Qatar Population Surges 13.2% in Year Leading Up to World Cup

A file photo taken on October 1, 2022 shows a general view the Qatari coastal city of Lusail, ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)
A file photo taken on October 1, 2022 shows a general view the Qatari coastal city of Lusail, ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)
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Qatar Population Surges 13.2% in Year Leading Up to World Cup

A file photo taken on October 1, 2022 shows a general view the Qatari coastal city of Lusail, ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)
A file photo taken on October 1, 2022 shows a general view the Qatari coastal city of Lusail, ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)

Qatar's population has surged by 13.2% over the last year, official data showed, as the Gulf Arab state recruits thousands of overseas workers ahead of hosting the football World Cup next month to cope with an unprecedented influx of fans.

The wealthy gas producer's population stood at 2.94 million after some 370,000 additional people moved to Qatar over the last year, based on data collected in September and released by Qatar's statistics authority last week.

Low-income migrant workers and other foreigners make up the majority of the country's population while Qatari nationals number around 380,000.

World Cup organizers face a personnel shortage as Qatar prepares to receive an estimated 1.2 million visitors during football’s largest event, which is expected to put pressure on its infrastructure, hospitality and security sector.

Hotel operator Accor is recruiting 12,000 temporary overseas employees to operate 65,000 rooms in apartments and homes serving as temporary fan housing. Qatar has an agreement with Türkiye to provide more than 3,000 riot police and Pakistan has also agreed to deploy troops to Qatar during the tournament.

Qatar has built expressways, seven football stadiums, hotels and skyscrapers, spending at least $229 billion on infrastructure, according to budget documents. Around half of Qatar's population is employed in the construction industry.

In the years after the tournament, Qatar's population is expected to decline by about 1.2% year-on-year and shrink to 2.5 million by 2027, the International Monetary Fund forecasts.



Albudaiwi, Guterres Discuss GCC-UN Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi has met with UN chief Antonio Guterres. SPA
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi has met with UN chief Antonio Guterres. SPA
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Albudaiwi, Guterres Discuss GCC-UN Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi has met with UN chief Antonio Guterres. SPA
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi has met with UN chief Antonio Guterres. SPA

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi has met with UN chief Antonio Guterres to discuss cooperation and the latest international developments to enhance international peace and security.

The meeting on Saturday was held at the UN headquarters on the sidelines of the 78th session of the General Assembly in New York.

Guterres expressed appreciation and gratitude for the efforts made by the Gulf countries, regionally and internationally, to achieve peace in many conflicts, and praised the humanitarian and development endeavors of GCC member states worldwide.

Albudaiwi expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by UN to prepare for the General Assembly session.


Saudi FM Asserts Necessity of Adhering to UN Charter, Principles of Int’l Legitimacy

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan delivering his speech (Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan delivering his speech (Reuters)
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Saudi FM Asserts Necessity of Adhering to UN Charter, Principles of Int’l Legitimacy

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan delivering his speech (Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan delivering his speech (Reuters)

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan asserted the necessity of states adhering to the UN Charter and the principles of international legitimacy, stressing that Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to enhance construction and development efforts to meet future generations' aspirations.

Speaking at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, bin Farhan delivered a speech on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

He expressed the Kingdom's aspirations for a better future for humanity, founded on mutual respect for the sovereignty and independence of states, their values, non-interference in their internal affairs, peaceful dispute resolution, and refraining from the use or threat of force.

Bin Farhan also highlighted how through its developmental approach, the Kingdom aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable renaissance, with its central focus and goal being the human being who will drive present development and shape the future through knowledge.

"The Kingdom places great importance on human rights, as its laws include explicit provisions aimed at promoting and protecting rights," Saudi Press Agency quoted the top diplomat as saying.

Moreover, he expressed the Kingdom's reaffirmation that the security of the Middle East region necessitates the expedited pursuit of a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.

The Minister explained that the solution should be built upon the foundation of international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, guaranteeing the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"The Kingdom reiterated its rejection and condemnation of all unilateral actions, considered violations and blatant breaches of all international laws."

"These actions contribute to undermining regional and international peace efforts and hinder the paths of political solutions," he added.

Bin Farhan confirmed the Kingdom's keenness to support efforts of establishing security and stability, focusing on comprehensive development, making room for dialogue, calming and easing tensions, and urging countries in the region to avoid escalation.

He indicated that exchanging interests and benefits helps achieve the hopes and aspirations of the region's people.

The Kingdom worked to consolidate the principle of collective action to build a better future for the region and the World by hosting several joint regional summits within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States with the participation of all countries, including Syria, he said.

He renewed the Kingdom's call for removing weapons of mass destruction, noting that the international community must realize the importance of adhering to existing conventions and legal frameworks to arrive at a World free of nuclear weapons, especially in the Middle East.

The Foreign Minister also addressed climate change in his speech, noting that Saudi Arabia contributes to reducing emissions and supports the gradual and responsible transition towards clean, low-emission energy systems that use all sources to be more sustainable.

He indicated that the Kingdom announced the "Saudi Green" and "Middle East Green" initiatives to lead global efforts to protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance public health and quality of life, improve renewable energy, and achieve sustainable development.


Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Iranian Counterpart

The Saudi and Iranian Foreign Ministers met in New York. SPA
The Saudi and Iranian Foreign Ministers met in New York. SPA
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Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Iranian Counterpart

The Saudi and Iranian Foreign Ministers met in New York. SPA
The Saudi and Iranian Foreign Ministers met in New York. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has met with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

The meeting was held on Saturday on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The talks focused on discussing Saudi-Iranian relations and finding ways to enhance cooperation in all areas.

The two ministers also reviewed strategies to intensify consultative meetings at multilateral levels, aimed at creating more positive prospects and serving the interests of both countries.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the UN Abdulaziz Al-Wasil and Director General of the Foreign Minister's Office Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.


GCC Stresses Importance of Strengthening Relations with UK

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
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GCC Stresses Importance of Strengthening Relations with UK

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

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the Council and the United Kingdom, including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is an essential element of the strategic partnership and will contribute to achieving common interests.

This came during Albudaiwi’s meeting with Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Lord Tariq Ahmad on Saturday, on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Albudaiwi stated that several topics were discussed during the meeting, most notably following up on the developments in the negotiations of the FTA between the Council and the UK and Northern Ireland, in addition to following up on the outcomes of the recently held GCC-British ministerial meeting.

The two sides also reviewed the latest developments in the region and the world, especially enhancing regional and global security and stability.


OIC Secretary General Meets with Iranian Foreign Minister in New York

 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a joint news briefing with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a joint news briefing with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. (AP)
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OIC Secretary General Meets with Iranian Foreign Minister in New York

 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a joint news briefing with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a joint news briefing with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. (AP)

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha held talks on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the United Nations 78th General Assembly in New York.

The officials discussed cooperation between the OIC and Iran, and ways to boost joint Islamic action.

They also tackled a number of issues of common interest, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the situation in Afghanistan, and OIC’s efforts to combat Islamophobia.


Saudi Foreign Minister Meets French, Polish Counterparts in New York

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Friday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Friday. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Meets French, Polish Counterparts in New York

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Friday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Friday.

The FMs reviewed bilateral relations and ways of bolstering and developing them in various fields. They discussed means of consolidating bilateral and multilateral action and the latest international developments.

They tackled opportunities for economic cooperation under Saudi Vision 2030 and the importance of supporting common interests to achieve sustainable development, prosperity, and well-being for the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim, Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, and Director General of the Foreign Minister’s Office Abdulrahman Al-Daoud.

Prince Faisal also met with his Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rao in New York City.

They tackled bilateral relations between their countries and ways of developing them in various fields. They also discussed opportunities for economic cooperation.


King Abdulaziz’s Maiden Flight Aboard ‘Dakota’ Aircraft

King Abdulaziz descending from the Dakota aircraft in one of his air travels (Saqer Al Jazeera Museum)
King Abdulaziz descending from the Dakota aircraft in one of his air travels (Saqer Al Jazeera Museum)
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King Abdulaziz’s Maiden Flight Aboard ‘Dakota’ Aircraft

King Abdulaziz descending from the Dakota aircraft in one of his air travels (Saqer Al Jazeera Museum)
King Abdulaziz descending from the Dakota aircraft in one of his air travels (Saqer Al Jazeera Museum)

After the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud dismounted from his steed “Ubayyah,” declaring the unification of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and charting its geographic boundaries to the world, he ascended the heights of the skies aboard his “Dakota DC-3” aircraft.

Through this remarkable journey, he aimed to connect the kingdom with the world and draw the political map of the state.

The tale of the “Dakota DC-3” begins with a decision by then US President Franklin Roosevelt to give King Abdulaziz a present.

He sought advice from White House advisors on what kind of gift to offer to a “Saudi king residing in a desert region.” One of his advisors suggested that the best gift for this king would be an airplane.

The Director-General of Communication and Media Affairs at Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani, explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that this idea was initially rejected due to its substantial budget.

Nevertheless, on February 14, 1945, the Dakota aircraft, gifted by President Roosevelt to King Abdulaziz, touched down at the makeshift airstrip in what is now known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs area in the city of Jeddah.

It was received by Prince Mansour bin Abdulaziz on behalf of King Abdulaziz.

On September 30, 1945, King Abdulaziz boarded the gifted Dakota aircraft for the first time.

Departing from the city of Afif near Riyadh, he headed towards Al-Hawiya in the city of Taif.

This flight was led by American pilot Captain Joey Grand, accompanied by his Saudi counterpart, Captain Hamza Tarabzoni. One of the most notable features of this aircraft was its ability to land on any prepared terrestrial area.

According to Al-Shahrani, this feature facilitated the aviation sector in seamlessly connecting the various regions and administrative areas of the kingdom.

He emphasized that this aircraft made a significant impact in the aviation world, particularly within the kingdom, laying the foundation for the concept of civil aviation in Saudi Arabia.

During that flight, King Abdulaziz became convinced that, after experiencing the speed of travel, ease of connectivity, and the convenience of takeoff and landing, this was the appropriate means to link the various parts of his nation.

He then decided to purchase two additional aircrafts.

This journey marked the inception of civil aviation for connecting the Kingdom’s regions, realizing King Abdulaziz’s initial vision, which was the localization of migration.

The “Dakota DC-3” aircraft was first manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company in 1935.

It is a twin-engine, low-wing monoplane produced by the Pratt & Whitney company, with a capacity for 28 passengers, roughly equivalent to 2725 kg.

The aircraft measures approximately 20 meters in length, with a wingspan of 30 meters, and it cruises at a speed of 370 kilometers per hour.


Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Celebrates 93rd National Day in New York

Officials are seen at the celebration event in New York. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the celebration event in New York. (SPA)
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Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Celebrates 93rd National Day in New York

Officials are seen at the celebration event in New York. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the celebration event in New York. (SPA)

Under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the Kingdom’s 93rd National Day in New York City, on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The minister welcomed the guests, recalling the history of the Kingdom and its establishment by the founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and all of the following kings. They inherited a glory that tells the story of this country and the achievements it has made today in terms of development, prosperity, unprecedented renaissance, and economic power led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The event was attended by a group of foreign ministers of brotherly and friendly countries, several secretaries of international organizations, and members of the diplomatic corps.


Gulf, Arab Countries Congratulate Saudi Arabia on 93rd National Day

 22 September 2023, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Saudis wave flags as aircraft perform to celebrate Saudi Arabia's National Day in Riyadh. (SPA)
22 September 2023, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Saudis wave flags as aircraft perform to celebrate Saudi Arabia's National Day in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Gulf, Arab Countries Congratulate Saudi Arabia on 93rd National Day

 22 September 2023, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Saudis wave flags as aircraft perform to celebrate Saudi Arabia's National Day in Riyadh. (SPA)
22 September 2023, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Saudis wave flags as aircraft perform to celebrate Saudi Arabia's National Day in Riyadh. (SPA)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent on Friday a cable of congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 93rd National Day.

Deputy Emir of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani expressed in two similar cables their congratulations to King Salman.

King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa congratulated King Salman bin Abdulaziz on the occasion.

In a cable to King Salman, he underscored the depth of the historical fraternal relations between the two kingdoms and their peoples.

He stressed Bahrain's constant keenness to continue strengthening and developing cooperation and strong joint action with Saudi Arabia in line with their vital strategic partnership to achieve the aspirations and interests of both countries and bring the best benefit to their peoples.

He hailed King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their dedication to the development and economic prosperity of the region that serves security, stability, peace, and prosperity, and provides a better future for the coming generations.

Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, also congratulated in two cables King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed on National Day.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II congratulated King Salman on the occasion.

In a cable in his name and on behalf of the people and government of Jordan, he expressed his sincere congratulations to King Salman, wishing him good health and happiness, and the Saudi people further progress and prosperity.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent cables of congratulations to King Salman on National Day.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent cables of congratulations to Crown Prince Mohammed on the occasion.

Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the UAE also sent congratulatory cables to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed.

Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Rashid sent a cable of congratulations to King Salman on National Day, wishing him health and success, and the brotherly Saudi people further progress and prosperity.

He also expressed keenness to strengthen relations between their people.


King Abdulaziz Forced British Policy Shift with Assertive Rule

King Abdulaziz, with his sons King Saud and King Faisal by his side (SPA)
King Abdulaziz, with his sons King Saud and King Faisal by his side (SPA)
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King Abdulaziz Forced British Policy Shift with Assertive Rule

King Abdulaziz, with his sons King Saud and King Faisal by his side (SPA)
King Abdulaziz, with his sons King Saud and King Faisal by his side (SPA)

In 1902, King Abdulaziz’s successful capture of Riyadh stood as a pivotal moment in the formation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This landmark event marked the inception of a new chapter in which King Abdulaziz dedicated himself to safeguarding the borders of his state from formidable powers that encircled it from all directions.

The founding king dealt with these powers with strength and wisdom, capitalizing on events and circumstances to benefit his homeland.

In an interview, Asharq Al-Awsat asked Princess Dr. Jawaher bint Abdul Mohsen bin Abdullah bin Jiluwi Al Saud about the circumstances that surrounded the emergence of Saudi Arabia and how King Abdulaziz dealt with them.

“The achievements of King Abdulaziz, spanning two decades, began with his recapture of Riyadh in 1902,” asserted Princess Jawaher.

“This event effectively encircled him, with the Arabian territories to the north and west under Ottoman control, local powers governing central Arabia, and British presence to the east and south,” she added.
“Arab tribes, which played a pivotal role in the region’s security, were either allies under strong governance used against adversaries, or potential threats if mismanaged.”

“King Abdulaziz had to navigate these complex dynamics, constantly concerned about the resurgence of Saudi power and its expanding influence, as had been the case during his ancestor's reign at the dawn of the 19th century AD,” explained Princess Jawaher.

In 1915, Britain initiated covert negotiations with Sharif Makkah Hussein bin Ali, known as the “Hussein-McMahon Correspondence.”

According to Princess Jawaher, Britain committed to establishing an independent Arab state under the leadership of Sharif Hussein and pledged full protection against external threats.

“In return, Sharif Hussein vowed to support the armed revolt against the Ottoman Turks in the Arab territories,” clarified the Princess.

The correspondence had unveiled tensions in the relationship between King Abdulaziz and Sharif Hussein.

Sharif Hussein had sought the participation of Najdi forces in the Arab Revolt, but King Abdulaziz, while openly supporting the Arab cause, refrained from direct involvement despite his strong aversion to the Ottoman Turks and their colonial ambitions in the region.

“King Abdulaziz foresaw that his relationship with Sharif Hussein might eventually escalate into an armed conflict, especially considering Sharif's potential exploitation of the Arab Revolt to declare himself the ruler of all Arabs,” elaborated Princess Jawaher.

Meanwhile, the British government found Sharif Hussein’s declaration perplexing, given the presence of other rulers exercising authority not subordinate to him in the region.

Consequently, they recognized him as the ruler of the Hejaz but were cautious about acknowledging his sovereignty over the broader Arab territories.

“King Abdulaziz realized that self-reliance was the key to exerting influence independently, immune to the sway of local events and the agendas of foreign powers,” revealed Princess Jawaher.

“He aimed to strike a delicate balance between international powers and local objectives, a contrast to Arab rulers and leaders of Arab associations who sought solutions to their Arab cause within the intricacies of British and French colonial politics,” she clarified.

Many underestimated the birth of political entities resistant to colonization, which emerged as the 20th century unfolded. This oversight was compounded by the dynamics of the two World Wars.

As for how did Britain deal with the tension between the Saudis and the Sharifs, Princess Jawaher said: “Britain was faced with the challenge of managing the strained relations between the House of Saud and the Sharifs, a conflict rooted in the historical rivalry between the rulers of the First Saudi State and the Sharifs.”

“This rivalry resurfaced in the case of Khurma, a small village that only entered the historical record after a competition for its sovereignty between King Abdulaziz and Sharif Hussein.”

The spark that ignited hostilities between them dated back to 1910, when Sharif Hussein captured Prince Saad bin Abdulrahman, the younger brother of King Abdulaziz, while he was on a mission.

Sharif Hussein refused to release him without two conditions: recognizing Ottoman rule over Al-Qassim and paying the annual tax to the Ottomans, which King Abdulaziz had stopped paying for several years.

A period of relative calm ensued due to negotiations and King Abdulaziz’s preoccupation with domestic affairs.

“Sharif Hussein resumed provocative actions aimed at provoking King Abdulaziz,” revealed Princess Jawaher, adding that “he launched unsuccessful attacks on Khurma, despite Britain instructing him to refrain from provoking King Abdulaziz.”

Simultaneously, King Abdulaziz received word of the British government’s displeasure with his defiance of Sharif Hussein and the necessity of ending military operations against the Hashemites and relinquishing control of Khurma.

“However, King Abdulaziz did not heed these threats and remained determined to counter Sharif Hussein’s encroachments on his territories,” asserted Princess Jawaher.

King Abdulaziz expressed his displeasure with Sharif Hussein’s actions and the language used by British authorities in their ultimatum.

“This prompted Britain to convene the First Middle Eastern Circles Conference in London on March 10, 1919, to reconsider its policy towards the Arab region and determine its stance on the conflict between Sharif Hasan and King Abdulaziz,” said Princess Jawaher.