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
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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.



Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed the solidity and strength of the GCC economy and its ability to face economic challenges, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.
Albudaiwi’s statement came in his recorded speech at the roundtable meeting between the GCC and American companies, which was held under the patronage of the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in the US capital, Washington.
The steps taken by the GCC countries to strengthen trade and investment ties with the US focused greatly on the mutual benefits of this economic partnership, said Albudaiwi.
He also stressed that the six GCC countries enjoy long-term and strong trade and investment relations with the US, and these relations are witnessing clear and significant progress, explaining that these partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth, innovation and development across various sectors.
During his speech, he projected some statistics that confirm the progress of cooperation between the two sides, such as achieving bilateral trade between the GCC countries and the US in 2023 of around $180 billion.
GCC countries have also achieved great success in the energy sectors, ranking first globally in crude oil production and reserves and second in natural gas reserves, he noted.
Touching on future strategic GCC projects, such as the GCC railway project, he said it will enhance connectivity between Middle Eastern countries and provide great cooperation opportunities with American partners. He added that the Council countries are working at an accelerated pace to develop digital infrastructure and transition to a technology-based diversified economy.
Albudaiwi concluded by expressing the commitment of the GCC countries to enhancing stability and development in the region, pointing to the ongoing GCC's efforts to resolve regional conflicts and maintain peace and security to achieve more growth and prosperity. He underscored the determination of the GCC countries to deepen cooperation with the US, and ensure sustainable economic growth for future generations on both sides.