JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received senior US officials including presidential adviser Jared Kushner in Jeddah on Tuesday and discussed efforts to bring about peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.
The crown prince also discussed ways to combat terrorist financing with Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, as well as US negotiator Jason Greenblatt and Deputy National Security Adviser Dina Powell, the SPA said.
The two sides talked about seeking ways to reach “a real and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians” and ensuring stability in the wider Middle East and beyond, the SPA added.
Both sides also stressed their commitment to bolstering bilateral relations.
They affirmed their joint priorities in cutting off all forms of support to terrorists and extremists, and to coordinate efforts for the development of a global center for combating deviant thought.
The meeting was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Khalid bin Salman, State Minister Musaid Al-Aiban and Yasir Al-Rimyan, an adviser at the Cabinet secretariat.
The White House announced the trip earlier this month, saying it was part of a regional tour including meetings with leaders from the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The US officials are expected to be in Israel on Wednesday, a White House official said. They are planning to meet separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday, according to AP.
Kushner, Greenblatt and Powell have been heavily involved in a behind-the-scenes process to help Trump broker peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, which the first-year president has called the “ultimate deal.”
The talks this week are aimed at helping forge a path to substantive peace negotiations, but no major breakthroughs are expected.
Trump has not outright endorsed the two-state solution, which has been at the heart of US policy for nearly two decades.
The president has urged Israel to show restraint in settlement construction but not demanded a freeze, disappointing the Palestinians. Trump also pushed back a decision on his campaign pledge to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel has welcomed the promise, while the Palestinians have strongly opposed it.
Kushner was charged with helping to broker a deal between Israelis and Palestinians after Trump took office.
The president visited Saudi Arabia and Israel during his first post-inauguration trip abroad and expressed a personal commitment to reaching a deal that has eluded his Republican and Democratic predecessors, according to Reuters.
On August 22, 2017, Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner, Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy Dina Powell, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking met with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and his senior advisors. The two sides affirmed the close relationship between the two countries and committed to strengthen the relationship and close cooperation. Both sides also agreed to advance their shared goal of working toward a genuine and lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and ensuring security, stability, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond. Both sides stressed their shared priority of cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists. They also discussed the continued development of the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology.
Meanwhile, the US delegation also met with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and his senior advisors. The two sides affirmed their close relationship and committed to strengthen their close cooperation. Both sides also agreed to advance their shared goal of achieving genuine and lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and ensuring security, stability, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond. Both sides stressed their shared priority of cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists.
Saudi Arabia, US in search of ‘real’ Mideast peace
Saudi Arabia, US in search of ‘real’ Mideast peace
Saudi authorities warn of inclement weather as country braces for heavy rainfall
- Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday
- Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast more rain accompanied by thunderstorms across several regions, with a red alert in Makkah, Asir and Baha regions due to the inclement weather.
The National Center for Meteorology forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in parts of Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah.
Fog may form in some areas of these regions, it added.
Temperatures will drop and frost may form in the northern parts of the Kingdom, according to the NCM.
It added that dust-stirring winds will blow and rain may fall in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Region and Jazan regions.
Meanwhile, Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday. Some areas in the capital also were lashed by hail.
Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas, forcing the Civil Defense to warn against venturing into flooded areas and valleys.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued warnings and safety instructions, as the country braces for heavy rainfall, urging the public to stay at home, avoid valleys and waterlogged areas, and adhere to all safety directives.
“We follow the weather conditions in some areas of the Kingdom, and call for staying away from valleys and water bodies,” the Civil Defense posted on X.
“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it added.
Makkah Governorate on X posted several videos of heavy rains, thunderstorm and waterspouts.
Social media is filled with videos from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and the Red Sea City of Jeddah, showing streets and city roads flooded, and cars submerged as result of heavy rainfall.
According to the NCM, winds over the Red Sea will be northeasterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part at speeds of 20-50 km per hour. Waves may range from one meter and a half to more than two meters, and the sea will be relatively calm to choppy.
KSrelief delivers critical food, shelter aid to Syrian families
- Saudi aid agency also launches voluntary program to support Syrian healthcare sector
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief on Tuesday distributed food and shelter aid to 200 families in the city of Douma, in the Rif Dimashq governorate of Syria, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Also on Tuesday, KSrelief distributed food and shelter aid in the village of Nasib, in the Daraa governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
To date, seven planes carrying food, medical supplies, and shelter materials have arrived at Damascus International Airport as part of a Saudi relief airlift.
Additionally, 60 Saudi trucks containing essential supplies, including food, shelter materials, and medical supplies crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria as part of a Saudi relief land bridge operated by KSrelief.
On Jan. 1, Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to provide essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the country’s new leadership to rebuild after years of civil war.
According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.
Recently, Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Fadi Al-Qassem met with the KSrelief team in Damascus, where they discussed ways to deliver aid to the Syrian people and coordination between the Saudi aid agency and civil society organizations in the country.
Al-Qassem commended the support provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief and praised the Kingdom’s prompt response to the humanitarian situation in Syria.
Syrian Minister of Health Dr. Maher Al-Sharaa also met with the KSrelief team and discussed ways to contribute to addressing the needs of the Syrian healthcare sector.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, KSrelief continues implementing its project to enhance healthcare services for Syrian refugees and the host community in the town of Arsal.
In one month, the Arsal Primary Health Care Center received 12,676 patients and provided 23,386 services across various departments.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of those in need, particularly Syrian refugees affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
KSrelief also announced the opening of registration for the Saudi Voluntary Program for Syrians. The program aims to support the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts by providing critical emergency and medical services to Syrians in need.
The initiative covers surgery, psychological support, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, internal medicine, pediatrics, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, and prosthetics, among other treatments.
Registration is available here.
Al-Ahsa’s bishts are exquisitely tailored, rich cultural symbols
- Known across the Arab world for their elegance, quality and intricate embroidery
RIYADH: Al-Ahsa is known for its diverse industries and handicrafts, particularly the Hasawi bishts, which are sought-after across the Arab world for their exquisite tailoring, quality and intricate embroidery.
The Hasawi bisht is favored by dignitaries, officials and businesspeople for its aesthetics as well as the rich culture it represents, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
They come in dark or light fabrics depending on taste, the occasion and season.
These garments are often adorned with silk thread, as well as golden and silver zari embroidery in shades of yellow, reddish hues, and white, the SPA reported.
Handmade bishts continue to be in demand despite machine-made options.
Certain families in Al-Ahsa and elsewhere in the Kingdom are renowned for their expertise in crafting handmade and artisanal bishts, with meticulous attention to design, shape and embroidery.
Prices vary based on craftsmanship, fabric quality, and the type of zari used. Fabrics from Japan or Kashmir, along with German zari, are factors in determining cost.
Winter bishts, woven from camel hair, come in varying quality and are distinguished by their thickness and weight compared to those made for summer.
Bisht fabrics are woven in Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan, with China and India offering similar manufactured options, the SPA added.
The embellishment of the winter Hasawi bisht initially had silk thread, and later incorporated golden and silver.
Stitching the karmuk, the wide section adorned with zari, can take 14 days by hand, while a machine can complete the task in two hours.
Riyadh to host Saudi orchestra concert
- Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences
- Concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission is to host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Riyadh for the first time.
Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences.
It will be held under the patronage of Culture Minister and Music Commission Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
The concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour, reports the Saudi Press Agency.
The orchestra and choir have brought Saudi heritage to prestigious stages worldwide, beginning in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet and followed by performances at the National Theatre in Mexico, New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, Central Hall Westminster in London, and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.
The Riyadh concert promises a captivating musical experience, with timeless melodies that guide the audience through the Kingdom’s heritage and highlight its cultural legacy and artistic depth.
Historic exhibit in Makkah spotlights Prophet Muhammad’s journey
- At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad
RIYADH: The Hira Cultural District in Makkah is alive with activities as part of the Hira Winter events, coinciding with the mid-year vacation.
A variety of attractions and services are being offered to visitors until Jan. 10, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad.
The exhibition focuses on the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad, immersing visitors in the pivotal moment of his life, the SPA added.
Guests can explore the revelation story, the Cave of Hira and learn about Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of Believers, and the angel Gabriel through interactive museum displays.
Using cutting-edge technology like interactive screens and realistic simulations, the exhibition offers an immersive experience for visitors.
Historical artifacts are also on display, including a photocopy of the Qur’an attributed to Uthman bin Affan, one of the oldest surviving mushafs, highlighting Muslims’ dedication to preserving the holy book.
The exhibition also showcases ancient stone inscriptions with Qur’anic verses, reflecting Muslim efforts to safeguard sacred texts.
The district also offers a unique shopping experience, with handicrafts and traditional products. It is located near the Cave of Hira and the iconic Jabal Al-Nour.
