Saudi Arabia to Hold Major Defense Show in March 2022

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for domestic defense sector development (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for domestic defense sector development (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia to Hold Major Defense Show in March 2022

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for domestic defense sector development (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for domestic defense sector development (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The inaugural World Defense Show, Saudi Arabia’s international security and defense exhibition founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), is set to take place in Riyadh from March 6-9, 2022.

To be held under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the event reinforces national commitment to the growth and success of the show – set to be one of the world’s leading defense events as well as the global hub for business and defense innovation, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

“On behalf of GAMI and World Defense Show’s Organizing Committee, we are honored and blessed with the continued support of the Kingdom’s leadership to strengthen the Kingdom’s position at the center of a more collaborative global defense industry,” said GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali

“The Royal Patronage is an extension of the leadership’s unwavering support to localizing 50% of military expenditure in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he added.

More than 800 exhibitors specializing in security and defense will partake in the event, which will also host senior officials and military delegations worldwide.

Every two years, the show will take place at a purpose-built 800,000 sqm venue in Riyadh, featuring the world’s first purpose-built runway for a defense event.

More so, the exhibition will feature interoperable defense solutions in the presence of Saudi’s key leadership, international delegations, and prominent industry decision-makers from around the world.

The show will host more than 30,000 visitors, including the world’s top industry experts. They will participate in thought leadership sessions focusing on the industry’s future across air, land, sea, space, and security.

The founder of the World Defense Show, Saudi Arabia’s GAMI, is the regulator, enabler, and licensor for the kingdom’s military industry.

GAMI is responsible for domestic defense sector development in line with KSA’s commitment to Vision 2030 and to localize 50% of military manufacturing by 2030.



Saudi Arabia Stresses its Keenness on Lebanon's Internal Stability

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses its Keenness on Lebanon's Internal Stability

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan renewed on Friday the Kingdom’s keenness on Lebanon’s internal stability, and commitment to the Taif Accords.

The Kingdom will exert all possible diplomatic efforts to save Lebanon and its people, he was quoted as saying by Lebanese MPs who met him in Beirut.

MP Fouad Makhzoumi wrote on X that he had a “fruitful” meeting with Prince Yazid bin Farhan that was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed al-Bukhari.

“We expressed our deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the United States, on their significant role in supporting Lebanon’s stability and efforts to restore calm and end hostilities,” he added in reference to the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He hailed Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and the need to limit the possession of weapons to the state’s legitimate authorities.

The members of the National Moderation bloc also met with Prince Yazid bin Farhan, saying that talks focused on the situation in Lebanon and the region, especially the US-led negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

A statement from the bloc, said the Saudi envoy expressed the Kingdom’s keenness on Lebanon’s internal stability and commitment to the Taif Accords.

He urged the need to steer clear of rhetoric that would fuel internal divisions or harm civil peace.

The bloc is comprised of MPs Mohammed Suleiman, Ahmed al-Kheir, Sajih Attieh, Abdulaziz al-Samad and its Secretary Hadi Hbeish.

The National Consensus bloc of MP Faisal Karami also met with the Saudi envoy for talks on the latest local and regional developments.


Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss Washington-Tehran Ceasefire

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
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Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss Washington-Tehran Ceasefire

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed developments ‌in ‌the Washington-Tehran ceasefire ‌agreement ⁠in a phone call ⁠with US President Donald Trump, ⁠Qatari state ‌news ‌agency reported ‌on ‌Friday.

He added that Qatar would ‌continue coordinating with partners to ⁠support ⁠mediation efforts led by Pakistan to achieve regional security and stability.

Sheikh Tamim stressed the need for easing tensions and supporting peaceful solutions.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Drone Attacks on Kuwait Launched from Iraq

A view of Kuwait City, Kuwait. (KUNA)
A view of Kuwait City, Kuwait. (KUNA)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Drone Attacks on Kuwait Launched from Iraq

A view of Kuwait City, Kuwait. (KUNA)
A view of Kuwait City, Kuwait. (KUNA)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Friday the drone attacks against Kuwait that were launched from Iraq.

A Foreign Ministry statement underlined the Kingdom’s “categorical rejection of the violation of the sovereignty of nations and attempts to threaten the security and stability of the region.”

It reiterated importance of the Iraqi government “acting responsibly towards those threats against the Gulf countries.”

Saudi Arabia expressed its solidarity with Kuwait’s government and people and support for all measures the country takes in protecting its sovereignty, stability and security.

Kuwait's army said two drones launched from Iraq ‌targeted two ‌northern border ‌posts ⁠on Friday, causing damage. ⁠It added there were no casualties.

Iraq's prime minister ⁠ordered an investigative ‌committee ‌to examine the ‌attack and ‌identify those responsible, Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari ‌said, adding Iraq condemned the attack ⁠in ⁠a call with his Kuwaiti counterpart.

Kuwait had on Wednesday summoned the Iraqi envoy to the country to protest attacks against it by Iraqi armed factions.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned the “treacherous attacks” on Kuwait.

“The continuation of these brutal attacks from Iraq is a flagrant violation of the principles of good neighborliness and all international laws and norms,” he said.

He expressed the GCC's “full solidarity with Kuwait, affirming absolute support for all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability.”

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned the drone attacks.

In a statement, Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa “reiterated condemnation of these criminal attacks, which violate the sovereignty of countries in the region and threaten their security and stability.”

He expressed his full solidarity with Kuwait, its leadership, government and people, in all measures taken to safeguard its security, sovereignty and the safety of citizens and residents.