Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of military targeting of Iran, calls for restraint and de-escalation

Update Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of military targeting of Iran, calls for restraint and de-escalation
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Updated 26 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of military targeting of Iran, calls for restraint and de-escalation

Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of military targeting of Iran, calls for restraint and de-escalation
  • The Kingdom calls on international community to take action towards de-escalation and ending conflicts in the region
  • UAE condemns military targeting of Iran, urges ‘maximum restraint’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Saturday the military targeting of Iran, denouncing it as a violation of Tehran’s sovereignty and a breach of international laws and norms, state news agency SPA reported.

In a statement, the Kingdom urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and to work toward de-escalation and warned of the grave consequences that prolonged military confrontations could have on the region.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its steadfast stance against the ongoing escalation in the region and the widening scope of conflicts that threaten the security and stability of neighboring countries.

It called on the international community to fulfill their responsibilities in promoting peace, reducing tensions, and supporting efforts to end conflicts in the Middle East.

The UAE also condemned the targeting of Iran and stressed the importance of exercising “maximum restraint” to avoid escalation.

In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored commitment to diplomatic channels as the optimal path to de-escalate tensions, urging parties to move away from confrontation and escalation.

Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, at war with Israel in Gaza, said it strongly condemned Israeli strikes on military targets in Iran.

“We... condemn in the strongest terms the Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the targeting of military sites in several provinces,” the movement said in a statement, calling the move “a blatant violation of Iranian sovereignty and an escalation that threatens the security of the region.”

Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Iran and urged restraint and dialogue to avoid regional instability.

Oman, which has long played a mediating role between Iran and Western countries, said Israel’s attack on Iran “fuels the cycle of violence and undermines efforts” to de-escalate.

It said the international community should “put an end to these blatant violations on the territory of neighboring countries”.

Kuwait’s foreign ministry also expressed condemnation and accused Israel of “endangering the security of the region”.

Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry described the strikes as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

Bahrain condemned the military actions against Iran, expressing deep concern over escalating Middle East tensions and warning of severe impacts on civilians and the humanitarian crisis.

In a statement, Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to push for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, calling on all parties to de-escalate and prioritize peace efforts.

The statement also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and southern Lebanon, protection of civilians, safe return of the displaced, and unrestricted humanitarian aid.

Bahrain further emphasized adherence to UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1701 for Lebanon, and ending violence to achieve regional stability.

Meanwhile, Jordan said no military planes were allowed to cross its airspace by any conflicting regional parties, state media cited an armed force source as saying.

Expressing its “solidarity” with Iran, the Syrian foreign ministry said in a statement that it supported “Iran’s legitimate right to defend itself and protect its territory and the lives of its citizens.”

The Egyptian foreign ministry expressed grave concern over the Israeli attack on Iran, saying it condemns all measures that threaten regional security and stability.

On Saturday morning, Israel struck military sites in Iran in retaliation against Tehran’s strikes on Israel this month, risking fears of wider war in the Middle East.


Water freezes as polar wave grips Tabuk, northern region experiences chilly spell

Water freezes as polar wave grips Tabuk, northern region experiences chilly spell
Updated 21 sec ago
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Water freezes as polar wave grips Tabuk, northern region experiences chilly spell

Water freezes as polar wave grips Tabuk, northern region experiences chilly spell
  • Sandstorm hits Riyadh, Qassim, and Eastern regions

RIYADH: The Tabuk region in northwestern Saudi Arabia experienced a sharp drop in temperatures with the mercury level nosediving to below zero in the early hours on Friday, particularly in open desert areas, where ice formed on water ponds and basins.

The phenomenon underscores the impact of the polar wave on the region, which often faces harsh cold waves during winter due to polar air masses from northern Europe.

Consequently, temperatures have significantly dropped to the sub-zero with the winter landscapes continuing to be an integral aspect of the seasonal character of the Tabuk region.

The National Center for Meteorology has forecast cold to very cold temperatures in the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Hail, and Tabuk regions, as well as the northern parts of Madinah region, with a possibility of frost in some of these regions.

The NCM has also predicted the possibility of fog formation in parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha and Makkah regions.

An intense sandstorm engulfed several areas in Saudi Arabia on Friday as the NCM had forecast, dust-stirring winds with low temperatures in the Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern regions as well as parts of Najran.

The sandstorm gripped Riyadh, enveloping the Saudi capital’s skyline with gray haze on Friday morning, hampering visibility due to the widespread dust, and forcing authorities to issue a weather warning.

The traffic department has advised motorists to drive slowly and exercise restraint.

A speeding BMW car was seen upturned after it rammed into a roadside fence near Takhassusi Street on Makkah road on Friday afternoon. Riyadh police rushed to the site and were seen providing assistance.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense has advised residents to avoid going to outskirt spots to avoid accidents during the sandstorm.

Abdul Ghaffar, a Riyadh resident, told Arab News: “Friday being (the) weekend, we had an outing plan with family for a barbeque party at Wadi Namar, but the sandstorm that enveloped the city and its outskirts in gray haze this morning has forced us to change the plan, and we decided to remain indoors instead.”


Saudi mining minister explores investment opportunities during trip to India

Saudi mining minister explores investment opportunities during trip to India
Updated 11 min 51 sec ago
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Saudi mining minister explores investment opportunities during trip to India

Saudi mining minister explores investment opportunities during trip to India
  • Alkhorayef held discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration in exploration, production and processing of critical metals

NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef held a series of high-level meetings with leaders of prominent Indian mining companies on Friday to discuss investment opportunities and strengthen cooperation in the mining sector.

During his official visit to India, Alkhorayef held discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration in exploration, production and processing of critical metals, as well as fostering knowledge exchange and innovation between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The minister met representatives from Vedanta, an Indian multinational mining company headquartered in Mumbai, to explore investment opportunities in the copper value chain, with both parties expressing interest in advancing cooperation to support the development of this essential metal.

Additionally, he held talks with Bharat Forge — which specializes in forging, automotives, energy, construction and mining, railways, marine, aerospace and defense — to examine prospects in the iron sector.

In another meeting with Aditya Birla, a company specializing in copper and aluminum, discussions centered on potential collaboration in mineral exploration and processing.

The Indian firm expressed its intent to establish a framework for joint cooperation in the natural and mineral resources sectors, with aluminum manufacturing also identified as a key area of interest.

Alkhorayef also met representatives from Essar Company to review opportunities in the iron and steel industry, and get updates on Essar’s project in Saudi Arabia, which is focused on producing iron plates for construction applications.


Shada Al-Ala Mountain: Historic gem draws visitors to Al-Baha

Shada Al-Ala Mountain: Historic gem draws visitors to Al-Baha
Updated 07 February 2025
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Shada Al-Ala Mountain: Historic gem draws visitors to Al-Baha

Shada Al-Ala Mountain: Historic gem draws visitors to Al-Baha
  • The oratory of Shada Al-Ala Mountain is atop Jabal Shada in Al-Makhwah Governorate, occupying an area of about 9 sq. meters

RIYADH: The Al-Baha region in southwest Saudi Arabia features a rich tapestry of archaeological sites and historic structures that span various eras, highlighting the area’s deep cultural heritage. 

These landmarks not only preserve the region’s historical legacy but also serve as enduring symbols of its vibrant past. 

Among the most notable are Al-Qara Hill and the oratory of Shada Al-Ala Mountain.

The oratory of Shada Al-Ala Mountain is atop Jabal Shada in Al-Makhwah Governorate, occupying an area of about 9 sq. meters, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Built along the entire perimeter of the mountain’s peak, it rises more than 2,200 meters above sea level, requiring an arduous four-hour trek from the nearest village to reach it. 

Despite its isolation, the oratory has remarkably preserved its four walls, although its roof has collapsed and remains unrestorable due to the site’s extreme inaccessibility and the rugged terrain leading to it.

During a visit to Shada Al-Ala Mountain, an SPA correspondent met with researcher Saeed Al-Shadwi, who elaborated on the historical significance of Mount Shada and Shadwan as prominent geographical landmarks. 

He highlighted their presence in numerous glossaries, historical records and poetic works dating back to the sixth century.

Al-Shadwi noted that the white rock situated beneath the mountain to the northwest is a triangular formation commonly known as “Al-Marwa” and the summit is named “Qimmat Al-Marwa” after it, as referred to by the villagers. 

The Shada Al-Ala and Al-Asfal mountains are home to a wealth of historical sites and landmarks that date back thousands of years. Among them are ancient caves, rock inscriptions, the Shada Mountain Reserve, and the oratory. 

The region is also celebrated as the area where Shadawi coffee is cultivated.

 


Saudi king, crown prince send condolences on passing of former Algerian PM

Saudi king, crown prince send condolences on passing of former Algerian PM
Updated 07 February 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince send condolences on passing of former Algerian PM

Saudi king, crown prince send condolences on passing of former Algerian PM
  • Sid Ahmed Ghozali, who died age 88, was Algeria’s PM from June 1991 to July 1992

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have sent condolences to Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the passing of former Prime Minister Sid Ahmed Ghozali.

In his message, King Salman expressed his deepest sympathy to the Algerian president and the family of the deceased, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The crown prince conveyed his condolences in a separate message, echoing the king’s sentiments, the SPA added.

Ghozali died at the age of 88 on Feb. 4 at the Ain Naaja military hospital in Algiers, state television reported. He was buried the next day at Ben Aknoun cemetery.

A graduate of Ecole des Ponts et Chaussees in Paris, Ghozali’s career in public service started in 1964 when he was named under-secretary of state for public works shortly after Algeria’s independence.

He subsequently held numerous high-ranking ministerial positions including energy, water resources, finance and foreign affairs, before being appointed prime minister from June 1991 to July 8, 1992.

As minister of energy and industry, he headed Sonatrach, Algeria’s national oil company, from 1966 to 1977, overseeing the nationalization of the hydrocarbons industry in 1971.


Flynas airline to launch Jeddah to El-Alamein route

Flynas airline to launch Jeddah to El-Alamein route
Updated 07 February 2025
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Flynas airline to launch Jeddah to El-Alamein route

Flynas airline to launch Jeddah to El-Alamein route
  • Plan to operate 2 weekly flights from King Abdulaziz International Airport
  • El-Alamein is popular tourist destination on northern coast of Egypt

RIYADH: Flynas, the Saudi Arabian airline, is to launch a new direct flight route connecting Jeddah with the Egyptian city of El-Alamein on the Mediterranean Sea.

The airline announced on Thursday that it will operate two weekly budget flights between Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and El-Alamein International Airport, starting on July 1.

Flynas, a budget airline established in 2007, has been operating flights between Riyadh and El-Alamein — a popular tourist destination on the northwest coast of Egypt — since last year.

Flynas last month celebrated the start of its first direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe in Uganda.

The airline currently operates about 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations across 30 countries, with more than 1,500 flights weekly, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It has served more than 80 million passengers since its launch and plans to expand to 165 destinations by 2030, in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.