Reema bint Bandar: Saudi-US Partnership Is Crucial for Global Security 

Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud.
Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud.
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Reema bint Bandar: Saudi-US Partnership Is Crucial for Global Security 

Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud.
Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud.

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States said on Wednesday that maintaining the long-standing strategic partnership between Riyadh and Washington was "beyond critically necessary" for global stability. 

"Yes there was a moment of conflict and disagreement, but that doesn't take away from the fact that we are both strategic allies and we are friends, and this relationship is critical for the world," envoy Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud said at a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos. 

She stressed the importance of the US-Saudi relationship that has weathered 80 years and said that the two countries have "stood by each other where it counts and where it matters". 

Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan, when asked during the same panel about the visit by China's president to the Kingdom in December, said both China and the United States were very important to Saudi Arabia. 

He said the Kingdom, the world's top oil exporter, aims to "bridge the divide" between the two rival economic giants. 



Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.