Putin thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting US-Russia talks during phone call
Prince Mohammed stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to making every possible effort to enhance global peace and security
Updated 20 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed on Thursday his appreciation to the Kingdom and its crown prince for hosting US-Russian talks in Riyadh on Tuesday.
During a phone call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Putin, the president also praised the depth of relations between their countries and his keenness to develop them in various fields.
Prince Mohammed stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to making every possible effort to enhance global peace and security due to its belief that dialogue is the only way to resolve all international crises.
Saudi ambassador to UK rules out one-state solution for Palestine
Prince Khalid bin Bandar outlines KSA position on regional issues at SRMG Think event in London
Russian-US talks and upcoming Arab League summit on Gaza among topics discussed
Updated 3 min 17 sec ago
GABRIELE MALVISI
LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, has reaffirmed Riyadh’s stance that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian issue.
Speaking on Friday at a panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas, hosted by MENA-based think tank SRMG Think, the ambassador made it clear that the Kingdom rejects any notion of a one-state outcome.
“Discussions are just happening, and at the Arab Summit there will be agreement,” he said. “(It is) a little bit early for me to talk about it, but I can tell you that, definitely, we don’t envisage seeing nothing. Straight off the bat, there is no one state solution. As far as we’re concerned, we don’t see the displacement of the people of Gaza as a viable method in order to achieve prosperity.”
His remarks came as leaders from the GCC, Jordan and Egypt convened in Riyadh ahead of the emergency Arab Summit in Cairo, set for March 4. The meetings are focused on coordinated efforts in support of Palestine, developments in Gaza, and broader regional issues.
The Arab League meeting is largely in response to US President Donald Trump’s proposal for Washington to “take over” Gaza, displace its residents, and turn the enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East” — a plan that Arab leaders have widely condemned. They are expected to present a formal response in Cairo.
“I do see a ray of hope in finding a solution, because, by and large, almost every country in the world has come to the same place of what is required for peace,” Prince Khalid said. However, he pointed to a key obstacle: Israel’s lack of engagement.
“For the first time, very openly, our biggest issue is dealing with Israel,” the ambassador said, adding that the government in Tel Aviv “seems to have no space for movement on a solution, and the solutions that are presented by the most outspoken members of this Israeli government don't seem to be solutions.”
He continued: “Give (it) a couple of days and more will come out. I can guarantee you that by and large, we agree on two-state solution, a government of Palestine, and then we can talk about everything else, but everything else is not going to happen without that.”
Arab leaders in Riyadh on Friday. (AFP/File)
Since the latest conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, Arab states have united in condemning the devastation in Gaza and calling for urgent peace talks. However, Prince Khalid said he has observed a notable shift in approach over the past month.
“The last 30 days of the (US) administration feel like it’s been 10 years. So much has happened in a short amount of time,” the ambassador said, adding that since Trump’s return to office, engagement with the region and beyond “has been unbelievable.”
“Things have changed. People have begun taking action and engaging and getting themselves into gear rather than sitting back and waiting,” Prince Khalid said.
“(Friday’s meeting in Riyadh) and the summit in Cairo are very good examples. We have decided to take responsibility for what is happening in our part of the world, ourselves, (and) we’re going to find our solution, and we will take that to the world. And my assumption is hopefully the world will come with us.
“It has brought the Arab countries certainly together in a way that I didn’t foresee at this time.”
The discussion was part of the Debating MENA series hosted at the Frontline Club in London, which brings regional leaders to discuss key developments in the Middle East. Previous events featured Robert Ford, a former US ambassador to Syria, and Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the prime minister of Iraq.
Prince Khalid with Faisal Abbas at the Frontline Club on Friday. (AN/File)
During the conversation, Prince Khalid also addressed Saudi Arabia’s evolving relationships with regional powers, including Syria, Iran and Türkiye. He noted that while ties with Damascus and its new government are improving, Riyadh remains “cautious.”
“We have seen our engagement, or lack thereof, in the region historically, where we missed opportunities and allowed someone else to go back. We did not want to make that same mistake again with Syria,” Prince Khalid said.
“The engagement we have from the new government has been incredibly positive. Are we cautious? Of course, we’re going to be cautious. There are lots of reasons to be cautious.”
Trust remains a key challenge between the two countries, he added, particularly as Syria emerges from what he described as a “traumatic” period. The country’s transitional government, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a former Al-Qaeda member and militant group commander, ousted Bashar Assad on Dec. 8, ending more than five decades of rule by the Assad family.
The last 13 years were marked by a brutal civil war that caused one of the worst humanitarian crises of the century.
“We need to build trust on both sides, but I think with Syria, the government has gone out of its way to try and engage with us, and we’re not going to say no to that, and we will try and help where we can and bring people along with us,” Prince Khalid said. He stressed that while Syria remains an independent nation, “it needs a lot of help” and will require significant international cooperation to rebuild.
The Saudi ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid. (AN/File)
Prince Khalid also described Syria’s diplomatic outreach as a bridge between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, calling it a “really positive” development.
Despite normalizing ties in 2021 and strengthening economic relations in recent years, Riyadh and Ankara have maintained a politically complex relationship, partly due to historical tensions. However, the rebuilding of post-Assad Syria presents an opportunity for both nations to further deepen their ties.
He drew a parallel with Saudi Arabia’s rapprochement with Iran in March 2023, when China brokered talks to restore diplomatic relations after years of hostility. Prince Khalid noted that this renewed space for dialogue played a crucial role in preventing the October 7 conflict from escalating into a broader regional war.
“It took huge efforts to stop it from metastasizing into something much more dangerous,” he said. “And part of the reason we were able to do that is because we were engaging with Iran in a way we hadn’t been for quite some time.”
Top US and Russian representatives joined Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad Al-Aiban for talks in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AFP/File)
Prince Khalid also addressed the recent US-Russia talks, which were hosted in Riyadh this week. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s role was to provide a neutral platform for dialogue.
“We have perfectly good relations with Russia, great relations with the US. Our policy is always to talk to everyone regardless. That’s not always possible, but we constantly try. And I think this is a result of that, where both countries felt comfortable talking things down,” he said.
On a question as to why Kyiv was not represented at the talks, Prince Khalid said: “This is the beginning of a process. It is one element in what will require a lot of meetings and a lot of agreements, including, despite the way it’s been promoted, Ukraine. You can’t have peace between two people without one person at the table.”
The event aims to foster pride in the historic day
It offers a unique cultural and historical experience
Updated 22 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Celebrations for Saudi Founding Day began on Saturday in AlUla under the theme “Al-Sarayah” and will continue until next Sunday.
The event aims to foster pride in the historic day and connect visitors with Saudi Arabia’s deep history and heritage, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It offers a unique cultural and historical experience, showcasing the stages of the Saudi state’s establishment, the SPA added.
The event features multiple areas: Al-Masrah offers camel rides amid a desert caravan simulation; Al-Maseer takes visitors on a journey through valleys, deserts, mountains and coastlines; Al-Mishraq presents various artistic and cultural performances; and Al-Zad offers a variety of local and international cuisines.
Activities cater to all age groups and families, children, youth, tourists, residents and people with disabilities, the SPA reported. Designated areas are available for camping, photography and experiencing authentic Saudi heritage.
Kingdom’s culture, history celebrated in ‘Memory of the Land’
Event brings heritage to life with exhibitions, music, crafts, and interactive experiences
Staged near King Abdulaziz Park, the event featured a range of activities inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural heritage
Updated 22 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has organized an event called “Memory of the Land,” which runs until Sunday in various regions of the Kingdom to commemorate Founding Day.
The event offers an immersive journey through the country’s rich history and cultural heritage and features interactive exhibitions, musical performances, and hands-on craft demonstrations that “bring historical narratives to life,” according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
In Qassim, a designated children’s zone offers engaging experiences to learn about the Kingdom’s history, while a family space includes “entertainment activities such as puzzles and exciting games,” according to the SPA.
The event also features musical performances, live performing arts displays, a food area catering to all age groups, and a craftsmen’s section supporting the Year of Handicrafts initiative.
It aims to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, revive the celebration of its founding, and enhance national awareness of its history.
In the Northern Borders region, there are exhibitions including interactive stations detailing significant developments that shaped the Saudi state.
The event fosters national awareness by recreating historical events, figures, and costumes while showcasing cultural heritage through a blend of traditional and modern styles, the SPA said.
The craftsmen’s area demonstrated artisans’ skills, offering visitors a glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich craft heritage, a children’s zone provided interactive history lessons, and there was also a family zone featuring puzzles and games.
In Najran, the event attracted a “remarkable” turnout of citizens and residents who “explored the establishment of the Saudi state through key historical, cultural, and heritage elements, notable figures, and traditional clothing,” the SPA reported.
Staged near King Abdulaziz Park, the event featured a range of activities inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural heritage. The craftsmen’s area was a highlight, showcasing traditional crafts including incense burners and Sadu weaving, as well as Al-Khous — a traditional weaving method using palm fronds that is an important part of Najran’s cultural and social heritage.
“The process involves cutting, washing, drying, and bundling the fronds before soaking them in water to soften them. They are then sewn together, shaped into fabric, and carefully trimmed to remove thorns. Once prepared, the fronds are colored and crafted into finished products,” the SPA explained.
In Jazan, residents expressed national pride through traditional attire, Saudi flags and symbols. Accompanied by their parents, children explored the event and learned about Saudi Arabia’s history, spanning over three centuries.
The event also featured a series of activities with a modern touch, inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural elements.
A look into women’s clothing during the First Saudi State
According to Saudipedia, women’s clothing in the First Saudi State varied by region, influenced by local resources, climate and cultural traditions
Updated 22 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Throughout the First Saudi State, women’s garments were signifiers of cultural identity and regional traditions.
According to Saudipedia, women’s clothing in the First Saudi State varied by region, influenced by local resources, climate and cultural traditions. Each area developed distinct styles, materials and designs that reflected its social customs and environment.
In the central region, women often wore al-Mukhnaq, a sheer silk covering made of chiffon or tulle, sewn completely except for an opening for the face. Married women typically covered their heads with al-Ghadfah — a light tulle shawl also known as al-Munaykhel — or opted for al-Ghatwah, a black fabric that covered the entire face. Another common garment was the burqa, a face covering that left an opening for the eyes and was sometimes adorned with decorative elements.
For outerwear, the abaya was a staple, made from coarse wool and designed in a rectangular cut that draped over the shoulders. Unlike modern abayas, it had no sleeves but included small hand openings at its ends. The term abaya was sometimes used interchangeably with bisht, a traditional cloak.
“Bisht Al-Barqa is one of the types of bishts used by men in the region. The people of the central region, Al-Aridh and Diriyah used to call the abaya a bisht, whether a man or a woman wore it,” Laila Al-Bassam, a traditional Arab costumes and textiles expert, told Arab News in a 2023 interview.
The abaya had many variations, including the Qilani abaya, Ma’simah abaya, Dufat al-Mahoud abaya, Fisol abaya, and Murshidah abaya. Indoors, women commonly wore al-Maqta’ or al-Daraa, long, wide garments with fitted sleeves that narrowed at the wrist. These dresses were often embroidered with gold and silver zari threads, sequins, or intricate patterns, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.
Saudipedia states that women in the eastern region favored garments made from fine fabrics such as silk and lightweight cotton. One of the most distinctive pieces was the al-Malf’a, a black rectangular fabric that was wrapped around the face and shoulders, sometimes secured with a metal piece known as al-Rubayi. This fabric varied in weight depending on the season, with lighter versions preferred in warmer months. The region was also known for its elaborate embroidery, with clothing often featuring intricate stitching and embellishments that reflected influences from nearby trade routes.
In the western region, according to Saudipedia, women’s attire reflected the area’s connections to international markets, particularly through the Red Sea. Fabrics such as brocade, silk and velvet were popular among wealthier women, while cotton was more commonly worn for everyday use. Many garments were adorned with detailed embroidery, lacework, and zari threading, reflecting the cultural exchange between the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. The layering of garments was common, with women wearing multiple pieces to achieve a distinctive and elegant silhouette.
In the southern region, the influence of the mountainous terrain and tribal traditions played a significant role in clothing styles. Women often wore garments made from thick, durable fabrics to protect against the colder temperatures of higher altitudes. Embroidery was a key feature, with intricate geometric patterns symbolizing tribal identity. The use of bold colors, particularly red and blue, was prevalent, adding vibrancy to the garments.
In the northern region, the climate and Bedouin lifestyle influenced women’s clothing choices. Practicality was emphasized, with garments designed for mobility and protection from harsh weather conditions. Women wore long, flowing robes made from wool or heavy cotton, often adorned with subtle embroidery. Head coverings were essential, with styles varying between tribes. The al-Shilah and al-Sayf were commonly worn as protection from the sun while maintaining modesty.
Clothing not only served practical purposes but also conveyed “social status, marital status and tribal affiliation,” according to Saudipedia. The diversity of styles across the regions reflected the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the time, with many traditional elements still influencing Saudi fashion today.
EU embassy celebrates Saudi Founding Day in Diriyah
Updated 22 February 2025
Samia Hanifi
RIYADH: For the celebration of the Kingdom’s Founding Day, Christophe Farnaud, EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, highlighted the long and deep relationship between the EU and the Kingdom.
“On 22 February, we pay tribute to the vision, leadership and resilience that have made Saudi Arabia a prosperous and influential nation,” Farnaud said.
“The European Union is proud to host the celebration of the Kingdom’s important national holiday, which reminds us of all the enduring and long-standing friendship between our two nations,” he said.
By working together on regional and global issues, the two sides were acting to strengthen their relationship, which continued to mature and evolve, he said.
The EU embassy in Saudi Arabia hosted celebrations for Founding Day. (Supplied)
Farnaud stressed the importance of continuing this warm and cooperative spirit, especially in the face of global challenges: “As we move forward in an increasingly complex world, it is more important than ever.”
The EU ambassador underlined the importance of the historic friendship and highlighted the values shared by both regions; peace, stability and mutual respect.
Farnaud told Arab News: “We have chosen to participate in the celebration of the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most important dates in the country’s identity.
“It’s the ideal time to unite our efforts. I think that’s one of the reasons for this day, which is obviously a day for the Saudi people, but also a day of national reunion.
“I think for the embassies and for us who are here, it’s a way of associating ourselves with this celebration by bringing us closer to the Saudi heritage, which is actually a very important heritage.
EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Farnaud is pictured during Founding Day celebrations in Riyadh. (Supplied)
“We’re standing in one of these old houses in Diriyah, a historic place, where the dynasty was born.
“Today, it’s also an emblematic site for one of the country’s most important projects and a place where evidence of this ancient heritage remains, which is particularly close to my heart.
“In this context, I was able to bring together my team and guests to do something together to celebrate this event and connect with Saudi heritage.
“We’re here to literally touch this local heritage. I think it’s a less formal but more engaging way to celebrate this event,” Farnaud said.
The celebration, held at Bonjour Saudi in Diriyah, allowed guests to discover local gastronomy and take part in enriching workshops.
It also provided insight into the Najdi gates, revealing their cultural significance and impact on Saudi heritage.
