Riyadh Seeks to Achieve Self-Sufficiency in Military Industries

SAMI is seeking to be among the top 25 companies specialized in defense industries in the world by 2030.
SAMI is seeking to be among the top 25 companies specialized in defense industries in the world by 2030.
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Riyadh Seeks to Achieve Self-Sufficiency in Military Industries

SAMI is seeking to be among the top 25 companies specialized in defense industries in the world by 2030.
SAMI is seeking to be among the top 25 companies specialized in defense industries in the world by 2030.

In September 2022, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman said that the internal self-sufficiency of the military industries had increased from 2 to 15 percent, hoping that it would reach 50 percent, through Saudi plans and endeavors to develop the sector.

Vision 2030 has sought to establish an integrated military sector, starting from finding the appropriate infrastructure to the manufacture of Saudi military products that are capable of achieving self-sufficiency, and leading to the potential ability to export these products worldwide.

In fact, the vision aims to develop a sustainable military industries sector that raises the capability of military equipment, enhances self-sufficiency and contributes effectively to the national economy.

The Saudi concept has shifted from a mere purchase between a manufacturer and a buyer of military equipment, to partnership and gains for all parties to the process.

The Ministry of Defense, led by the young Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, is working with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) to continue supporting the ambitious localization plan.

In addition, the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is seeking to be among the top 25 companies specialized in defense industries in the world by 2030.

The company relies on the latest technologies and the best competencies to develop defense products and services with international specifications and achieve self-sufficiency for Saudi Arabia in the field of defense industries.



Saudi Arabia: $26,600 Fine for Issuing Visit Visas to Individuals Attempting to Perform Hajj

Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
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Saudi Arabia: $26,600 Fine for Issuing Visit Visas to Individuals Attempting to Perform Hajj

Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that a fine of up to SAR100,000 ($26,600) will be imposed on anyone who applies for any type of visit visa on behalf of individuals who perform, or attempt to perform, Hajj without a permit, or who enter or stay in Makkah and the holy sites.

The fine will be multiplied according to the number of individuals for whom visit visas were issued and who violate these regulations, the ministry said on Saturday.

It urged upon everyone to adhere to the regulations of the Hajj season and to cooperate with the competent authorities in ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims, affirming that any violation of these instructions will subject the offenders to legal penalties.

It also encouraged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also underscored that strict adherence to official Hajj permits is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the security and safety of all pilgrims.

The ministry explained that the permit system is a critical component of crowd management and the balanced distribution of pilgrims across the holy sites. This structure ensures that field services are fully prepared to meet the needs of specific Hajj campaigns at the correct times and locations.

The ministry cautioned that violating these regulations not only exposes offenders to legal penalties but also compromises the security of the broader pilgrimage population and the efficiency of the service infrastructure.


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.