Madinah Governor Inspects Sayed Al-Shuhada Development Project

Madinah Governor while being briefed on the latest news on the central region development projects (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Madinah Governor while being briefed on the latest news on the central region development projects (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Madinah Governor Inspects Sayed Al-Shuhada Development Project

Madinah Governor while being briefed on the latest news on the central region development projects (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Madinah Governor while being briefed on the latest news on the central region development projects (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Governor of Madinah province, Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdelaziz, has affirmed that the ongoing structural reform process in the central area around the Prophet's Mosque is in line with the restructuring of the economic activities and correcting all commercial violations.

Prince Faisal, who is also the chairman of the Madinah Development Authority, was inspecting on Friday projects being implemented by the authority to rehabilitate more than 5,000 residential buildings in the Sayed Al-Shuhada area, 80 percent of which have been completed.

He highlighted the level of attention given by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Prophet’s Mosque and its visitors.

“Sayed Al-Shuhada neighborhood is of great importance for Muslims as it is located near Mount Uhud and Rumah Mountain, an area that has witnessed the battle of Uhud and has the Sayed Al-Shuhada cemetery,” Prince Faisal said.

“Developing this area is a Saudi experience that is distinct from similar international experiences because residents are staying home, while the external, traffic and service environment is improved,” he added.

During his inspection tour, Prince Faisal was briefed on the details of the stages of the completed projects within the central region.

These included developing Al-Salam road, west of the Prophet’s Mosque, on an area of 36,000 square meters, preparing the area by providing waiting areas and public services.

He learned about the development projects of Musab bin Umair and Abdul Rahman bin Auf roads, which were implemented in a way that preserves the nature and the sanctity of the place and takes into account the region’s operational requirements.

He was also updated on other projects being implemented. These include the sidewalks in King Faisal Road, which has been 40 percent completed, as well as the project to develop Zaid bun Thabet Road, with a 45 percent completion rate.

It is noteworthy that the development and rehabilitation projects take into consideration the nature and requirements of the central region by ensuring the facilitation of pedestrian movement and persons with disabilities in safe ways to and from the Prophet's Mosque and providing public services and appropriate food and health needs.



Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: We Are Looking Forward to Opening New Horizons in Cooperation

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: We Are Looking Forward to Opening New Horizons in Cooperation

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail said coordination between the two countries is advanced and effective on several security and political levels and in combating terrorism.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, she stressed that this coordination has helped in developing relations not only between Riyadh and Baghdad, but also countries in the region.

Al Souhail had presented her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday.

She said Iraqi and Saudi relations were the foundations for security and stability in the region.

“We firmly believe in joint work to push these relations to new broader horizons to serve the interests of the peoples of both countries,” she went on to say.

“Our priorities are expanding to include deepening bilateral cooperation in all fields, such as energy, security, economy, trade exchange, culture, education, health, the environment and others,” she stated.

Moreover, Al Souhail underscored her country’s keenness on activating the outcomes of the coordination meetings between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as boosting joint investments and supporting regional peace and security initiatives.

The ambassador stressed the importance of partnership and mutual understanding. “We are committed to partnership and emphasize the importance of the ongoing constructive dialogue to overcome any challenges that may arise,” she went on to say.

“With this approach, we are looking forward to opening new horizons of cooperation that would achieve sustainable development for our peoples and bolster peace in the region and world,” she added.

Deepening cooperation could take place through intensifying political dialogue, strengthening political, security, intelligence and counter-terrorism partnerships, Al Souhail explained.

Furthermore, she said bolstering economic and commercial cooperation, which would support joint investments and diversify sources of income, is an important factor for stability, development and prosperity in the region.

Developing cooperation in energy, the environment, developing sources of renewable energy and boosting cultural and educational exchanges will help build bridges of understanding and friendship between the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, she continued.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes ICJ’s Measures to Increase Relief Aid into Gaza

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes ICJ’s Measures to Increase Relief Aid into Gaza

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the provisional measure of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to increase humanitarian and relief assistance into Gaza and to open more land crossings for aid to the Palestinian enclave to alleviate the suffering of the civilians.

The Ministry underlined the Kingdom’s support of all efforts seeking the delivery of more emergency aid into Gaza to avert a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

It renewed its demand from the international community to take more immediate measures to stop the Israeli violations of the international law and the international humanitarian law, and implement the United Nations Security Council resolution that calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.


KSrelief Delivers 7th Aid Shipment to Sudan Through Saudi Sea Bridge

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
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KSrelief Delivers 7th Aid Shipment to Sudan Through Saudi Sea Bridge

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Thursday sent its seventh aid shipment through the Saudi relief sea bridge to Sudan.

The shipment consisted of 12 refrigerated trucks carrying a total of 14,960 food baskets, weighing 524 tons. It arrived at Sudan's Suakin Port after departing from Jeddah Islamic Port.

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief, aiming to reach 1.5 million beneficiaries. The initiative aims to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

It highlights the Kingdom's role in supporting friendly nations during times of crisis and underscores the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Sudan.


Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
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Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)

Kuwait has handed its annual $2 million contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA reported on Thursday.

UNWRA said on Tuesday it had sufficient funds to run its operations until the end of May after many donors paused their funding over Israeli accusations that some staff took part in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which triggered war in Gaza.

UNRWA provides aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and across the wider region.


Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
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Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections

Kuwaiti authorities are investigating a case involving the manipulation of special elections targeting a specific group in Kuwaiti society ahead of the 2024 National Assembly (parliament) elections.

In a statement released on “X”, Kuwait’s Public Prosecution stated that it has ordered the arrest of two suspects and is in the process of apprehending the remaining individuals, with investigations ongoing.

Over the past two years, the Kuwaiti government has implemented reforms to curb political corruption and reduce the influence of powerful tribal groups, including cracking down on by-elections and enforcing voter registration through civil ID cards to prevent vote-buying.

Several candidates for the 2024 National Assembly elections have been disqualified for failing to meet eligibility criteria, including previous convictions related to by-elections.

Candidates must not have prior felony convictions or convictions for crimes compromising honor, integrity, or religious and royal entities, unless rehabilitated.

As Kuwait's National Assembly elections approach, candidates are using gatherings during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan to connect with voters.

These gatherings, usually held in diwaniyas, are fewer this time. Candidates talk about everyday concerns like financial support and debt relief, promising solutions.

While some discuss political reform and anti-corruption measures, most focus on appealing to voters with immediate promises.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Kuwaiti writer Nasser Al-Abdali expressed concern about the lack of serious agendas in the elections, blaming it on the absence of clear ideologies.

He pointed out that without strong political movements, proposals have become purely populist.

Al-Abdali criticized the government’s role in this trend, saying they now face a choice between meeting populist demands or risking the integrity of the parliamentary system.

He also noted a surge in young candidates offering fresh ideas based on their own experiences in various fields, unlike older deputies who tend to repeat past strategies.

According to lawyer Abdulaziz Boumajdad, there’s nothing groundbreaking in the candidates’ proposals.

“While each presents solutions in their own way, the overall approach remains similar,” Boumajdad told Asharq Al-Awsat.

It is noteworthy that these elections are the third in Kuwait within two years, following previous rounds in September 2022 and March 2023, which were invalidated due to legal issues.


Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim discussed in Riyadh with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region, Luigi Di Maio, the Saudi-European economic and commercial relations, the Saudi Press agency said on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields between Saudi Arabia and the EU, and other topics of mutual interest.


Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
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Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions to mark their 31st annual meeting, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
During the reception, the Crown Prince was briefed on the most prominent topics discussed at the annual meeting of the Governors of regions, lauding their efforts in serving the homeland, citizens and residents.
The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior.


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.