Category: Saudi Arabia

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Biden due in Saudi, Israel next month

Biden due in Saudi, Israel next month

US President Joe Biden will travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel around mid-July, media reported citing sources…reports Asian Lite News

The White House is planning to make the announcement later this week, it was reported. The trip could include a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to sources.

The is will be a symbolically important move as the Biden administration works to expand on the Trump administration’s progress in nurturing fledgling ties between Israel and Arab Gulf states.

During the Saudi Arabia trip, Biden is likely to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, US officials and others familiar with his travel plans said. Widely known by his initials, MBS, the crown prince is Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler and is in line to be its next king.

The visit would be aimed at bolstering relations with Saudi Arabia at a time when Biden is trying to find ways to lower gasoline prices in the United States.

“The president will look for opportunities to engage with leaders from the Middle East region,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said few days ago.

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Meanwhile, Biden is travelling to a NATO summit in Spain and Group of Seven summit in Germany.

Major oil producers led by Saudi Arabia had earlier also agreed to a bigger than expected output boost, a relief for Biden whose poll numbers have sagged in part over skyrocketing gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the United States is not involved in OPEC+ decisions to boost oil production, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said.

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Saudi provides $10 mn to confront threats from ‘Safe’ tanker

Saudi provides $10 mn to confront threats from 'Safe' tanker

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday a 10-million US dollar contribution to addressing the existing threats from the Safe oil tanker anchored off the coast of Yemen…reports Asian Lite News

The oil tanker, which is near Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, contains more than 1 million barrels of oil and has not been maintained since 2015.

The kingdom’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center said the potential oil spill resulting from further deterioration of the tanker could turn into a major environmental and navigational disaster that would cause widespread damage to the Red Sea coast, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It said fishing communities, international navigation and the delivery by ship of food, fuel and lifesaving supplies to Yemen would all be impacted, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the region and threatening all Red Sea countries.

Saudi contribution aims to support the efforts of UN organizations to develop an effective plan to identify and address the potential threats posed by the tanker.

Saudi Arabia also calls on the international community to contribute urgently to support this initiative in order to prevent a serious environmental disaster from occurring.

The ‘Safer’ tanker contains more than one million barrels of oil, and has not been maintained since 2015, and any leakage would threaten regional marine life, fisheries, and biodiversity.

As a floating storage and offloading facility, the tanker has been anchored off Yemen’s Red Sea coast for more than 30 years, but began to be left neglected when a civil war broke out between the Yemeni government and Houthi militia about seven years ago.

The United Nations has tried to send inspectors to assess the tanker’s condition or study ways to offload it, but the Houthis have denied the UN personnel access to the tanker, citing security reasons

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KSrelief added that on 8th June, 2022, which marked the UN’s “World Ocean Day”, concerned parties highlighted the need for urgent collective action to protect the world’s oceans, which are a major global food source as well as a key factor in facing the challenges resulting from climate change. The Kingdom is following international developments in this regard within the framework of its broader focus upon the preservation of the most important global marine resources and ecosystems.

In order to maintain stability in Yemen and in support of UN efforts to reach solutions to all threats to international peace and security, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief, has held several meetings and discussions with the international community to stress the need to support the operational plan to address the ‘Safer’ tanker situation, and to expand upon support Saudi Arabia has previously provided for maintenance of the vessel.

The Kingdom has called upon the UN to immediately take the necessary actions to prevent oil leakage from the tanker, and to either transfer the oil to a safe place or use it to benefit the Yemeni people.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

KSrelief launches campaign to combat blindness in Niger

During the campaign, cataract and minor surgeries were performed, and medical glasses, medicines and therapeutic drops were distributed….reports Asian Lite News

The Saudi-based King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center launched a voluntary medical campaign to combat blindness and its diseases in Niger.

The campaign was launched in the southern city of Tahoua, in the presence of the Kingdom’s ambassador to Niger, Dr. Zaid Al-Harbi, and a number of Nigerien officials.

During the campaign, cataract and minor surgeries were performed, and medical glasses, medicines and therapeutic drops were distributed.

The beneficiaries thanked the Kingdom, represented by KSrelief, for the necessary treatment and integrated medical services provided to them in accordance with the highest international standards.

This campaign is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing projects to combat blindness that are implemented by the center for low income families in a number of countries.

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Thousands held for labour, residency, border violations

A further 79 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 11 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi authorities arrested more than 15,000 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, according to an official report.

From June 2 to 8, a total of 9,337 people were arrested for violations of residency rules, while 3,996 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,876 for labour-related issues.

The report showed that among the 186 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 40 percent were Yemeni, 49 percent Ethiopian, and 11 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 79 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 11 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be aiding illegal entry to the Kingdom, including transporting and providing shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), or confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.

ALSO READ: TOURISM: Saudi Pins Hopes on China

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Madinah museum’s role to preserve Islamic heritage praised

Al-Qasabi expressed his admiration for the museum’s role in preserving Islamic heritage, praising its presentation in a modern documentary format….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Minister of Commerce and Acting Minister of Media Majid Al-Qasabi visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Madinah.

He was briefed on the contents of the museum, including technical models, atlases and encyclopedias.

Al-Qasabi expressed his admiration for the museum’s role in preserving Islamic heritage, praising its presentation in a modern documentary format.

He said that it confirms the Kingdom’s keenness to serve the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah, especially the biography of the Prophet. He added that it meets the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in enriching the faith motive for visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.

The museum was launched last year under the supervision of the Muslim World League and is the first in a series of Islamic museums to travel around the world under the organization’s umbrella.

Located next to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, the museum is open 24 hours a day, and is dedicated to the history of the Islamic world as well as the life of the Prophet.

Earlier, Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman said that the contents of the exhibition and museum represent “a historical legacy from which to spread the correct Prophetic approach … to all parts of the world so as to demonstrate the tolerance and moderation of Islam.”

MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said that the museum introduces the world to the Prophet’s life and Islamic civilization, in addition to highlighting the civilizational values in the Constitution of Madinah and the Makkah Document, both of which established the foundations for human fraternity and coexistence.

Recently, Al-Issa launched a traveling exhibition in Morocco showcasing the life of the Prophet and the history of Islam.

He revealed that the first edition of the exhibition would open to guests on July 25 at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s headquarters in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, with the full support of the north African country’s King Mohammed VI.

The touring exhibition will employ the latest technology and display techniques to document the Prophet’s biography and Islamic civilization to Muslim as well as non-Muslim visitors.

The exhibition in Rabat will be presented in Arabic, English and French, and will have 10 sections employing technologies such as holographic imaging, virtual and augmented reality, interactive 3D displays, stereoscopics and educational panoramas.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

TOURISM: Saudi Pins Hopes on China

Saudi Arabia minister says China significant market for kingdom’s tourism market

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said China is an important tourism market, and the Arab country hopes that more Chinese tourists would visit to learn about Saudi heritage, culture and people.

“China is one of Saudi Arabia’s main trade partners, and we have been enjoying Chinese culture and heritage for many years, especially the delicious food that can be found everywhere in Saudi Arabia. Now we want the Chinese to come,” he told Xinhua before the 116th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council Meeting in Jeddah.

“We want to diversify our economy to share our culture and heritage with the world and therefore tourism is the main pillar in Saudi Vision 2030,” he added.

The minister said Saudi Arabia had launched the National Tourism Strategy in 2019, which promoted the kingdom to open up to the rest of the world, in which China is one of those countries whose citizens could get online visas in a few minutes.

When asked to comment on Chinese tourists’ role in the global tourism industry, Al Khateeb said: “Back in 2019, China is the world number one when it comes to the number of tourists across the world.”

The Saudi minister noted the global tourism sector was in the recovery phase, after the drastic decline in tourism revenues because of the COVID-19-related travel restrictions and other health measures.

“The sector (worldwide) used to employ 330 million people back in 2019, just before the pandemic, and we lost more than 60 million jobs during the pandemic, and now we are recovering,” he said.

The minister said that the recovery of the sector is very important for the global economy, jobs, and prosperity.

Regarding the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, he revealed plans to invest heavily in the sector that represents about 4 percent of the kingdom’s GDP.

“We want to take it to 10 percent by 2030, therefore, Saudi Arabia has announced its plans to develop more than six new destinations and invest more than 300 billion U.S. dollars in the next 10 years in the sector,” Al Khateeb said.

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Similar to China, Al Khateeb said all Saudi tourism development plans should consider the crucial aspects of protecting the environment.

The minister also revealed the kingdom’s ongoing cooperation with the UNWTO which resulted in the opening of its first Middle East regional office in Riyadh.

The 116th UNWTO Executive Council Meeting in Jeddah brings together global tourism leaders to shape the future of the tourism sector, which aims to foster close coordination between members to boost the recovery of global tourism.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Saudi hosts opening of 116th UNWTO Executive Council Meeting

Saudi Arabia hosted the official opening of the 116th UNWTO Executive Council Meeting today, a powerful vehicle that brings together global tourism leaders to shape the future of the sector…reports Asian Lite News

As First Vice Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb discussed with global leaders how tourism must be a key part of a stronger and more sustainable world and called for greater collaboration to accelerate the sector’s recovery.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, commented: “Tourism is a vital driver of growth, opportunity, and development and today, we are at global cross-roads. Our sector could create 58 million jobs in 2022, to reach more than 330 million, just 1% below pre-pandemic levels. This can only be achieved with strong leadership, a clear vision, and resources.

“Tourism’s restart in many countries around the world offers a unique chance to rethink tourism governance, communications and beyond. We have an incredible opportunity to set a new way forward, to create a strong future for the global tourism sector, and we must seize it.”

Adopting the Meeting agenda, Member States welcomed the report on current trends in international tourism provided by UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili alongside UNWTO monitoring reports and tools developed since the outbreak of COVID-19.

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UNWTO Secretary-General, His Excellency Zurab Pololikashvili, and His Excellency Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism of Côte d’ Ivoire and Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council, said: “It is our joint responsibility to shape a more sustainable tourism sector. We must re-think tourism development, re-invent tourism destinations and businesses and re-build the whole of the tourism eco-system. The 116th UNWTO Executive Council is where we come together to take the first steps towards this ambitious but vital goal. Thank you, Saudi Arabia, for enabling us to meet in person and kick-start this journey.”

The two-day meeting, held in the historical city of Jeddah, is the biggest in-person, Executive Council meeting held since the pandemic began. Aimed at fostering strong coordination between member states to boost the recovery of global tourism, the meeting demonstrated the Executive Council’s determination to adopt a joined-up approach.

His Excellency was joined in Jeddah by Ministers and representatives from 35 Member States of the Executive Council, alongside global tourism leaders and private sector decision-makers.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Saudi approves Haj security plan

Saudi Arabia has approved the general security plan for the upcoming Haj season…reports Asian Lite News



The plan for public security authorities’ tasks and responsibilities was approved by Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, a day after he approved the General Emergency Plan for Haj that will be implemented by various organisations to protect the safety of pilgrims, reports Xinhua news agency citing local media.

The plan includes civil defence measures to tackle potential risks in Mecca, Medina and other ritual performing areas.

Director of Public Security Mohammed Abdullah Al-Basami said the plan has taken into consideration all security, organisational, traffic and humanitarian matters.

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In April, Saudi Arabia announced its plan to receive 1 million domestic and foreign pilgrims this year.

This will be the first time that foreign pilgrims will be allowed to perform the annual pilgrimage after the previous two seasons, which were restricted to domestic pilgrims, due to the Covid-19 outbreaks.

Last week, the kingdom also issued new rules for airlines transporting the pilgrims.

According to the new rules, pilgrim passengers should be less than 65 years old, have completed immunisation with basic doses of Covid-19 vaccines, and submit a negative PCR tes taken within 72 hours prior to departure.

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Saudi space agency training program ready for liftoff

The initiative is part of the SSC’s efforts to develop national capabilities and skills in the space sector…reports Asian Lite News

The Saudi Space Commission will launch a major training initiative aimed at new graduates seeking careers in the space sector.

As part of the Madar program, theoretical and practical courses will be offered to 1,000 male and female trainees from various scientific specialties.

The initiative is part of the SSC’s efforts to develop national capabilities and skills in the space sector.

SSC Chairman Abdullah Al-Swaha recently held talks with heads of US space companies on the exchange of expertise and technologies, as well as enhancing joint capabilities in the sector.

The meetings focused on bilateral cooperation in spacecraft launch services, building partnerships to contribute to the growth of the space tourism sector, and developing the sector’s role in achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The SSC training program includes three main tracks.

A “specialized space orbit” track consists of two sub-tracks, the “satellite” track and the “public space” track, which will be presented over five weeks each.

Short training courses as part of a “knowledge orbit” track will last for five days, while the “alpha orbit” track to prepare future trainers will last for up to two weeks.

The program targets new graduates, and those interested in careers in the space sector.

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Saudi Arabia welcomes first foreign Hajj pilgrims since pandemic

Saudi authorities previously implemented tight restrictions on the religious ritual to ensure the health and safety of all worshippers against the coronavirus….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia welcomed foreign Hajj pilgrims to Islam’s second holiest city on Saturday, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.

The pilgrims, who arrived at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah from Indonesia, were presented flowers, dates and Zamzam water bottles upon arrival.

The flight, carrying 358 pilgrims, was received by Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Bijawe, undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for visit affairs, the Indonesian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmed, and a number of officials.

Saudi authorities previously implemented tight restrictions on the religious ritual to ensure the health and safety of all worshippers against the coronavirus.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that registration for local pilgrims, citizens and residents wishing to perform Hajj this year continues until Saturday, June 11.

Applicants must be no older than 65 and must have a valid residency permit. The ministry said that priority will be given to those who have not previously performed Hajj and are fully immunized as per their status on the Tawakkalna app.

To perform Hajj this year, citizens and residents are required to have received three doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

The ministry said that registration can be completed through the Eatmarna application, which allows pilgrims to review all available packages, or online at https://localhaj.haj.gov.sa. Pilgrims can create a list of preferred packages, choose from them, add companions and ensure that all their data, such as immunization status, is correct and their requirements met.

This year’s Hajj season will accommodate 1 million pilgrims, while ensuring people’s safety amid the continuing presence of COVID-19, and quality of services, according to Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.

“We know that there are many requirements to perform Hajj for this year,” he said, “but the safety of pilgrims and their safe return to their countries remain our priorities.

“In addition, we were keen on using the Hajj technologies, including the pilgrims’ smart ID, which we will keep implementing this year to render the transport of the visitors of Allah easier and to ensure their fast arrival to their locations and tents whether in Mina or Arafat.”

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