Saudi Arabia Urges Practical Measures against Israel’s Impeding of Peace

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Urges Practical Measures against Israel’s Impeding of Peace

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

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s call on the international community to “swiftly take practical steps to tackle Israeli intransigence, which is deliberately prolonging the crisis in Gaza and undermining regional and international peace efforts.”

The cabinet welcomed the statement by international partners calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid, and the safe delivery of that aid to the population.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet session that was held in Jeddah.

The cabinet was briefed on a message received by King Salman from King Mswati III of Eswatini, as well as a phone call received by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Crown Prince Mohammed reiterated the consistent and supportive positions toward Syria and its brotherly people and condemned the blatant Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and interference in its internal affairs.

The cabinet emphasized the joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and several other countries on developments in Syria and their collective efforts to support the Syrian government in rebuilding the country and ensuring its security, stability, unity, and sovereignty.

The cabinet reviewed the Kingdom's ongoing relief and humanitarian efforts for the Syrian people. These efforts, carried out through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), reflect Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Arab and Islamic nations and its leading global role in assisting those in need and affected populations.

The cabinet welcomed the signing of a declaration of principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance, hoping it would serve as a positive step toward improving humanitarian and economic conditions, ultimately contributing to international peace and security.

The cabinet also welcomed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at developing an integrated system for exporting renewable energy and green hydrogen from Saudi Arabia to Europe. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in enhancing global logistics connectivity and its leadership in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project.

The cabinet commended the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program for its strong performance and achievement of multiple objectives. The program has significantly contributed to non-oil GDP, created diverse job opportunities, enabled investments in strategic sectors, and expanded the localization of various industries across the Kingdom.

The cabinet commended the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program for its remarkable accomplishments, having provided care for 150 twins from 27 countries and successfully performed 65 separation surgeries. The program embodies Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian mission and its standing as a global leader in this specialized medical field.

The cabinet viewed Saudi Arabia’s election as chair of international associations and committees within the World Intellectual Property Organization as an affirmation of its pioneering position and influential role in multilateral efforts, reflecting the trust and appreciation it enjoys globally.

The cabinet expressed Saudi Arabia's aspiration to strengthen international cooperation, keep pace with rapid scientific and technological developments, and achieve progress and prosperity by hosting the eighth edition of the Global Health Exhibition and the Global Symposium for Regulators.

The cabinet also noted Saudi Arabia's hosting of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Conference in 2027, which reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global center for governance and oversight, reaffirms its leadership in developing the internal audit profession, and empowers its practices across both the public and private sectors.



Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
TT

Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)

Saudi Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Brigadier General Talal bin Shalhoub stated that intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to Malaysian authorities enabled the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Anti-Narcotics Unit to thwart an attempt to smuggle 505.6 kilograms of ketamine.

Bin Shalhoub praised the ongoing operational coordination between the two nations in intercepting illicit drugs, emphasizing that this joint success reflects tight security integration to counter transnational organized crime networks, SPA reported on Friday.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia remains vigilant in tracking and dismantling criminal syndicates that target national security and youth with narcotics, continuing coordinated global efforts to protect societies from the illicit drug trade, SPA added.


UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
TT

UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a pardon on Friday for Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who was convicted by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on 27th August 2026 of the offences with which he was charged and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and a fine of AED200,000.

The ruling was first issued on August 27, 2026, after finding Al-Qaradawi guilty of the charges against him.

According to Friday's announcement, the necessary procedures have been taken to implement the presidential pardon.


Saudi Embassy: Closely Monitoring Condition of Saudi Citizen Stabbed in Mayfair

Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Embassy: Closely Monitoring Condition of Saudi Citizen Stabbed in Mayfair

Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom said Friday that it is closely monitoring the condition of a Saudi citizen who was stabbed in the Mayfair area, adding that it is coordinating with the relevant authorities and working to provide him with the necessary care and support until he is discharged from the hospital safely.

In a statement posted on its X account, the embassy said it was following up with the relevant security authorities on the circumstances of the incident.

It stressed the importance of expediting the investigation, uncovering all the details of the incident, holding those responsible accountable under the law, and taking the necessary measures to enhance the safety of citizens and visitors in public areas.

The embassy urged Saudi men and women to exercise caution and avoid carrying valuable belongings in public places. It also called on citizens to immediately contact the Saudi Affairs emergency hotline at 00447799519495 in case of an emergency.