Saudi Arabia Welcomes UN Security Council's Sanctions on Houthi Leaders

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, chaired the cabinet's virtual session (SPA)
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, chaired the cabinet's virtual session (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Welcomes UN Security Council's Sanctions on Houthi Leaders

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, chaired the cabinet's virtual session (SPA)
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, chaired the cabinet's virtual session (SPA)

Saudi Arabia welcomed the UN Security Council's inclusion of three Houthi leaders on the sanctions list for their direct threat to Yemen's peace, security, and stability.

The Saudi cabinet hoped that this decision would put an end to the Iran-backed militia and neutralize its danger on the Yemeni people, neighboring countries, and international navigation.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, chaired the cabinet's virtual session, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

It said the cabinet reviewed several reports on the latest regional and international developments, including the statement issued by permanent members of the Security Council to Yemen.

The ambassadors condemned the Houthi cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia, and stressed the need for de-escalation, including an immediate end to the escalation in Marib.

They also called on all Yemeni parties to engage in genuine dialogue to reach a comprehensive political solution to end the crisis in Yemen and alleviate the suffering of its people.

The cabinet discussed developments in Ethiopia, reiterating the Kingdom's call for all parties to cease fire, end all military and hostile actions, and return to dialogue and find peaceful solutions.

It also urged all parties to protect civilians and allow humanitarian organizations to provide relief and humanitarian assistance for civilians.

The cabinet reviewed the letter King Salman received from Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Saudi Crown Prince's phone conversation with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The cabinet appreciated the global welcome and praise for Saudi initiatives and efforts in environmental and climate change, especially its determination to reach zero carbon emissions by 2060.

Acting Minister of Media Majid al-Qasabi said that the cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the 38th ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Qasabi confirmed the importance of strengthening the joint Gulf security work through more cooperation and coordination to continue the process of construction and prosperity and achieve a safer and more advanced life for the citizens, residents, and expatriates of the GCC states.

The meeting also touched upon Saudi Arabia's participation in the Paris Peace Forum and the General Conference of UNESCO.

Riyadh affirmed commitment to cooperation and closer multilateral action to provide practical solutions to common challenges between countries.

The cabinet issued several decisions, including authorizing the Energy Minister to hold talks with China on a draft memorandum of understanding in hydrogen energy.

It also approved talks between Saudi and French Foreign Ministries on a draft memorandum of understanding on political consultations before referring to the final signed copy to proceed with formal procedures.

In addition, it allowed the Health Minister, or a deputy, to hold talks and sign a draft agreement with the World Economic Forum to enhance healthcare.

The cabinet also authorized the Saudi Human Rights Commission to hold talks on a draft memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation with the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.



World Defense Show Opens in Riyadh with Expanded Int’l Participation

The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

World Defense Show Opens in Riyadh with Expanded Int’l Participation

The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The World Defense Show opened in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together defense and military companies from around the globe to showcase advanced technologies, as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its military industries and strengthen domestic supply chains.

The third edition of the exhibition is being held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and organized by the General Authority for Military Industries from Feb. 8 to Feb. 12.

It features official delegations, government entities, and international firms operating in the defense and security sectors.

The event comes as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a comprehensive national defense industry and localize more than 50 percent of military spending, while boosting operational readiness and strategic autonomy.

Ahmad Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries and chairman of the exhibition’s supervisory committee, said the show reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, localization, and the development of an integrated defense ecosystem.

He said the exhibition includes live air and ground demonstrations, static displays, and newly introduced zones designed to enhance cooperation between government bodies and major national and international defense companies.

Andrew Pearcey, chief executive of the World Defense Show, said the event would feature a comprehensive program starting with an official delegations initiative linking senior officials with investors and industry leaders to support international industrial and technological cooperation.

Pearcey said the “Defense Industry Lab” would highlight emerging technologies and applied research, while dedicated zones would focus on naval systems and Saudi supply chains, connecting local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises with global firms.

The program also includes meetings between Saudi government entities and industry representatives to discuss operational requirements and investment opportunities.

He added that the venue includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and large display areas, allowing the exhibition to host integrated air, land, and maritime demonstrations.

Participation in the 2026 edition is expected to exceed previous shows, reflecting growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s defense market.

South Korea’s air force aerobatic team, the Black Eagles, will take part in the exhibition for the first time in the Middle East. The South Korean Air Force said it would deploy 9 T-50 fighter jets, including 1 reserve aircraft, 4 C-130 transport planes, and about 120 personnel.


Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.


OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
TT

OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.