Gulf, Arab Countries Condemn Houthi Attacks Against Saudi Arabia

Damage is seen following a Houthi attack against Saudi Arabia on Friday. (SPA)
Damage is seen following a Houthi attack against Saudi Arabia on Friday. (SPA)
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Gulf, Arab Countries Condemn Houthi Attacks Against Saudi Arabia

Damage is seen following a Houthi attack against Saudi Arabia on Friday. (SPA)
Damage is seen following a Houthi attack against Saudi Arabia on Friday. (SPA)

Gulf and Arab countries condemned on Friday the terrorist attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen against Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis had launched several drones and ballistic missiles at the Kingdom's southern and eastern regions, targeting civilian and oil infrastructure.

The United Arab Emirates strongly denounced the attacks, accusing the Houthis of deliberately targeting civilians, economic and vital facilities.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stressed that the "continuation of these attacks by the terrorist Houthi militias is a challenge to the international community and the efforts made to end the Yemeni crisis."

The Houthis are also disregarding all international laws and norms, it noted, urging the international community "to firmly take an immediate position to halt these repeated acts".

The ministry reiterated the UAE's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these attacks.

Bahrain's Foreign Ministry condemned the Houthi attacks, saying they are a threat to the security and stability of global energy supplies.

It stressed the need for the international community "to stand firm against these systematic and repeated attacks."

Manama expressed its "full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all its defensive measures to deter the Houthi aggression."

Kuwait slammed the "cowardly terrorist" attacks against civilians in Saudi Arabia, saying they were a threat to the security of the Kingdom and region, as well as global energy supplies. It noted that the attacks took place at a time when the world was seeking stability in those supplies.

The international community is therefore, demanded to take immediate and firm action to put an end to these attacks and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Egypt underlined its "absolute condemnation" of the Houthi terrorist attacks against Saudi Arabia and any cowardly act targeting the security and stability of the Kingdom

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deep condemnation and denunciation of Houthi militias' continued terrorist attacks against the Kingdom and its vital and civilian facilities and installations.

Egypt reiterated its solidarity with the Kingdom in the measures it takes to maintain its security, stability and the safety of its citizens.

The statement stressed the danger of Houthi militias' continuation of these hostile acts, which are a serious and direct threat to security and stability in the region, and to the safety of energy supplies, deeming them a flagrant violation of international law.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Houthi attacks, saying that targeting oil installations and vital facilities "is a dangerous act of sabotage that contradicts all international norms and laws, and would affect the security and stability of global energy supplies."

It also renewed "its firm position in rejecting violence and targeting vital facilities, whatever the motives and reasons."

Jordan slammed the ongoing Houthi attacks against the Kingdom. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Amman stands firmly with Riyadh in confronting all threats to its security and the safety of its people.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf condemned, in the strongest terms, the ongoing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.

He said the militias were deliberately and systematically targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Al-Hajraf warned that the "continued attacks and targeting of civilian facilities and power stations pose a threat to security and stability, and harm the global economy and energy supplies."

The international community must "take a firm stand against these attacks that violate international law."

Arab League Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit slammed the Houthi attacks, saying they "pose a grave threat to security in the region and global energy supplies".

He praised the efficiency and vigilance of the Saudi armed forces in dealing with these terrorist attacks.

He urged the international community to deal more firmly with these terrorist operations and violations of international law and international humanitarian laws by the Houthis.

He stressed that international solidarity with the Kingdom "must be reflected in a clear position by the international community against these attacks and those who support and stand behind them."

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned the ongoing hostile Houthi attacks, saying they were a dangerous escalation.

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Ibrahim Taha slammed the Houthis for continuing their attacks at a time strenuous efforts are being exerted to bring together Yemeni brothers to dialogue to push forward the peace process and end the bloodshed in their country.

The GCC-sponsored consultations will kick off in Riyadh on March 29 and conclude on April 7.



Saudi Health Ministry: 43 People Recover from Food Poisoning, No New Cases

Saudi Health Ministry: 43 People Recover from Food Poisoning, No New Cases
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Saudi Health Ministry: 43 People Recover from Food Poisoning, No New Cases

Saudi Health Ministry: 43 People Recover from Food Poisoning, No New Cases

The Saudi Health Ministry said on Saturday that there have been no new cases of food poisoning in the Kingdom in the last five days. So far, there have been 75 cases, with 69 Saudis and six residents affected.

Out of these, 50 cases were diagnosed as being caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Forty-three have recovered and have been discharged from hospital, while 11 are in regular wards and 20 are receiving intensive care. One person has died.

The Ministry stated that all cases are linked to one food poisoning source. They stressed the efforts of government agencies in controlling the outbreak and providing ongoing care.

They also emphasized the importance of getting information from official sources and not spreading rumors. They reassured the public that authorities are taking immediate steps to prevent further cases.

The affected individuals are receiving top medical care, showing the government's commitment to protecting everyone’s health, asserted the ministry.


Kuwait-Egypt Confirmation on ‘Durra’ Field Angers Iran

Durra offshore gas field (Reuters)
Durra offshore gas field (Reuters)
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Kuwait-Egypt Confirmation on ‘Durra’ Field Angers Iran

Durra offshore gas field (Reuters)
Durra offshore gas field (Reuters)

Iran has refused to accept a joint Kuwait-Egypt position regarding the ownership of the offshore Durra gas field, insisting on fresh negotiations for a lasting solution, an Iranian Foreign Ministry official said.
This disagreement persists despite Saudi Arabia and Kuwait’s repeated declarations that they solely own the natural resources in the “divided submerged zone,” including the entire Durra field.
Iran’s rejection came after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, discussed the Durra field during their recent talks in Cairo.
In a joint statement, the two sides underscored that the Durra field is entirely located within Kuwait’s territorial waters and that the ownership of the natural resources in the submerged area, adjacent to the divided zone in which the entire Durra field is located, belongs only to Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Iranian officials criticized these assertions, stating they have no basis in truth and reiterated their call for renewed negotiations.
Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, stated on Friday that his country rejects Kuwait’s unilateral position regarding the Durra field and the statement issued at the conclusion of the Kuwaiti Emir’s visit to Cairo.
“We recommend the authorities of this country to refrain from resorting to fruitless political and media methods regarding the issue of the Durra gas field,” he noted.
Kanaani highlighted Iran’s stance on the matter, citing historical rights and past negotiation records.
The spokesperson said that Iran extended an invitation to Kuwait to engage in discussions aimed at reaching a sustainable agreement grounded in friendly cooperation and shared interests.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait restated their joint ownership of the entire Durra field in a statement following the visit of Kuwait’s Emir to the Kingdom in February.
They emphasized that only Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have rights to the natural resources in the submerged area, including the Durra field.
Kuwait announced in August 2023 its readiness to take necessary steps, including negotiations, to secure rights in the Durra field, which holds massive gas reserves.

 


Residents Without Permit to Be Denied Entry to Makkah

Security forces are seen at a checkpoint leading to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Security forces are seen at a checkpoint leading to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Residents Without Permit to Be Denied Entry to Makkah

Security forces are seen at a checkpoint leading to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Security forces are seen at a checkpoint leading to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi security forces will start implementing new rules for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims on Saturday. Residents wanting to enter the holy city of Makkah must first obtain a permit from authorities. Those without proper documents will be sent back.

New regulations require all citizens and residents planning to perform Hajj to obtain a permit from the authorities. The Ministry of Interior urged everyone to follow these rules for the safety of pilgrims.

Authorities have started accepting online applications for entry permits to Makkah for resident workers during Hajj season. This can be done through the “Absher” platform and the “Muqeem” portal.

“Absher” helps issue permits for domestic workers, dependents, special residency holders, investors, and visitors who submit the necessary documents.

Meanwhile, “Muqeem” assists workers in Makkah's establishments, seasonal work visa holders, and contractors.

The Ministry of Hajj recently launched the “Nusuk” card for pilgrims. It is given to regular pilgrims by authorized offices after visa issuance for foreigners and after Hajj permits are issued for domestic pilgrims.

The card helps identify and verify pilgrims’ identities, preventing unauthorized access to the holy sites.

Also available digitally on the “Nusuk” and “Tawakkalna” apps, the card offers pilgrims various benefits and services.

The move reflects the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s aim to use technology and data to make pilgrims’ journeys easier, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction.

Last week, the ministry cautioned against falling for fake offers on social media targeting Hajj pilgrims, urging everyone to report such scams and follow the rules to prevent unauthorized pilgrimages.

The Senior Scholars Authority explained that getting permits eases the pilgrimage process, ensuring safety and peace for large crowds. Following these rules helps organize services effectively and reduces overcrowding risks during the pilgrimage.


Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan Issue Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan issue joint statement on energy cooperation. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan issue joint statement on energy cooperation. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan Issue Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan issue joint statement on energy cooperation. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan issue joint statement on energy cooperation. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman held a meeting in Baku with the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, Parviz Shahbazov, after which a joint statement was issued, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
SPA published the statement released subsequent to the meeting shedding light on the decisions and discussions ensued:
"The Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share a rich historic relationship and aim to further strengthen their ties, as both countries recognize the numerous fruitful opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in the energy sector.
Moreover, our countries are aligned in their objectives and commitments towards the sustainability of and stability of oil markets for achieving an orderly global energy transition, and ambitiously addressing climate change, to achieve a more sustainable future.
Both sides agreed to continue their cooperation within the OPEC Plus Declaration of Cooperation and the Charter of Cooperation between Oil Producing Countries, to support global oil market and stability, which serves the interests of both producing and consuming countries and achieves sustainable economic growth.
Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in climate action to advance the objectives, principles, and goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, allowing each country to chart its own path based on its national circumstances and approaches through a variety of measures that they can contribute to. Both sides have agreed to cooperate, with the aim of achieving successful, ambitions and comprehensive outcomes at COP29.
The Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share common concerns and aspirations regarding ambitious yet balanced and inclusive climate action that takes into account the principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of national circumstances.
Both sides outlined commitment to advance all viable solutions and technologies that will enable all nations to contribute to global climate action, in a nationally determined manner, while taking into consideration the different national circumstances, pathways and approaches of each country.
COP29 presents an opportunity to underscore the imperative of economic diversification in a manner that aligns with the needs, priorities, and resources of all nations, particularly in the context of promoting sustainable development and poverty eradication and ensuring energy security.
Both sides have been working closely together, with an aim to advance their respective progress in the renewable energy sector, which is yielding promising results. Moreover, they commended the progress and developments of the Kingdom’s successful investment in wind power in Azerbaijan, which is one of the largest foreign investments in Azerbaijan in this area.
Both sides agreed to strengthen the ongoing cooperation in electricity and renewable energy through exchanging knowledge and experiences in electricity interconnection and developing renewable energy projects in both countries.
Both sides recognize the importance of collaboration in the fields of oil, gas, refined products and petrochemicals. They engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the potential for joint investment opportunities, the expansion of bilateral trade.
They emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of energy efficiency, including energy management systems.
They agreed to collaborate on knowledge exchanging on Low-emission fuels and technologies, including Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and Hydrogen based Synthetic Aviation Fuel (e-fuel) with the aim of introducing efficient fuels that reduces GHG emissions.
The two countries commended the successful outcomes of the third Joint Technical Committee meeting, which took place during the visit. They highlighted the constructive dialogue and enhanced mutual understanding achieved during the meeting, which provided a comprehensive review of the energy-related aspects of their relations across various fields”.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Poland on Constitution Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Poland on Constitution Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud sent on Friday a cable of congratulations to Polish President Andrzej Duda on the occasion of his country's Constitution Day.

King Salman wished the president constant good health and happiness and the government and people of Poland steady progress and prosperity.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Duda a similar cable on the occasion.


Malaysia, MWL to Organize International Conference of Asian Religious Leaders

Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur. (MWL)
Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur. (MWL)
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Malaysia, MWL to Organize International Conference of Asian Religious Leaders

Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur. (MWL)
Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur. (MWL)

The Malaysian premiership, in partnership with the Mekkah-based Muslim World League (MWL), is set to host on Tuesday the largest international conference for religious leaders in Asia.

Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the event, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, is expected to welcome about 2,000 religious and intellectual figures from 57 countries.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim and MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa will sponsor and participate in the event.

The conference will focus on several themes such as pluralism, tolerance, moderation, education, building bridges, and inclusive commonalities.

It aims to highlight the role of religion in promoting worldwide peace, enhancing solidarity among peoples, and exploring ways of civilizational cooperation. It will also launch initiatives based on the "Makkah Declaration" and promote religious values.


Saudi FM Discusses Latest Developments with Swiss Counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
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Saudi FM Discusses Latest Developments with Swiss Counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a telephone call with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and exchanged views on the latest developments of mutual interest.


Saudi Air Force Takes Part in 'Desert Flag' Drill in UAE

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Saudi Air Force Takes Part in 'Desert Flag' Drill in UAE

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Saudi jets took part in the "Desert Flag" air drill in the United Arab Emirates.

The pilots took part in over 70 hours of flight training at the al-Dhafra air base.

Several friendly countries were also involved in the three-week exercise, including Oman, Türkiye, the United States, France and South Korea.

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams.

The exercise aims to exchange military expertise in planning and execution and raising the combat readiness of forces. It also seeks to bolster relations between the participating forces.

The drill kicked off at the al-Dhafra base on April 22.


Saudi Arabia Launches Nusuk Card to Facilitate Movement of Pilgrims

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Nusuk Card to Facilitate Movement of Pilgrims

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched on Tuesday the Nusuk card that will facilitate the movement of all pilgrims at the holy sites.

It also offers a number of services and privileges that can be accessed through the Nusuk and Tawakkalna apps.

Nusuk acts as an identification card for pilgrims. It is a comprehensive platform that allows the user to register their personal and health data and other important information. The user can also benefit from a broad array of services.

The user can receive the card through Hajj offices after they obtain their Hajj permit.

Nusuk also works to deepen the Hajj experience by allowing the user to access different services, such as places of accommodation and transport. It provides information about historic, cultural and Islamic locations.

It also allows workers involved in the Hajj pilgrimage to meet the needs of and service the pilgrims.

Nusuk is part of a greater plan the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is aiming to launch with the goal of utilizing technology to ensure pilgrims have a smooth journey that begins from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom to the moment they leave.

Saudi Arabia is keen on developing procedures and regulations and dedicating technology to facilitate the holy journey and ensure the largest number possible of Muslims can travel to the Kingdom to perform the Hajj and Umrah.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah was in Indonesia where he handed the first Nusuk card to Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Qoumas.

He also met with senior officials, heads of companies and investors to discuss the available opportunities to elevate the services offered during the Hajj.

Along with Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, he oversaw the signing of an air transport agreement aimed at increasing the number of flights transporting Indonesian pilgrims headed to Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Defense Minister Chairs Meeting of General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
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Saudi Defense Minister Chairs Meeting of General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired on Wednesday a meeting of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) in his capacity as its chairman.

Officials reviewed GEOSA’s efforts in building and developing the national geospatial infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted GEOSA's participation at international events and the strategic partnerships it has forged with various entities from the government and private sectors.

The officials were briefed on sectoral and institutional strategies; current and future plans in the fields of geospatial information, aerial imagery, and remote sensing; and the data, services, and products provided by the authority to entities from both the government and private sectors in line with global best practices.

The officials followed up on the progress made on decisions related policies, standards, evidence, regulations, and regulatory conditions for the sector. They reviewed efforts aimed at boosting and developing national capabilities in the geospatial information sector.

The GEOSA board made decisions related to administrative and financial committees.

Prince Khalid underscored the unlimited support accorded by the Saudi leadership to GEOSA in organizing, elevating and supervising the geospatial and remote sensing sector in the Kingdom, ensuring quality and performance improvement.

This approach has allowed GEOSA to assume a leading role in the field of geospatial information at regional and international levels, he remarked.