RIYADH: Key regional issues, including the Qatar crisis, will top the agenda of wide-ranging talks on Sunday between King Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Jeddah.
The focus of the talks will be relations among Gulf countries. The leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues, and offer solutions to end regional tensions.
Erdogan’s “first stop will be Jeddah on Sunday,” said Turkish Ambassador Yunus Demirer, who flew to the city on Saturday to prepare for the presidential visit.
Erdogan “will then depart for Kuwait and later Qatar to meet Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,” the envoy added.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain last month cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and issued 13 wide-ranging demands to lift the embargo, including the closure of a Turkish military base in the emirate.
Regarding Erdogan’s visit to the Kingdom, Turkey’s presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: “Turkey has adopted a constructive role since the onset of the Qatar crisis, and called for negotiations toward a resolution through dialogue.”
Kalin added: “Erdogan and the leaders of the Gulf will also discuss bilateral relations and other regional issues such as Iraq, Syria, terrorism, Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“It is unacceptable to try to surround Al-Aqsa Mosque on security grounds, install metal detectors and block Palestinians and Arabs or other Muslims from entering there.
“We call on all sides, the Arab world, Europe, the US and the international community to raise their voice on this issue.”
King Salman to hold talks with Erdogan
King Salman to hold talks with Erdogan
Lebanon’s Berri reprises key mediator role in ceasefire deal
- Berri said Lebanon was closing “a historical moment that was the most dangerous that Lebanon has ever experienced”
- He appealed to Lebanese to show unity for the sake of Lebanon
BEIRUT: Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reprised his role as a key interlocutor between Hezbollah and the United States as Washington sought to mediate an end to the war with Israel, drawing on decades of experience to help clinch the deal.
It has underlined the sway the 86-year-old still holds over Lebanon, particularly the Shiite Muslim community in which he has loomed large for decades, and has been seen as a steadying influence since Israel killed Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the head of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, in September.
Addressing Lebanese in a televised speech on Wednesday, Berri said Lebanon was closing “a historical moment that was the most dangerous that Lebanon has ever experienced,” and appealed to Lebanese to show unity for the sake of Lebanon.
Berri rose to prominence as head of the Shiite Amal Movement during Lebanon’s 1975-90 civil war. He has served as parliament speaker — the highest role for a Shiite in Lebanon’s sectarian order — since 1992.
Hezbollah’s new leader Sheikh Naim Qassem endorsed Berri as a negotiator, calling him the group’s “big brother.” US envoy Amos Hochstein met Berri repeatedly during numerous visits to Beirut aiming to broker an end to the hostilities which were fought in parallel with the Gaza war and escalated dramatically in September.
It echoed the role Berri played in helping to bring an end to the last major war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.
Diplomats say his role has been all the more important because Lebanon is without a president, its cabinet has only partial authority, and there are few ways to access Hezbollah, which is branded a terrorist group by the United States.
“When you come to Lebanon now, he is really the only person worth meeting. He is the state,” a Beirut-based diplomat said.
He rose to global prominence in 1985 by helping negotiate the release of 39 Americans held hostage in Beirut by Shiite militants who hijacked a US airliner during Lebanon’s 15-year civil war.
His election as speaker after the civil war coincided with Nasrallah’s rise to leadership of Hezbollah. Together, they led the “Shiite duo,” a reference to the two parties that dominated Shiite political representation and much of the state.
A diplomat who frequently visits Berri said: “He’s the trusted partner of Hezbollah, which makes him very important, but there is also a clear limit to what he can do, be it due to Hezbollah or Iranian stances.”
Israeli fire has hit areas where Berri’s Amal Movement holds sway, including the city of Tyre.
IMPROVING SHI’ITES’ STANDING
Born in 1938 in Sierra Leone to an emigrant merchant family from Tibnine, Berri was raised in Lebanon and was active in politics by the time he was at university.
Many in the once downtrodden Shiite community applaud Berri for helping improve their standing in a sectarian system where privileges were skewed toward Christians and Sunni Muslims.
A trained lawyer, Berri took the helm of Amal after its founder, Imam Musa Sadr, disappeared during a visit to Libya.
Berri was behind the military rise of Amal, which fought against nearly all the main parties to the civil war including Hezbollah, which later became an ally.
After the civil war, Berri’s Shiite followers joined the state apparatus and security agencies en masse, and he appeared to move in political lockstep with Hezbollah.
When a 2006 US embassy cable raised questions over his true feelings toward Hezbollah on its publication in 2010, he dismissed it, declaring that Nasrallah “is like myself.”
In 2023, Berri’s Amal fighters joined Hezbollah in firing rockets against Israel in solidarity with Gaza when Israel began its offensive after Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.
Foreign envoys began visiting Beirut and meeting Berri to try to halt exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border, and sought to convince Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River running some 30 km (20 miles) north of the frontier.
Berri told one foreign official “it would be easier to move the Litani River south to the border than to push Hezbollah north of the Litani,” a source close to Berri told Reuters.
But Berri’s opponents have also criticized him as part of the sectarian elite that steered Lebanon into economic ruin in 2019, when the financial system collapsed after decades of state corruption.
Others blame him for refusing to call a parliamentary session for lawmakers to elect a president, leaving the top Christian post in government empty for more than two years.
Berri’s role as a diplomatic conduit has irked Hezbollah’s political rivals, such as the Christian Lebanese Forces, who say any negotiations must be carried out by Lebanon’s president.
Art under the stars: Noor Riyadh returns to dazzle Kingdom’s capital
- Fleet of drones illuminates Saudi capital for Noor Riyadh
- 18 Saudi, 43 international talents present light artworks themed ‘Light Years Apart’
RIYADH: The courtyards of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in central Riyadh came alive on Tuesday evening with the launch of the Noor Riyadh Festival, attended by creatives from around the world.
London-based artist collective United Visual Artists transformed the night sky into a living canvas with a preview of their drone show “Aether.”
Featuring 1,500 drones, the seven-minute performance explored the silent harmony of the stars and planets.
Noor Riyadh Festival, a key initiative of the Riyadh Art, is being held under the theme “Light Years Apart” and will continue until Dec. 14.
This year, the festival will feature artworks by over 60 artists across three hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and Jax district.
Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, director of the Riyadh Art Program, said Noor Riyadh is designed to transform the city into an open-air art exhibition.
Festival director Nouf Al-Moneef told Arab News: “What’s great about these three is the connection between art, heritage, culture, nature — and also contemporary creativity in Jax.
“The most important thing in Noor Riyadh is accessibility for people. Noor Riyadh is under the umbrella of Riyadh Art, whose mission is to transform the city into a gallery without walls. Wherever you go and whatever locations or hubs that you go to, you find these spectacular art pieces.”
The festival aims to enhance the quality of life in the Kingdom’s capital and contribute to fostering creativity and presenting art to the community, he added.
It serves as a platform for artistic and cultural exchange in line with Riyadh Art’s objective to nurture local talent and boost the cultural economy of the capital.
In addition to 18 Saudi artists, 43 international artists are representing countries including Australia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Turkiye, the UK, the UAE, and the US.
Speaking about the theme, Al-Moneef said that “Light Years Apart” is inspired by the connection between the Earth and the sky, praising the curatorial team who came up with the idea.
The festival invites citizens, residents, and visitors to explore the city and to celebrate the deep connection between heritage and creativity.
Mohammed Al-Bahri, an Omani journalist, said what caught his attention the most during the opening ceremony was the stunning harmony between the lights and music, which created a unique and immersive sensory experience for the viewers.
In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed cultural and artistic development, which has contributed to enhancing its position on the global art scene, he added.
“I expect that interest in artistic creativity will continue to grow in the future, especially with the increasing government support for arts and culture, as well as the growing awareness of the importance of art in people’s lives,” Al-Bahri said.
“Art will thus become an integral part of the social fabric. Moreover, the younger generation is more open and has a deeper appreciation for the arts, signaling a bright future for artistic creativity in the Kingdom,” he said.
Munirah Abdulrazaq, a Bahraini beautician, said: “The Noor Riyadh Festival is a remarkable celebration of light and art, transforming Riyadh into a luminous canvas that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.
“The fusion of creativity, technology, and heritage enhances the cultural landscape and positions Saudi Arabia as a burgeoning hub for contemporary and public art. By celebrating local and global artists, the festival fosters a deep appreciation for artistic expression and cultural dialogue, highlighting the Kingdom’s dedication to nurturing creativity and inspiring future generations.”
Qatari ambassador discusses bilateral investment and ties with Sindh governor
- Qatari envoy expressed interest in large-scale investments in Pakistan, particularly Karachi, says Sindh Governor
- PM Shehbaz Sharif last month visited Qatar to boost foreign trade, investment to stabilize $350 billion economy
KARACHI: Qatar’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater met Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori on Wednesday to discuss ways to increase bilateral investment and foster stronger ties between the two countries, the Governor House said.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month visited Qatar as he sought to bolster economic cooperation amid the country’s efforts to boost foreign investment and stabilize its frail $350 billion economy.
Islamabad and Doha have attempted to forge closer business ties over the past few months, with a Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) team also expected to visit Pakistan this month to set up an information technology (IT) park.
Al-Khater called on Tessori at the Governor House in Karachi where the two held a detailed meeting to discuss investment and other matters.
“The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest and fostering stronger bilateral ties,” the Governor House said. “During the visit, the Ambassador praised the Governor’s initiative and expressed Qatar’s desire to strengthen relations further with Pakistan, particularly in economic collaboration.”
Tessori spoke to reporters after the meeting, acknowledging that Qatar had always supported Pakistan. He added that Pakistanis harbored “immense affection for Qatar.”
“He shared that the Ambassador conveyed Qatar’s keen interest in large-scale investments in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi,” the statement said.
Tessori highlighted that Qatar was interested in government-to-government investments and joint ventures with Pakistani businesses.
The Sindh governor said Al-Khater assured him of local Qatari investors’ readiness to invest in Pakistan.
“I will provide detailed insights into sectors that can yield immediate results for investments, ensuring that this partnership benefits both nations significantly,” Tessori said.
He emphasized that Qatar’s interest is particularly crucial given Pakistan’s current economic challenges.
“We are committed to providing a conducive environment and guarantees for Qatari investors to achieve substantial returns,” Tessori said.
Pakistan’s desire to forge closer economic ties with allies come amid its attempts to increase trade and foreign investment after the country narrowly escaped a default last year by securing a last-gasp $3 billion financial assistance package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Development Fund injects $3.19bn into the sector, minister confirms
RIYADH: The Industrial Development Fund provided SR12 billion ($3.19 billion) in financing to the Kingdom in 2024, boosting its global competitiveness, according to leading minister.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Budget Forum 2024, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef highlighted the vital role of financing in driving industrial development.
“The Industrial Development Fund alone financed projects worth SR12 billion for 2024, but the total value of these projects exceeds SR60 billion,” Alkhorayef said.
He continued: “We have key indicators for the industrial sector: First, there are the licenses, which have seen significant growth. By the end of this year, more than 1,100 opportunities have been issued, and 900 factories have entered production. This is a very important key indicator.”
The minister went on to say: “The second key indicator is financing. Financing is a crucial driver for the industrial sector. The third key indicator is infrastructure. It is unimaginable to have a thriving industrial sector without properly developed industrial lands, primarily provided by the government.”
These key indicators are of great importance because they ensure the continued flow of investments into the sector, he added.
Alkhorayef also pointed to the Kingdom’s focus on promoting exports and supporting new sectors.
“Exports grew from SR458 billion in 2023 to SR528 billion this year, a 15 percent increase. This growth is largely driven by non-traditional sectors, showcasing the diversification of our economy beyond petrochemicals,” he said.
The minister highlighted the broader integration of industries, particularly between the industrial and mining sectors.
He praised Saudi Arabia’s streamlined approach to mining licenses, reducing wait times from eight to 10 years in advanced economies to just six months in the Kingdom, with plans to further reduce this to 90 days.
Alkhorayef emphasized the long-term vision of transforming Saudi Arabia into a hub for mining services and technology companies.
“Our investment in geological surveys has increased the estimated value of the Kingdom’s mineral wealth from $1.3 trillion to $2.5 trillion. This achievement positions the Kingdom as a future leader in mining and industrial innovation,” he added.
The industrial and logistics sectors have experienced significant momentum, with the government’s efforts driving a surge in private and foreign investment.
By aligning with Vision 2030, these initiatives aim to create a thriving, diversified economy that maximizes the nation’s geographic and resource advantages.
Transport sector achieves record growth and job creation
The Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser underscored the transport industry’s role as a key enabler of economic activity. He revealed that the sector achieved a 17 percent growth rate in just two years.
“International indicators also confirm this progress, such as the Logistics Performance Index, which saw an improvement of 17 ranks, as well as indicators for air connectivity, maritime connectivity, and road service quality,” Al-Jasser said.
He added: “Among other significant indicators is the reduction in fatalities and severe accidents on roads, achieved through an integrated national effort with other government entities. There is no doubt that progress has also been made across different modes of transport.”
The minister also highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is undergoing significant improvements, with a 50 percent increase in the number of international and domestic destinations connected to the Kingdom compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This reflects the sector’s rapid growth and its role in enhancing connectivity and economic activity.
A key goal of Vision 2030 is to create jobs and provide dignified employment opportunities for citizens.
“Saudi Arabia’s transport sector is at the core of our economic diversification efforts, providing critical infrastructure for all other industries,” Al-Jasser said.
He continued: “Investments exceeding SR447 billion have been made in the sector since the launch of the strategy. This includes more than 300 new aircraft ordered by national airlines, the highest in the Kingdom’s history, alongside significant expansions in logistics zones, maritime infrastructure, and other key areas.”
Al-Jasser highlighted the sector’s role in creating jobs, with 122,000 new employment opportunities generated by the third quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2023.
Additionally, women’s participation in transport has risen to 29 percent, a notable increase in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“The focus on developing local content has been equally impactful,” he emphasized. “The transport system has increased local content from 39 percent to 50 percent, putting us on track to achieve our Vision 2030 target of 60 percent.”
During the same session, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in the technology sector, attributing this success to investments in artificial intelligence-native companies and digital transformation.
“Today, companies like Mozn and Amplify are leading the charge in AI and innovative solutions. The Kingdom is positioning itself as a global powerhouse for tech-driven growth,” Al-Swaha said.
He continued: “The next phase will focus on technology manufacturing and exports. With the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, we will further strengthen our National Program for Technology Development to ensure Saudi Arabia’s technological sovereignty and prosperity.”
Al-Swaha emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging resources and infrastructure to build a globally competitive tech economy.
“This is a clear message to all tech professionals: we are ready to lead,” he concluded.
Iran reserves right to react to Israeli airstrikes, welcomes Lebanon ceasefire
- Asked whether the ceasefire could lead to an easing of tensions between Israel and Iran, Araghchi said: “It depends on the behavior of Israel“
- “Of course, we reserve the right to react to the recent Israeli aggression, but we do consider all developments in the region“
LISBON: Tehran reserves the right to react to Israeli airstrikes last month on Iran but also bears in mind other developments in the region, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday.
Araghchi told reporters during a trip to Lisbon that Iran welcomed Tuesday’s ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and hoped it could lead to a permanent ceasefire. The ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday under an agreement brokered by the United States and France.
Asked whether the ceasefire could lead to an easing of tensions between Israel and Iran, he said: “It depends on the behavior of Israel.”
“Of course, we reserve the right to react to the recent Israeli aggression, but we do consider all developments in the region,” he said.
Israel struck targets in Iran on Oct. 26 in retaliation for an Iranian missile barrage against Israel on Oct. 1.
Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said in an interview published by Iran’s Tasnim news agency on Sunday that his country was preparing to “respond” to Israel.
Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday Hezbollah had been “set back decades,” Araghchi said the armed group had not been weakened by Israel’s killing of many of its leaders since January and by its ground offensive against the group since early October.
Hezbollah has been able to reorganize itself and fight back effectively, Araghchi said.
“This is the main reason why Israel accepted the ceasefire...every time they (Hezbollah) lose their leaders or their commanders, they become bigger in both numbers and their strength,” he said.
His remarks echoed comments by a senior Hezbollah official, Hassan Fadlallah, who said the group would emerge from the war stronger and more numerous.
