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Gulf Countries Congratulate King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s Winning Bid to Host Expo 2030 

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
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Gulf Countries Congratulate King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s Winning Bid to Host Expo 2030 

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)

Gulf countries and organizations congratulated on Tuesday Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Saudi Arabia winning its bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh. 

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a message of congratulations to King Salman on the occasion. 

Sheikh Mishal stressed that this distinguished achievement is a source of pride and honor for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries and the sisterly Arab countries.  

It symbolizes the great confidence of the international community in the competence of the Kingdom and its great capabilities in organizing international events and hosting the World Expo, he added.  

He wished for King Salman continued health, hoping he will achieve all progress and prosperity for the Kingdom and its honorable people under the wise leadership.  

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah also sent King Salman a similar cable on the occasion. 

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Emir Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also congratulated King Salman on the winning bid. 

In a cable to King Salman, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa described the success as an embodiment of the Kingdom’s significant international standing. 

It is the latest in the series of achievements it has accomplished in all fields, he added. 

King Hamad praised the close historical and fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and their brotherly peoples and the high level they have reached in all fields. 

He wished the Kingdom and its people continued progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. 

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent a similar cable to King Salman and another to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. 

Oman congratulated Saudi Arabia on its victory in hosting Expo 2030 in the city of Riyadh. 

In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it expressed its full confidence in the capabilities of the Kingdom in organizing Expo 2030 in a way that will bring more benefits to the entire region and elevate the status of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and their attractiveness in hosting major international events. 

GCC Secretary General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed on Riyadh’s successful bid. 

He stressed that the win is a great indication of the Kingdom's distinguished international standing, high ability and professionalism in organizing such global events. 

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hussein Ibrahim Taha echoed Albudaiwi’s remarks, adding that the success was the result of relentless and intense efforts by the Saudi leadership. 

He wished Saudi Arabia further success, stating that selecting Riyadh to host the World Expo is a triumph not only for the Kingdom but the entire Islamic world. 

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) congratulated the Kingdom on its successful bid. 

ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik said the victory is the latest achievement by the Kingdom under the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed. 

He added that the event embodies the success of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which includes among its ambitious goals transforming Riyadh into one of the top 10 cities in the world. 

Riyadh’s hosting of this global event is an opportunity to highlight Islamic culture and its contributions to human civilization throughout history, he remarked. 

Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Al-Asoomi congratulated Saudi Arabia on the winning bid. 

The achievement reflects the progress made under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed, which under their guidance, has steered the march of comprehensive development across various sectors, he noted. 

In a statement, the Arab Parliament described the hosting of Expo 2030 as a significant Arab achievement that enhances the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination in the fields of trade, culture, and development. 

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Gulf

Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition: From Foundational Phase to Active Deployment

The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition gathered on Thursday representatives from 41 allied and partner nations. SPA
The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition gathered on Thursday representatives from 41 allied and partner nations. SPA
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Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition: From Foundational Phase to Active Deployment

The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition gathered on Thursday representatives from 41 allied and partner nations. SPA
The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition gathered on Thursday representatives from 41 allied and partner nations. SPA

The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition held its fourth planning meeting on Thursday at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, gathering 154 naval commanders, operational planners, ambassadors, and European Union representatives from 41 allied and partner nations.

The conference marked the coalition's transition from its foundational phase to active deployment after achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

Delegations focused on integrating defense assets, defining operational requirements, and preparing forces for joint missions within the designated area of responsibility.

Discussions covered operational milestones, charter accessions, and capability pledges from member states, with 28 liaison officers currently assigned to coordinate multinational efforts under a unified command structure.

The coalition reaffirmed that safeguarding international navigation, maritime corridors, and strategic straits represents a shared global priority, emphasizing integrated capabilities, real-time intelligence sharing, and adherence to international maritime law to counter emerging threats.

Gulf

Arteta Buries Hatchet with Hurzeler ahead of Brighton Clash

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sunderland v Arsenal - Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Britain - September 12, 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Soccer Football - Premier League - Sunderland v Arsenal - Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Britain - September 12, 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Scott Heppell
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Arteta Buries Hatchet with Hurzeler ahead of Brighton Clash

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sunderland v Arsenal - Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Britain - September 12, 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Soccer Football - Premier League - Sunderland v Arsenal - Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Britain - September 12, 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Mikel Arteta has made peace with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler following their row last season as the pair go head to head again on Saturday.

Hurzeler criticized Arteta's style of play during a 1-0 defeat against the Gunners at the Amex Stadium in March.

The German said "only one team tried to play football" and accused the Arsenal of "making their own rules".

With the champions heading back to Brighton in the top flight this weekend, the spotlight will be fixed on the touchline to see if the spat lingers.

Hurzeler refused to back down this week when quizzed on his comments from last season.
"I think it's very important that in football there are opinions," he said.

"I will definitely always share my opinion if I am asked. But, in the end, I congratulate Arsenal for being deserved champions. They deserved it."

Speaking on Friday, Arteta insisted there was no bad blood over Hurzeler's blast.

"That's all done. That's all in the past," the Arsenal manager told reporters.

"I have huge respect for Fabian, and what he's done and what Brighton has done as a club.

"It's just remarkable, and tomorrow is going to be a beautiful game to watch, I'm sure."

Arsenal have made a flying start to their Premier League title defense, with four successive victories taking them to the top of the table.

The north Londoners also won their opening Champions League match against Napoli and booked their place in the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday with a win at Ipswich.

Teenage playmaker Max Dowman starred against Ipswich in his first appearance this season, scoring twice to underline why is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League.

The 16-year-old has made his case for a bigger role in Arteta's plans after being an unused substitute in the opening weeks.

But asked if the teenager has been knocking on his door to play, Arteta said: "The best way to knock on the door is to do it on the pitch, not in the office.

"Then you just leave out the arguments. When a player delivers constantly on the pitch, every single day in training, that's the best way, that's the best signal for the manager."

Including the Community Shield against Manchester City, Arsenal have won seven consecutive matches.

Another victory on the south coast would equal the club's 123-year record for their best start to a campaign.

"We know how complicated it is to win a football match at this level. So, to win seven, it tells a story," AFP quoted Arteta as saying.

"After the World Cup, there were a lot of unknowns about how the players and the team were going to react. We didn't have any time with them to work together.

"But I said from day one, the attitude and what I was seeing, I was really impressed with. Then you have to put it down to performances."

Arteta is yet to sign an contract extension, with talks ongoing for several months, but the Spaniard is relaxed over the situation.

"I think we are all very much aligned, whenever the time is right we'll get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about," he said.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Pakistan Mosque

People stand near an ambulance and a damaged section of a police facility following a suicide attack in Kohat, Pakistan, September 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
People stand near an ambulance and a damaged section of a police facility following a suicide attack in Kohat, Pakistan, September 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Pakistan Mosque

People stand near an ambulance and a damaged section of a police facility following a suicide attack in Kohat, Pakistan, September 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
People stand near an ambulance and a damaged section of a police facility following a suicide attack in Kohat, Pakistan, September 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday expressed the Kingdom's strong condemnation and denunciation of the deadly terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in northwestern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom's steadfast stance rejecting the targeting of places of worship, the terrorization of civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood.

It underscored full solidarity with Pakistan against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism, regardless of motives or justifications.

The Kingdom extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.