JEDDAH: Following a series of high-profile meetings with the Saudi leadership, which resulted in King Salman ordering the easing of border restrictions and offering to cover all costs for Qatari pilgrims who wish to embark on this year’s Hajj, the recently-launched Twitter account of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani, a senior member of the Qatari royal family, became an instant hit among Arabs who voiced hope that he could achieve a full reconciliation between Doha and members of the Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ), including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt.
Last night, Sheikh Abdullah used his first Twitter post to thank King Salman for ensuring that Qatari pilgrims can take part in this year’s Hajj.
Sheikh Abdullah is regarded as an influential mediator, both in Saudi Arabia and by scores the region, given that he is a member of the Qatari royal family. His grandfather was the third ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassem Al-Thani, his father was the fourth ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani, and his brother was the fifth ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali Al-Thani. 
Sheikh Abdullah also tweeted that he requested that King Salman establish a hotline for Qataris who wish to visit relatives in Saudi Arabia.
“The king, as usual, approved my request and ordered the allocation of a special operations room to handle Qatari affairs run by a Saudi crew under my supervision, in light of the severed ties (between the two countries).”
He went on to share the hotline number, saying: “The special operations room for (the) Qatari people — from pilgrims (to) visitors and business owners — (is) 00966122367999.”
He added: “I call on all my brothers in Qatar, and those in need, to contact the number and their matters will be solved, God willing.”
He later addressed rumors that Qatari currency would no longer be allowed in Saudi Arabia, saying: “I asked my brother, the governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), about the accuracy of the suspension of the Qatari Riyal exchange for Qatari citizens and (he) denied the news.”
Meanwhile, many other users suggested he is a “sheikh of wisdom, voice of reason and a mediator for good.”
Others, mainly media personalities linked to Doha, have been skeptical of Sheikh Abdullah’s efforts and sought to ridicule his role and say that he does not represent the Qatari people or government.
For his part, Sheikh Abdullah went on to explain the intentions behind his mediation efforts, saying that he is working for the benefit and comfort of the Qatari people.
“The descendant of the rulers came looking for the interests of the brotherly Qatari people after the politically-adolescent approach adopted by the government of Qatar,” said one Twitter user.
Earlier, the Saudi king approved a plan to re-open the Salwa border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Qatar and also approved the dispatch of a private aircraft from Saudia’s fleet to Doha to fly Qatari pilgrims to Jeddah.
Qatari pilgrims were also allowed to pass through the border crossing for Hajj without electronic permits.
It has been nearly three months since the Anti-Terror Quartet severed ties with Doha over accusations of its support for terror and meddling in the internal affairs of its neighbors. Many world leaders and top diplomats, including the emir of Kuwait, have tried mediating but none have been successful in ending the rift.
‘Voice of reason’: Arab tweeps welcome Qatar’s Sheikh Abdullah as possible mediator to end rift with Doha
‘Voice of reason’: Arab tweeps welcome Qatar’s Sheikh Abdullah as possible mediator to end rift with Doha
LuLu marks 15 years with ‘Super Fest 2024’
LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the launch of Super Fest 2024, the biggest shopping event of the year. Running from Nov. 27 to Dec. 10, the festival celebrates LuLu’s journey of success and commitment to excellence. Customers can look forward to unbeatable deals and exciting prizes, making this a shopping experience like no other.
The festival features massive discounts across all sections, including supermarkets, fashion, electronics, mobile phones, and home appliances. With savings totaling SR25 million ($6.6 million), shoppers have an opportunity to enjoy exceptional value throughout the celebration period.
Adding to the excitement, Super Fest 2024 offers shoppers the chance to win 1,500 gifts and prizes worth up to SR1 million.
Ahead of the fest launch, an exclusive event was held at voco Riyadh. Attended by key suppliers, influencers, and media representatives, the event highlighted LuLu’s achievements over the past 15 years. Special anniversary products and exclusive fest offers were unveiled, setting the stage for the celebrations.
During the event, LuLu honored its key suppliers with tokens of appreciation, recognizing their critical role in the company’s success. This gesture reinforced LuLu’s commitment to building strong partnerships with its strategic retail collaborators.
Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia, said: “Today, as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of LuLu’s establishment in Saudi Arabia, we take pride in a journey full of achievements and partnerships with our community and loyal customers. This occasion is not just a milestone, but a testament to your trust and ongoing support, which motivates us to continue offering the best. We invite you to share these special moments with us and enjoy the largest deals and prizes we have specially prepared for you. Together, we continue the journey of success.”
“Over the years, LuLu has been one of the leading players in the retail sector, and we look forward to continuing to provide an exceptional shopping experience that meets and exceeds our customers’ expectations. This fest is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening our relationship with customers and offering them the best in the world of offers and shopping. We wish everyone a fantastic shopping experience,” he added.
Over the past 15 years, LuLu Saudi Arabia has established itself as a leader in the retail industry. Known for offering high-quality products at competitive prices, LuLu has built a strong network of stores across the Kingdom. The company’s focus on innovation and excellence has made it a trusted name in the retail sector.
Recently, LuLu began trading on ADX on Nov. 14 following its record-breaking IPO. The most significant aspect was the heavy pull in of first-time investors, all of whom made up 82,000+ retail investors, one of the highest recorded for a UAE IPO. The stock offering raised $1.72 billion, with aggregate demand at $37 billion for an oversubscription by 25 times. Trading began with a share price of 2.04 dirhams ($0.56) per share, showing positive trade.
UAE nationals picked up many of the LuLu shares, and foreign investors hold just over 77 percent of the stock, which is among the higher percentages of ADX-listed entities. Cornerstone investors included leading sovereign and institutional investors from across the GCC. Key investors in the LuLu IPO include Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, Emirates International Investment Company, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holdings, Oman Investment Authority, Kuwait Investment Authority, Qatar Investment Authority, Saudi PIF, Hassana Pension Fund, and the Singapore Sovereign Wealth Fund, among others.
Giannis, Lillard lead Bucks over Hornets as Spurs beat Warriors
- Despite a career-high 50-point performance by Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, the host Bucks improved to 8-9 on the season with a 4-0 home streak
- At Chicago, Scotty Pippen Jr. — the son of former Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen — scored 30 points and added 10 assists to lead Memphis over the Bulls 142-131
LOS ANGELES: Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 32 points and Damian Lillard added 31 to lead the Milwaukee Bucks over visiting Charlotte 125-119 on Saturday, stretching their NBA win streak to four games.
Despite a career-high 50-point performance by Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, the host Bucks improved to 8-9 on the season with a 4-0 home streak while Charlotte fell to 6-10.
“It just feels great to get another win on our home floor,” Lillard said.
“The way we started the season was rough. We’re starting to play the kind of basketball we wanted to play coming into the season. Now we’re starting to feel good about ourselves, on offense and defense.
“We’re starting to do what the coaches want us to do and we’re starting to get the results we want.”
Greek star Antetokounmpo went 12-of-23 from the floor and 7-of-10 from the free throw line while adding 11 rebounds and six assists for Milwaukee. Ball had 10 assists for the Hornets.
Brandon Miller, who had 32 points and 11 rebounds, sank a 3-point shot with 15 seconds remaining to lift Charlotte within 121-119 but Taurean Prince sank two free throws for the Bucks. Ball and Miller missed late 3-point attempts and Antetokounmpo added two final free throws to seal the victory.
Lillard said the players had to find a deeper bond to escape an early season funk.
“Just having to figure it out,” said Lillard. “Nobody is going to come save us. Nobody is going to feel bad for us having a hard time.
“We had to come closer, come together in practice, we’re talking through things in film, talking good things on the court, getting shots up together. Our group chat has been extremely active trying to encourage each other. It’s just coming together on the court.”
French star Victor Wembanyama had 25 points, seven rebounds and nine assists to spark the San Antonio Spurs over Western Conference leader Golden State 104-94.
The host Spurs also had 22 points from Harrison Barnes, 19 by Stephon Castle plus nine points and seven assists from Chris Paul, who played for Golden State last season.
San Antonio outscored the Warriors 33-13 in the final quarter to rally for the victory, improving to 9-8 while Golden State tumbled to 12-4, the same record as Oklahoma City.
The Warriors, who shot only 36.9 percent from the floor, were led by 20 points from Andrew Wiggins and 14 from Stephen Curry.
Finland’s Lauri Markkanen scored 34 points to lead the Utah Jazz over visiting New York 121-106, snapping the Knicks’ four-game win streak and a four-game Utah losing skid.
Markkanen hit 11-of-15 shots from the floor, 5-of-8 from 3-point range, and 7-of-8 free throws for the Jazz, who also had 25 points from Collin Sexton.
O.G. Anunoby led New York with 27 points while Jalen Brunson added 23 and Karl-Anthony Towns had 16 points and 16 rebounds.
At Chicago, Scotty Pippen Jr. — the son of former Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen — scored 30 points and added 10 assists to lead Memphis over the Bulls 142-131.
Pippen topped eight double-figure scorers for the Grizzlies while Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 29 points.
Germany’s Franz Wagner had 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to lead Orlando over Detroit 111-100, the Magic improving to 8-0 at home.
At Houston, Portland’s Anfernee Simons scored 25 points, Shaedon Sharpe added 24 and Donovan Clingan grabbed 19 rebounds to spark the Trail Blazers over the host Rockets 104-98.
Simons sank a 3-pointer with 27 seconds remaining to give the Blazers a 99-96 lead and late free throws by Deni Avdija, Simons and Sharpe clinched the triumph.
Jeeno Thitikul makes late charge to catch Angel Yin in the LPGA finale
- At stake is the richest payoff in women’s golf, $4 million to the winner
- Thitikul already picked up a $1 million bonus this week through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge
NAPLES: Angel Yin was making putts from across the green and threatening to build a big lead until Jeeno Thitikul finished eagle-birdie for a 9-under 63 to share the lead Saturday going into the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship with $4 million on the line.
Yin had a 69 after another day of big putts and one chip-in from some 60 feet for eagle on the par-5 sixth hole that put her comfortably ahead at Tiburon Golf Club.
She holed a 30-footer on the eighth hole, another birdie from about 25 feet on the ninth hole and another one from the 30-foot range on the 12th.
Thitikul seemed to be an afterthought until she lit it up on the back nine for a 30. The Thai started the back nine with three straight bogeys, but she made up quick ground at the end with her eagle on the reachable par-5 17th and a birdie on the closing hole.
The birdie briefly gave her the lead until Yin made birdie on the 17th to join her. They were tied at 15-under 201, three shots head of Ruoning Yin, who birdied her last two for a 66.
Charley Hull had seven birdies in her round of 66 and was at 11-under 205, along with Narin An of South Korea.
Nelly Korda, who got back into the mix on Friday after a sluggish start, lost ground with a 69 on a pleasant day that left her six shots back going into the final round. Korda has won four of her seven LPGA titles this year coming from behind. This could be a tall order.
At stake is the richest payoff in women’s golf, $4 million to the winner, nearly as much as Korda has made all year in her seven-victory season.
Thitikul already picked up a $1 million bonus this week through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge, a competition based on how players score on a designated hole each week. Now she could leave Florida with a total of $5 million.
“Actually, $1 million is really good enough for me,” Thitikul said. “If I can get more, it’s definitely going to be nice, because as my team know I spend a lot of money. That’s why I have to keep playing good golf, like spending on shopping day.”
Angel Yin heard plenty of cheers for her long birdie putts, and the chip-in for eagle. She also was helped by a couple of pars after bad drives. She went well to the left at No. 10, did well to blast out on a blind shot just short of the green and then got up-and-down with a pitch to 4 feet.
And then on the 13th, another tee shot went well to the left. She tried to get it back in play from just in front of some bushes, and from 50 yards hit wedge to about 15 feet. She holed that putt, too, that kept her in front.
“I’m scoring still,” Yin said. “Making some mistakes, but saving a bunch, so a lot of positives.”
Pakistan partially stops mobile and Internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest
- Sunday’s protest is to demand Khan’s release
- The government is imposing social media platform bans and targeting VPN services, according to monitoring service Netblocks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Sunday suspended mobile and Internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan geared up for a protest in the capital.
The government and Interior Ministry posted the announcement on social media platform X, which is banned in Pakistan. They did not specify the areas, nor did they say how long the suspension would be in place.
“Internet and mobile services will continue to operate as usual in the rest of the country,” the posts said. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry was not immediately available for comment.
Khan has been in prison for more than a year and has over 150 criminal cases against him. But he remains popular and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI, says the cases are politically motivated.
His supporters rely heavily on social media to demand his release and use messaging platforms like WhatsApp to share information, including details of events.
Pakistan has already sealed off the capital Islamabad with shipping containers and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with PTI strongholds in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The government is imposing social media platform bans and targeting VPN services, according to monitoring service Netblocks. On Sunday, Internet-access advocacy group, Netblocks said live metrics showed WhatsApp backends are restricted in Pakistan, affecting media sharing on the app.
Last month, authorities suspended the cellphone service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to thwart a pro-Khan rally. The shutdown disrupted communications and affected everyday services such as banking, ride-hailing and food delivery.
Fire rips through slum area in Philippine capital
- Manila Fire District said around 1,000 houses were destroyed in the blaze
- The structures housed around 2,000 families, according to the fire department
MANILA: Raging orange flames and thick black smoke billowed into the sky Sunday as fire ripped through hundreds of houses in a closely built slum area of the Philippine capital Manila.
Manila Fire District said around 1,000 houses were burned in the blaze that is thought to have started on the second floor of one of the homes.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Drone footage shared online by the city’s disaster agency showed houses in Isla Puting Bato village of Manila razed to the ground.
The structures housed around 2,000 families, according to the fire department.
Village resident Leonila Abiertas, 65, lost almost all her possessions, but managed to save her late husband’s ashes.
“I only got the urn with the ashes of my husband,” a crying Abiertas said.
“I really don’t know how I can start my life again after this fire.”
Fire and disaster services deployed 36 trucks and four fire boats while the country’s airforce sent in two helicopters to help extinguish the fire.
“That area is fire-prone since most of the houses there are made of light materials,” firefighter Geanelli Nunez said.
