Al-Budaiwi: Unified GCC Tourism Visa Coming Soon

Jassem Al-Budaiwi meets with the participates of the 39th meeting of heads of GCC Interior Ministries' passport departments. Photo: GCC Secretariat
Jassem Al-Budaiwi meets with the participates of the 39th meeting of heads of GCC Interior Ministries' passport departments. Photo: GCC Secretariat
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Al-Budaiwi: Unified GCC Tourism Visa Coming Soon

Jassem Al-Budaiwi meets with the participates of the 39th meeting of heads of GCC Interior Ministries' passport departments. Photo: GCC Secretariat
Jassem Al-Budaiwi meets with the participates of the 39th meeting of heads of GCC Interior Ministries' passport departments. Photo: GCC Secretariat

The unified GCC tourism visa (for non-Gulf countries' residents) will be launched soon, Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi said this week.

Al-Budaiwi - during the 39th meeting of heads of GCC Interior Ministries' passport departments - expressed gratitude to all efforts to realize the unified tourism visa, the GCC Secretariat said in a statement on Wednesday.

He indicated that the measures would help realize the visions of the Gulf leaderships, adding that involved parties were keen on keeping up with the latest technologies, as well as growing and rapid global security demands.



Kuwait’s Military Says Air Defenses Are Responding to an Attack

A view of Kuwait City on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
A view of Kuwait City on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
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Kuwait’s Military Says Air Defenses Are Responding to an Attack

A view of Kuwait City on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
A view of Kuwait City on June 2, 2026. (AFP)

Kuwait’s military said on Tuesday its air defenses are responding to an attack.

The General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces said that explosions heard were a result of air defenses intercepting hostile attacks.

Iran has launched repeated attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf countries in recent days in response to US strikes.

The latest exchanges of fire have been triggered by Iran attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

There were no immediate details or reports of casualties or damage from Tuesday’s attack on Kuwait.


Arab Interior Ministers Council Condemns Houthi Terrorist Attack on Saudi Arabia's Southern Region

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Arab Interior Ministers Council Condemns Houthi Terrorist Attack on Saudi Arabia's Southern Region

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

The General Secretariat of the Arab Interior Ministers Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out by the Houthi militia, which launched ballistic missiles toward the southern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yesterday evening.

In a statement, the secretariat condemned the deliberate criminal act, saying the Houthi militia sought to target civilians and civilian facilities, SPA reported.

The secretariat reiterated its call for firm action against such acts and for those responsible to be held accountable.

It also reaffirmed its full support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to confront these threats and safeguard its security, stability, and territorial integrity.


Saudi Arabia Affirms Its Complete Rejection of Iran's Destabilizing Behavior in the Region

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Affirms Its Complete Rejection of Iran's Destabilizing Behavior in the Region

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA

Saudi Arabia strongly reaffirmed its categorical rejection of Iran's continued destabilizing conduct in the region and its violations of the principles of international law. This came during the Cabinet session chaired by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which was held on Tuesday in Jeddah.

The Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on the contents of the phone call he received from US President Donald Trump, during which they reviewed areas of cooperation and discussed a number of regional and international issues, emphasizing their support for all efforts that contribute to achieving the region's security and stability.

He also informed the Cabinet of the results of his discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada, which affirmed the commitment to strengthening and developing bilateral relations across all sectors, aiming for a future characterized by deeper cooperation. This cooperation is underpinned by mutual trust, close friendship, and the objectives stemming from Saudi Vision 2030 and Canada's growth agenda, which seek to build a stronger and more resilient economy for both countries, SPA reported.

The Cabinet praised the signing of memoranda of understanding during the official visit of the Canadian prime minister, which included the establishment of the Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council, cooperation in the energy sector, investment in artificial intelligence, and skills development.

It also commended the success of the Saudi Arabia-Canada Investment Forum, which resulted in the announcement of trade and investment agreements between government entities, companies, and institutions from both countries in the fields of mining, engineering, infrastructure, advanced industries, training and education, financial services, and information and communications technology.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Acting Minister of Media Ahmed Al-Rajhi said that after monitoring regional and international developments, the Cabinet strongly condemned Iran's repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as on Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Jordan.

The Cabinet affirmed its complete rejection of Iran's continued destabilizing behavior in the region and its violations of international law, the charters of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the principles of good neighborliness.

The Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the meeting held in Riyadh between the Saudi and Iraqi sides, including Iraq's reaffirmation of its commitment not to allow its territory and airspace to be used as a launching pad for any acts or attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and other countries in the region. The Cabinet also commended the agreement to continue bilateral coordination in a manner that serves common interests.

The Cabinet welcomed the United States' announcement that it has begun procedures to remove the Syrian Arab Republic from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation imposed in 1979, reiterating Saudi Arabia's support for the positive steps taken by the Syrian government to enhance security and stability, build state institutions, and fulfill the aspirations of its people.