Saudi Navy Al-Jubail Crew Conclude Training Program in Spain

Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Navy Al-Jubail Crew Conclude Training Program in Spain

Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) concluded in Spain on Saturday the training program for the crew of His Majesty's Ship "Al-Jubail”, the first combat ship of the “Sarawat” project, which includes the manufacture and construction of five naval vessels with advanced capabilities to deal with various combat missions with high efficiency.

The training included shooting exercise with missiles type (MICA) of the third version (Block 3), which is used to counter air attacks, and identify targets in a self-guided (Fire and forget) manner.

RSNF Commander Lt. Gen. Fahd Bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili hailed the Saudi crew for their efficiency and competence in the stages of theoretical and practical training.

He also praised their remarkable ability to fully operate the ship's advanced systems, which culminated in the successful launch of the (MICA) missile and the direct hit and destruction of its target.

Al-Ghufaili said that the ship's crew had completed all training stages and that the ship was in the process of being prepared to sail to Saudi Arabia to be the first ship to join the naval fleet from the "Sarawat" project, which contributes to raising the level of readiness of the RSNF and enhancing maritime security in the region and protect the Kingdom’s vital and strategic interests.

The training program comprised three main phases. The first phase started in the United Kingdom and lasted 46 weeks to learn the English language before moving to Spain where foundational and advanced courses were offered by the Spanish Navy and the University of Cádiz, in addition to courses in operation, maintenance and adaptation to the ship with the Spanish Navy and Navantia, the manufacture of Sarawat Ships project.

The last phase focused on the practical exercises at sea for the crew of "Al-Jubail."

Al-Jubail (Corvette Avanti 2200) is the first ship of the Sarawat project, which was launched four months ago, and is the latest of its type in the world, with capabilities of handling the air, surface, or subsurface targets.

"Sarawat" project is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs to localize 50% of the military industries.



GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Saturday the US decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act.

"This move represents a positive development that supports ongoing efforts to restore stability and improve the humanitarian and economic conditions in Syria," Albudaiwi said in a statement.

The decision will foster a more conducive environment for economic recovery and reopen Syria’s economic and investment sectors to regional and international cooperation, he said.

It will also facilitate the delivery of essential services to the Syrian people, serve the interests of the region's peoples and enhance security and stability, Albudaiwi added.

He reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and underscored the Council’s commitment to standing by the Syrian people in their aspirations for a future characterized by security, stability, and sustainable development.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of his country’s success in organizing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques conveyed to the Emir his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar steady progress and prosperity, SPA reported.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Tamim and conveyed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success and to the government and people of Qatar steady progress and prosperity


Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Friday a US decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria pursuant to the Caesar Act, affirming that this step will contribute to supporting the country’s stability, prosperity, and development in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Kingdom commended the significant and positive role played by US President Donald Trump, beginning with his announcement to lift all sanctions imposed on Syria during his historic visit to Riyadh in May 2025, and culminating in his signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which included the repeal of the Caesar Act.

The Kingdom also extended its sincere congratulations to the Syrian leadership, government, and people on the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria.

The statement expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the steps taken by the Syrian government to restore stability across all Syrian territories, create conducive conditions for rebuilding the state and economy, and facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons.