Saudi Arabia’s Prosperity Shines Bright in G20 Sphere

Saudi reforms extend beyond regional borders to the global stage via impactful G20 participation (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi reforms extend beyond regional borders to the global stage via impactful G20 participation (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia’s Prosperity Shines Bright in G20 Sphere

Saudi reforms extend beyond regional borders to the global stage via impactful G20 participation (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi reforms extend beyond regional borders to the global stage via impactful G20 participation (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia holds significant importance within the G20 group due to its status as one of the world’s major economies. This prominence is primarily driven by its ambitious national transformation plan, Vision 2030, which is aimed at fostering the continued prosperity of its economy.

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia commands a formidable presence in the energy sector, exerting both direct and indirect influence on global energy markets.

This influence is exemplified by its pivotal role in stabilizing oil prices and ensuring the stability of global energy supplies, a matter of paramount concern for G20 member nations.

Moreover, the Kingdom possesses regional geopolitical capabilities in the Middle East that enable it to address regional challenges and contribute to regional stability.

This has garnered significant attention in discussions within the G20 group concerning global security and political issues.

Saudi Arabia also plays a pivotal role in global investments and trade. Its participation in the G20 allows it to engage in discussions on international trade policies, investment opportunities, and economic cooperation.

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has made extensive contributions over the years, offering numerous solutions to global challenges addressed by the G20, including climate change, sustainable development, and global health issues.

In general, Saudi Arabia’s membership in the G20 reflects its economic and geopolitical significance on the global stage and its active involvement in addressing critical global issues.

Economic expert Fadel al-Buainain, a member of the Saudi Shura Council, highlighted that Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most committed nations to achieving sustainable development through its Vision 2030 initiative.

This visionary plan has had a profound impact on the Saudi economy, resulting in the highest growth rate among G20 countries at 8.7%, according to al-Bauinain.

“This remarkable growth has earned accolades from the International Monetary Fund, acknowledging the success of Saudi Arabia’s developmental and reform programs, which have yielded positive outcomes,” said the expert.

Al-Buainain emphasized that sustainable development is a crucial topic under discussion at the current G20 summit.

Al-Buainain also underscored that Saudi Arabia’s prosperity, developmental trajectory, and significant programs make it a shining beacon within the G20, serving as a model that can be followed in sustainable development plans.

This is particularly pertinent for developing nations in need of effective strategies and developmental programs to achieve sustainable development goals.



Jeddah Port Welcomes First Group of Sudanese Pilgrims

The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports -SPA
The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports -SPA
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Jeddah Port Welcomes First Group of Sudanese Pilgrims

The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports -SPA
The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports -SPA

The General Directorate of Passports at Jeddah Islamic Port welcomed the first group of Sudanese pilgrims arriving for the 1447 AH Hajj season, completing their entry procedures with speed and efficiency, SPA reported.

The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports by deploying state-of-the-art technology and multilingual, highly qualified personnel to ensure a smooth transit process.

Also on Friday, the General Directorate of Passports at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah welcomed the inaugural flight of Moroccan pilgrims arriving for the 1447 AH Hajj season.

The directorate reaffirmed its full readiness to manage the influx of pilgrims across all air, land, and sea ports by deploying state-of-the-art technology and multilingual, highly qualified personnel to ensure a smooth transit process.


King of Bahrain: Iran Must Cease Meddling in Our Internal Affairs

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. (BNA file)
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. (BNA file)
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King of Bahrain: Iran Must Cease Meddling in Our Internal Affairs

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. (BNA file)
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. (BNA file)

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa called on Thursday Iran to cease interfering in the internal affairs of his country and Arab Gulf nations, stressing that the “nation comes above all and that Bahrain is a trust borne by all its citizens.”

In remarks to the media, he said the recent Iranian attacks against Bahrain’s “security, stability, and the safety of its people exposed those who betrayed the nation and aligned themselves with the enemy.”

“In times when nations face mounting challenges and when people are test, true positions are revealed,” he added, noting: “While the Bahrain Defense Force remained highly vigilant in defense of the kingdom, a small group of individuals chose to collaborate with the enemy and cooperated with those who violated national sovereignty.”

“This was a grave act of treason and an unforgivable crime,” he declared in remarks carried by Bahrain’s state news agency BNA.

King Hamad stressed that Iran must cease meddling in the internal affairs of Bahrain and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, expressing his “deep anger” over the recent developments and adding that the people of Bahrain share this sentiment.

He questioned “how one could not feel anger when those entrusted with the nation’s interests have betrayed it, and when those elected to represent the people stood with traitors who were rejected by public.”

“Public opinion stands united in rejecting such actions and called for the expulsion of those who cooperated” with Iran’s aggression, he went on to say.

“Those who betray the nation do not deserve the honor of belonging to it or the privilege of living on its land. Citizenship is not merely granted, but a binding covenant, and those who break it forfeit their right to it,” announced King Hamad.

Moreover, he expressed regret over the positions of some lawmakers “who sided with traitors instead of upholding their responsibility to protect national interests.”

He underscored the importance of maintaining unity and integrity within the Council of Representatives, adding: “Those who chose to align themselves with those who attacked the nation should go to them, as there is no place among the people for those who side with the country’s enemies.”

“The peoples of the GCC fully support the rulings against those found guilty of betrayal, including imprisonment and the revocation and withdrawal of nationality, and have called for further measures,” he went on to say.

“These deterrent measures are not acts of retribution, but a safeguard for the majority of loyal citizens, and a necessary step to prevent circumstances that could require the armed forces to assume control under military provisions in defense of Bahrain,” said King Hamad.

“Those lawmakers face two options: either to issue a clear apology to the people of Bahrain that restores trust, or to join those they chose to align with, who have left the country or been expelled under final court rulings for acts of betrayal,” he warned.

He stressed that parliamentary membership “is a trust and representation is an honor not deserved by those whose actions are tainted by betrayal. There is no place for them among the people, nor any honor in representing them going forward.”

Furthermore, King Hamad said that stability will not be restored, nor will normal life resume, “until ranks are cleansed of every traitor and accomplice.”

He reiterated that “the nation stands above all and that Bahrain is a trust borne by all.”


UAE Announces Travel Ban on Nationals to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq

The flag of the UAE. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of the UAE. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE Announces Travel Ban on Nationals to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq

The flag of the UAE. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of the UAE. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry on Thursday announced a travel ban on Emirati nationals going to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, citing regional developments including the Middle East war.

Iran has targeted the Gulf nation throughout the Middle East conflict sparked by a US-Israeli attack before a fragile ceasefire was announced, including missiles fired at civilian and energy infrastructure.

"In light of current regional developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announces a travel ban on UAE nationals travelling to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Lebanese Republic, and the Republic of Iraq," state news agency WAM reported.

It said the ministry called on "all UAE nationals currently in these countries to expedite their immediate return" to the UAE.