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.


Saudi Arabia expresses condolences to Azerbaijan after deadly plane crash

Saudi Arabia expresses condolences to Azerbaijan after deadly plane crash
Updated 32 min 38 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia expresses condolences to Azerbaijan after deadly plane crash

Saudi Arabia expresses condolences to Azerbaijan after deadly plane crash
  • Kingdom extends sympathies to victims’ families

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in a plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday.

The Kingdom also extended its sympathies to the government and people of Azerbaijan, wishing a swift recovery to the injured, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Wednesday morning, a passenger plane traveling from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near Aktau, western Kazakhstan, with 62 passengers and five crew members on board.

Later, Kazakh authorities announced that 28 people had survived and that Azerbaijan Airlines had operated the plane.

Unverified video footage circulating on social media platforms appeared to show the plane bursting into flames as it struck the ground, with thick black smoke rising afterward.


Bahrain’s king receives Saudi minister of state in Manama

Bahrain’s king receives Saudi minister of state in Manama
Updated 25 December 2024
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Bahrain’s king receives Saudi minister of state in Manama

Bahrain’s king receives Saudi minister of state in Manama
  • King Hamad conveyed greetings to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz in Manama on Wednesday.

Prince Turki conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

King Hamad, who welcomed Prince Turki and his delegation at Al-Safriya Palace, highlighted the strong ties between Riyadh and Manama, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

King Hamad also conveyed his greetings to King Salman and the crown prince, the SPA added.


Makkah developing smart solutions to counter natural disasters 

Makkah municipality is planning to develop several AI and other smart solutions to help mitigate natural disasters.
Makkah municipality is planning to develop several AI and other smart solutions to help mitigate natural disasters.
Updated 25 December 2024
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Makkah developing smart solutions to counter natural disasters 

Makkah municipality is planning to develop several AI and other smart solutions to help mitigate natural disasters.
  • Plan includes improving efficiency and operational capabilities of the city’s control room

RIYADH: Makkah municipality is planning to develop several artificial-intelligence and other smart solutions to help mitigate natural disasters, particularly flooding, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The municipality recently signed an agreement with a specialist company to develop these technical solutions, which includes improving the efficiency and operational capabilities of the city’s control room.

In addition, the plan is to enhance governance frameworks that support quality and sustainability goals, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives within the city.

Key features of this collaboration include the development of a smart system for infrastructure monitoring. The Makkah region has experienced heavy rainfall regularly this year. 

By improving service efficiency, boosting infrastructure safety, and leveraging technology, the city aims to significantly enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the SPA reported.

Earlier this year the municipality expanded e-services and applications, and developed the city’s infrastructure with multi-level parking lots, and technology-operated facilities.

As a result, Makkah is now ranked 52nd in the global Smart City Index, fifth in the Arab world, and second in the Kingdom after Riyadh. 

All these services are contributing to a sustainable urban environment in Makkah, according to the municipality.

Makkah’s new developments are also aimed at enhancing services for the increasing number of pilgrims and visitors traveling to the holy city.


Digital clinic to open new horizons for autism care in Saudi Arabia

Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Farhan Al-Saud, Chairman of SAF.
Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Farhan Al-Saud, Chairman of SAF.
Updated 25 December 2024
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Digital clinic to open new horizons for autism care in Saudi Arabia

Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Farhan Al-Saud, Chairman of SAF.
  • Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Farhan Al-Saud: ‘This is just the beginning of our plans’

RIYADH: Following the success of the Taif Aziz Caravan for people with autism, the Society of Autism Families is gearing up for the launch of the Kingdom’s first digital clinic powered by a team of experts, doctors, and specialists.

The Taif Aziz Caravan was the first of its kind to travel across Saudi Arabia. Launched by the Society of Autism Families in June 2023, it offered integrated healthcare services to those with autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as specialized medical consultations and free services.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Taif Aziz Caravan raised awareness about early detection of autism spectrum disorder.

The convoy lasted nearly four months, covering about 12,000 km and visiting 53 cities in the Kingdom. The initiative earned the Society of Autism Families the International Excellence Award in Corporate Social Responsibility in London recently.

Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Farhan Al-Saud, chairman of the organization, told Arab News: “This award holds immense importance for social work worldwide. Winning it for our innovative Taif Aziz Caravan project is a well-deserved recognition of the association's exceptional community contributions.”

Introducing the digital clinic project, he said: “Our work is ongoing and boundless, driven by a passionate commitment to serve.”

He went on to say that the Digital Autism Clinic will provide rehabilitative, medical, and therapeutic services to people with autism across the Kingdom. “This is just the beginning of our plans for greater advancements in this field, God willing.”

The organization’s digital platform allows beneficiaries to easily register and access all available services.

“No pioneering project is without its challenges. However, we tackle these obstacles with well-established strategies and meticulous planning,” Prince Saud said, noting that despite challenges, the convoy achieved its goal within a short timeframe, ensuring the necessary support, and conducting comprehensive social and psychological assessments.

“Awareness empowers society to embrace diversity and enhances the quality of life for everyone. Community understanding is fundamental to supporting individuals with autism effectively,” he added.

The association actively promotes awareness through various initiatives and projects, “as we recognize the significant impact of community awareness about autism spectrum disorder and its profound effect on various areas of life,” the chairman said.

Noting the collaborative efforts taking place in the Kingdom to uplift communities, Prince Saud said: “In Saudi Arabia, collaboration between institutions from all sectors — governmental, private, and nonprofit — is a hallmark of our approach to achieving collective progress.

“I take this opportunity to thank our partners across these sectors for their unwavering support. Together, we achieve both impact and development.”

The Society of Autism Families raises awareness through various initiatives, including high-quality media productions such as the play “Sala 4” in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the world’s first 3D series on autism, under the supervision of a team of specialists, as well as the production of the first song in the world featuring people with autism, among other initiatives.

“Continuous presence and active participation in major events, exhibitions, and conferences, along with social media platforms, are key mechanisms for highlighting inspiring real-life stories and advocating for change,” Prince Saud added.

According to the association's website, autism spectrum disorder refers to a collection of conditions marked by difficulties in social skills, repetitive behaviors, and non-verbal communication, alongside unique strengths and differences.

The site explains that autism is not a single condition but a spectrum of diverse types, shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which influence each individual in a distinct way.

The term “spectrum” highlights the vast diversity in the challenges and strengths each child with this disorder may exhibit. While the most noticeable traits typically emerge between the ages of two and three, in some instances, early diagnosis can occur as young as 18 months.

The WHO reported that one in every 160 children worldwide is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.


Riyadh symposium explores challenges in theater training

Riyadh symposium explores challenges in theater training
Updated 25 December 2024
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Riyadh symposium explores challenges in theater training

Riyadh symposium explores challenges in theater training
  • This year’s festival features 20 performances selected by experts, reflecting the diversity of Saudi theater and its developmental initiatives

RIYADH: The Riyadh Theater Festival, organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, is being held at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University until Dec. 26.

A dialogue symposium at the festival explored challenges and opportunities in theatrical training in the Arab world, focusing on issues such as limited specialized programs, financial constraints, and cultural barriers.

Participants emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between Arab countries to support training, research, and the role of theater in education and public awareness, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The symposium also highlighted the importance of innovative educational programs that foster skill development and produce tangible results in the performing arts.

Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of the commission, called the festival a cornerstone for advancing theater in the Kingdom and raising public awareness of the performing arts.

This year’s festival features 20 performances selected by experts, reflecting the diversity of Saudi theater and its developmental initiatives.

It supports Saudi talent and enhances the Kingdom’s presence on regional and international stages. The event will conclude with awards for outstanding performers.