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KSA: Al Musawara From Terror Hideout to Cultural Hub

Saudi cultural center in Al Musawara neighborhood in Al-Awamiyah town,Eastern Province , Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al Awsat
Saudi cultural center in Al Musawara neighborhood in Al-Awamiyah town,Eastern Province , Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al Awsat
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KSA: Al Musawara From Terror Hideout to Cultural Hub

Saudi cultural center in Al Musawara neighborhood in Al-Awamiyah town,Eastern Province , Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al Awsat
Saudi cultural center in Al Musawara neighborhood in Al-Awamiyah town,Eastern Province , Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al Awsat

Within a year of the Saudi government’s decision to reform and develop Al Musawara neighborhood in Al-Awamiyah town nestled in the Eastern Province, the locality has been transformed from a springboard for terror assaults against security servicemen to a cultural center meant to advance provincial stability.

Saudi security forces have successfully routed terrorist groups that were holed up in the neighborhood that has become home to one of the country’s greatest cultural and development projects achieved in under 12 months.

Mayor of the Eastern Province Fahd Bin Mohammed Al-Jubeir confirmed that the project’s construction works were accomplished.

Speaking to Asharq Al Awsat, Jubeir said that the total cost of the project stood at $64 million dollars (SAR 239 million riyals) and was finished in the remarkable period of eight months.

The educational center is one of the development projects that are designed to preserve the urban and cultural identity in the eastern region, combining heritage and tradition with modern day architecture and development.

Considered a regional milestone in development for the Eastern Province, the center spans over an area of 180,000 square meters and provides a number of multi-cultural, tourist and commercial services to both locals and visitors.

More so, Jubeir reaffirmed that the Eastern Region Secretariat is working rapidly to wrap up the finishing touches on the project for a timely delivery without undercutting construction quality and safety standards.

Last October, the project’s completion rate was 70 percent. The project will include commercial stores, a cultural center, a public library, a sports complex, cafes, restaurants, men’s and women’s halls, a shopping mall, a women’s club, a kindergarten, and a car park.

The center will also host landmark heritage towers built on an area of 866 square meters.

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Gulf

Saudi Hajj Minister Inspects Readiness of Mina Camps Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Hajj Minister Inspects Readiness of Mina Camps Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah inspected on Tuesday the readiness of the camps in Mina ahead of the Hajj, as part of field tours to assess service levels.

He noted that preparations began early, boosting camp readiness and operational efficiency through coordinated efforts among relevant entities.

New electronic systems have been introduced this year to monitor pilgrim movement and regulate entry and exit from the camps, alongside the installation of signage at entrances and exits indicating departure and return times and other instructions, he revealed.

The measures support crowd management and bolster pilgrim safety, aligning with the ministry’s efforts to ensure full readiness and advance the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque welcomed the first groups of pilgrims arriving to perform the Hajj.

The presidency emphasized on Tuesday its commitment to leveraging its religious and scholarly resources to serve pilgrims and provide guidance and instruction to help them perform the Hajj rituals in accordance with correct Prophetic teachings.

The presidency's staff, including scholars, preachers, and translators, welcomed pilgrims, guided them, and responded to their inquiries.

The services were delivered through various platforms, including interactive screens, printed materials, and direct guidance, reflecting the Two Holy Mosques’ scholarly and outreach mission to promote the values of moderation and tolerance and to foster intercultural dialogue among Muslims.

Gulf

Qatar Warns Against Internationalizing Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Qatar Warns Against Internationalizing Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Majed Al Ansari has said that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz would transform the regional crisis into a global one.

He stressed on Tuesday that the strait is connected to the energy sector, supply and logistics chains, export and re-export operations.

“The impact of closing the strait would be felt even at the household level and basic services in countries thousands of kilometers away from the region," Al Ansari warned.

He also stressed that ensuring that the strait remains open to navigation is a shared international responsibility, expressing Qatar's commitment to its international partners and its continued role as a reliable partner in the energy sector, while continuing coordination to ensure maritime security and market stability

“Reaching solutions to this crisis represents a priority for Qatar's national security and national interests and those of its partners,” he said.

Al Ansari affirmed that Qatar continues to maintain ongoing communication with various parties, including the United States, to follow developments and to support efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to end the crisis.

During the Ministry's weekly media briefing, Al Ansari stressed Qatar's full support for the efforts undertaken by Pakistan, which is mediating between Iran and the US.

Regarding Lebanon, Al Ansari affirmed Qatar's firm position in supporting the unity and sovereignty of Lebanon, condemning violations and attacks that resulted in casualties and large-scale displacement, and welcoming the ceasefire as an initial step toward de-escalation.

He also stressed the need for full adherence to the ceasefire.

“All regional crises can only be resolved through the negotiating table,” he added.

Gulf

Gulf Underscores Support for Lebanon’s Security, Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
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Gulf Underscores Support for Lebanon’s Security, Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed on Tuesday the council’s firm support for Lebanon and everything that can bolster its security, stability and sovereignty.

Albudaiwi sponsored a symposium on GCC relations with Lebanon, “Challenges and Drivers”, organized by the Political Affairs and Negotiations Sector at the General Secretariat in Riyadh. The event was attended by a number of ambassadors to Saudi Arabia, as well as officials and experts.

Albudaiwi said GCC countries “view Lebanon as an integral part of its Arab surroundings and an important pillar of regional stability.”

“Relations between the GCC countries and Lebanon are historic and robust, built and consolidated on many foundations and bonds, foremost among them the bond of brotherhood, which has remained unchanged despite all developments and circumstances,” he stressed.

The leaders of GCC countries have repeatedly underlined the need for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 in Lebanon. They have also repeatedly expressed their support for Lebanon’s state institutions, added Albudaiwi.

“The GCC welcomes the steps taken by the government to extend the state’s control over all Lebanese territory and ensure that arms are held exclusively by the state, as an indispensable foundation for restoring stability and building trust with the Arab and international communities,” he went on to say.

“During our visits to Beirut and our meetings with Lebanese leaders, we were keen to convey a clear message that the GCC countries will remain an active partner in supporting Lebanon and its recovery,” he remarked.

He acknowledged the complex challenges Lebanon is currently facing, which require concerted international efforts to support and assist it.

He noted that the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, which resulted in the displacement of more than a million people and left more than 2,000 dead, places Lebanon before a major humanitarian and security challenge.

Albudaiwi stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with the international community and regional organizations to support the capabilities of the Lebanese army, control borders, and combat smuggling and illicit activities, “to restore Lebanon’s position as a trusted partner within its Arab and international surroundings.”

“GCC countries will remain by Lebanon’s side,” he declared.

“Lebanon’s future begins from within, through the will of its people and their ability to build a strong and stable state,” he stressed.

He expressed confidence that Lebanon “is capable of overcoming its crises and returning to its natural role within its Arab surroundings, with the support of its brothers and friends, the determination of its people, and the wisdom of its leadership.”