Saudi Arabia: Joint Gulf Shield Drills Commence

 Kuwaiti Air Force participating in the Joint Gulf drill (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Air Force participating in the Joint Gulf drill (KUNA)
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Saudi Arabia: Joint Gulf Shield Drills Commence

 Kuwaiti Air Force participating in the Joint Gulf drill (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Air Force participating in the Joint Gulf drill (KUNA)

Joint Gulf Shield 1 drill, organized by Saudi Ministry of Defense, kicked off in the Eastern Region with the participation of military forces from 23 states as well as the Saudi forces. The drill is scheduled to last for one month.

The drill is considered the largest military maneuvers in the region in terms of diversity of expertise and quality of weapons. It aims at raising the military readiness of the participating countries, modernizing the joint mechanisms and enhancing coordination and cooperation.

The Gulf Shield 1 drill is a turning point in terms of the techniques used in accordance with the most modern military systems in the world.

The Ministry of Defense, which includes ground and air forces, air defense forces, naval forces, weapons of mass destruction units and medical services in the armed forces, participates in the exercise from Saudi Arabia, as well as security and military forces affiliated to the Ministries of the Interior and National Guard.

The large-scale tactical exercises are part of a comprehensive strategic vision of the Ministry of Defense in Saudi Arabia, because of their great role in enhancing military and security readiness for various circumstances and scenarios to maintain security and stability in the region and the world.



Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
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Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Arabia has signed a headquarters agreement with the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, under which the council will designate the city of Riyadh as its permanent headquarters.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the first regular session of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, which was held on Monday in the Saudi capital, also includes the council’s affiliated bodies, including the general secretariat and the executive office.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Eng. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, chaired the first regular session of the council.

The session was attended by officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states and the Secretary-General of the organization, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

In his opening statement, Al-Mazyed affirmed that the Kingdom's initiative to propose the establishment of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council stems from its firm and fundamental principle of preserving Arab collective security.

The council was established based on a proposal put forward by Saudi Arabia to comprise Arab ministers responsible for cyber security affairs. It falls within the scope of the Arab League and operates under the umbrella of the league’s council. The council’s tasks include formulating general policies, developing strategies, and setting priorities to enhance joint Arab cybersecurity work.
The council also addresses all cybersecurity issues and developments related to security, economic, developmental, and legislative aspects. It is responsible for approving joint Arab cybersecurity plans for implementing the endorsed policies and strategies.

The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers also approved Monday the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih as the council's secretary-general for a five-year term.