UAE Celebrates Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia flag display on Burj Khalifa (WAM)
Saudi Arabia flag display on Burj Khalifa (WAM)
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UAE Celebrates Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia flag display on Burj Khalifa (WAM)
Saudi Arabia flag display on Burj Khalifa (WAM)

The UAE is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s 92nd National Day, marked on September 23, with large-scale official and popular celebrations, under the theme, "Together Forever KSA-UAE," underscoring the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.

UAE’s major landmarks and many official and private entities have started decorating their headquarters with Saudi flags, and shopping malls have announced special events and activities on the occasion.

The two countries announced in 2016 the establishment of Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, which aims to establish a joint vision to strengthen and maintain their mutual ties and consolidate their integrated economic systems.

Marking the occasion an official tweet, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice -President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, extended his congratulations to the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia.

The leadership of the two countries celebrate national occasions, which underscores the deep-rooted ties between both countries.

UAE- Saudi cultural relations also saw the signing of many joint agreements, where economic and commercial ties represent a distinguished and rich model of cooperation for a better future.



Thick Fog Disrupts Some Flights on One of the UK’s Busiest Weekends for Travel

 Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
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Thick Fog Disrupts Some Flights on One of the UK’s Busiest Weekends for Travel

 Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)

Travelers flying to or from the UK faced further disruptions Saturday as thick fog and low visibility restricted air traffic on one of the year's busiest weekends.

Gatwick Airport in London warned that some flights may be delayed throughout Saturday and apologized for the inconvenience. Flights were delayed by up to three hours late Friday because of poor weather conditions, and at least 40 flights from the airport, mostly short haul to Europe, were delayed Saturday morning.

Heathrow Airport, one of Europe's busiest, also advised passengers to check with their airlines regarding potential delays.

The UK's weather forecasters, the Met Office, said thick fog patches could reduce visibility to just 100 meters (328 feet) in some areas across the country. It said travelers should allow “a little bit longer” for journeys and warned drivers to be extra careful.

Conditions are expected to improve Sunday, the Met Office said.

The country's main air traffic control organization said the restrictions would remain in place in areas with low visibility.

“Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety," it said. “Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimize disruption.”

The restrictions came at a busy time of year when many people travel following the Christmas holiday and ahead of the New Year.