Saudi Navy Al-Jubail Crew Conclude Training Program in Spain

Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Navy Al-Jubail Crew Conclude Training Program in Spain

Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) concluded in Spain on Saturday the training program for the crew of His Majesty's Ship "Al-Jubail”, the first combat ship of the “Sarawat” project, which includes the manufacture and construction of five naval vessels with advanced capabilities to deal with various combat missions with high efficiency.

The training included shooting exercise with missiles type (MICA) of the third version (Block 3), which is used to counter air attacks, and identify targets in a self-guided (Fire and forget) manner.

RSNF Commander Lt. Gen. Fahd Bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili hailed the Saudi crew for their efficiency and competence in the stages of theoretical and practical training.

He also praised their remarkable ability to fully operate the ship's advanced systems, which culminated in the successful launch of the (MICA) missile and the direct hit and destruction of its target.

Al-Ghufaili said that the ship's crew had completed all training stages and that the ship was in the process of being prepared to sail to Saudi Arabia to be the first ship to join the naval fleet from the "Sarawat" project, which contributes to raising the level of readiness of the RSNF and enhancing maritime security in the region and protect the Kingdom’s vital and strategic interests.

The training program comprised three main phases. The first phase started in the United Kingdom and lasted 46 weeks to learn the English language before moving to Spain where foundational and advanced courses were offered by the Spanish Navy and the University of Cádiz, in addition to courses in operation, maintenance and adaptation to the ship with the Spanish Navy and Navantia, the manufacture of Sarawat Ships project.

The last phase focused on the practical exercises at sea for the crew of "Al-Jubail."

Al-Jubail (Corvette Avanti 2200) is the first ship of the Sarawat project, which was launched four months ago, and is the latest of its type in the world, with capabilities of handling the air, surface, or subsurface targets.

"Sarawat" project is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs to localize 50% of the military industries.



Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Chinese Foreign Minister

The Saudi Crown Prince met on Sunday with the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Crown Prince met on Sunday with the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh. SPA
TT

Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Chinese Foreign Minister

The Saudi Crown Prince met on Sunday with the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Crown Prince met on Sunday with the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met on Sunday with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations and explored ways to develop them in a manner that serves the mutual interests of the two countries.

They also discussed recent developments in the region and the world.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah; Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Musaed Al-Aiban; and Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi.

Attending from the Chinese side were Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs at the Chinese Foreign Ministry Chen Weiqing and China’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Sydney Terrorist Attack

This screen grab of UGC video taken on December 14, 2025 and received courtesy of Mike Ortiz shows beach-goers fleeing Bondi Beach after gunmen opened fire, in Sydney on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Mike Ortiz / UGC / AFP)
This screen grab of UGC video taken on December 14, 2025 and received courtesy of Mike Ortiz shows beach-goers fleeing Bondi Beach after gunmen opened fire, in Sydney on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Mike Ortiz / UGC / AFP)
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns Sydney Terrorist Attack

This screen grab of UGC video taken on December 14, 2025 and received courtesy of Mike Ortiz shows beach-goers fleeing Bondi Beach after gunmen opened fire, in Sydney on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Mike Ortiz / UGC / AFP)
This screen grab of UGC video taken on December 14, 2025 and received courtesy of Mike Ortiz shows beach-goers fleeing Bondi Beach after gunmen opened fire, in Sydney on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Mike Ortiz / UGC / AFP)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Sunday the terrorist attack that took place in Sydney, Australia, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “the Kingdom affirms its stance against all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism.”

“The Kingdom also expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Australia, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement added.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Attack on UN Facility in Sudan

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns Attack on UN Facility in Sudan

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom's condemnation and denunciation of the attack on a United Nations compound in Kadugli, Sudan, SPA reported.

The Kingdom emphasized the necessity of an immediate cessation of hostilities, the preservation of Sudan's unity and institutions, and the imperative of providing protection for civilians and implementing the commitments made in the Jeddah Declaration (commitment to protect civilians in Sudan) on May 11, 2023.