The Saudi Arabian cabinet has approved the state budget for 2022 with a surplus of 90 billion riyals ($24 billion)…reports Asian Lite News
The surplus budget on Sunday comes after years of previous deficit ones because of various economic reforms that cover all sectors, reports Xinhua news agency.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said the budget was announced after the country had overcome the economic repercussions and the exceptional Covid-19 pandemic.
Saudi approves 2022 state budget with $24bn surplus
The budget was approved with expenditures of 955 billion riyals and revenues of 1.045 trillion riyals.
The Saudi king promised to continue economic initiatives and reforms to achieve the Saudi Vision 2030 that targets the quality of life and the best utilisation of available resources.
Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan noted that the Saudi economy is witnessing progress from the economic drivers that support the private sector.
Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman revealed that driven by a 7 per cent growth in the private sector, the real GDP growth in the kingdom’s non-oil sector had amounted to about 5.4 per cent by the end of the third quarter of 2021.
It is expected that the Saudi Arabia’s state deficit in 2021 will reach about 2.7 per cent of GDP, down from 11.2 per cent in pandemic-hit 2020, according to the Crown Prince.
Series of Saudi-led airstrikes target Houthis in Yemen
A series of airstrikes was carried out by warplanes of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition against the Houthi militia in various areas of Yemen in the past 24 hours, according to a military official…reports Asian Lite News
The official said that “a large number of Saudi-led airstrikes struck the Houthi-held sites in the country’s turbulent oil-rich province of Marib and in other flashpoint areas”, reports Xinhua news agency.
The airstrikes precisely bombed the Houthi militia forces in Marib and in areas located on the country’s western coast particularly near Hodeidah, he confirmed.
Series of Saudi-led airstrikes target Houthis in Yemen
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition stated it conducted 35 aerial operations against the Iran-backed Houthis near Marib, killing more than 200 militants and destroying 21 military vehicles during the past 24 hours.
According to the coalition’s statement, the air raids also struck the Houthi militia forces along the country’s western coast to support the government forces and protect civilians in the coastal areas of Hodeidah.
During the past weeks, hundreds of Houthi fighters were either killed or injured as a result of the intensified Saudi aerial shelling launched to support the government forces in Marib and elsewhere in Yemen, according to local sources.
The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched in February a major offensive toward Marib in an attempt to seize control of the province, the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
Yemen has been mired in civil war since September 2014 when the Houthi militia forced the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.
190 Houthis killed in military ops by Saudi-led coalition
The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said that 190 Houthi rebels had been killed in military operations in the last 24 hours…reports Asian Lite News
The coalition conducted 36 operations against Houthi targets in the oil rich province of Marib in the period, the Saudi Press Agency tweeted.
190 Houthis killed in military ops by Saudi-led coalition
The operations also destroyed 20 military vehicles and drone control units, reports Xinhua news agency.
The coalition regularly attacks Houthi military targets to deter the militia from launching drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabian cities, mainly in border areas.
Kuwait, Saudi vow to strengthen bilateral relations
The two sides reviewed means to achieve common interests and meet aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) peoples in a manner that boosts security, stability and prosperity…reports Asian Lite News
Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and visiting Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud have vowed to strengthen bilateral relations and boost cooperation between the two nations.
The Saudi Crown Prince was welcomed on his arrival on Friday by his Kuwaiti counterpart and several senior officials at the airport, reports Xinhua news agency.
Kuwait, Saudi vow to strengthen bilateral relations
During official talks, the two sides discussed means of boosting and strengthening bonds of brotherly ties between the two countries in all fields as well as expanding cooperation to serve mutual interests and issues of common concern, according to a state media report.
The two sides reviewed means to achieve common interests and meet aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) peoples in a manner that boosts security, stability and prosperity.
Both sides also focused on continued coordination in the issues that concern the GCC countries and the latest developments on international and regional arenas, the report added.
Earlier in the day, Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honored the Saudi Crown Prince with a medal in appreciation for his achievements and distinctive efforts for serving stability, security and progress of Saudi Arabia, solidifying the bonds of brotherhood between Kuwait and the kingdom and among the GCC states.
Before arriving in Kuwait, Mohammed bin Salman visited Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
190 Houthis killed in military ops by Saudi-led coalition
Forces loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government ambushed a group of fighters of the Houthi rebel militia in the country’s oil-rich southern province of Shabwa…reports Asian Lite News
“The pro-government soldiers were deployed in the Usaylan district of Shabwa and set up a well-planned ambush for a group of Houthi soldiers passing in the area,” the official told Xinhua news agency.
An intense armed confrontation erupted between the two sides following the ambush, leaving nearly 12 Houthi rebels killed and a number of others injured, he said.
Yemeni Govt ambushes Houthi, 12 dead
Military vehicles belonging to the rebel group were completely damaged by the government forces in Usaylan’s ambush, he added.
No information, however, was given about casualties among the soldiers of the government during the exchange of fire with the Houthi rebels in Shabwa.
The Iran-allied Houthi militia recently intensified their military operations against the government-controlled areas in different parts of the war-ravaged Arab country and succeeded in capturing key areas from the government forces.
Yemen has been locked into a civil war since the Houthi militia overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014.
Saudi Arabia has been leading the Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthis forced him into exile.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, received His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Crown Prince at Expo 2020…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today received His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, at Expo 2020 Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid welcomed Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is currently visiting the UAE, stressing the strong and deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
MBR receives MBS at Expo Dubai
The meeting addressed ways of strengthening the joint Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) action, as well as future aspirations and the ongoing overall coordination between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, in line with their regional statures and their international positions.
The two leaders also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, as well as the advanced level of coordination between the two countries, in light of their profound and deep-rooted ties, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his happiness at visiting the UAE during its Golden Jubilee, stressing the keenness of their leaderships to coordinate in all areas and unify their positions and views on regional and international issues.
He then lauded Dubai’s significant efforts to host Expo 2020 Dubai.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the Emirates Group, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and several ministers and senior officials.
The meeting touched on various aspects of strategic cooperation between the two countries, which is founded on coordination, joint action and mutual interests…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, reviewed the bilateral relations and opportunities to develop them in the light of the explored strategic cooperation between their countries.
They also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest.
MBZ, MBS cement UAE-Saudi ties
This came during the talks held today between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his visit to the UAE.
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia conveyed greetings of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, on the UAE’s 50th National Day anniversary and his wishes of further progress and prosperity to the people of the UAE.
The meeting touched on various aspects of strategic cooperation between the two countries, which is founded on coordination, joint action and mutual interests.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prince Mohammed bin Salman also discussed the importance of boosting joint GCC and Arab action, as well as regional and international issues of interest. They emphasised the need to strengthen regional stability, a key pillar for development and progress.
At the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed offered greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, wishing him good health and further progress and prosperity to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Mohamed lauded the strong brotherly relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, emanating from their belief in the shared destiny.
“Thanks to the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers the Kings of Saudi Arabia, and the stances of His Highness the President and his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the excellent relations between our countries keep growing stronger as they are founded on fraternity, history, geography and common interests,” he added.
Sheikh Mohamed also referred to the key role played by Saudi Arabia in regional and Arab security.
“Saudi Arabia has been, and will always be a key regional player. We are confident that together, we will be able to confront all challenges in the region and to maintain our common interests and the welfare of our peoples.”
Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed delight over visiting the UAE and sharing the joy of its National Day celebrations. He expressed best wishes to the government and people of the UAE, saying that Saudi Arabia is proud of the excellent, historic fraternal ties with the UAE.
President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the ‘Order of Zayed” on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in appreciation to his role in developing relations and cooperation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and as an expression of pride of the historic fraternal bonds between the two countries.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed presented the Order of Zayed, in a ceremony held at Qasr Al Watan.
Sheikh Mohamed hosted a dinner banquet in honour of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and his accompanying delegation.
Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on Saturday met with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in Jeddah, where they agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News
During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities for their developments in accordance with the Saudi Vision 2030, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Saudi Press Agency’s report.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince meets French President
They also reviewed the relations between Saudi Arabia and France, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East and the efforts to achieve international stability and peace.
Macron arrived in the kingdom on Saturday as part of his regional tour that also covered Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to review cooperation and regional stability.
Omicron detection in Saudi Arabia rings warning bells in TN
The Tamil Nadu health department is on high alert after a person tested positive for the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia…reports Asian Lite News
The development has rung warning bells in Tamil Nadu, as many people from the southern state stay in Saudi Arabia, who frequently travel back to their home state.
According to the officials, the person — whose identity has not been revealed by the Saudi authorities — had been to one of the African countries recently.
Omicron detection in Saudi Arabia rings warning bells in TN
While Saudi Arabia has already banned flight services from many African nations, it has been learnt from the sources that the person who tested positive had arrived in Dubai before the ban on flights from African nations was imposed.
While sources in the Tamil Nadu health department denied any detection of Omicron cases in the state, the department is taking extra precautions to ensure no one in the state gets infected with the new variant.
Tamil Nadu has several people working in Saudi Arabia and the new Omicron case is of a person who had reached that country a few days before.
The state health department is not taking any chances and has opened several counters for RT-PCR tests at the Chennai International Airport.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian told IANS: “It is not that there is any threat, but we are taking precautions as the Gulf countries have a good connect with Tamil Nadu and many other parts of south India.”
The government is also ramping up the vaccination drive by conducting door-to-door campaigning. The health secretary has directed the medical officials to try and vaccinate as many people as possible.
Five Pakistani tests positive for Covid-19 on arrival from Saudi
Five Pakistani passengers have tested positive for Covid-19 at Karachis Jinnah International Airport after arriving from Saudi Arabia…reports Asian Lite News
Pakistan authorities have moved them to a quarantine facility and sent their samples to the laboratory to determine the Covid-19 variant they were infected with.
The development comes amid heightened alert in view of the threat posed by Omicron, the new Covid-19 variant.
Five Pakistani tests positive for Covid-19 on arrival from Saudi
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia detected its first case of Omicron variant, the report said.
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has intensified rapid antigen testing (RAT) at airports, besides enforcing other precautionary measures.
According to the Sindh Health Department, five Pakistani passengers have tested positive for Coronavirus during screening of passengers who arrived at the Jinnah International Airport from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health said on Wednesday that a case of Omicron variant was detected in the Kingdom in a citizen coming from a north African country, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The infected citizen and his contacts were isolated, and the approved health procedures were completed. An epidemiological investigation was conducted, the press agency said, Al Arabiya reported.
The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health “stressed the need for all members of society to complete receiving [Covid-19] vaccine doses and to adhere to all precautionary measures, preventive measures and approved protocols, as well as the importance of those coming from ouside adhering to the instructions related to quarantine and laboratory examination for their safety and the safety of all”, SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia had on Sunday suspended flights coming to and from Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Mauritius and Comoros due to the outbreak of the new Covid-19 variant, according to SPA.
