Saudi Forces Partake in Several War Games to Boost Stability

Saudi fighters fly over Greece as part of the Eagle Eye 1 military maneuvers (SPA)
Saudi fighters fly over Greece as part of the Eagle Eye 1 military maneuvers (SPA)
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Saudi Forces Partake in Several War Games to Boost Stability

Saudi fighters fly over Greece as part of the Eagle Eye 1 military maneuvers (SPA)
Saudi fighters fly over Greece as part of the Eagle Eye 1 military maneuvers (SPA)

The Saudi Defense Ministry is stepping up efforts to develop the Kingdom’s defense capabilities through exchanging military expertise at war games Saudi Arabia is partaking in alongside other countries in 2021.

Saudi air forces, navy and army have participated in drills at diverse military training sites inside the Kingdom and abroad. In the first 90 days of 2021, Saudi Arabia took part in around seven different military maneuvers that tested its defense capabilities under various circumstances.

According to observers, Riyadh is strengthening its leadership position and developing its military capabilities with allies to help boost stability in the region.

“Saudi forces are uniquely interested in military maneuvers in the Arab region, and actively participate in regional or international military exercises,” retired Maj.-Gen. Shami Al Daheri told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He added that the Kingdom enjoys high defense capabilities and carries out its military operations with high precision to avoid civilian collateral damage.

“Saudi forces, especially the Royal Saudi Air Forces (RSAF), possess great combat readiness. They have proven this by confronting Houthi attacks and other attempts to undermine security in the Kingdom,” said Daheri.

“Aerial targeting carried out by Saudi forces against Houthi outposts in Yemen is characterized by being very accurate and works to ensure that civilians and non-military installations in Yemen are not affected,” he added.

It is worth noting that the RSAF is taking part in Eagle Eye 1 military drill scheduled for March.

Last week, the RSAF arrived with its full air, technical and backing up crews in Souda Airbase at the Greek island of Crete, where they, alongside their Greek counterparts, will carry out air sorties and joint exercises over the Mediterranean Sea.

The drill aims to boost the skills of the air and technical crews, raise the combat readiness of the Saudi air force and exchange military expertise.

Daheri described the Saudi-Greek maneuver as “unique” in terms of it taking place over the Mediterranean.

“The theater of operations has a very large role in the success of the exercise,” he noted, but stressed that the location has nothing to do with current tensions among neighboring countries.



Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
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Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed extensive preparations at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, ensuring it is fully ready to welcome Hajj pilgrims on the day of Arafat, which falls on Thursday. The mosque has been furnished with 125,000 square meters of luxurious carpets.

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims. The backyard now features 19 canopies that reduce heat stress by an average of 10 degrees Celsius, complemented by sun-reflecting floor paint. The surrounding courtyards are also prepared and cooled with 117 fog fans, lowering temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius.

A major ventilation and air conditioning upgrade includes a new control system that monitors carbon dioxide levels and operates air purification units, allowing for 100% air renewal every 30 minutes. This system also controls water pumps, boosting operational efficiency and providing a healthier environment for pilgrims.

For hydration, 70 water chillers have been installed, each capable of serving 2,000 pilgrims per hour, totaling a capacity of 140,000 pilgrims per hour.

An advanced audio system and security surveillance cameras have also been integrated to boost safety and security.

Furthermore, the mosque's 72 gates and entrances have been strategically organized to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims.

These extensive tasks were carried out by dedicated supervisory and service teams committed to providing the best services to pilgrims.