Saudi Arabia Emphasizes Need to Strengthen Arab Security Cooperation

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Emphasizes Need to Strengthen Arab Security Cooperation

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Interior and Honorary President of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz underlined on Sunday the importance of boosting Arab security cooperation.

Speaking at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis, he stressed the need for integrated efforts to combat crime, monitor evolving threats, and develop a comprehensive security strategy to address shared challenges.

Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the Saudi leadership’s greetings and hopes for stronger Arab security collaboration. He thanked Tunisian President Kais Saied for hosting the meeting, the Tunisian people for their hospitality and Interior Minister Khaled Nouri for ensuring the event’s success.

Highlighting the council’s significance, he stated: “Our council represents the depth of Arab security alliances, built on trust and cooperation, as we navigate rapid changes, crises, and emerging challenges. Our security today is founded on past achievements and present capabilities to confront current and future threats.”

Officials at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)

Prince Abdulaziz warned that global instability has fueled armed terrorist groups and increased security threats, including organized crimes like drug trafficking. He highlighted how these groups exploit cyberspace, emerging technologies and covert methods to evade international oversight, making it easier for them to acquire and manufacture advanced weaponry and explosives.

Moreover, he called for continued efforts to strengthen Arab security cooperation, particularly in border security and surveillance. “Regardless of how sophisticated criminal organizations become, our security alliance remains stronger than any challenge. This drives us toward deeper collaboration and continuous, effective coordination,” he emphasized.

The council awarded the Prince Naif Medal for Arab Security (First Class) to Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in recognition of their efforts to strengthen Arab security. Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen Abdullah Al-Faraya and Omani Interior Minister Hamoud bin Faisal Al-Busaidi accepted the awards on their behalf.

The ministers delivered speeches and discussed various agenda topics, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation.



GASTAT: Number of Umrah Performers Rose by 31% in Q4 2024

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

GASTAT: Number of Umrah Performers Rose by 31% in Q4 2024

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), in its report on Umrah statistics for the fourth quarter of 2024, revealed on Thursday that the number of Umrah performers increased by 31% compared to the same quarter in 2023.

The report showed that males constituted about 53% of the Umrah performers, while females accounted for 47%. Saudi nationals comprised 4.5% of the total, with the Makkah Region recording the highest number of domestic Umrah performers.
The report also indicated a 26.2% increase in international Umrah performers compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Of these, 64.7% arrived with an Umrah visa. December saw the highest number of international Umrah performers at 38.2%, while November recorded the highest percentage of domestic Umrah performers completing the ritual for one time, representing 34% of the total.
Umrah statistics have been issued quarterly since 2024, detailing the numbers and percentages of domestic and international Umrah performers based on data from the Pilgrim Experience Program, along with approved statistical models.