Syria’s Assad Arrives in UAE in Official Visit

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. (UAE Presidential Court/Handout via Reuters)
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. (UAE Presidential Court/Handout via Reuters)
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Syria’s Assad Arrives in UAE in Official Visit

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. (UAE Presidential Court/Handout via Reuters)
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. (UAE Presidential Court/Handout via Reuters)

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday for an official visit, accompanied by his wife Asma.

State media said he was met by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on arrival in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and received a canon salute as his convoy entered the royal palace. Assad's plane was greeted by Emirati fighter jets.

Assad was also received by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; and Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State.

Assad’s delegation included Dr. Samer al-Khalil, Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade; Mansour Fadlallah Azzam, Minister of Presidential Affairs; Boutros al-Hallaq, Minister of Information; Dr. Ayman Sosan, Deputy Foreign Minister; and Dr. Ghassan Abbas, Chargé d'Affairs of the Syrian Embassy in the UAE.

Assad held talks in Oman last month on his first foreign trip since the devastating earthquake hit Syria and Türkiye and visited Russia earlier this month.



Saudi Crown Prince Announces Launch of ‘Riyadh Non-Profit Foundation’

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
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Saudi Crown Prince Announces Launch of ‘Riyadh Non-Profit Foundation’

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, officially launched the Riyadh Non-Profit Foundation on Thursday, forming its Board of Directors. Established by royal decree as an independent entity with special status, the foundation operates under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

The foundation's Board of Directors is led by the Crown Prince, with Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, CEO of the Royal Commission, appointed as Vice Chairman and Secretary General, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Riyadh Non-Profit Foundation is designed to support and advance institutional and social work in various forms. It aims to foster research, studies, and social initiatives while encouraging community participation in the development of non-profit sector programs that align with its objectives. Additionally, the foundation seeks to promote a strong culture of social responsibility and reinforce the values of community engagement, marking a significant step forward in social development and innovation within the non-profit sector.

The foundation’s key focus is on fostering social development by empowering all segments of society, strengthening social cohesion, and preserving Riyadh’s cultural identity. It will collaborate with government agencies and non-profit organizations to create job opportunities in the social sector.

In the long term, the foundation aims to become a regional and global leader in the design, financing, and implementation of innovative social programs. Its areas of focus will include healthcare, education, arts, culture, and sustainability, all contributing to enhancing the quality of life and advancing social development in Saudi Arabia.

By building an integrated ecosystem, establishing research centers and incubators for social projects, and increasing community participation, the foundation aims to optimize the management and performance of its affiliated entities. This will ensure the fulfillment of its mission while aligning with the developmental priorities outlined in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.