Saudi Arabia, UAE Sign 4 MoUs, 7 Strategic Initiatives

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signing MoUs (WAM)
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signing MoUs (WAM)
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Saudi Arabia, UAE Sign 4 MoUs, 7 Strategic Initiatives

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signing MoUs (WAM)
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signing MoUs (WAM)

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the two largest Arab economies and among the top 10 international exporting countries with total exports of goods and services approaching $750 billion in 2018.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman presided the second meeting of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting comes as part of the efforts by the two countries to activate all aspects of cooperation that leads to full integration in economy, knowledge and human development, and military.

Both countries aim for their joint economy to be among the top ten economies in the world, as their overseas investments exceed $250 billion in various economic sectors and the investment funds ranked first in the world.

Riyadh and Abu Dhabi aim to increase their investments to rank among the top ten countries investing globally, knowing that both financial markets exceed $720 billion.

The Council also reviewed the latest updates on the seven key initiatives, including joint tourist visa, the flow of traffic at entry ports, joint strategy for food security, cybersecurity, cryptocurrency pilot, mega refinery, and the Saudi-Emirati Youth Council.

Meanwhile, the two sides also exchanged four new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of health, culture, space, and food security.

The MoUs aim to intensify and integrate efforts, as well as find innovative solutions to achieve optimal utilization of the available resources and accomplish the development objectives of both countries.

In addition, the two countries together accounted for two-thirds of Arab exports of non-oil goods in 2018 and ranked sixth in the world in terms of overall merchandise exports.

UAE is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important trading partners in the Arab region in general and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in particular, with non-oil exchange between the two countries reaching $29.2 billion in 2018, a surge of 35 percent over 2017.

UAE’s investments in Saudi Arabia amount to more than $9.2 billion, reflecting the activity of about 122 investment projects for 65 companies and investment groups.

Saudi direct investments in the UAE exceeded $4.3 billion, with 4004 Saudi trademarks registered in the UAE, 73 commercial agencies, and 26 companies registered in the country.

Regarding tourism, the Saudi market came in second among the most important tourist markets of the UAE in 2018, and about 740 thousand Emirati tourists spent about $773 million in Saudi Arabia.

The two countries are currently coordinating to issue a joint visa to enable UAE visitors to visit Saudi Arabia and vice versa. The national carriers of both countries operate about 651 flights a week.



43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
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43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)

The 43rd and 44th Saudi relief planes, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived in Egypt on Wednesday.

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The assistance is in keeping with Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.


Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron for talks on bilateral relations.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including developments in the Gaza Strip.


MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley
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MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s announcement that it was confiscating 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley in the occupied Palestinian territories.

It deemed the decision a flagrant violation of all international laws and relevant resolutions.

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the ongoing Israeli violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

He considered it a blatant challenge to the international community and an impediment to the prospects of achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region.


Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has “strongly condemned” Israel’s seizing of 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley area of the occupied Palestinian territories.

It said in a statement that “such actions violate international laws and relevant resolutions, and undermine the chances of a just and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.”

The Kingdom “called on the international community to halt the systematic violations by Israeli settlers and to ensure the return of confiscated Palestinian lands.”


Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has received a telephone call from Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Stephane Sejourne.
The two ministers discussed the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts exerted in this regard.


Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

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 Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

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

Deputizing for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday the credentials of a number of ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.

The Crown Prince welcomed the ambassadors in the Kingdom and wished them all success in their missions to enhance and develop relations between Saudi Arabia and their countries.
For their part, the ambassadors conveyed the greetings of their leaders to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to the Crown Prince, expressing their thanks for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Chief of the Royal Court Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Issa.


Saudi Govt Reiterates Support for Security Council Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Reiterates Support for Security Council Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its welcome of the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The ministers underscored Saudi Arabia’s efforts, in cooperation with its partners in the region and world, to find a solution to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The cabinet also reviewed the latest regional and international developments.

It discussed domestic affairs, indicators of performance in several key sectors, and their contributions to achieving national goals aimed at boosting progress, prosperity, and development and growth in all areas.

It emphasized the state's ongoing interest in and continuous support for national efforts and initiatives aimed at providing housing for the most needy families in the Kingdom, including working towards achieving the targets of the "Jood Regions" campaign under the "Jood Eskan" platform.

It highlighted the annual day of the Saudi Green Initiative, which falls on March 27, stressing the Kingdom's commitment to environmental issues locally and globally and supporting its approach to leading the green era and climate action.


HMS Hail Arrives at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah

The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. (SPA)
The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. (SPA)
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HMS Hail Arrives at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah

The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. (SPA)
The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. The ship arrived from the manufacturing site in Spain.

A formal ceremony was held to mark the arrival of HMS Hail. The event was attended by Commander of the Naval Forces Lieutenant General Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily who boarded the vessel upon arrival, and toured its various sections.

He received a detailed briefing on the ship's advanced equipment and technologies, after which he signed the ship's logbook.

Al-Ghofaily also met with the ship's captain and crew, praising their efforts during the training phase in Spain and expressing confidence in their future contributions.

He said they play an important role in safeguarding the Kingdom's vital strategic interests and addressing regional challenges and threats alongside their fellow Navy Force personnel.

On this occasion, Al-Ghofaily expressed appreciation for the unwavering support provided to the armed forces, particularly the Navy, by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman.

HMS Hail is the third vessel of the Sarawat Project, which entails the construction of five naval ships with advanced capabilities to handle various combat missions with high efficiency.


16th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Poland to Deliver Aid to Ukrainian People

The aircraft is carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances. (SPA)
The aircraft is carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances. (SPA)
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16th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Poland to Deliver Aid to Ukrainian People

The aircraft is carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances. (SPA)
The aircraft is carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances. (SPA)

The 16th Saudi relief plane operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) arrived in Poland on Tuesday ahead of delivering aid to Ukraine.

The aircraft will cross the border into Ukraine, carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances.

This aid reflects Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting needy people and those affected by crises and difficulties around the world.


Saudi Crown Prince Invites Emir of Kuwait to Attend Special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April. (KUNA)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April. (KUNA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Invites Emir of Kuwait to Attend Special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April. (KUNA)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April. (KUNA)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April.

Sheikh Mishal received the written invitation from Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khaled Al-Saud.

The Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development supports the Forum’s efforts to face emerging global challenges.

The meeting aims to bridge the growing North-South divide, which has further widened on issues such as emerging economic policies, the energy transition and geopolitical shocks.

The meeting will bring together over 700 leaders from all sectors and industries, enabling a comprehensive dialogue on leveraging global cooperation for economic development, promoting a more sustainable energy transition and furthering technological advancement.