Thursday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Comprehensive Reforms at UN Security Council 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at a ministerial meeting to prepare for the Summit of the Future in September 2024 in New York on Thursday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at a ministerial meeting to prepare for the Summit of the Future in September 2024 in New York on Thursday. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah called on Thursday for introducing comprehensive reforms at the United Nations Security Council whereby “participation and representation would be expanded” at the international body.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York, at a ministerial meeting to prepare for the Summit of the Future in September 2024, he also called for bolstering the Security Council’s response to crises.

He added that constructive relations based on dialogue to resolve disputes and cooperation aimed at consolidating security and stability are the way forward in achieving comprehensive development, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Moreover, Prince Faisal underlined the need to develop and reform multilateral international cooperation to account for the concerns and needs of all nations, including developing ones.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia is working tirelessly at international organizations to reinforce relations between countries and support cooperation and understanding between them.

Furthermore, he said Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in sustainable development, as shown in the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022, adding that this was one of the main objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Also on Thursday, Prince Faisal took part in the Informal Interactive Dialogue between the Members of the Security Council and Representatives of the Arab Summit Troika and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.

The FM warned of the threat posed by armed groups operating outside the state in creating crises and threatening international peace and security.

He urged the Security Council to take “serious and firm” measures to limit the danger of these groups.

The international community is facing common challenges that demand collective work to effectively confront them, he went on to say. This can only be achieved through providing a secure and stable regional and international environment that allows the countries to cooperate together.

He noted that Arab affairs are among the main issues tackled at the Security Council. So, bolstering cooperation and collective work between the Arab League and Council, with the aim of achieving peace and security in the Arab world, is a priority.

Saudi Arabia is keen on bolstering this cooperation to reach a common approach in addressing crises and finding peaceful solutions to them, he remarked.

In this regard, he welcomed the positive outcomes of the serious discussions between the Saudi communication and coordination team with a delegation from Yemen’s Sanaa, with Oman’s participation, that were held in Riyadh to reach a roadmap to support peace.

He hoped the dialogue between Yemeni parties will lead to security and stability in the war-torn country.

The Troika is formed of previous Arab summit president Algeria, current president Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which will host the next summit.

Prince Faisal took part in a meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers in New York. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm stance that condemns actions that undermine tolerance between religions and that promote hatred, discrimination and Islamophobia.

He underscored Riyadh’s support of causes in the Islamic world, especially the Palestinian cause and the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict with Israel based on international resolutions and the 2002 Arab peace initiative that would ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gulf

Bin Farhan, Lavrov Discuss Russia-Ukraine Crisis

The Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Russia met in New York. SPA
The Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Russia met in New York. SPA
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Bin Farhan, Lavrov Discuss Russia-Ukraine Crisis

The Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Russia met in New York. SPA
The Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Russia met in New York. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan has met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

During Thursday’s meeting, they reviewed bilateral ties and ways to develop them, in addition to means to bolster cooperation and multilateral work.

They further discussed the latest developments of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

The Saudi Foreign Minister reiterated the Kingdom’s support for all international efforts to resolve the crisis, reach peace, and continue to contribute to alleviating the resulting humanitarian problems.

Gulf

Saudi FM, Burhan Discuss Situation in Sudan

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, in New York. SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, in New York. SPA
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Saudi FM, Burhan Discuss Situation in Sudan

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, in New York. SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, in New York. SPA

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has met with Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York.

Prince Faisal and Burhan discussed on Thursday the latest developments in Sudan.

Prince Faisal stressed that it was important for all Sudanese parties to commit to restoring the course of humanitarian work, protecting civilians and relief workers, and ensuring the safety of humanitarian corridors to deliver basic aid.

He also renewed the Kingdom's call for calm and to engage in a political dialogue that guarantees a solution to the crisis and restores security and stability to Sudan and its people.

Gulf

Mohammed bin Salman: Saudi Arabia is ‘Biggest Success Story of the 21st Century’

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his interview with Fox News
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his interview with Fox News
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Mohammed bin Salman: Saudi Arabia is ‘Biggest Success Story of the 21st Century’

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his interview with Fox News
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his interview with Fox News

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said that the Kingdom is “the biggest success story of the 21st century.”

In an interview with Bret Baier, chief political anchor of Fox News, at NEOM, Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed that Saudi Arabia was the fastest growing country in all sectors, and had achieved the fastest growth in gross domestic product (GDP) among the G20 countries for two consecutive years.

The Saudi Crown Prince also said that the Kingdom tried to join the G7, “but some countries wanted to dictate their conditions.”

He noted that investment in tourism has raised the sector’s contribution to the GDP from 3 percent to 7 percent, adding that tourism in Saudi Arabia attracted 40 million visits and aims to target 100 million to 150 million in 2030.

Touching on political issues, the Saudi Crown Prince said that his country was discussing with the Americans the means to reach good results that will alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians.

In this context, he stressed the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue, considering it essential in any normalization of relations with Israel.

Bin Salman also rejected reports that Saudi Arabia had paused negotiations, which he stressed was “not true.”

“Every day we get closer... We get to see how it goes,” he said.

He insisted his country could work with Israel, no matter who is in charge, calling the deal “the biggest historical deal since the end of the Cold War.”

The Saudi Crown Prince noted that the upcoming agreements with the United States are beneficial to the two countries and to the security of the region and the world.

He added that relations with Iran have seen some progress, expressing his hope that they will continue in this direction for the benefit of the security and stability of the region.

He stressed, however, that any nuclear arms race in the region would not only threaten its security, but also the security of the world.

Should Iran ever obtain such a weapon, Saudi Arabia would “have to get one, for security reasons, for balancing power,” bin Salman remarked.

He also said that China had chosen to “mediate between us and the Iranians.”

In his first interview with a major US news network since 2019, the Saudi Crown Prince said that the decisions to reduce oil production were aimed at stabilizing the market and not helping Russia in its war.

Regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, he said that relations were good with Russia and Ukraine, and the Kingdom prefers the path of dialogue, and does not support one party at the expense of another.

The Saudi Crown Prince spoke about relations with the United States, pointing to important security ties with Washington.

He added that he enjoyed “a special relationship with President [Joe] Biden,” noting that Saudi Arabia wanted American and foreign companies to invest in a safe environment in the Middle East.

“We are one of the five largest buyers of American weapons, and our move to buy weapons from countries other than the United States is not in their interest,” he stated.

Gulf

Kuwait PM: Iraqi Court Ruling Concerning Khor Abdullah Included Historical Fallacies

Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani (KUNA)
Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani (KUNA)
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Kuwait PM: Iraqi Court Ruling Concerning Khor Abdullah Included Historical Fallacies

Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani (KUNA)
Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani (KUNA)

Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said that the recent verdict of the Iraqi federal court rescinding the agreement on maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah has "historical fallacies" that need to be addressed.

The Kuwaiti Prime Minister received Iraq's PM Mohammad Shia al-Sudani at his residence in New York on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session.

He stressed the importance of urgent and decisive measures by the Iraqi government to address the historical fallacies against Kuwait in the court ruling.

His remarks were carried by state news agency KUNA early on Thursday,

Tensions escalated between Kuwait and Iraq after the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court ruled the agreement regulating navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway between the two states was unconstitutional.

The court said the law that ratified the accord should have been approved by the two-thirds of parliament.

The agreement was reached in 2012 and ratified by each of their legislative bodies in 2013.

Sheikh Ahmad expressed Kuwait's desire to finalize the border demarcation process with Iraq beyond seamark No. 162, in keeping with international laws, echoing a Wednesday call by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United States.

He affirmed the need for commitment to both countries' security, independence, and territorial safety and maintaining neighborly relations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, notably Resolution 833 on borders.

Gulf

Riyadh Talks: Ideas, Options for Yemeni Peace Map Development

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meeting with the Sanaa delegation in Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meeting with the Sanaa delegation in Riyadh (SPA)
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Riyadh Talks: Ideas, Options for Yemeni Peace Map Development

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meeting with the Sanaa delegation in Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meeting with the Sanaa delegation in Riyadh (SPA)

During a span of four days, the Saudi communication and coordination team, in collaboration with a delegation from the Sultanate of Oman, engaged in extensive discussions with the visiting Houthi delegation in Riyadh to tackle matters related to Yemen.

Saudi Arabia had invited the Sanaa delegation to visit Riyadh to discuss the Yemeni peace plan.

Without disclosing details, the Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed the outcomes of these deliberations, describing them in a statement as “positive” steps toward the creation of a roadmap to support the Yemeni peace process.

The ministry further clarified that the meeting of the Saudi team headed by Ambassador Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, who had visited Sanaa last April, had yielded results.

Among the key outcomes were “the formulation of numerous ideas and options for the development of a roadmap agreeable to all Yemeni parties.”

Headed by Mohammed Abdulsalam Felitah, the Houthi delegation from Sanaa met with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman.

During the meeting, Prince Khalid asserted the Kingdom’s commitment to reaching a political solution in Yemen.

“We look forward to the earnest discussions achieving their objectives and the Yemeni parties uniting under a common vision,” the minister said on Wednesday.

“This should take place within a framework of lasting political stability and security, aligning with the broader developmental progress of the Gulf region,” he added in a post on X.

The Houthi delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia last week. It was the first official visit to the Kingdom since the war broke out in Yemen in 2014 after the Iran-aligned group ousted the government there.

London, as expressed by its Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in an interview with Al-Arabiya, welcomed the meetings in Riyadh.

Charles Harper, who is currently serving as the Chargé d'Affaires of the British Embassy in Yemen, emphasized the significance of Saudi Arabia hosting a Houthi delegation in Riyadh.

In statements made to Asharq Al-Awsat, Harper underscored the importance of making progress in the comprehensive intra-Yemeni dialogue process under the auspices of the UN.

Observers note that Saudi Arabia aims for Yemenis to prioritize prosperity, stability, and development, resolving disputes through dialogue rather than armed conflict.

Gulf

GCC Secretary General Discusses Areas of Cooperation between the GCC and Cuba

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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GCC Secretary General Discusses Areas of Cooperation between the GCC and Cuba

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi stated that he discussed areas of cooperation between the GCC and Cuba, as well as ways to enhance and develop them in fields that serve common interests.

His remarks came during a meeting Wednesday with the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodriguez, on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York City, said SPA on Thursday.

The secretary general said several topics were discussed during the meeting, including reviewing the bilateral relations, and ways to enhance and develop them in fields that achieve joint goals.

Albudaiwi praised Cuba's signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Caribbean States, which was inked two days ago between the GCC countries and the association.

He also highlighted Cuba's active contributions to the GCC healthcare sector.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Sends Fifth Plane with 90 Tons of Food Assistance to Libya

SPA
SPA
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Saudi Arabia Sends Fifth Plane with 90 Tons of Food Assistance to Libya

SPA
SPA

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has sent 90 tons of food and shelter materials to be distributed to those affected by the floods that hit Libya recently.

The aid material was sent by a fifth Saudi relief plane that departed today from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh for Benghazi's Benina International Airport.

This comes in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

Libya was lashed on September 10 by Storm Daniel, which hit parts of the central and eastern Mediterranean, and led to devastating floods and heavy loss of life.