Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister: Palestine is Not Issue of Palestinians Alone, It Belongs to Islamic and Arab Nations

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people.
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Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister: Palestine is Not Issue of Palestinians Alone, It Belongs to Islamic and Arab Nations

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), since its establishment, has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people, SPA said on Thursday.

He said the GCC has been supporting the Palestinian cause, rejecting and denouncing hostile policies and actions against the Palestinians. He added that this is a central issue for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its policy in supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.

In his speech, while leading the Kingdom's delegation at the 9th meeting of GCC Ministers for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf held in Muscat, Oman, he emphasized that Palestine is not solely the concern of Palestinians, but a matter that affects all of us. It is a cause that unifies Islamic and Arab nations, as well as humanity as a whole.

He emphasized the importance of bringing this issue to the forefront of our collective consciousness and religious discussions. Additionally, he stressed the need to raise awareness among young people that their personal opinions should not stray from the official positions of their governments. Leaders, being better equipped to handle these matters, should guide their actions and decisions, he noted.

Al-Sheikh said that similar topics should be addressed under the protection of religious, moral and family values in GCC societies, especially in the age of technological advancements, where barriers between countries and societies have diminished.

He acknowledged that there are forces attempting to separate individuals and societies from their religious beliefs and values. These forces manifest through various methods, both explicit and implicit, that encourage rebellion against noble values.

He emphasized the significant responsibility of the ministries of Islamic and religious affairs and awqaf in instilling young people with strong values, morals, and a deep understanding of the Islamic faith.

This is essential in effectively countering this globalized trend with awareness and conviction. He emphasized that achieving this goal can only occur within the family unit, which is the cornerstone of shaping future generations.



Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj
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Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki stated that reports circulating about Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj Governorate having been targeted are inaccurate, SPA reported.

Major General Al-Malki said: “The activation of warning sirens in Al-Kharj Governorate early this morning was a precautionary measure following the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen, which disappeared near the border. Investigations are still underway to determine the details and circumstances of this launch.”


Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
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Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports is utilizing modern technologies, including self-service E-gates at international airports, to streamline departure procedures for post-Hajj pilgrims across all border ports.

By instantly matching biometric data, these automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds.

The initiative, by the Ministry of Interior, significantly enhances passenger flow, reduces waiting times, and ensures a smoother, more efficient exit journey for travelers.

Saudi Arabia had announced the exceptional success of this year’s Hajj season that was backed by an integrated system of security, organization, and services, allowing pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.

The 2026 Hajj saw 1,707,301 pilgrims perform the rituals, with 1,485,729 pilgrims arriving via air ports, 54,429 by land, and 6,497 by sea.

Spokesperson of the General Directorate of Passports Major Nasser Al-Otaibi stressed on Sunday that the directorate continues to implement its operational plan for the departure of pilgrims through all international air, land, and sea ports.


Saudi Arabia to Host 39th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference this Week

The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
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Saudi Arabia to Host 39th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference this Week

The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)

Saudi Arabia will host the 39th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) on Thursday via videoconference under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The conference, organized by the Shura Council and AIPU, will bring together speakers of Arab parliaments and legislative councils, as well as delegates from several organizations.

Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh expressed his appreciation for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' patronage of the conference. He said the support reflects the commitment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening joint Arab cooperation and highlighting the role of Arab solidarity in supporting regional security and stability.

He also underscored the Kingdom's commitment to advancing development and prosperity across the Arab world.

"Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges and an important basis for unifying positions and coordinating parliamentary efforts," Al Al-Sheikh said.

He added that such efforts contribute to enhancing stability, protecting shared Arab interests, promoting the role of parliaments in supporting development efforts, and consolidating the values of dialogue and integration among Arab states.

Al Al-Sheikh said the Shura Council looks forward to welcoming participants to the conference and expressed hope that its outcomes will support joint Arab parliamentary action and strengthen parliamentary diplomacy as an effective tool for advancing Arab causes in the region and the world.