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)
TT

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.



Pakistan Says Makkah Alliance to Discuss Houthi Attacks at Emergency Riyadh Meeting

The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah Agreement in Istanbul (Saudi Ministry of Defense). 
The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah Agreement in Istanbul (Saudi Ministry of Defense). 
TT

Pakistan Says Makkah Alliance to Discuss Houthi Attacks at Emergency Riyadh Meeting

The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah Agreement in Istanbul (Saudi Ministry of Defense). 
The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah Agreement in Istanbul (Saudi Ministry of Defense). 

Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar announced that the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will hold an emergency meeting in Riyadh next week to discuss Houthi attacks on the Kingdom.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Dar said the committee would determine the next steps at the meeting, adding that more than six countries had expressed interest in joining the Makkah alliance, according to Reuters.

In a statement carried by Reuters on Friday, the Pakistani military said its senior commanders had strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, expressed solidarity with the Kingdom and reaffirmed their commitment to the security of Islam’s holy sites.

The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, signed on Aug. 7 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stipulates that an armed attack against any one of its signatories shall be considered an attack against all three.

Any joint military response is subject to an assessment by the member states, particularly the country under attack, taking into account the need for such action, the nature and severity of the attack, the level of threat and the contributions required from each party to achieve the intended integration of their efforts.

Istanbul hosted the first meeting of the agreement’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee on Aug. 31, bringing together the foreign and defense ministers and military chiefs of staff of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.

During the meeting, the three countries reaffirmed their determination to work together under the Makkah agreement to achieve sustainable peace and stability in their region and continue supporting efforts to promote de-escalation and restraint. They encouraged peaceful solutions to crises in line with their commitment to fulfilling their regional responsibilities.

The three countries’ foreign ministers subsequently met in New York on Sept. 24 to review progress toward establishing the agreement’s general secretariat, committees and working groups, as well as preparations for the launch of their activities.

The ministers also condemned attacks targeting Makkah and civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, stressing the Kingdom’s right to take whatever measures it deemed appropriate to defend its security under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

On Sept. 25, the three countries’ military chiefs of staff met in Riyadh to review the security situation and attacks against Saudi Arabia. They condemned the strikes targeting Makkah and the Kingdom’s civilian and economic infrastructure.

Participants also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation among their armed forces, develop intelligence cooperation, enhance military coordination and integrate their capabilities to bolster deterrence and collective defense.

 

 


UAE: Flydubai Co-Pilot Attempted Terrorist Attack

FILE PHOTO: A plane, carrying passengers who were on the FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel, September 30, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A plane, carrying passengers who were on the FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel, September 30, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo
TT

UAE: Flydubai Co-Pilot Attempted Terrorist Attack

FILE PHOTO: A plane, carrying passengers who were on the FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel, September 30, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A plane, carrying passengers who were on the FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel, September 30, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo

The United Arab Emirates Attorney-General said investigations into the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 revealed that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Saturday.

The co-pilot began executing his plan during the flight, attacking the captain inside the cockpit using a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft, the Attorney-General added.

He assured that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, motives, and any links related to the incident, as well as to complete technical examinations and analysis of physical and digital evidence.

The final results will be announced upon the conclusion of all necessary procedures, he assured.

The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv came close to disaster on Wednesday morning when the attacker stabbed the captain.

Passengers told interviewers that the captain, who was seriously wounded, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing a group of passengers and crew members to overpower the attacker. Two reserve pilots who were also on board then managed to regain control of the aircraft, stabilize it, and land safely.


Saudi Civil Defense: Houthi Missile Shrapnel Injures Resident, Damages Property in Aseer

Saudi Civil Defense says Houthi missile shrapnel injures resident, damages property in Aseer. (SPA)
Saudi Civil Defense says Houthi missile shrapnel injures resident, damages property in Aseer. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Civil Defense: Houthi Missile Shrapnel Injures Resident, Damages Property in Aseer

Saudi Civil Defense says Houthi missile shrapnel injures resident, damages property in Aseer. (SPA)
Saudi Civil Defense says Houthi missile shrapnel injures resident, damages property in Aseer. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Civil Defense stated that Civil Defense teams in Ahad Rafidah Governorate, Aseer Region, responded on Friday, October 2, to falling shrapnel from a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia following its interception and destruction.

The falling shrapnel injured an Asian expatriate resident and caused material damage to a prayer room inside a building, as well as several civilian vehicles, the Saudi Press Agency said.

Approved emergency procedures were immediately implemented at the site.