Saudi Arabia Implements Public Decency Code as It Opens to Tourists

 Saudi dancers perform during the launch of a new tourist visa regime at a dinner at historic Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 27, 2019. REUTERS/Stephen Kalin/File Photo
Saudi dancers perform during the launch of a new tourist visa regime at a dinner at historic Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 27, 2019. REUTERS/Stephen Kalin/File Photo
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Saudi Arabia Implements Public Decency Code as It Opens to Tourists

 Saudi dancers perform during the launch of a new tourist visa regime at a dinner at historic Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 27, 2019. REUTERS/Stephen Kalin/File Photo
Saudi dancers perform during the launch of a new tourist visa regime at a dinner at historic Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 27, 2019. REUTERS/Stephen Kalin/File Photo

Saudi Arabia said on Saturday it would issue fines for 19 offenses related to public decency, such as immodest dress and public displays of affection, as the Muslim kingdom opens up to foreign tourists.

The Interior Ministry decision accompanies the launch of a visa regime allowing holidaymakers from 49 states to visit the Kingdom. Till now, most visitors have been Muslim pilgrims and business people.

Violations listed on the new visa website also include littering, spitting, queue jumping, taking photographs and videos of people without permission and playing music at prayer times. Fines range from 50 riyals ($13) to 6,000 riyals ($1,600).

“The regulations are meant to ensure that visitors and tourists in the kingdom are aware of the law relating to public behavior so that they comply with it,” a government media statement said.

It said Saudi police had the sole responsibility for monitoring offenses and imposing fines.

The Gulf country, which shares borders with Iraq to the north and Yemen to the south, boasts vast tracts of desert but also verdant mountains, pristine beaches and historical sites including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.



Saudi, British Defense Ministers Discuss Military Escalation in the Region

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, British Defense Ministers Discuss Military Escalation in the Region

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

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received a telephone call on Monday from British Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps.

The two officials reviewed strategic relations between the two countries and discussed areas of defense cooperation.

They also assessed the developments in military escalation in the region and the danger of its repercussions, and discussed efforts to contain the situation to achieve security and stability in the region and the world.


Saudi FM Discusses Gaza with Spanish, Polish Counterparts in Luxembourg

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Luxembourg on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Luxembourg on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Discusses Gaza with Spanish, Polish Counterparts in Luxembourg

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Luxembourg on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Luxembourg on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks in Luxembourg on Monday with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares.

They discussed mutual relations between their countries and regional and international issues of common interest.

They also tackled the developments in the Gaza Strip and the efforts exerted to address the crisis there.

The officials met on the sidelines of the High-Level Forum on Security and Regional Cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU).

Prince Faisal also held talks with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.

They focused on ways to boost ties between their countries across different fields.

They also reviewed latest developments in regional and international arenas, with a particular focus on the crisis in the Gaza Strip and its surrounding areas.


KSrelief Supervisor General Meets with UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen

Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah meets with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh on Monday.
Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah meets with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh on Monday.
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KSrelief Supervisor General Meets with UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen

Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah meets with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh on Monday.
Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah meets with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh on Monday.

Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah held talks in Riyadh on Monday with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis.

The officials discussed issues of common interest related to aid and relief affairs and the latest humanitarian development in Yemen.

Harneis praised KSrelief’s efforts in helping the Yemeni people during their humanitarian crisis.


Saudi Arabia Executes Convict for Joining Terror Group

The Saudi Interior Ministry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Interior Ministry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Executes Convict for Joining Terror Group

The Saudi Interior Ministry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Interior Ministry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Interior Ministry executed on Monday a convict on charges of joining a terrorist organization and taking part in fighting in a foreign country.

In a statement, it said the Saudi national had assuming a leading position in the group and had also financed its operations.

It identified the national as Abdulrahman bin Sayer bin Abdullah al-Shmari. He was charged with treason against his country and adopting a terrorist ideology.

A court convicted him of the charges and sentenced him to death.

He was executed in the Riyadh region.


Saudi FM in Luxembourg for GCC-EU Forum on Regional Security, Cooperation

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
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Saudi FM in Luxembourg for GCC-EU Forum on Regional Security, Cooperation

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Luxembourg on Sunday to participate in a high-level forum on regional security and cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the EU.
The Minister will discuss with participants at the forum the ways to promote cooperation between the GCC and the European Union in various fields, and the importance of multilateral coordination, the developments on the regional and international levels.
Prince Faisal will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the forum.
On Sunday, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al Budaiwi said that the forum is an opportunity to promote dialogue, and to strengthen coordination on issues related to regional and global stability, and security.
Al Budaiwi stressed that by working to strengthen bilateral relations and develop new cooperation mechanisms, the two parties will reach common viewpoints on many issues.
The forum will be chaired by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell.
Senior officials and the foreign ministers of the GCC and EU states will attend.
Last month, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council met in Brussels with Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region. They discussed the preparations for the forum and the topics that need to be highlighted, mainly the situation in Gaza and the bilateral relations between the gulf countries and the European Union.
The forum will be held amid rising tension in the Middle East, mainly the Israeli war in Gaza.

On October 10, 2023, a joint meeting was held between GCC foreign ministers and the EU in Muscat. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell had met with senior GCC officials including three meetings with the Saudi foreign minister.

On Wednesday, Borrel held a telephone call with his Saudi counterpart. They discussed the deepening instability in the Middle East stressing the need to coordinate efforts for de-escalation, according to the Saudi Press Agency.


GCC: Forum on Security, Regional Cooperation is an Opportunity to Promote Dialogue with EU

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al Budaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al Budaiwi
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GCC: Forum on Security, Regional Cooperation is an Opportunity to Promote Dialogue with EU

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al Budaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al Budaiwi

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al Budaiwi said that the High-Level Forum on Security and Regional Cooperation between the EU and the GCC, to be held on Monday in Luxembourg, is an opportunity to enhance dialogue, and to strengthen coordination on issues related to regional and global stability, and security.

The forum will be chaired by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell.

Senior officials and the foreign ministers of the GCC and EU states will attend.

Al Budaiwi stressed that by working to strengthen bilateral relations and develop new cooperation mechanisms, the two parties will reach common viewpoints on many issues.


Kuwait PM to Serve as Emir's Deputy if Emir is Abroad

An aerial view shows Kuwait City and the National Assembly Building (Kuwait Parliament) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/File Photo
An aerial view shows Kuwait City and the National Assembly Building (Kuwait Parliament) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/File Photo
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Kuwait PM to Serve as Emir's Deputy if Emir is Abroad

An aerial view shows Kuwait City and the National Assembly Building (Kuwait Parliament) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/File Photo
An aerial view shows Kuwait City and the National Assembly Building (Kuwait Parliament) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/File Photo

Kuwait's Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah will serve as the Emir's deputy when the latter is not in the country, state news agency (KUNA) said on Sunday citing a royal decree.

Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah has yet to choose a Crown Prince.

Sunday’s Emiri decree states that the designation would remain valid until the naming of a Crown Prince, and that the Prime Minister should comply with the order and inform the National Assembly.

The Emiri order takes effect once published in the official gazette.


Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Utilizing Technology for Islamic Authorities’ Coordination

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti presided over the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: MWL
Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti presided over the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: MWL
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Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Utilizing Technology for Islamic Authorities’ Coordination

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti presided over the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: MWL
Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti presided over the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: MWL

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, has highlighted the adaptability of Islamic law in addressing contemporary issues and stressed the increasing responsibility of Islamic scholars amid technological advancements.

Speaking at the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Al-Sheikh stressed the importance of Islamic scholars tackling modern challenges.

The Grand Mufti emphasized the need for rigorous research, encouraging the use of technology to enhance collaboration among religious authorities.

The gathering, led by Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, included scholars from across the Muslim world.

The assembly aimed to address contemporary issues faced by Muslims and minorities and issue rulings on them.

These rulings will be translated into various languages and shared through media channels to clarify Islamic principles and showcase the adaptability of Islamic jurisprudence.

The opening session emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among scholars and religious bodies to tackle emerging challenges and promote societal stability and happiness.

Secretary-General of the MWL Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa highlighted the assembly’s focus on contemporary legal issues and the preceding research conducted by distinguished scholars.

Al-Issa stressed that it’s crucial for top Islamic scholars to tackle new challenges as part of their scholarly duties.

He emphasized the need for thorough research and interpretation to clarify the legal rulings, aligning with religious responsibilities.

Al-Issa also highlighted the importance of showing that Islamic jurisprudence can handle any emerging issues.

He noted that the Islamic Fiqh Council is the oldest of its kind in Islamic history, and membership is based on academic merit.

The MWL chief reiterated that the assembly has gained trust over its long history and its contributions are highly regarded and discussed in academic and research circles.

Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighted the importance of Saudi Arabia hosting this significant meeting of top religious figures and scholars from the Islamic world.

He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting positive trends and safeguarding the Muslim community from various challenges.

Taha stressed the need for contemporary scholarship to keep the Islamic world aligned with global developments. He praised the unity among Islamic scholars from different countries, emphasizing their collective service to their faith.


Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Signs Two MoUs with Colombian Counterpart

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin AbdulKarim El-Khereiji and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia Francisco José Coy Granados. (SPA)
Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin AbdulKarim El-Khereiji and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia Francisco José Coy Granados. (SPA)
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Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Signs Two MoUs with Colombian Counterpart

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin AbdulKarim El-Khereiji and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia Francisco José Coy Granados. (SPA)
Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin AbdulKarim El-Khereiji and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia Francisco José Coy Granados. (SPA)

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin AbdulKarim El-Khereiji and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia Francisco José Coy Granados, signed two memorandums of understanding on Friday in the Colombian capital, Bogota, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The memorandums of understanding will see academic cooperation between the two countries and political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two friendly countries.
After the signing ceremony, El-Khereiji and the Colombian Foreign Minister held a meeting and reviewed the bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of developing them in various fields.
The signing ceremony was attended by Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in the Republic of Colombia, Mohammed Al-Shatri, the Director General of the Vice Minister’s Office, Mutashar Al-Enezi, and Acting Foreign Minister of Colombia, Gilberto Murillo.


OIC Regrets Security Council's Failure to Accept Full UN Membership for Palestinian State

Vendors selling bread wait for customers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. (AFP)
Vendors selling bread wait for customers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. (AFP)
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OIC Regrets Security Council's Failure to Accept Full UN Membership for Palestinian State

Vendors selling bread wait for customers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. (AFP)
Vendors selling bread wait for customers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. (AFP)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed on Friday its profound disappointment with the UN Security Council's decision to deny Palestine full UN membership.

The OIC strongly condemned the United States’ use of its veto power, which is a clear violation of the UN Charter and a major obstacle to the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

It also reiterated its unwavering support for Palestine's right to full political and legal representation at the UN, a right long denied, and emphasized that recognizing the State of Palestine as a full UN member is essential to achieving peace and stability in the region, and paving the way for a viable two-state solution.

The OIC commended the countries that voted in favor of the draft resolution and urged those that voted against or abstained to reconsider their positions and align them with their obligations under international law, the UN Charter, and the relevant UN resolutions.

It said it views the Security Council’s failure to grant Palestine full membership as a continuation of the decades-long injustice toward the Palestinian people, calling on the international community to take immediate action to end this injustice once and for all.