UAE President: We Reject any Foreign Interference Undermining Security of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia

King Salman and President Sheikh Khalifa (Asharq al-Awsat)
King Salman and President Sheikh Khalifa (Asharq al-Awsat)
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UAE President: We Reject any Foreign Interference Undermining Security of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia

King Salman and President Sheikh Khalifa (Asharq al-Awsat)
King Salman and President Sheikh Khalifa (Asharq al-Awsat)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent a cable of congratulations to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of UAE's 46th National Day.

King Salman expressed best felicitations to the president, government and people of the United Arab Emirates, wishing the president constant good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

The Custodian also lauded the fraternal ties binding the two countries and peoples, vowing to continue enhancing them in all fields.

In addition, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In his cable, the Crown Prince expressed best felicitations to the president, government and people of UAE, wishing the president constant good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa stated that the country's foreign policy has proven the soundness of the approach adopted since the establishment of the state, which is characterized by an active vibrancy and presence at regional and international scenes to serve the national interests.

The president renewed UAE's rejection of any "foreign interference undermining our security or security and the stability of our brethren in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or any other sisterly or friendly state.

He also reiterated that extremism and terrorism are fed by policies motivated by ambitions for hegemony and adventures for influence from states supporting and financing terrorist and extremist groups.

The president called upon: "Iranian government to sit at the negotiating table for dialogue or to accept international arbitration to resolve the issue of our three occupied islands as part of efforts to maintain security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region – a top priority in our policy."

According to the president, there can be no exit from this "dark tunnel" without a collective consensus that prevents any party whatsoever to disrupt regional and international efforts to realise stability. He also called for adopting joint measures to hold terrorism sponsors, financiers and supporters accountable.

"We in the United Arab Emirates are at the forefront of the efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in sisterly Yemen, at returning Egypt to its natural leading role in the Arab World, and at restoring security and stability to Syria, Libya, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Afghanistan and others. We are also among the countries that support efforts aimed at making the Middle East a region free from weapons of mass destruction," he declared.

Sheikh Khalifa stated that economic growth is not an end but rather a means to make life more balanced and moderate, reiterating that a development that does not integrate the cultural dimension is not sustainable.

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also spoke on the occasion of the 46th National Day, where he said that the 46th anniversary of the establishment of the Union comes at a time UAE has become more stable and powerful.

He attributed the country's stability to the noble legacy passed down through the years and shaped the vision of the founding fathers who instilled values of patriotism and love for the homeland.

"We have already embarked on the UAE Centennial 2071 Strategy, which is a unique, future-oriented, long-term government plan aimed at sustaining UAE’s development into its 100th anniversary, charting a path and laying a solid foundation for the future of the UAE. Our objective is for future generations in the UAE to lead happier lives in a thriving environment with abundant opportunities, more connectivity and global influence," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

He also noted that many people think that "we are just dreaming, but we remind these people of the fact that our Union started as a dream at the hands of visionary people," referring to the late Sheikh Zayed and his brother, late Sheikh Rashid.

The Sheikh also stated that Emirati people are the backbone of the country and the state’s most cherished asset.
Similarly, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, spoke on the National Day where he described the 2nd of December as a day that witnessed the establishment of a country that would become, within just a few decades, a model of successful state building and a fine example of a united and cohesive nation.

He reiterated that: "We will save no effort to foster and strengthen our unity and cohesiveness. As we renew this solemn pledge, we realize that our unity is the source of our strength in the face of adversities, and the point from which we move into building and growing our nation."

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that amid all the challenges facing nations around the world, maintaining stability is more pressing than ever.

"This is the path that our country will take so that it remains young and prosperous, so that its people enjoy a life of peace and prosperity, so that we keep our country in the vanguard of great nations," he concluded.



Saudi Air Force Takes Part in 'Desert Flag' Drill in UAE

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Saudi Air Force Takes Part in 'Desert Flag' Drill in UAE

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Saudi jets took part in the "Desert Flag" air drill in the United Arab Emirates.

The pilots took part in over 70 hours of flight training at the al-Dhafra air base.

Several friendly countries were also involved in the three-week exercise, including Oman, Türkiye, the United States, France and South Korea.

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams.

The exercise aims to exchange military expertise in planning and execution and raising the combat readiness of forces. It also seeks to bolster relations between the participating forces.

The drill kicked off at the al-Dhafra base on April 22.


Saudi Arabia Launches Nusuk Card to Facilitate Movement of Pilgrims

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Nusuk Card to Facilitate Movement of Pilgrims

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched on Tuesday the Nusuk card that will facilitate the movement of all pilgrims at the holy sites.

It also offers a number of services and privileges that can be accessed through the Nusuk and Tawakkalna apps.

Nusuk acts as an identification card for pilgrims. It is a comprehensive platform that allows the user to register their personal and health data and other important information. The user can also benefit from a broad array of services.

The user can receive the card through Hajj offices after they obtain their Hajj permit.

Nusuk also works to deepen the Hajj experience by allowing the user to access different services, such as places of accommodation and transport. It provides information about historic, cultural and Islamic locations.

It also allows workers involved in the Hajj pilgrimage to meet the needs of and service the pilgrims.

Nusuk is part of a greater plan the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is aiming to launch with the goal of utilizing technology to ensure pilgrims have a smooth journey that begins from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom to the moment they leave.

Saudi Arabia is keen on developing procedures and regulations and dedicating technology to facilitate the holy journey and ensure the largest number possible of Muslims can travel to the Kingdom to perform the Hajj and Umrah.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah was in Indonesia where he handed the first Nusuk card to Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Qoumas.

He also met with senior officials, heads of companies and investors to discuss the available opportunities to elevate the services offered during the Hajj.

Along with Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, he oversaw the signing of an air transport agreement aimed at increasing the number of flights transporting Indonesian pilgrims headed to Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Defense Minister Chairs Meeting of General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
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Saudi Defense Minister Chairs Meeting of General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired on Wednesday a meeting of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) in his capacity as its chairman.

Officials reviewed GEOSA’s efforts in building and developing the national geospatial infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted GEOSA's participation at international events and the strategic partnerships it has forged with various entities from the government and private sectors.

The officials were briefed on sectoral and institutional strategies; current and future plans in the fields of geospatial information, aerial imagery, and remote sensing; and the data, services, and products provided by the authority to entities from both the government and private sectors in line with global best practices.

The officials followed up on the progress made on decisions related policies, standards, evidence, regulations, and regulatory conditions for the sector. They reviewed efforts aimed at boosting and developing national capabilities in the geospatial information sector.

The GEOSA board made decisions related to administrative and financial committees.

Prince Khalid underscored the unlimited support accorded by the Saudi leadership to GEOSA in organizing, elevating and supervising the geospatial and remote sensing sector in the Kingdom, ensuring quality and performance improvement.

This approach has allowed GEOSA to assume a leading role in the field of geospatial information at regional and international levels, he remarked.


Kuwait Thwarts Terrorist Plot to Attack American Forces

This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
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Kuwait Thwarts Terrorist Plot to Attack American Forces

This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)

Kuwaiti authorities arrested a citizen for plotting to carry out a terrorist attack against American forces deployed in the country.

The General Prosecution said on Wednesday that it ordered the arrest of the suspect on charges of “joining a banned organization and plotting terrorist attacks in the country.”

In a post on the X platform, it said the suspect had posted on social media recordings belonging to the banned group.

Other suspects were also involved in the plot.

The main suspect had learned how to manufacture explosives and had incited others to learn how to do so with the purpose of bombing US army barracks, continued the prosecution.

It has interrogated the accused and he confessed to the charges against him. It has also ordered the arrest of other suspects related to the case.

On January 25, Kuwaiti authorities announced that they had thwarted a terrorist plot to attack Shiite places of worship.

Three people were arrested in connection to the case. They were all members of the terrorist ISIS group and were Arab nationals working in Kuwait.


Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE President over Death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
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Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE President over Death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo

The Saudi leadership sent a cable to the president of the UAE offering condolences over the death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, who died on Wednesday.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, extended their sincere condolences and sympathy to UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
They extended their condolences to the family of the deceased, appealing to Allah the Almighty to bestow his mercy upon his soul.


Saudi FM Discusses Sudan Developments with Burhan, Hemedti 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Saudi FM Discusses Sudan Developments with Burhan, Hemedti 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.

The talks focused on the developments in Sudan and their impact on the people.

Prince Faisal stressed the importance of protecting Sudan and its people from more destruction and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

He called for prioritizing the interests of the people, ending the fighting, protecting the country and leading it towards safety.


Saudi Crown Prince, BIE Secretary General Discuss Riyadh Expo 2030 Preparations

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meets with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meets with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, BIE Secretary General Discuss Riyadh Expo 2030 Preparations

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meets with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meets with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held talks in Riyadh on Wednesday with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes to discuss Riyadh’s preparations to host Expo 2030.

Present at the meeting were Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City Ibrahim Al-Sultan and Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Yasser Al-Rumayyan.

Riyadh won the bid to host the Expo 2030 in 2023.

Crown Prince Mohammed has pledged to over an exceptional version of the global event.


OIC General Secretariat Condemns Deadly Assault on Mosque in Afghanistan

OIC
OIC
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OIC General Secretariat Condemns Deadly Assault on Mosque in Afghanistan

OIC
OIC

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned on Wednesday the heinous attack perpetrated by armed assailants in a mosque in Herat, western Afghanistan.
On Monday night, gunmen attacked a mosque in western Afghanistan during prayer time, killing at least five people, a spokesperson for the provincial governor said.
The OIC called on the authorities in Kabul to do more to put an end to the bloodshed of Afghan civilians across the country, identify the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice, the Saudi Press Agency said.
It also condoled the families of the victims, wishing the wounded complete and speedy recovery.


Egypt, Kuwait Agree on Bolstering Cooperation, Supporting Collective Arab Work

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency)
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Egypt, Kuwait Agree on Bolstering Cooperation, Supporting Collective Arab Work

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency)

Egypt and Kuwait agreed on Tuesday on the need to work together to bolster bilateral cooperation between their countries and support collective Arab work.

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah arrived in Egypt on Tuesday on his first official visit to the country since ascending the throne in December.

He was received at the airport by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. They later held bilateral talks at the presidential palace in Cairo. Expanded talks between delegations from both countries then followed.

The meetings tackled bilateral relations between Egypt and Kuwait, stressing their determination to boost trade and investment ties.

Sisi and Sheikh Mishal underscored the need to reach an immediate lasting ceasefire in Gaza. They stressed the need to deliver aid to the Palestinian people.

They expressed their rejection of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, warning against their expansion into Rafah. Such a step will lead to dire humanitarian consequences, they added.

They warned of the danger of Israel’s practices that may lead to the spillover of the conflict, which would threaten regional and international security and stability.

They urged the international community to work towards resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the implementation of the two-state solution. They also underlined the right of the Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland.

On Libya, they emphasized the need to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejected all forms of foreign interference in its internal affairs. They called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries from Libya within a specified timeframe and the dismantling of militias and unification of military and security institutions.

On Sudan, Sisi and Sheikh Mishal stressed the inevitability of reaching an immediate and sustainable ceasefire to the conflict. They rejected foreign interference in support of any of the warring parties, adding that any real political solution must be based on a strictly Sudanese vision that is formed by the Sudanese people themselves, not foreign dictates and pressure.

Moroever, Kuwait stressed its full support to Egypt’s water security, saying it is indivisible from Arab water security. Sheikh Mishal categorically rejected any violation of Egypt’s right to the waters of the Nile River.


Pakistani Prime Minister Hails Bilateral Ties with Saudi Arabia

File photo: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a visit to Saudi Arabia (AP)
File photo: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a visit to Saudi Arabia (AP)
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Pakistani Prime Minister Hails Bilateral Ties with Saudi Arabia

File photo: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a visit to Saudi Arabia (AP)
File photo: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a visit to Saudi Arabia (AP)

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif valued the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and hailed the Saudi Crown Prince’s directives to strengthen economic relations between the two countries.
Sharif praised the directives of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia to strengthen the economic partnership that would advance relations to broader horizons, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
This came in a statement issued Tuesday after the Pakistani PM concluded his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) special meeting in Riyadh.
Sharif said that a Saudi delegation of businessmen and investors will visit Pakistan in the coming days to renew impetus to improve economic and trade relations between the two countries.
He stressed his government’s determination to realize the understanding reached by the leadership of the two countries.