Mohammed bin Salman: Prince of the East, Hope of the Nation, Builder of the Ideal State

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Mohammed bin Salman: Prince of the East, Hope of the Nation, Builder of the Ideal State

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has made a name of himself as one of the world’s leading figures by spearheading a “revolution” that has reached all aspects of life in his country and transformed Saudi Arabia into an international political, economic and social heavyweight.

Riyadh has made itself a model capital of an ideal state. In several countries, people carry the images of Prince Mohammed in protests against their own states that have failed to resolve their political, economic and development problems. In search of freedom and a dignified life, they chant: “We want a ruler like Mohammed bin Salman.”

The Saudi Crown Prince has prioritized the fight against corruption - in all its financial, ideological and cultural forms – since he became the country’s number two leader. He believes that corruption in all its forms is the bane of the age and hurdle in development. Saudi Arabia is unique because it boasts what no other country does, the Two Holy Mosques. It also boasts a wealth of natural resources, such as oil and metals, and thousands of years of historical and cultural heritage.

The young prince managed to find the “secret formula” and rode the fast train that has moved in all directions, bringing with him change against everything that was familiar, ordinary and fixed. He drew a plan to build the country of the future, taking advantage of the resources and by keeping an eye on the regional and international arenas.

He became an influential player, closely read the local, regional and international files – both old and new – and realized that many needed revising in line with the times and the conditions at hand. He prioritized the interests of his country, region and ummah. To achieve this goal, he formed a team of ministers and advisors inside the country and beyond. He tasked them with missions that he directly supervises.

At the top of his priorities was the comprehensive development of Saudi Arabia and searching for new sources of income that don’t rely on oil. Through his wisdom and long-sightedness, he realized that this mission needed legislation and a roadmap and so, Vision 2030 was born. It set the course for development in all aspects of the country. The world has seen its goals come to life. Saudi Arabia has become a workshop that tackles all aspects of development.

Crown Prince Mohammed also realized that countries cannot work alone politically and economically in achieving their goals and demands for development. Rather, this demands the application of economic integration, a concept that emerged after World War II. This will promote trade exchange between countries, coordinate financial and monetary policies and fortify them against sudden crises. To this end, Crown Prince Mohammed proposed initiatives that take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s resources and wealth to build a country of the future. Everyone recalls his call for the formation of a new Middle East that was followed with the forging of alliances and signing of economic and trade agreements with influential countries.

Furthermore, Crown Prince Mohammed succeeded in achieving the independence of Saudi political decision-making, transforming it into a rising Arab power with international weight in all fields and that should not be underestimated.

To that end, he tackled perhaps one of the thorniest issues, that of Iran, which for years had posed a threat to Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and other Arab countries. He was convinced that the political solution through dialogue was the best option. Iran, he believes, is a country with a long history and differences with it cannot be tackled through direct military confrontation.

He dismissed American and Israeli threats to strike Iran, believing that they are a form of political blackmail. Such threats had been on the table for decades and they have never been proven credible. So, reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran took place. They restored relations that had been severed for years. Through his wisdom and vision, Crown Prince Mohammed effectively put behind him a thorny issue and he also returned both Syria and Iraq to their Arab fold.

On the local level, Crown Prince Mohammed approved the system of the personal status law, replacing laws that had been in place for years, out of his conviction that the Holy Quran is applicable during all times and in all places. His country is bound to apply Quranic texts. He believes that texts must take into account circumstances, the place and time they were adopted. In order to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, he believed that religious speech and rhetoric should be addressed without infringing on clear religious principles.

All of the above are accomplishments and files that were achieved by Crown Prince Mohammed. Only a charismatic leader, with unique characteristics and a drive for change and one who can take the initiative could have made these achievements.

Researcher in Saudi history and sociology, Dr. Ismail al-Salamat told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Man is born with talents bestowed upon him by God. These talents either remain untapped or are exploited. God blessed this nation with a young prince and skilled leader. He was born with exceptional talents and capabilities. He was aided by circumstances, a good upbringing, multiple talents and a balanced and strong personality.”

“He is also driven by positive personal ambition and desire to succeed, and love for goodness and building a promising future for the people,” he added.

Crown Prince Mohammed enjoys unique characteristics that played the greater part in achieving the Arab dream of living in the ideal city. He is the hope of every individual of the nation that has for years endured fragmentation, division, loss and weakness. The nation was overpowered by world forces surrounding it. It was not taken seriously, as Arab citizens in the majority of Arab countries are being misled, are suffering from poverty, are oppressed and are forced to immigrate. They see hope in the accomplishments of Crown Prince Mohammed and a salvation from their miserable reality.

Al-Salamat spoke of the characteristics that have made the Crown Prince a model ruler and leader. He is a responsible ruler - one of the most important traits of the young prince that motivates him to work hard to achieve his goal. He has integrity that makes others trust him. He is dedicated to his principles and responsibilities. His principles are unchanging, which motivates the people on his team and builds confidence that their efforts will achieve their goal.

A successful leader is inspiring and knows what he wants and where he is headed. “We can see this through the quality of projects and plans that are part of Vision 2030 and that aim for development and prosperity,” said Al-Salamat. The successful leader does not rely on luck, but on serious hard work and accurate planning.

Crown Prince Mohammed is also just and fair, assigning the right man to the right position and choosing people based on their skills and capabilities. He is a good communicator and listener and displays emotional intelligence, which is one of the most important traits a leader needs as he forges ahead on his path to glory and improving the lives of his followers.

Moreover, Crown Prince Mohammed’s ambitions know no bounds and his drive will not be stopped and will not stop. It will continue to confront and overcome challenges. He is also a risk-taker. He doesn’t view challenges as obstacles, rather as necessary steps to achieve what is demanded. The greater the task the more innovative and determined he becomes. He does not take risks for the sake of taking them and is unafraid to get out of his comfort zone to achieve his goals.

Crown Prince Mohammed is good at managing and leading his team. He has directly and indirectly overseen all state institutions and their way of work. He has motivated the people to work and cooperate together, offering rewards and benefits, which has produced successful government agencies that are constantly developing and improving.

Moreover, Crown Prince Mohammed has displayed openness, making it his motto. His policy and constructive vision are based on openness, which is accepting the other and their differences, while maintaining the principles of his people and religion. “These are rare traits in a leader – ones we can find in a few great leaders throughout history. He is open-minded and represents the hope of his people and nation.”

Al-Salamat said that if one were to examine the Arab region and Middle East, stretching from the Levant, Anatolia, Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Jordan, Iran and Iraq, “we find the gleaming star of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

“He has earned the title Prince of the East – a young ambitious man, who exudes innovation and energy and boasts the massive ability to give and innovate and soar towards dreams and ambitions.”



Doha Forum Kicks Off, with Gaza at the Forefront of Talks

The 21st edition of the Doha Forum kicked off on Sunday.
The 21st edition of the Doha Forum kicked off on Sunday.
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Doha Forum Kicks Off, with Gaza at the Forefront of Talks

The 21st edition of the Doha Forum kicked off on Sunday.
The 21st edition of the Doha Forum kicked off on Sunday.

The 21st edition of the Doha Forum, which is held under the patronage of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, kicked off on Sunday, in the presence of opinion leaders, senior policymakers, foreign and defense officials, and a large number of businessmen.
Held under the slogan, “Together towards building a bright tomorrow,” the two-day forum is a global platform that seeks to discuss solutions to the world’s crises.
In addition to political, security, and energy files, the Doha Forum discusses a number of topics, including economic development, environmental sustainability, food security, and artificial intelligence.
Sunday’s first conference addresses the situation in the Middle East, and features discussions by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, Jordanian Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Al-Safadi, and Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The tragic situation in the Gaza Strip is at the forefront of the discussions.
Another conference will be held under the title: “Palestine has become a global crisis; Does it have a global solution?” It will be attended by Ambassador of the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom Hossam Zomlot, Minister of State at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, and Daniel Levy, Head of the US/Middle East Project and the former Israeli negotiator at Taba and Oslo.
The forum sees an important discussion, entitled “Humanitarian Diplomacy in a World Full of Challenges... An Overview of Global Humanitarian Action 2024”, with the participation of Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
The forum will also witness a closed session to discuss the situation in Yemen, under the title, “Local, regional and international dynamics in Yemen.”


Qatar PM: We Will Continue to Pressure Israel and Hamas for a Truce

Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. (AFP)
Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. (AFP)
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Qatar PM: We Will Continue to Pressure Israel and Hamas for a Truce

Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. (AFP)
Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. (AFP)

Qatar's prime minister said on Sunday Doha will continue to pressure Israel and Hamas for a truce despite "narrowing" chances.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani added that hostages were released from Gaza because of negotiations and not because of Israeli military actions, Reuters reported.
He was speaking at the Doha Forum conference in Qatar. 
He added that an entire generation in the Middle East is at risk of becoming radicalized because of the Gaza war.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh told the gathering that the United States should also be held responsible for Israeli attacks on Gaza and the loss of Palestinian lives.
For his part, Jordan's foreign minister Ayman Safadi said that Israel was implementing a systematic policy of pushing Palestinians out of Gaza by a war that has killed thousands of civilians.
Safadi, whose country borders the West Bank and had absorbed the bulk of Palestinians after Israel's creation in 1948, also said Israel had created an "amount of hatred " that would "haunt the region" and "define generations to come", reported Reuters.


Saudi Ksrelief Delivers Humanitarian Aid in Lebanon, Syria's Aleppo

These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief, to assist those in need and those affected worldwide - SPA
These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief, to assist those in need and those affected worldwide - SPA
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Saudi Ksrelief Delivers Humanitarian Aid in Lebanon, Syria's Aleppo

These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief, to assist those in need and those affected worldwide - SPA
These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief, to assist those in need and those affected worldwide - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 1,076 shopping vouchers that enable the beneficiaries from the neediest families of Syrian refugees and the host community in several Lebanese regions to purchase winter clothing as part of the second phase of the winter clothing distribution project (Kanaf) for 2023.

These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief.

The Riyadh-based center has also executed the fourth stage of the Al-Amal Charitable Bakery project for the year 2023, in several Lebanese Governorates.
Last week, the project distributed 150,000 bundles of bread daily to needy Syrians and Palestinians families, and the host community living in northern Lebanon, benefiting 125,000 individuals

Also, a total of 316 families, among the most in need, who were affected by the earthquake in Aleppo governorate, Syrian Arab Republic, benefited from winter aid distributions.
This initiative is part of a project to distribute vouchers for winter clothing to families affected by the earthquake in northern and western Syria.


OIC Expresses Dismay at Security Council’s Failure to Reach Ceasefire in Gaza

Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023.  EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023. EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
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OIC Expresses Dismay at Security Council’s Failure to Reach Ceasefire in Gaza

Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023.  EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023. EPA/HAITHAM IMAD

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Ibrahim Taha, expressed dismay on Saturday after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a crucial ceasefire resolution on the Gaza Strip.

“He sees this failure as a detrimental reflection on the Council's vital role in upholding global peace, safeguarding civilians, and halting the deteriorating humanitarian crisis caused by relentless Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Taha cautioned that the Security Council's inaction allows the Israeli occupation to persist in and intensify its assaults on the Palestinian population,” SPA said.

He praised the nations that supported the draft resolution and stressed the necessity of ongoing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, and provide international protection for Palestinians.


Saudi FM, Blinken Discuss Developments in Gaza

The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
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Saudi FM, Blinken Discuss Developments in Gaza

The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Washington on Saturday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss bilateral relations, developments in the Gaza Strip, and several other regional issues of common concern.
Prince Faisal stressed the need to take urgent steps to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, and make all possible efforts to de-escalate the situation and ensure that the violence does not expand with dangerous repercussions on international peace and security.
He also stressed the need to create conditions for the return of stability and to restore the path of peace, to ensure that the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights, as well as to exert more efforts to secure relief corridors to deliver urgently needed humanitarian, food and medical aid to Gaza Strip.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz and Director General of the Foreign Minister's Office Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.


Saudi Arabia Provides Additional $8 Mn to Mitigate Threat Posed by Safer Tanker

KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Provides Additional $8 Mn to Mitigate Threat Posed by Safer Tanker

KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)

Saudi Arabia provided an additional financial contribution of $8 million to the UN Development Program (UNDP) to address the threat of the Safer oil tanker anchored off the coast of Yemen.

The Assistant General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) for Operations and Programs, AhmedaAl-Baiz, and UNDP Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Arab Countries Abdullah al-Dardari signed the memorandum of the additional financial contribution submitted by the Kingdom.

The additional aid comes as an extension of the efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to address the environmental and economic threat associated with the Safer tanker on the Yemeni coast and neutralize its potential dangers.

Dardari stressed that Saudi Arabia's contribution is a step towards solving the Safer problem that threatens the Red Sea environment.

He noted that the oil was transferred from the corroded and leaking tanker to a new oil vessel, indicating that the meeting addressed the best solution for treating the remaining oil in the new tank and using its revenues.

Dardari lauded Riyadh's efforts in addressing the problem of the Safer oil tanker, which allowed the UNDP to achieve positive results.

The official also thanked Saudi Arabia, represented by the KSrelief, for stressing the depth of the strategic relations between the Program and the Center, highlighting its essential and extensive partnership worldwide, not only in the Arab region.

He asserted that the two programs work together in the Arab region, especially in conflict areas, describing it as a solid partnership with a promising future that benefits all.


Saudi FM, Borrell Discuss Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi FM, Borrell Discuss Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a telephone call on Friday from European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
The two officials discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings, and the efforts exerted to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They also discussed the consequences of the current crisis, especially at the humanitarian level.


Saudi Defense Minister Receives Telephone Call from US Secretary of Defense

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
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Saudi Defense Minister Receives Telephone Call from US Secretary of Defense

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).

Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, received a telephone call from US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, SPA said on Thursday.
During the call, the two men discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the defense field.
They also discussed the current international and regional situations and the efforts being made in that direction.


Saudi Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Mission in Eastern Region, Crew Dies

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
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Saudi Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Mission in Eastern Region, Crew Dies

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane and the martyrdom of its aircrew.

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, confirmed that the aircraft crash occurred at 12:50 p.m. Thursday during a routine training mission from King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran.

He pointed out that an investigation into the crash has been launched.


Saudi Crown Prince Launches Urban Plan and Branding of Qiddiya City

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Launches Urban Plan and Branding of Qiddiya City

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has launched the urban design for the city of Qiddiya and Qiddiya’s brand.

The Crown Prince is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).

He stated that the city of Qiddiya will become, in the near future, the foremost global destination in the fields of entertainment, sports, and culture. This will have a positive impact on the Kingdom's economy and its international standing, enhancing Riyadh's strategic position and contributing to its economic growth. It aims to improve the quality of life, making Riyadh one of the top 10 economies globally.

The Crown Prince added that this qualitative investment in Qiddiya is a cornerstone of the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, creating thousands of job opportunities for the ambitious Saudi youth.

Qiddiya philosophy of Play is based on decades of research that has proven that play is a vital element for human cognitive development, emotional expression, social skills, creativity, and physical health. Studies have also shown the positive effects of recreational activities on society, their ability to bridge differences between individuals, and enhance empathy and social cohesion.

Qiddiya's offering will be Qiddiya City, a one-of-a-kind destination located on the outskirts of Riyadh, that promises endless fun and excitement for its residents and visitors through unrivalled offerings in entertainment, sports, culture, and urban living.

Construction is progressing with contracts worth SAR10 billion awarded. With 60,000 buildings in an overall area of 360 square kms, it will eventually host over 600,000 residents. Qiddiya City is expected to create over 325,000 job opportunities, yielding nominal GDP of SAR135 billion per annum.

Additionally, Qiddiya City expects to attract an anticipated 48 million visits per year with its never-built-before array of world-class attractions and venues.

Located 40 minutes from Riyadh center and overlooking the stunning cliffs of the formidable Tuwaiq mountains, Qiddiya City will be a home of the first gaming and e-sports district, a speed park track, golf courses, a massive water theme park, and Six Flags Qiddiya.

In addition, the city will also host a stadium which will feature the world’s largest Olympic museum.

Qiddiya City’s unparalleled proximity and concentration of sports, culture and entertainment experiences in one place will make it a globally unique destination.
Qiddiya plans to launch its first assets over the next two years.