Saudi Arabia: Joint Gulf Shield Drills Commence

 Kuwaiti Air Force participating in the Joint Gulf drill (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Air Force participating in the Joint Gulf drill (KUNA)
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Saudi Arabia: Joint Gulf Shield Drills Commence

 Kuwaiti Air Force participating in the Joint Gulf drill (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Air Force participating in the Joint Gulf drill (KUNA)

Joint Gulf Shield 1 drill, organized by Saudi Ministry of Defense, kicked off in the Eastern Region with the participation of military forces from 23 states as well as the Saudi forces. The drill is scheduled to last for one month.

The drill is considered the largest military maneuvers in the region in terms of diversity of expertise and quality of weapons. It aims at raising the military readiness of the participating countries, modernizing the joint mechanisms and enhancing coordination and cooperation.

The Gulf Shield 1 drill is a turning point in terms of the techniques used in accordance with the most modern military systems in the world.

The Ministry of Defense, which includes ground and air forces, air defense forces, naval forces, weapons of mass destruction units and medical services in the armed forces, participates in the exercise from Saudi Arabia, as well as security and military forces affiliated to the Ministries of the Interior and National Guard.

The large-scale tactical exercises are part of a comprehensive strategic vision of the Ministry of Defense in Saudi Arabia, because of their great role in enhancing military and security readiness for various circumstances and scenarios to maintain security and stability in the region and the world.



Bahrain Busts Cell for Collaborating with Iran

General view of capital Manama, Bahrain, October 30, 2022. (Reuters)
General view of capital Manama, Bahrain, October 30, 2022. (Reuters)
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Bahrain Busts Cell for Collaborating with Iran

General view of capital Manama, Bahrain, October 30, 2022. (Reuters)
General view of capital Manama, Bahrain, October 30, 2022. (Reuters)

Bahrain announced on Monday the arrest of a several individuals for collaborating with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps.

The Public Prosecution said they were found to have been involved with Iranian intelligence and the IRGC.

They were tasked by foreign parties to monitor vital installations inside the kingdom and collecting detailed information about them that they relayed to the parties so that they can be targeted in attacks.

They were also tasked with taking photos of the site of the attacks.

The detainees indeed carried out these tasks, said the Public Prosecution following their interrogation.

On the ground, Bahrain’s defenses intercepted and downed two drones in the past 24 hours.

Bahrain has destroyed 188 rockets and 468 drones since the eruption of the US-Israel war on Iran.


Saudi FM Meets Jordanian Counterpart, Holds Phone Talks with Peruvian Foreign Minister

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Meets Jordanian Counterpart, Holds Phone Talks with Peruvian Foreign Minister

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah on Monday met in Riyadh with Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan, and held phone talks with his Peruvian counterpart Hugo de Zela, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During his meeting with Safadi, the two officials reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to expand cooperation across all sectors, in line with the directives of their countries’ leaderships.

They also discussed the latest regional developments, underscoring their solidarity in confronting Iranian aggression against their countries and several other Arab states, and rejecting what they described as a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness.

They affirmed their support for all measures aimed at safeguarding the sovereignty and security of states, in accordance with international law and conventions.

The meeting also addressed developments in Syria and Palestine. The two sides stressed the need to halt Israeli violations, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and support efforts to promote security, stability, and de-escalation across the region.

The meeting was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Political Affairs Dr. Saud Al-Sati and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Manal Radwan.

During his phone call with Zela, the two officials discussed bilateral relations and discussed regional developments and ongoing efforts to address them.


Saudi Arabia, Russia Agreement on Visa-Free Travel Takes Effect on May 11

The agreement was signed by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in December. (SPA)
The agreement was signed by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in December. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Russia Agreement on Visa-Free Travel Takes Effect on May 11

The agreement was signed by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in December. (SPA)
The agreement was signed by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in December. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Russia’s agreement to mutually exempt visitors from a travel visa goes into effect on May 11, announced the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry.

The agreement, first signed on December 1, 2025, allows citizens of both countries to travel to each other without a visa.

Travelers can stay for up to 90 days, either continuously or intermittently, within a year.

The exemption applies to visits for tourism, business, and family purposes. It does not extend to people traveling for work, study, residency, or Hajj, and appropriate visas must be obtained for those purposes.

The agreement underscores the commitment of both countries in facilitating entry procedures for their citizens, which will increase reciprocal visits and boost tourism, economic, and cultural cooperation.

It will also contribute to strengthening various sectors and expanding cooperation and partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Russia.