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. 



Saudi Govt: Escalation in Yemen Not Aligned with UAE’s Pledges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt: Escalation in Yemen Not Aligned with UAE’s Pledges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday that the Kingdom “will not hesitate in taking the necessary steps and measures to confront any violation or threat to its national security.”

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The cabinet “reiterated its commitment to the security, stability and sovereignty of Yemen and its full support to Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi and his government.”

It regretted that “Saudi Arabia’s efforts to restore calm in Yemen were met with unjustified escalation that go against the foundations of the coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen.”

“The escalation does not serve efforts to achieve security and stability in Yemen and goes against all the pledges Saudi Arabia had received from the United Arab Emirates,” added the cabinet.

The cabinet expressed Saudi Arabia’s hope that “wisdom would prevail and that priority would be given to the principles of fraternity and good neighborliness and close relations between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members.”

It hoped that “the UAE would comply with the Yemeni republic’s demand that it withdraw its forces from the country withing 24 hours and that it would cease all military and financial support to the Southern Transitional Council and any other party in Yemen.”

It hoped that “the UAE would take the desired step to maintain bilateral relations between the two countries, which Saudi Arabia is keen on bolstering.”

The cabinet also reviewed regional and international developments.

It hailed the role of the coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen in protecting civilians in the Hadhramaut and Mahra governorates.

The cabinet renewed Saudi Arabia’s support to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity, rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and warning that the move encourages separatist agendas that violate international law.

King Salman also briefed the cabinet on the message he received on Tuesday from Russian President Vladimir Putin that tackled bilateral ties between their countries.


UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)
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UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it was pulling its remaining forces out of Yemen.

In a statement, it said: “In light of recent developments and their potential implications for the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defense announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen of its own volition, in a manner that ensures the safety of its personnel and in coordination with the concerned partners.”

It added that the UAE “has participated as part of the Arab Coalition since 2015 in support of legitimacy in Yemen, in backing international efforts to combat terrorist organizations, and in pursuit of security and stability for the brotherly Yemeni people. The UAE has made great sacrifices in achieving these objectives.”

“The UAE Armed Forces concluded their military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing the assigned missions within the agreed official frameworks,” it noted. “The remaining presence was limited to specialized personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts, in coordination with relevant international partners.”

It stressed that “this measure comes within the context of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase, and in line with the commitments of the UAE and its role in supporting security and stability in the region.”


Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty
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Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

The Muslim World League (MWL) has affirmed its full support for the supplementary statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding recent escalatory actions by the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen's Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.

The league expressed its support for the statement from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen concerning the unauthorized movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from the Port of Fujairah to the Port of Mukalla, SPA reported.

 

These shipments were reportedly transported without the necessary official permits from the coalition’s Joint Forces Command. The MWL emphasized its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its national security.

In an official statement by General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa commended the decisive and wise content of the Saudi statement.

 

Speaking on behalf of the league’s global assemblies and councils, Al-Issa noted that these measures are vital to ensuring peace, security, and the unity of the Yemeni people under their internationally recognized leadership.

Al-Issa highlighted that the priority remains preserving stability in Yemen and the broader region. He noted that outstanding issues, including the Southern cause, must be resolved through dialogue within established legal and legitimate frameworks.

Furthermore, he warned that supporting illegitimate practices only deepens internal divisions and serves those who do not have Yemen’s best interests at heart. He cautioned that any further steps deviating from the legitimate path would only ignite sedition, the heavy cost of which would be borne by the Yemeni people.

Concluding the statement, Al-Issa called upon all Yemeni parties to prioritize wisdom and the national interest. He urged them to unite under their legitimate leadership to preserve the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, paving the way for a secure and prosperous future for Yemen.