Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Israel’s Netanyahu Discuss ‘Prospects for Peace’

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (AP)
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (AP)
TT
20

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Israel’s Netanyahu Discuss ‘Prospects for Peace’

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (AP)
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (AP)

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a telephone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the progression of bilateral relations in view of the peace accord signed between their countries.

Shiekh Mohammed tweeted on Monday: “We discussed strengthening bilateral ties and examined prospects for peace and the need for stability, cooperation and development in the region.”

The officials also reviewed the steps being taken to enhance cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Israel in various development and economic fields, said the UAE news agency (WAM).

They stressed that the normalization of relations is a step that boosts regional peace, stability and security, and paves the way for a new phase of cooperation. They also expressed their great appreciation for the vital role played by the US and President Donald Trump in reaching a peace accord.

Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE's keenness to exert all efforts to achieve peace, stability and development for the interest of all, without exception, said WAM.

The two officials also discussed a number of various issues including strengthening cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus, ways to empower youth in the region, the principles of tolerance and cooperation and the importance of dialogue in building friendships and lasting peace.



Saudi Interior Ministry Enforces Penalties for Violating Hajj Permit Rules

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
TT
20

Saudi Interior Ministry Enforces Penalties for Violating Hajj Permit Rules

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Colonel Talal bin Shalhoub, Spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Interior, announced that penalties are now being implemented against those performing Hajj, entering, or staying in Makkah and the holy sites without a permit. He made the remarks during a session at the Digital Communication Conference.
The Spokesman stated that anyone caught performing Hajj without a permit, or entering or staying in Makkah or the holy sites on a visit visa, faces a fine of up to SAR20000, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.
He added that anyone facilitating these violations—such as applying for visas, transporting, sheltering, concealing, or otherwise assisting violators—faces a fine of up to SAR100000.
Fines are applied per individual violation. Residents or overstayers caught attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will be deported and banned from the Kingdom for 10 years, he noted.
Bin Shalhoub also warned against fraudulent Hajj schemes that falsely promise services such as accommodation, transport, surrogate Hajj services, sacrificial animals, or fake bracelets.
He also highlighted the ongoing "Makkah Route" initiative, part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, operating at 11 airports in 7 countries. Launched in 1438 AH (2017 AD), the initiative has served 940,657 pilgrims.