RIYADH: In a renewed move to defuse the worsening Qatar crisis, the US has announced plans to send a team including Tim Lenderking, deputy assistant secretary of state for Arabian Gulf Affairs, and retired Gen. Anthony Zinni to the Gulf within the next few days.
“The plans are being finalized,” said Jacob A. Williams, a US Embassy spokesman, on Sunday, who referred to a statement by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson of the visit of Lenderking and Zinni to the Gulf late last week.
Tillerson said: “I am going to dispatch Tim back to the area… and I have also asked Zinni to be with Tim so that we can maintain a constant pressure on the ground … We are committed to see this disagreement resolved, restore Gulf unity, because we think it is important to the long-term effort to defeat terrorism in the region.”
Referring to his visit to the Kingdom and Qatar recently, Tillerson said: “An important part of the trip, when I was in the region, was to sign a memorandum between the US and Qatar to address terrorism, counterterrorism, terror financing and the identification of known or suspected terrorist.”
The Anti-Terror Quartet (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt) severed its diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar on June 5 this year, after accusing Doha of supporting extremists and funding terrorism.
Referring to the US position on the row between the Quartet and Qatar, the US secretary of state said that “we are quite concerned about this dispute because we think it is destabilizing to the Gulf itself and undermines unity in the GCC, which we believe is important to maintain stability in the region.”
While it was not clear if Zinni will be taking charge of the Qatar file as an official envoy for the US government, the news of his visit was welcomed by policy experts in Washington. “Few American figures are as well respected and well-liked by all GCC governments as Zinni,” said Marcelle Wahba, president of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. She described Zinni as the “perfect envoy to the region.”
US dispatching team to work on Qatar dispute
US dispatching team to work on Qatar dispute
Kingdom sends aid to Syria in fifth airlift
- KSrelief’s mission spans multiple countries, providing critical aid, medical services
RIYADH: The fifth airlift relief plane, operated by Saudi aid agency KSrelief, arrived on Saturday at Damascus International Airport in Syria.
The plane, which left from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, carried food, shelter and medical supplies to help address the difficult conditions faced by the Syrian people.
The humanitarian initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
On Jan. 1, Saudi Arabia launched the delivery by air initiative with two planes to provide essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the new leadership to rebuild the country after years of civil war.
KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said that the aid delivered by air would be followed by aid delivered by land in the coming days to provide urgent relief to the Syrian people.
According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.
Meanwhile, KSrelief continues its humanitarian efforts in Palestine, Pakistan, Yemen, The Gambia and Bangladesh, benefiting thousands.
In Gaza, KSrelief distributed 4,494 shelter kits in one day, providing essential materials such as blankets, mattresses, kitchen utensils and water containers to displaced families during a wave of cold weather.
In Pakistan, 1,000 food baskets were distributed in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in a single day, aiding 5,947 individuals affected by flash floods.
In Yemen, KSrelief recently concluded its CPR training program in Aden governorate, conducting five sessions for 57 participants to improve medical skills.
In Abyan governorate, KSrelief distributed 2,754 food baskets in one day, helping 19,278 people.
In The Gambia, KSrelief’s Saudi Noor program examined 3,655 patients, distributed 750 pairs of eyeglasses and performed 196 eye surgeries in Farafenni.
In Bangladesh, KSrelief’s Saudi Noor program in Rajshahi examined 4,253 patients, distributed 1,615 pairs of eyeglasses and performed 503 eye surgeries.
Since its launch in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,208 projects worth more than $7.2 billion in 105 countries, in cooperation with 458 local, regional and international partners.
The agency’s programs include food security, water sanitation and hygiene, health, education, emergency aid, nutrition, protection, early recovery, logistics and telecommunications.
Saudi authorities warn of rain starting Sunday
- Strong winds of up to 60 km/h may stir dust, while torrential rain, hail, and high waves along the coasts are possible
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy rain across most regions of the Kingdom from Sunday until Wednesday.
Strong winds of up to 60 km/h may stir dust, while torrential rain, hail, and high waves along the coasts are possible, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Rain will affect the Tabuk, Northern Borders, Jouf, Madinah, Makkah, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, Eastern Province, Baha and Asir regions.
According to the center, rain is expected in the Tabuk and Madinah regions on Sunday and Monday, in Jouf and the Northern Borders from Sunday evening to Tuesday, and in Hail and Qassim on Monday and Tuesday.
Rain is also expected to fall in the Riyadh region from Monday to Wednesday, in the Eastern Province on Tuesday and Wednesday, and in Makkah on Monday and Tuesday.
The center said people should stay informed about the weather through its daily reports, the Anwaa app, and social media.
The authorities also urged them to avoid valleys and low-lying water-logged areas susceptible to flooding.
For safety, the center also advises following instructions issued by relevant authorities.
Kingdom arrests 19,541 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,541 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 11,402 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,775 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,364 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 953 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 58 percent were Ethiopian, 40 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 129 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 27 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as 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.
Saudi king, crown prince offer condolences to US president for victims of New Orleans attack
- A pickup truck rampage in New Orleans on Jan. 1 by US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar killed 14 people and injured dozens more
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered their condolences to US President Joe Biden on Friday for the victims of the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
“As we condemn this shameful act, we express to Your Excellency, to the families of the deceased and to the friendly people of the United States of America our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing the injured a speedy recovery,” King Salman said in a cable, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Crown Prince Mohammed, who is also the Kingdom’s prime minister, sent a similar cable to President Biden.
Fourteen people were killed and dozens were injured in a pickup truck rampage by US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar in the southern city of New Orleans on Jan. 1, in what the FBI said was an act of terrorism inspired by the Daesh group. He was later killed in a shootout with police.
FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said on Thursday that videos made by Jabbar just before the attack showed that the 42-year-old Texas native supported Daesh, claimed to have joined the militant group before last summer and believed in a “war between the believers and nonbelievers.”
The FBI, however, clarified that Jabbar acted alone.
Jabbar’s rampage happened on the same day Matthew Livelsberger, an active duty member of the US Army Special Forces, drove a Tesla Cybertruck packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters and exploded it outside the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, injuring seven people.
Investigators on Friday said that Livelsberger wrote that the explosion was meant to serve as a “wake-up call” and that the country was “terminally ill and headed toward collapse.”
– with AP
From Seoul to Saudi: How Korean and Japanese stores are influencing Saudi tastes
- Exotic flavors find favor in Saudi cities
- Food trend spurred by pop stars and TV dramas
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s streets are no stranger to international flavors, but in recent years, Korean and Japanese specialty supermarkets have found new popularity. From rows of instant noodles and savory sauces to unique skincare products, these stores offer a slice of East Asia in the heart of Saudi Arabia. Cities like Riyadh and Alkhobar are embracing this cultural and culinary fusion, highlighting the growing appetite for global experiences among Saudis, driven by the influence of entertainment and a desire for novelty.
Korean culture, spearheaded by the global phenomenon of K-pop and K-dramas, has taken the world by storm, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. For Fahad Al-Salmi, the owner of the Japanese and Korean Mart in Riyadh, this cultural wave was a business opportunity waiting to happen. “Our decision to open a Korean supermarket in Saudi Arabia was driven by a growing interest in Korean culture, particularly through K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine,” Al-Salmi told Arab News.
“Many Saudis are curious about trying new flavors and exploring international cultures, and Korea has become a popular trend. We saw an opportunity to introduce authentic Korean products to satisfy that demand and to offer a unique experience for local customers,” he added.
This curiosity is translating into tangible lifestyle changes. Korean snacks, instant noodles, and condiments like gochujang (Korean chili paste) and soy sauce have become staples for many families. Al-Salmi observes that these products are now becoming integrated into everyday meals for many Saudi households. “With the influence of Korean entertainment, many Saudis are more open to trying international foods and incorporating them into their diets,” he noted.
HIGHLIGHTS
• While Riyadh has witnessed a growing number of specialty stores, cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are also joining the movement.
• By offering authentic and unique products, Korean and Japanese supermarkets are creating connections between cultures.
For Abdusalam Thodi, the owner of Kimchi Supermarket in Riyadh, the inspiration was personal. “I was inspired by Korea to open a Korean supermarket because I studied there,” shared Thodi. “Our bestsellers are Korean noodles and sauces, but we also offer a wide range of cultural products and specialty foods. Korean cuisine and culture are rapidly growing in popularity here in Saudi Arabia, and we’re proud to be part of this exciting trend.”
While Riyadh has witnessed a growing number of these specialty stores, cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are also joining the movement. The expansion into these regions highlights the nationwide appeal of Korean and Japanese supermarkets, catering to the tastes and preferences of Saudis across the Kingdom.
The allure of these supermarkets extends far beyond their aisles. They offer customers the chance to engage with a lifestyle that, until recently, was only accessible through screens. For long-time K-drama fan Fatimah Al-Dossari, the emergence of Korean supermarkets has been a dream come true.
With the influence of Korean entertainment, many Saudis are more open to trying international foods and incorporating them into their diets.
Fahad Al-Salmi, Japanese and Korean Mart owner
“I’ve been watching Korean dramas for 20 years, and I never imagined I’d get to try the food they enjoy on screen!” said Al-Dossari. “It’s amazing to see so many supermarkets now offering popular Korean snacks, noodles, cooking sauces, and seasonings. I couldn’t be happier — shopping for these items has become a regular treat for me every three weeks!"
Zainab Al-Salman, a frequent customer, describes the experience of shopping at these stores as a unique cultural adventure. “Trying new things that represent a different culture is always a great way to get to know this culture in your home and have a fun time exploring it,” she said. “Every time I go, it’s like visiting a museum. I tend to feel happy and joyful trying to pick what I will try next that I haven’t tried before.”
Al-Salman also appreciates the practical advantages of these markets. “Specialty markets often offer more options than just one section in other regular markets, and sometimes they are even cheaper,” she added.
The availability of Korean and Japanese products is fostering new habits in families. Al-Salman shared how her family’s shopping behavior has evolved thanks to these specialty supermarkets.
“Yes, it did help me build some habits like buying a kimchi bowl every few months for the family,” she explained. “That opened their eyes to other different things.”
Korean and Japanese supermarkets offer products and experiences that traditional supermarkets cannot replicate.
“Some of these products are not popular (enough) to be produced and sold in our markets, like different types of skincare products that are more effective than others,” noted Al-Salman. “This makes the supermarkets more attractive due to having more options to choose between.”
Al-Salman described how specialty markets provide a sense of wonder for shoppers. “For people who’ve never visited, their first visit is always like a good experience for them to see different things than a regular market,” she said.
For business owners like Al-Salmi and Thodi, the journey is as rewarding as it is exciting. By offering authentic and unique products, they are creating connections between cultures.
As Al-Dossari summed it up: “It’s amazing to see how food can bring people closer to a culture.”
With the growing influence of global cultures, Saudi Arabia’s retail sector is transforming, one supermarket aisle at a time. Cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are now key players in this transformation, ensuring that the bond between cultures continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
