Tag: Saudi Arabia

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Israel’s Actions ‘Indefensible’: Saudi at ICJ

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Ziad Al-Atiyah, strongly condemned Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories as legally indefensible….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s actions in Palestinian Territories as ‘legally indefensible,’ echoing a sentiment shared by South Africa, which urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue a non-binding legal opinion on the matter.

Representatives from both nations addressed the ICJ, seeking legal recourse against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Alongside them, Algeria, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Belgium presented preliminary arguments in what is considered the largest case at the ICJ, the Arab News reported.

The focus of the hearings centred on a request by the UN General Assembly for an advisory opinion on the legality of the occupation. Palestinian representatives, who articulated their stance on Monday, emphasised the illegality of Israel’s occupation and called for its immediate cessation.

Israel, however, abstained from the hearings, expressing concerns that an advisory opinion could impede conflict resolution efforts. Despite Israel’s absence, the testimonies outlined the ongoing violations of international law, including Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements and its deprivation of Palestinian rights.

Ziad Al-Atiyah, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the Netherlands, emphasized the gravity of Israel’s actions, condemning its treatment of civilians in Gaza and its disregard for international law. Al-Atiyah accused Israel of dehumanising Palestinians and called for accountability from the international community.

Saudi Arabia criticised Israel’s violations of UN resolutions and its obstruction of Palestinian self-determination. The Kingdom urged the ICJ to assert its jurisdiction and issue a legal opinion, emphasising the urgency of addressing Israel’s ongoing aggression and disregard for international obligations.

Meanwhile, Palestine has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks about Israel’s security control over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, considering it a challenge to international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson of the Palestinian presidency, said on Tuesday in a press statement that these Israeli policies “do not bring security and stability to anyone here or in the region,” warning against the continuation of this “destructive approach that will lead matters to a complete explosion”.

“Palestine rejects this Israeli policy that challenges the world,” he added.

Abu Rudeineh called on the US government to “force” Israel to stop the conflict first “because the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people is a red line”.

Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel will maintain its security control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Xinhua news agency reported.

He added in a video statement, “In recent days, we have witnessed pressure on us unilaterally to impose the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger the existence of the State of Israel.”

“The recognising a Palestinian state at this stage would be a “reward for terrorism” and would undermine the chances of a lasting peace deal,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Cairo to hold talks with Egyptian officials on the Gaza truce.

Hamas said on Tuesday in a brief statement sent to Xinhua news agency that Haniyeh arrived in Cairo at the head of a delegation from the movement’s leadership.

It added that the talks will focus on the political and on-the-ground situation in light of the aggressive conflict in Gaza and the efforts made to stop the aggression, provide relief to citizens, and achieve the goals of the Palestinian people, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Hamas leader on Saturday accused Israel of impeding efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying that they “showed full flexibility in dealing with these issues, but it is clear so far that Israel continues to procrastinate in the negotiations”.

Israel has been fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, after the group launched a surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people. Israel has so far killed more than 29,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry.

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has shown no sign of abating in recent years, as direct peace talks between the two sides stalled in 2014 following disputes over Israeli settlements and the recognition of a Palestinian state.

ALSO READ: 14-Truck UAE Aid Convoy Enters Gaza Strip

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India, Saudi Arabia conduct first joint military exercise

The 12-day joint exercise started on January 29, aiming to achieve interoperability between the two forces …reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land forces completed their first joint military exercise, ‘Sada Tanseeq’, in which soldiers from both countries participated under the UN mandate, an official statement said on Thursday.

The 12-day joint exercise started on January 29, aiming to achieve interoperability between the two forces and acquaint each other with operational procedures and combat drills under the UN mandate. The exercise was performed on semi-deserted terrain.

According to the statement, the name ‘Sada Tanseeq’ was given by both nations jointly, with ‘Sada’ given by the Indian Army, meaning forever, and ‘Tanseeq’ an Arabian word for coordination, given by the Saudi contingent.

The exercise aimed at better coordination between the armed forces of both countries in maintaining global peace.

Every exercise was performed in the ‘buddy phase’, which means 50 per cent Indian and 50 per cent Saudi personnel, the release informed, adding that the Indian contingent from the 20th battalion of the Brigade of Guards regiment and the Saudi Arabian contingent, comprising 45 soldiers of the RSLF, took part in the joint military drills.

“The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase focused on combat conditioning and tactical training. The second phase culminated in physical exercises and validation. Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation phase, which included the creation of a temporary operating base, establishing an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) grid, establishing Mobile Vehicle Check Post, carrying out Cordon and Search Operations in a hostile village, Heliborne Operations and conduct of House Intervention Drills,” the release added.

“The validation phase also witnessed platoon battle drills in which everything was performed as it happens in a battle field. ALS WSI provided the real-time location and information of the target to which the others followed. With the firing of Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) and various weapons,” read the statement further.

The target was engaged aerially with the help of cannons, rockets and missiles. The weapons used by the Indian Army are six AU rifles and snipers, and the weapons used by Saudi includes AK 47, pistol 9 mm, snipers etc, it added.

The exercise was conducted at the Mahajan Field firing range, where both contingents performed all the exercises in the ‘buddy phase’.

Along with the exercise, a showcasing of weapons and artillery was also conducted, where an indigenous product, a four-wheeler multi-role carrier known as the Rhino, grabbed a lot of attention.

Rhino, a four-wheeler multi-role carrier, has been designed and manufactured by an Indian startup for use during combat.

According to the official statement, it is a light-weight, compact machine that can carry upto 600 kgs at a time and is remote controlled. The purpose of this product is to help in reducing the weight carrying and excursion of the soldiers in the battleground.

The indigenous product clearly demonstrates that India is becoming ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant), the release added.

Many other weapons and artillery were showcased during the joint drills. These included a range of guns, rifles, drones, tanks, trucks, and many more.

Speaking about the Rhino, Sehjit Singh from D town robotics was quoted as saying in the release, “We make agricultural drones and robots for Army. This is a robot in ugv category and it is called Rhino. It can carry up to 600 kgs. This can be used to lift weights during Wars either on mountains or in the deserts. It’s endurance is up to 6 hours. If any soldier gets injured during the war this can even be used to place a stretcher on it and then help to lift the soldier.”

“It can even be used to send to a sensitive areas and with its help, explosives can also be deployed. With this help, the physical activity for the soldiers can be reduced as they can carry heavy weights. It can work on every kind of terrain, and it even has bullet-proof tyres and a body. It can climb at an inclination of 30 degrees. This is the latest version number 2 that has been launched in the year 2024 and for the first time it was launched in the year 2023. It is under trials in the army and has also been recommended,” he added. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Saudi’s Gaza Gambit: No Recognition, No Ties

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Saudi’s Gaza Gambit: No Recognition, No Ties

The Ministry affirmed the kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian issue and the necessity that Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia said it has told the US administration that the kingdom won’t have diplomatic relations with Israel unless the latter stops its “aggressions” in the Gaza Strip and an independent Palestinian state is established.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry made the remarks in a statement on Wednesday refuting the White House’s saying that both Israel and Saudi Arabia gave “positive feedback” on normalising relations, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Ministry affirmed the kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian issue and the necessity that Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights.

There will be no diplomatic ties with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and all Israeli occupation forces withdraw from Gaza, it noted.

In an online press briefing on Tuesday, a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Saudi Arabia, US National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby said the US government had been engaging in discussions with Israel and Saudi Arabia on “normalisation arrangement,” before and after the current Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on October 7, 2023.

Kirby added, “Those discussions are ongoing as well,” confirming “positive feedback from both sides that they’re willing to continue to have those discussions”.

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia Refutes US Claim of Positive Feedback on Israel Relations

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GCC banks set to thrive in 2024, UAE, Saudi lead: S&P

SP Global anticipates overall stability in key metrics for GCC banks in 2024….reports Asian Lite News

SP Global‘s ‘GCC Banking Sector Outlook 2024’ reveals a challenging yet optimistic perspective. Despite geopolitical uncertainties and potential economic headwinds, SP expects GCC banks to maintain their well-capitalised, profitable, and liquid status.

SP Global anticipates overall stability in key metrics for GCC banks in 2024. Credit growth and profitability are expected to remain robust, with the UAE and Saudi banking systems leading the region. However, potential risks, including geopolitical tensions and real estate exposure, remain.

Moreover, SP expects non-oil growth to remain dynamic in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Meanwhile, high interest rates are anticipated to persist with a 1 percent decrease by year-end mirroring the U.S. Federal Reserve’s trajectory.

Strong growth of UAE-listed insurance firms

Standard Poor’s (SP) Global Ratings Agency expects robust revenue growth for insurance companies listed in the United Arab Emirates, with insurance premiums forecast to surge by 15 to 20 percent in 2023 compared to 2022.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Emir Mujkic, Director, Lead Analyst, Insurance Ratings at ‎SP, anticipated a 5 to 10 percent growth rate for the car insurance sector.

He stated that profitability of listed insurance companies increased reporting a 19 percent jump in net profits year-on-year for the first nine months of 2023.

Mujkic predicted similar gains for the entire year. He attributed this primarily to improved investment returns fueled by favourable economic conditions and recent structural advancements within the sector.

He expected this trend to continue in 2024, fueled by rising car insurance premiums and higher interest rates further bolstering investment returns.

While acknowledging the evolving nature of the life insurance segment in the UAE, Mujkic emphasised that SP’s assessment of the property and casualty insurance and health insurance sectors aligns with their global benchmarks for these types of insurance.

Emir Mujkic clarified that the UAE’s property casualty (PC) and health insurance sectors boast strong growth prospects, bolstered by recent health insurance acquisitions. Favourable factors include low risk products, high market entry barriers, and supportive regulatory frameworks. This robust outlook positions the UAE market as one of the GCC’s most profitable for PC and health insurance, primarily driven by the top five listed companies’ outstanding performance.

SP’s observations reveal a trend of increasing business concentration in the UAE insurance sector, referring that the top five players exhibit robust net profit growth among other insurance companies in the market. This suggests a potential shift towards market consolidation.

On the topic of global regulatory alignment, Mujkic commended the UAE’s strong governance and transparency practices. Both traditional and Islamic insurance companies adhere to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for financial reporting and generally engage international accounting firms for audits. Notably, all local insurers successfully implemented the new IFRS 17 accounting standards in 2023.

Mujkic observed significant consolidation within the takaful (Islamic insurance) segment, citing mergers that have nearly halved the number of listed takaful companies over the past two years.

He attributed this trend to a combination of merger acquisition activities and the need for smaller companies to mitigate costs through expansion.

Intense competition and cost pressures are likely to fuel further integration among small and medium-sized insurance companies, according to Mujkic.

ALSO READ: MoHAP highlights ‘Tatmeen’’s key achievements at Arab Health 2024

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KSA: Palestinian Statehood Key For Middle East Stability

Princess Reema bint Bandar emphasised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a “finite and irrevocable” path that prioritises the establishment of a Palestinian state….reports Asian Lite News

Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Saudi ambassador to the US, emphasised that the security situation in the Middle East is intricately linked to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Addressing a Saudi-focused panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she acknowledged Israel’s legitimate security concerns post the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas militants but underscored that Palestinian safety should not be compromised. She called for an immediate ceasefire, expressing concern over the human toll, condemning violence on both sides.

Princess Reema highlighted a collective call for peace in Gaza from the Middle East, recognising the region’s current volatility and the daily challenges faced by the people of Gaza. Emphasising the importance of doing the right thing for the future, she refrained from discussing the normalisation of relations with Israel while Israeli forces continue to harm Palestinian civilians.

Princess Reema emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to a “finite and irrevocable” path that prioritises the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Saudi ministers Adel Al-Jubeir, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, and Faisal Alibrahim also participated in the panel discussion. Al-Jubeir, the minister of state for foreign affairs, emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach to transitioning away from fossil fuels to clean energy. He stated that the Kingdom is well-positioned to lead in this transition, advocating for efficient oil production, exploring alternative energy sources, and addressing carbon capture while urging a change in attitudes.

Al-Jadaan, the Kingdom’s finance minister, affirmed his commitment to advancing the Saudi economy despite regional geopolitical challenges. Stressing the importance of a strong Saudi Arabia for regional stability, he expressed optimism about the outlook, citing the positive fiscal management over the past seven years.

Israel Says Saudi Ties Key to Ending War

Israeli President Isaac Herzog highlighted the importance of normalising ties between Tel Aviv and Riyadh as a crucial step toward ending the conflict with Hamas. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Herzog acknowledged the delicacy and fragility of the process but saw it as an opportunity for progress in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, also expressed the kingdom’s commitment to regional peace, including peace for Israel. He emphasised that Saudi Arabia would recognise Israel as part of a broader political agreement, contingent on peace for the Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

US Secretary Antony Blinken echoed similar sentiments at Davos, emphasising that a pathway to statehood for Palestinians could enhance Israel’s security and improve its relations with other regional countries.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government oppose the concept of a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Herzog pointed out that public support for a two-state solution is low among traumatized Israelis, especially after the deadly Oct. 7 rampage by Hamas. He underscored the need for real safety and highlighted the loss of trust in the peace process due to the glorification of terror by neighboring entities.

Herzog utilised the global platform to stress the broader implications of Hamas’ attack on Israel, characterising it as one of the proxies of the “empire of evil emanating from Tehran.” The Israeli President’s remarks at Davos reflect the complex dynamics and challenges surrounding the pursuit of peace in the Middle East, involving regional relationships, security concerns, and the impact of recent events.

Herzog also said that he envisions a “coalition of nations who are willing to commit to rebuilding Gaza” in a way that also assures the safety of Israelis and Palestinians, and a different future for Gaza. The coalition would be made of “strong Western forces, strong regional forces,” in dialogue with Gazans and the Palestinian Authority, he said.

Moreover, Israel president further revealed that two days ago, he also met with officials from the Red Cross in Israel. They discussed, “the dire medical situation of the hostages, the clear and present danger to our hostages.” “We are praying that all the medication… will reach them, but that’s only the beginning,” he added.

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Israel, Saudi: Same Goal, Different Ways

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Russian President Vladimir Putin

The Saudis recognize that forging peace with Israel could grant them access to American weapons and nuclear technology. Moreover, playing a role in governing Gaza would enhance Riyadh’s standing in the region…reports Asian Lite News

Israeli and Saudi officials actually agree on a lot of things. Both want to normalize their relations, both are willing to continue peace efforts where they left off on October 7, and both want Hamas out of Gaza. But the peace efforts have become tangled with the war in Gaza, and unknotting it will significantly impact the Strip’s post-war future.

“The best scenario that the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, see is the establishment of a completely new Palestinian entity, one that will control the Gaza Strip, which will become a completely demilitarized strip and will be subject to fundamental and new security arrangements in coordination with Egypt,” an Arab source with close ties to the ruling circles in the Gulf states told the Tazpit Press Service.

“This scenario also includes involvement Saudi and Arab are significant in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip,” he added.

When asked about what messages Jerusalem has received from Riyadh, an Israeli political official who has been briefed on the normalization efforts told TPS, “Saudi involvement should not be ruled out even in the management of the Gaza Strip the day after the war.”

Achieving any shared vision, however, will be complicated.

On one hand, Riyadh says the war must end before normalization talks can continue. On the other hand, Jerusalem wants clarity on what a Saudi role in post-war Gaza would look like before the conflict ends.

“The process and momentum [for Israeli-Saudi normalization] exist and are stable and have not stopped for a moment, and despite the situation in the Gaza Strip, progress can be made towards an agreement to establish relations,” a second Arab source who is also close to the Gulf’s ruling circles, told TPS.

But he added, “Such an agreement can only be signed at the end of the bloody war in the Gaza Strip and not during the fighting.”

The Saudis understand that peace with Israel would give the Saudis access to American weapons and nuclear technology. And having a role in administering Gaza would raise Riyadh’s regional profile. But Riyadh does not want to be a party to a new status quo in Gaza that does not lead to a Palestinian state.

“It is inconceivable that an Arab country and certainly Saudi Arabia will agree to be the party that will cut off the two parts of the ‘Palestinian homeland’ and lead to the violation of Palestinian sovereignty over the Gaza Strip,” he told TPS. (ANI/TPS)

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Saudi Arabia’s Year Long Tribute to the Camel

As a symbol of patience, perseverance and adaptation, the camel has been a faithful companion to humans as they have acclimatized to various environmental landscapes…reports Asian Lite News

For time immemorial, the camel has held a deep-rooted presence and unique role in the lives of Saudis and in shaping the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. As the national animal of Saudi Arabia and a traditional source of livelihood, the camel underpins a vast cultural heritage that has been expressed through art, crafts, literature and the Kingdom’s way of life.

Throughout 2024, a series of events, exhibitions, educational programs and activities organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture will highlight camel-inspired activities in a multitude of sectors, such as arts, fashion, quality of life, food production, culinary traditions and sustainability practices.

The Kingdom’s designation of the Year of the Camel coincides with the United Nations’ designation of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. The combined recognitions underline the significant heritage and strength of the bond between humans and camelids. Across cultures, the camel has been part and parcel of people’s daily lives worldwide. The global focus on celebrating camelids’ place in society across geographies also represents an opportunity to highlight their importance for sustainability. As the planet tackles the challenges of climate change, food security and fragile biodiversity, the camel, capable of traveling up to 150 km in the desert without water, is an enduring emblem of resilience.

As a symbol of patience, perseverance and adaptation, the camel has been a faithful companion to humans as they have acclimatized to various environmental landscapes. Throughout history, camels have forged new trails, which earned them the title of the ships of the desert. By bridging distances across arid lands, camels connected people from different cultures together.

The traditions and heritage formed from these ancient human interactions with the camel run very deep. Life-size camel carvings have been found on the desert rocks of Al-Jawf, in the Kingdom’s northern region, dating back 2,000 years. Inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the special oral tradition called “Alheda’a” used by camel herders to communicate with these emblematic desert animals and call their flocks, represents the strong bond between animal and herder. Additionally, the traditions of camel racing and beauty pageants instill pride in camel owners and excite the imagination.

The new cultural year offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the cultural significance of camels in Saudi society across generations. Having traversed time as a bedrock of national identity, the camel represents a vital link between Saudi heritage, values and modern aspirations.

Blending tradition and modernity, the Year of the Camel events will support and feature the participation of local artists, writers and artisans actively contributing to the preservation and continuity of camel-themed ancestral traditions. This priceless heritage is preserved for future generations by safeguarding and furthering these cultural practices. It will also offer multiple avenues to shine a light on Saudis’ long history and companionship with the camel and serve as a platform for cultural collaboration and dialogue.

Cultural preservation is foundational in transmitting the ancient legacy and heritage inspired by the Saudis’ unbreakable bond with the camel. The designation of cultural years provides a critical platform to share the greatness and beauty of Saudi Arabia’s culture with local and global audiences. They are a chance to celebrate and shine a spotlight on countless valuable tangible and intangible cultural elements through a series of events and initiatives.

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Arab Stock Markets Secure Record Gains in 2023; UAE, Saudi Lead

The UAE led the charge, adding $117.5 billion to its market value, reaching $990.6 billion by the end of last year….reports Asian Lite News

Arab stock markets soared to record highs in 2023, with combined gains of $493 billion (AED 1.81 trillion), propelled by strong performances in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The market capitalisation of Arab stock exchanges rose to about 4.558 trillion, 216 million, and 586 thousand dollars at the end of 2023, compared to about 4.65 trillion, 559 million, and 3 dollar at the end of 2022. according to official data compiled by WAM.

The UAE led the charge, adding $117.5 billion to its market value, reaching $990.6 billion by the end of last year. This remarkable feat was fueled by robust growth on both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM). ADX added $88.8 billion to its capitalisation, climbing to $803.4 billion, while DFM witnessed a $28.7 billion increase, bringing its total market value to $187.2 billion.

The Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL) was another major standout, generating $368.2 billion in gains and catapulting its market capitalisation to over $3 trillion.

Egypt’s stock exchange also posted impressive gains, adding $16.8 billion and expanding its market value to $55.6 billion.

The Casablanca Stock Exchange soared $9.6 billion to $63.2 billion and Beirut Stock Exchange surged $5.9 billion to $20.4 billion. Qatar Stock Exchange maintained momentum, adding $4.5 billion to reach $171.6 billion.

Emerging markets also saw promising gains. Damascus soared to $4.27 billion, while Muscat edged up $170.3 million to $61.8 billion and Tunisia added $137.5 million to reach $7.9 billion.

By year-end 2023, Kuwait Stock Exchange stood at $131.6 billion, Oman Stock Exchange at $23.9 billion, Bahrain Stock Exchange at $20.6 billion, and the Palestine Stock Exchange at $4.62 billion.

ALSO READ: UAE President Stresses Ties with India at Vibrant Gujarat Summit

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Saudi Tops MENA Region in Venture Capital Investment

The Kingdom captured the highest share of total VC funding in the MENA region in 2023, accounting for 52% of the total capital deployed, up from 31% in 2022….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia achieved first rank across MENA for the first time in terms of the amount of Venture Capital (VC) funding in 2023, according to MAGNiTT, the MENA-based venture data platform.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this achievement reflects the development the Kingdom is witnessing in various economic and financial sectors in light of the Saudi Vision 2030 and its goals to strengthen the national economy.

The Kingdom captured the highest share of total VC funding in the MENA region in 2023, accounting for 52% of the total capital deployed, up from 31% in 2022.

The funding deployed into Saudi Arabian startups grew by 33% in 2023 versus 2022. This confirms the attractiveness of the Saudi market, enhances its competitive environment, and consolidates the strength of the Kingdom’s economy as the largest economy in MENA and its leading position globally as a G20 country and a member of the “BRICS” group, which represents one of the strongest economic blocs in the world.

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India signs Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Saudi Arabia

The initiative by the Indian government towards encouraging participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was discussed, deeply appreciated and lauded…reports Asian Lite News

Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Irani, accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah in Jeddah.

A total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India has been finalised for Haj 2024, with 1,40,020 seats reserved for pilgrims to proceed through the Haj Committee of India.

Moreover, this will greatly benefit the common first-time pilgrims intending to undertake the Haj pilgrimage in 2024, whereas 35,005 pilgrims would be permitted to proceed through Haj Group Operators.

During the meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, the digital initiatives of the Indian government in facilitating and promoting ease and convenience for the Indian Haj pilgrims by providing last-mile information to the pilgrims were greatly appreciated by Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, “they offered to extend all possible help in this regard,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The initiative by the Indian government towards encouraging participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was discussed, deeply appreciated and lauded.

Later, Smriti Irani and MoS Muraleedharan visited the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport to oversee the arrangements for Haj pilgrims.

“Subsequent to the signing of the Bilateral Haj Agreement and the meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, Smriti Zubin Irani accompanied by Muraleedharan visited the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to oversee the arrangements for Haj pilgrims and explore ways to facilitate better logistics and monitoring mechanism for the convenience of the Indian Haj pilgrims,” according to the statement. (ANI)

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