Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Appointed Deputy Ruler of Sharjah

The ruler of Sharjah and his deputy. (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
The ruler of Sharjah and his deputy. (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
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Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Appointed Deputy Ruler of Sharjah

The ruler of Sharjah and his deputy. (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
The ruler of Sharjah and his deputy. (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)

Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, supreme council member and ruler of Sharjah, on Monday issued two Emiri decrees appointing Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi as Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the emirate’s Petroleum Council.

On his appointment, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed said: “We have grown up and been raised on the values of our wise ruler who instilled in us the principles of belonging and partnership and the ensuing individual and collective responsibilities.”

“Every resident of Sharjah, regardless of their position and occupation, is responsible for the success of the cultural revival project in the United Aram Emirates,” he added.

He is also responsible for the formation of the Emirati identity and culture and their image before the world. He is also responsible for the community’s stability and security.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed said his appointment marks a new starting point in his journey in working for the good of the emirate and its society.

This journey can only achieve its goals through maintaining the approach of partnership and cooperation that was established by the governor of Sharjah over 40 years ago, he remarked.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed is a member of Sharjah Executive Council and head of Sharjah’s Media Council.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University in Arkansas, US, and a Master of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan, US.



Bahrain Says it Busts a 'Hezbollah Terrorist Cell'

The three detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
The three detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
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Bahrain Says it Busts a 'Hezbollah Terrorist Cell'

The three detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
The three detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)

Bahrain announced on Monday the arrest of three people “for forming a cell affiliated with the Lebanese terrorist Hezbollah group,” saying the necessary legal procedures had been completed and that the detainees had been referred to the Public Prosecution.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry said the suspects “coordinated with terrorist elements abroad and sought to engage in espionage with them with the intent to undermine the sovereignty of the state, spread fear and panic among citizens and residents, and endanger the security and safety of the country.”

The suspects were identified as Ahmed Ahmed Hussain Madan, 24, Hassan Abdulameer Ashoor, 22, and Muntadhar Abdulmohsen Ali Madan, 29, reported Bahrain’s state news agency BNA.

They revealed that “during their travel to Lebanon, they received weapons training after meeting with members of the Lebanese Hezbollah terrorist organization.”

They also sent images and information about the repercussions of the Iranian attacks against Bahrain and collected funds under the guise of charitable work, transferring them to support Hezbollah activities in preparation for being tasked by its leaders with carrying out terrorist plots and acts in Bahrain, said the statement.


Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Canadian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Canadian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Monday in Riyadh Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The foreign ministers affirmed the positive and growing momentum of bilateral relations spanning more than 50 years, based on shared interests in advancing and diversifying economic growth, enhancing regional and international security, and promoting global peace.

They highlighted the level of bilateral trade, noting that trade volume between the two countries exceeded SAR12 billion in 2024, and welcomed the establishment of the Saudi-Canadian Business Council and its role in strengthening economic cooperation.

They noted progress in ongoing negotiations on an agreement to promote and protect foreign investment between the two countries.

The two ministers welcomed the convening of the second Saudi-Canadian Educational Partnership Forum, held on March 30.

They discussed ways to enhance and develop relations across all fields including trade, investment, space, artificial intelligence, mining, tourism, education, and pharmaceuticals, and they agreed on the importance of deepening bilateral relations and strengthening the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

The foreign ministers exchanged views on regional challenges, condemning Iran’s destabilizing behavior in the region, including its attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which threaten regional and international security.

They called on Iran to immediately cease its attacks and respect international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness.

They stressed the need for Iran to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026) and to stop supporting, financing, and arming affiliated militias in Arab countries, which undermine regional and international peace and security.

Minister Anand expressed her country’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and appreciation for the Kingdom’s assistance in facilitating the repatriation of Canadian citizens.

She also reaffirmed Canada’s readiness to work closely with the Kingdom to enhance regional stability and protect civilians amid the ongoing conflict affecting the Gulf and the Middle East.

Both ministers agreed on the importance of concerted international efforts to de-escalate tensions, enhance maritime and energy security, and protect critical infrastructure.

Minister Anand expressed her appreciation and thanks for the warm welcome and hospitality, reaffirming her country’s commitment to strengthening a forward-looking strategic partnership with the Kingdom.


Gulf, Jordanian, Russian Ministers Discuss Iranian Attacks

The joint Gulf–Jordanian–Russian ministerial meeting held via video conference Monday (Gulf Cooperation Council)
The joint Gulf–Jordanian–Russian ministerial meeting held via video conference Monday (Gulf Cooperation Council)
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Gulf, Jordanian, Russian Ministers Discuss Iranian Attacks

The joint Gulf–Jordanian–Russian ministerial meeting held via video conference Monday (Gulf Cooperation Council)
The joint Gulf–Jordanian–Russian ministerial meeting held via video conference Monday (Gulf Cooperation Council)

A meeting at the ministerial level between Gulf, Jordanian and Russian officials discussed on Monday the latest developments and the repercussions of Iran's attacks and escalation affecting the GCC countries and Jordan.

The ministers stressed the necessity of maintaining ongoing coordination and consultation on this matter.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan took part via video conference in the joint ministerial meeting.

The session was chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, and was attended by GCC foreign ministers, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and the Secretary-General of Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dhaifullah Fayez.

Albudaiwi said the meeting addressed the Iranian aggressions on the GCC countries and Jordan, in addition to reviewing the latest developments in the region.