NAUSS Hosts Workshop to Boost Arab Security Against Drones

The workshop hosted by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) deliberated on the primary uses of drones across various security domains (NAUSS)
The workshop hosted by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) deliberated on the primary uses of drones across various security domains (NAUSS)
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NAUSS Hosts Workshop to Boost Arab Security Against Drones

The workshop hosted by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) deliberated on the primary uses of drones across various security domains (NAUSS)
The workshop hosted by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) deliberated on the primary uses of drones across various security domains (NAUSS)

Abdulmajeed Al-Banyan, president of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS), has emphasized NAUSS’ keen interest in emerging technologies, such as autonomous systems, with one prominent example being unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones.

The university views drones as a crucial tool for enhancing security, improving its efficiency, while also recognizing the potential risks they pose when falling into the hands of criminal organizations and gangs.

Al-Banyan urged the necessity of taking the initiative to enhance the capabilities of Arab security agencies and their personnel in confronting these risks and threats.

This can be achieved through legislative measures and systems, as well as by developing human capacities through advanced training in collaboration with relevant international institutions.

Al-Banyan also stressed how essential it is to devise technological solutions that align with security challenges, in accordance with the priorities of the Arab region.

Additionally, support for decision-making should be provided through the preparation of studies and reports.

Al-Banyan’s remarks were delivered during the inauguration of the workshop titled “Utilizing Drones in Security Domains: Opportunities, Challenges, and Policies.”

The workshop commenced on Monday at NAUSS’ headquarters in Riyadh.

Conducted in collaboration with the Korean Institute of Aviation Technology and Safety, the workshop spans three days and brings together 140 experts from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Oman, Qatar, Libya, the United States, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, and INTERPOL.

Al-Banyan elaborated that NAUSS, through its academic, training, and research programs, as well as its scientific endeavors, is committed to executing the scholarly aspect of the Arab security strategies and plans ratified across various security realms.

These efforts are directed towards realizing their objectives and aims, including this workshop, which is held within the framework of constructive collaboration and strategic partnership with relevant Korean institutions.

Al-Banyan underscored NAUSS’ contributions that entail enhancing human capacities and supporting security decision-making, a feat achieved through the invaluable support from the host state, Saudi Arabia.



Syria’s Leader Meets with Bahraini Diplomatic Delegation

The leader of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul Latif Al-Zayani in Damascus, Syria, January 8, 2025. (Bahrain News Agency/Handout via Reuters)
The leader of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul Latif Al-Zayani in Damascus, Syria, January 8, 2025. (Bahrain News Agency/Handout via Reuters)
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Syria’s Leader Meets with Bahraini Diplomatic Delegation

The leader of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul Latif Al-Zayani in Damascus, Syria, January 8, 2025. (Bahrain News Agency/Handout via Reuters)
The leader of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul Latif Al-Zayani in Damascus, Syria, January 8, 2025. (Bahrain News Agency/Handout via Reuters)

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa received a delegation from Bahrain on Wednesday and met with the Bahraini foreign minister, state media reported.

The visit was the latest in a flurry of diplomatic overtures by Arab countries to Syria’s new leaders after they overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad in a lightning rebel offensive.

Like other Gulf countries, Bahrain had cut off diplomatic ties with Syria under Assad’s rule during the Syrian civil war, but it reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018 and gradually restored ties with the Assad government.

Bahrain is the current head of the Arab summit, and days after Assad’s ouster it had sent a message to al-Sharaa offering its cooperation with the new authorities and saying, “We look forward to Syria regaining its authentic role in the Arab League.”