NAUSS Hosts Workshop to Boost Arab Security Against Drones

The workshop hosted by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) deliberated on the primary uses of drones across various security domains (NAUSS)
The workshop hosted by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) deliberated on the primary uses of drones across various security domains (NAUSS)
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NAUSS Hosts Workshop to Boost Arab Security Against Drones

The workshop hosted by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) deliberated on the primary uses of drones across various security domains (NAUSS)
The workshop hosted by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) deliberated on the primary uses of drones across various security domains (NAUSS)

Abdulmajeed Al-Banyan, president of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS), has emphasized NAUSS’ keen interest in emerging technologies, such as autonomous systems, with one prominent example being unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones.

The university views drones as a crucial tool for enhancing security, improving its efficiency, while also recognizing the potential risks they pose when falling into the hands of criminal organizations and gangs.

Al-Banyan urged the necessity of taking the initiative to enhance the capabilities of Arab security agencies and their personnel in confronting these risks and threats.

This can be achieved through legislative measures and systems, as well as by developing human capacities through advanced training in collaboration with relevant international institutions.

Al-Banyan also stressed how essential it is to devise technological solutions that align with security challenges, in accordance with the priorities of the Arab region.

Additionally, support for decision-making should be provided through the preparation of studies and reports.

Al-Banyan’s remarks were delivered during the inauguration of the workshop titled “Utilizing Drones in Security Domains: Opportunities, Challenges, and Policies.”

The workshop commenced on Monday at NAUSS’ headquarters in Riyadh.

Conducted in collaboration with the Korean Institute of Aviation Technology and Safety, the workshop spans three days and brings together 140 experts from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Oman, Qatar, Libya, the United States, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, and INTERPOL.

Al-Banyan elaborated that NAUSS, through its academic, training, and research programs, as well as its scientific endeavors, is committed to executing the scholarly aspect of the Arab security strategies and plans ratified across various security realms.

These efforts are directed towards realizing their objectives and aims, including this workshop, which is held within the framework of constructive collaboration and strategic partnership with relevant Korean institutions.

Al-Banyan underscored NAUSS’ contributions that entail enhancing human capacities and supporting security decision-making, a feat achieved through the invaluable support from the host state, Saudi Arabia.



Saudi Arabia Carries out Warning Strike on Yemen’s Hadhramaut, STC Says ‘Open to Coordination’

Southern forces patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, 25 December 2025. (EPA)
Southern forces patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, 25 December 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Carries out Warning Strike on Yemen’s Hadhramaut, STC Says ‘Open to Coordination’

Southern forces patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, 25 December 2025. (EPA)
Southern forces patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, 25 December 2025. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia called for calm in eastern Yemen, urging an end to unilateral military moves and for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces to return to their former positions outside of the Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces.

Riyadh, meanwhile, demonstrated its stance on the ground by carrying out a warning air strike, informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The strike sought to deliver a message that it will not allow a new status quo to be imposed on the ground by force and that it will not allow the violation of institutional frameworks that handle security in the eastern provinces.

It warned that any further escalation will be met with firmer measures.

Meanwhile, the STC, in an attempt to justify its military moves, said they were in “response to calls from residents of the south” and an attempt to confront terrorist threats and block Houthi smuggling routes.

The STC added that it was “open to any coordination or arrangements with Saudi Arabia”, questioning the airstrike, which it said “does not serve understandings.”

Observers told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia will welcome the coordination and arrangements if they helped end the escalation, led to the withdrawal of the STC and allowed the National Shield forces and the local authority to take over Hadhramaut and al-Mahra without needing to resort to force.

They stressed that the strike will lead to delivering the clear message that Riyadh may impose red lines by force to prevent any escalation.

Sourced told Asharq Al-Awsat that any future settlement over restoring the unity of Yemeni ranks will condition a return to the former status quo.


GCC: Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Violates Int’l Law and Somalia’s Sovereignty

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
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GCC: Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Violates Int’l Law and Somalia’s Sovereignty

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland region, calling it a dangerous violation of international law and a clear infringement on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

He warned that such a move would undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and fuel tensions, contrary to regional and international efforts for peace, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Somalia’s security, stability, sovereignty, and unity, as stated in the final communiqué of the 164th GCC Ministerial Council.

He urged the international community to reject this action and refrain from recognizing any measures that threaten the unity of states or international legitimacy.

On Friday, Israel formally recognized the northern region of Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" -- the first country to do so.


Saudi Arabia Affirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty, Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia Affirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty, Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

Saudi Arabia affirmed full support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

The statement also rejected Israel’s announcement that it formally recognizes the northern region of Somaliland as an independent state. It stressed that the move violates international law.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that undermine the country’s unity, stressing its support for legitimate state institutions and its commitment to preserving the stability of the brotherly Somali people, the statement added.

On Friday, Israel formally recognized the northern region of Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" -- the first country to do so.