Saudi Arabia Participates in Int’l Ministerial Meeting in New York to Support Yemeni Govt.

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) participated in the international ministerial meeting in New York to support the Yemeni government. (SPA)
The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) participated in the international ministerial meeting in New York to support the Yemeni government. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Participates in Int’l Ministerial Meeting in New York to Support Yemeni Govt.

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) participated in the international ministerial meeting in New York to support the Yemeni government. (SPA)
The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) participated in the international ministerial meeting in New York to support the Yemeni government. (SPA)

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) participated in the international ministerial meeting in New York to support the Yemeni government, the Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday.
Yemeni Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak and British Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer co-chaired the meeting that was held in conjunction with the UN Security Council meeting.
Dr. Hala Alsaleh, SDRPY Director of Developmental Programs, underscored that Saudi Arabia's participation in the meeting reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Yemen across various sectors. She highlighted the Kingdom's consistent efforts to foster peace and stability in Yemen through comprehensive development initiatives led by the program.
She also outlined the Kingdom's adamant efforts to support Yemen's economic recovery through direct assistance to the Central Bank, grants, and deposits aimed at strengthening cash reserves and enhancing domestic liquidity.
Between 2012 and 2023, Saudi Arabia provided $12 billion in financial support, helping fund the budget, facilitate salary disbursement, and supply oil derivatives to ease the burden on government spending.
The Kingdom also made bank deposits to stabilize the Yemeni riyal's exchange rate and introduced various strategic projects and initiatives to support economic reforms implemented by the Yemeni government.
Saudi Arabia remains Yemen's largest historical supporter in the areas of economy, relief, and development. Its participation in the meeting encourages greater engagement from international organizations in supporting development initiatives led by the Yemeni government.
SDRPY collaborates with over 40 local, Yemeni, regional, and international partners, reflecting their trust in the Kingdom's leadership and its impactful contributions to Yemen's development and reconstruction efforts.
To date, it has implemented 263 development projects and initiatives across 16 Yemeni governorates. These projects have improved connectivity between cities and rural areas, expanded educational opportunities, empowered universities and vocational institutes, enhanced healthcare services, promoted sustainable agriculture through renewable energy, fostered economic empowerment for women and youth, and strengthened resilience against climate change.



Presidents of the UAE, US Discuss Regional Escalation and Global Security Risks

File photo: Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Donald Trump meet in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (AP)
File photo: Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Donald Trump meet in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (AP)
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Presidents of the UAE, US Discuss Regional Escalation and Global Security Risks

File photo: Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Donald Trump meet in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (AP)
File photo: Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Donald Trump meet in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (AP)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed on Wednesday the regional escalations and their impact on regional and global security during a phone call with US President Donald Trump.

The two leaders addressed the implications of rising tensions, including their impact on global markets, international maritime security, the world economy, and supply chains. They exchanged views on the broader consequences of the current escalation.

The two sides also addressed the ongoing Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and several countries in the region, including strikes on civilians, critical facilities, and infrastructure. They stressed that such actions represent a breach of national sovereignty and international law and pose a direct threat to regional security and stability.

On Wednesday, the UAE Ministry of Defense said its air defenses intercepted five ballistic missiles and 35 drones launched from Iran on its territories.

It added that a total of 438 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and 2,012 drones have been intercepted since the start of these attacks on February 28.

The attacks killed two armed forces personnel and 10 civilians of various nationalities, and injured 190 others. The ministry said it remains on high alert and ready to respond decisively to any threats to national security, sovereignty, and stability.


Saudi Foreign Minister, UN Secretary-General Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Saudi Foreign Minister, UN Secretary-General Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, received a phone call on Wednesday from Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, where discussions focused on the latest developments in the region and the ongoing international efforts to address the situation.

Iran continues to carry out hostile attacks against Gulf countries and the wider region since February 28, in response to US and Israeli strikes. These actions have drawn widespread international condemnation along with expressions of solidarity with the affected countries.

On March 11, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution strongly condemning Iran’s continued attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, describing them as violations of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.

Security Council Resolution No. 2817, which was approved by 136 countries, affirmed the right of affected states to individual or collective self-defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, and called on Tehran to immediately cease all attacks.


Saudi Arabia: High-Level Readiness for Hajj Season

Prince Saud bin Mishaal chairs Hajj and Umrah committee meeting in Makkah
Prince Saud bin Mishaal chairs Hajj and Umrah committee meeting in Makkah
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Saudi Arabia: High-Level Readiness for Hajj Season

Prince Saud bin Mishaal chairs Hajj and Umrah committee meeting in Makkah
Prince Saud bin Mishaal chairs Hajj and Umrah committee meeting in Makkah

Saudi authorities on Wednesday reviewed preparedness for this year’s Hajj season, assessing operational plans and readiness indicators as officials called for intensified coordination ahead of the annual pilgrimage.

The permanent Hajj and Umrah committee, chaired by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, examined scenarios already implemented and others planned to ensure full readiness, in a meeting held under directives from Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Saud bin Mishaal thanked agencies involved in the Ramadan Umrah season, citing extensive logistical and human support from the Saudi leadership that helped deliver smooth operations for visitors to the Grand Mosque.

Officials reviewed Ramadan performance across transport, ambulance and healthcare services, reporting no epidemics or incidents.

The meeting also covered the departure phase of Umrah performers via King Abdulaziz International Airport, and progress on upgrading the Hajj and Umrah terminal complex, with its first and second phases completed.

In Madinah, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz chaired a parallel meeting of the regional Hajj and Umrah committee, attended by his deputy, Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, to review government preparations for the upcoming season.

Prince Salman congratulated agencies on the success of Ramadan operations, saying coordinated plans enabled visitors to perform rituals in a calm and secure environment.

He said the results reflect sustained leadership support for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, highlighting oversight by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz to enhance services and ensure safety.

He stressed the need for full readiness across government, service and volunteer sectors, calling for proactive planning and stronger coordination to reinforce facilities and services in line with the care provided to pilgrims.

The Madinah meeting issued recommendations to support relevant entities and ensure high-quality services for visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque during Hajj.

Prince Salman was also briefed by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq al-Rabiah, accompanied by Pilgrim Experience Program CEO Mohammed Ismail, on a digital dashboard designed to track the readiness of Hajj projects and improve coordination.

Al-Rabiah said the platform enables continuous monitoring through daily updates, including readiness plans and performance indicators, project progress in the holy sites, alignment of operational plans, and integration with a central database.

Prince Salman also reviewed the Hajj and Umrah sector’s indicators platform, which presents real-time data and analysis on services provided to pilgrims. The platform supports decision-making by delivering timely, precise data, enhancing monitoring efficiency and strengthening system-wide readiness within an integrated institutional framework.