King Salman, Saudi Crown Prince Offer Condolences to Jordan’s King over Passing of Former PM

The Saudi flag.File/ Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag.File/ Asharq Al-Awsat
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King Salman, Saudi Crown Prince Offer Condolences to Jordan’s King over Passing of Former PM

The Saudi flag.File/ Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag.File/ Asharq Al-Awsat

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, sent a message of condolence and sympathy to Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein on the passing of Zaid Samir Al-Rifai, the former prime minister, SPA reported.
In the cable, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said: "We have learned of the passing of the former prime minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Zaid Samir Al-Rifai, may Allah have mercy on him. We extend to Your Majesty and the family of the deceased deep condolences and sincere sympathy. May Allah Almighty bestow His mercy upon him, and protect you from all harm. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return".

For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud also sent a message of condolence and sympathy to King Abdullah saying: "I have learned about the passing of the former prime minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Zaid Samir Al-Rifai, May Allah bestow his mercy upon him. We extend to Your Majesty and the family of the deceased the deepest condolences and sincerest sympathy. I pray to Allah, the Protector, the Most High, and the Competent, to bestow His mercy upon him, and protect you from all harm. Indeed, He is All-Hearing and the Responding One.”



Saudi, Palestinian FMs Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi, Palestinian FMs Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks on Tuesday with his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

The officials discussed bilateral ties and cooperation, as well as the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts to address the situation.


'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
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'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday the launch of the “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region.

The exercise is being conducted with the participation of branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, including land, air, naval, and air defense forces, as well as the Ministry of the National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and military forces from 15 allied and partner countries.

Spears of Victory 2026, one of the largest air exercises in the region, aims to enhance military partnerships, strengthen the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, raise combat readiness, and achieve advanced levels of operational coordination and integration among participating forces.

The exercise focuses on unifying the concept of joint military action, boosting joint operational readiness, and executing and evaluating tactics to address current and emerging threats. It includes a series of advanced training activities, such as joint and combined tactical operations, specialized academic lectures, and operational missions designed to improve the performance of aircrews, technical, and support personnel.

The exercise also evaluates modern military tactics, including electronic and cyber warfare, within a multidimensional operational environment that simulates real operational conditions.

Forces participating in the exercise include those from Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Türkiye, the UK and United States.

The Air Warfare Center, one of the most advanced training facilities in the region, supports the development of combat plans, the assessment of capabilities, and the testing and evaluation of systems and weapons.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Buildings in Jerusalem

 Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Buildings in Jerusalem

 Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Tuesday the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of Israel's demolition of buildings belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem.

“Saudi Arabia reiterates its rejection of Israeli violations of international and humanitarian norms and laws and holds the international community responsible for addressing these practices” and Israel’s continued crimes against international relief organizations, it said in a statement.

“Saudi Arabia expresses its support for UNRWA in its humanitarian mission to provide relief to the Palestinian people and calls on the international community to protect relief organizations, their workers and facilities,” it urged.