Saudi Govt Stresses Need to Preserve Egypt, Sudan’s Nile Water Rights

King Salman chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Stresses Need to Preserve Egypt, Sudan’s Nile Water Rights

King Salman chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)

The Saudi cabinet met on Tuesday to review the latest regional and international developments, including the ongoing dispute over the Grand Renaissance Ethiopian Dam (GERD).

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the meeting that was held virtually from Neom amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The government reiterated the Kingdom’s support to Egypt and Sudan in preserving their legitimate water rights amid the ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over the dam.

It called on the international community to establish a clear mechanism to begin negotiations between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to resolve the crisis in a way that preserves their rights to the Nile water and the future of their peoples. The process should be sponsored by the United Nations and in agreement with the African Union and Arab League.

King Salman was briefed on the security preparations and arrangements to hold this year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage. He also briefed the cabinet on the official discussions he held with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq during his visit to the Kingdom earlier this week.

The cabinet reviewed a recent International Monetary Fund report that underscored the recovery of the Saudi economy. The report hailed the Kingdom’s unique success on many levels in spite of the pandemic.

It also hailed Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) as an extension of its pivotal and influential role and reflection of its keenness on achieving the organization’s goals.



Saudi Arabia Downs Drones Fired at Eastern Region, al-Kharj

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Downs Drones Fired at Eastern Region, al-Kharj

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki said on Monday that 15 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region.

Thirteen drones were downed in the al‑Kharj governorate, he added.


Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with Counterparts from Bahrain, Japan, Pakistan

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
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Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with Counterparts from Bahrain, Japan, Pakistan

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate telephone talks on Monday with his counterpart from Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani; Japan, Toshimitsu Motegi; and Pakistan Ishaq Dar. 

They discussed the latest developments in the region and the efforts being made towards them. 


Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
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Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Officials said Monday that Dubai International Airport has gradually resumed some flights after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fuel tank fire, forcing a temporary suspension.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced flights are operating to selected destinations, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Emirates airline said it expected to operate a "limited schedule" after 10:00 am Dubai time (0600 GMT) and that some flights had been cancelled.

It had earlier told passengers not to come to the airport and said it was working with authorities "to assess the situation and support the safe resumption of operations when possible.”

In Abu Dhabi, a Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital when a missile hit their car on Monday, authorities said.

"Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Al Bahia area involving a missile strike on a civilian vehicle, which resulted in the death of one Palestinian national," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.