Saudi Arabia to Host Int’l Islamic Conference on Moderation, Extremism, Terrorism, Tolerance, Coexistence

Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Int’l Islamic Conference on Moderation, Extremism, Terrorism, Tolerance, Coexistence

Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is organizing an Islamic conference in Makkah. The two-day conference titled “Engaging with Religious Affairs, Fatwa, and Clerical Administrations Worldwide and Their Implications,” is set to take place on August 13-14.

The convening of the conference was approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The conference brings together 150 scholars and clerics representing 85 countries. Among them are esteemed religious leaders, heads of Islamic associations and institutions, thinkers, and academics from various global universities.

Over the course of two days, they will engage in seven working sessions, delving into topics of moderation, extremism, decay, terrorism, tolerance, and coexistence among nations.

The conference aims to strengthen communication and collaboration among religious affairs, fatwa, and clerical administrations worldwide.

Its overarching goal is to uphold the principles of moderation and balance, promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among diverse populations.

The event seeks to underscore the pivotal role of these institutions in adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet’s Sunnah, serving Islam and Muslims, fostering Islamic unity, combating extremist ideologies, safeguarding societies from atheism and moral decline.

The conference also highlights the unique experiences of Saudi Arabia in spreading mercy and preserving values while simultaneously advancing in all fields for societal progress and development.

Moreover, the event encompasses seven key themes. The first theme examines the efforts of religious affairs, fatwa, and clerical administrations worldwide in serving Islam and Muslims, as well as enhancing Islamic unity.

The second theme explores the current state and desired future of communication and integration among these entities.

The third theme highlights their endeavors to promote values of tolerance and coexistence among different populations.

The fourth theme underscores the fundamental commitment to the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, both in terms of foundational principles and practical efforts.

The fifth theme delves into the concepts of moderation and balance within the context of the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, examining their roots and practical applications.

The sixth theme addresses the roles of these administrative bodies in combating extremism and terrorism.

The seventh and final theme focuses on their contributions to safeguarding society from atheism and moral decline.

The organization of this conference falls within the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to establish the principles of moderation and balance.

These efforts entail constructive collaboration with global religious leaders, aiming to contribute to the reduction of violence and animosity among the world’s populations.



Saudi Arabia Ranks Second Globally in Humanitarian Aid for 2025

Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025. (SP)A
Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025. (SP)A
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Saudi Arabia Ranks Second Globally in Humanitarian Aid for 2025

Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025. (SP)A
Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025. (SP)A

Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025, leading in contributions to Yemen with 49.3% of total aid and ranking second for aid to Syria, according to the United Nations Financial Tracking Service.

A recently released 2024 report on development assistance showed that the Kingdom ranks second among 16 non-member donor countries and tenth globally in aid volume among all 48 donor countries, including both members and non-members.

Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah stressed that the Kingdom's leadership in humanitarian efforts reflects its commitment to generosity and prioritizing human dignity.

These figures are documented in real time on the Saudi Aid Platform, the region's largest aid platform. This approach, supported by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has been crucial in achieving these international rankings and making a tangible global impact.

Al Rabeeah said Saudi Arabia remains a constant source of generosity and a beacon of goodwill, committed under its leadership to providing assistance to those in need worldwide.


Saudi Crown Prince, Syria’s Sharaa Discuss Opportunities to Boost Bilateral Ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Syria’s Sharaa Discuss Opportunities to Boost Bilateral Ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Sunday a telephone call from Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

They reviewed relations and opportunities to boost them in various fields.

They also discussed the latest regional developments and a number of issues of mutual interest.


Al-Mahrami: Saudi Arabia Backs the Solution for Southern Yemen without Preconditions

Officials are seen at the consultative meeting on southern Yemen in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the consultative meeting on southern Yemen in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Al-Mahrami: Saudi Arabia Backs the Solution for Southern Yemen without Preconditions

Officials are seen at the consultative meeting on southern Yemen in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the consultative meeting on southern Yemen in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

A consultative meeting on southern Yemen kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday. The meeting brings together leaderships, elders and senior figures from southern Yemen. 

In a statement, the gatherers said the meeting reflects the South’s “collective will to search for a just, secure and guaranteed solution” to the southern cause “away from escalation or attempts to create secondary conflicts that do not serve the South and its future.” 

They praised Saudi Arabia’s “clear” support for their cause as demonstrated in direct meetings with its leaders and officials, said the statement that was read by member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Abou Zaraa Al-Mahrami. 

Saudi Arabia’s positions “align completely with the just demands of the people of the South and back their right to reach a comprehensive political solution that guarantees their dignity, security, stability and future without preconditions or political demands.” 

These positions allow the people to determine their political fate and destiny, including reclaiming full sovereignty, added the statement. 

Al-Mahrami said the upcoming Saudi-sponsored intra-southern dialogue “is a rare historic opportunity that should not be squandered or undermined through sparking internal southern disputes.” 

He cautioned against antagonizing the Kingdom or creating disputes with it, saying this “serves the parties that are opposed to our cause.” 

Furthermore, he stressed that no one will be marginalized, explaining that the dialogue is based on the greatest possible partnership and representation of the South. 

“Since arriving in Riyadh, we sensed clear and sincere support for the southern cause. Our presence here played a direct role in meeting the demands of our people and forces,” he continued. 

Al-Mahrami noted the Kingdom’s keenness on supporting the Yemeni people’s daily needs, as well as the country’s economy. 

“We also received direct assurances from Saudi officials that support for the southern forces will continue,” he added. The forces are protecting the South and its security and are deployed at battlefronts. 

The support will consolidate the stability of the South and block attempts to weaken the southern front or raise doubts about its people, he went on to say. 

The statement said Saudi Arabia’s economic and development support “are the pillars for the future partnership” between the South and the Kingdom. 

“Today’s meeting will pave the way for a real strategic future based on security, stability and development,” it stressed. 

Moreover, the statement noted that Saudi Arabia had been at the forefront in protecting the South against all threats. “It is the main partner in maintaining its security and stability and backing its just cause,” it added. 

“Saudi Arabia’s stances have proven that the Kingdom has and continues to be a sincere supporter and guarantor of the South’s security and stability,” it said. 

“The real danger against the South lies in the Houthi militias and their expansionist agendas against the South and entire region,” it warned. The statement also warned against the threat of ISIS and al-Qaeda. 

“We therefore categorically reject any attempts that aim to raise doubts against the Kingdom’s role,” it said, while also dismissing campaigns against the southern military and security forces led by the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces.