AlUla Declaration Ends Qatar Rift, Looks to Preserve Gulf Security, Stability

The leaders of the GCC pose for a photo ahead of the AlUla summit. (SPA)
The leaders of the GCC pose for a photo ahead of the AlUla summit. (SPA)
TT

AlUla Declaration Ends Qatar Rift, Looks to Preserve Gulf Security, Stability

The leaders of the GCC pose for a photo ahead of the AlUla summit. (SPA)
The leaders of the GCC pose for a photo ahead of the AlUla summit. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced on Tuesday that the AlUla declaration turns the page on the past and opens a new chapter for the Gulf in order to achieve the stability and security of the region and its people.

The AlUla declaration was signed at the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit that was hosted by Saudi Arabia earlier on Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, chaired the summit on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

“Today’s Summit ends the diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar,” Prince Faisal said at a press conference with GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf at the end of the summit.

“Today’s summit ends the points of contention with Qatar,” stressed the minister.

“We will work together to confront the challenges facing the region,” he vowed. “The AlUla summit will impact the stability of the region”

“On Iran, it is important for the countries of the region to have a united stance on its nuclear program and malign meddling and behavior,” he stressed.

“The statements we have heard from the Biden administration assure us that it is aware of Iran’s threat,” said Prince Faisal. “It is essential for the Arab voice to be heard.”

“The political determination of the Gulf leaders is a major guarantee for implementing the AlUla agreement,” he added. “We are very optimistic that today’s agreement will positively impact the Gulf region and Arab world.”

The summit, continued the FM, was significant because it prioritized the higher national interests of the GCC and Arab national security.

“It is therefore, sending a message to the entire world that no matter the disputes within the same house, the wisdom of its leaders is capable of overcoming everything and guiding the region, its countries and people to safety,” he stressed.

The members of the council underscored their solidarity and need to refrain from infringing on the security and sovereignty of any of their countries and the social fabric and security of their people, he continued.

For his part, al-Hajraf stressed that the Gulf countries often overcome all challenges with determination and strength.

The 41st GCC summit has paved the way for a new era of joint Gulf work, represented in the reconciliation, he told the press.

“As people of the Gulf, we look to the future with all the hopes, aspirations and opportunities it holds to establishing a cohesive Gulf entity that can serve its nations and peoples and push forward development, security and stability,” he remarked.



Saudi Royal Order Promotes and Appoints 34 Board of Grievances Judges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
TT

Saudi Royal Order Promotes and Appoints 34 Board of Grievances Judges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued on Friday a royal order promoting and appointing 34 judges at the Board of Grievances.

President of the Board of Grievances and Chairman of the Administrative Judiciary Council Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Ohaydib said the administrative judiciary enjoys the support of King Salman and the attention and follow-up of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

This is reflected in the royal order, which supports the Board of Grievances, motivates its judges and personnel, and advances the administrative judiciary, he added.


Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
TT

Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)

Saudi Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Brigadier General Talal bin Shalhoub stated that intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to Malaysian authorities enabled the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Anti-Narcotics Unit to thwart an attempt to smuggle 505.6 kilograms of ketamine.

Bin Shalhoub praised the ongoing operational coordination between the two nations in intercepting illicit drugs, emphasizing that this joint success reflects tight security integration to counter transnational organized crime networks, SPA reported on Friday.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia remains vigilant in tracking and dismantling criminal syndicates that target national security and youth with narcotics, continuing coordinated global efforts to protect societies from the illicit drug trade, SPA added.


UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
TT

UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a pardon on Friday for Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who was convicted by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on 27th August 2026 of the offences with which he was charged and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and a fine of AED200,000.

The ruling was first issued on August 27, 2026, after finding Al-Qaradawi guilty of the charges against him.

According to Friday's announcement, the necessary procedures have been taken to implement the presidential pardon.