RIYADH: Abdullatif Al-Zayani, secretary-general of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has strongly protested and condemned the “irresponsible” attacks and accusations levelled against the GCC by Qatari mainstream media.
The condemnation by Al-Zayani coincides with the announcement made by Manama on Wednesday that visa restrictions would be imposed on Qatari nationals.
A statement from the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said Manama’s visa requirements for nationals and residents of Qatar will apply from Nov. 10. “The new measures aim to prevent harming the security and stability of Bahrain, particularly in light of the latest repercussions of the crisis with Qatar,” said the statement.
In the past, all citizens of the GCC were free to travel to any member state only by carrying their nationality card.
In a statement issued by the GCC General Secretariat late on Tuesday, Al-Zayani lambasted the Qatari media and said: “This is an unjust campaign that has gone beyond all customs, values and media professionalism by using a discourse that is unusual among Gulf nationals and that is full of abuses, insults and lack of respect.” He also denounced what he said were Qatari media attempts to suggest that his Bahraini nationality influenced his approach to the GCC conflict.
The GCC chief said: “Officials in the Qatari government and the Qatari media are fully aware that the solution of the crisis and the end of its repercussions are in the hands of the GCC leaders, who are the members of the supreme council, and no one else.”
The statement said that the job of the secretary-general is to “execute orders,” not resolve crises. “I am fully committed to shouldering the responsibilities, tasks and duties assigned by the Supreme Council to preserve the coherence of the GCC bloc, and its regional and international achievements,” Al-Zayani added.
“At the same time, I will remain a righteous son of the Kingdom of Bahrain, loyal to its leaders and attached to my patriotism,” reaffirmed Al-Zayani, while calling on the Qatari media “to stop resorting to media practices that harm, divide, do not contribute to bringing brothers closer and hinder the good mediation efforts undertaken by Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, a leader known for his wisdom, loyalty and love for the GCC countries and people.”
Commenting on the intransigence of Qatar and the measures taken by Bahrain, Dr. Solaiman Al-Otaibi, a faculty member of the political science department at King Saud University, said: “Bahrain has taken the right measures to ensure security for itself, and for the region as a whole … There is a need to monitor the movements of Qatari nationals because of their complicity in acts of terror,” Al-Otaibi added.
“Qatar has been supporting extremism and terrorism, which prompted the Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ) to isolate that Gulf state,” said Hanif Razdan, a local PR strategist. He called on Qatar to comply with “the demands of the ATQ for an early resolution to the worsening crisis before it gets too late.”
GCC chief blasts Qatar media over accusations and insults
GCC chief blasts Qatar media over accusations and insults
Human resource ministry completes rollout of ‘Professional Verification’ service for expat workers in 160 countries
- Service aims to give expat workers reliable academic qualifications, experience and skills required by Saudi labor market
- Ministry of Human Resources has covered 1,007 professions as part of implementing ‘Professional Verification’ service
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has completed the final phase of covering all targeted countries that export labor through the “Professional Verification” service within the “Professional Accreditation” program. This initiative aims to enhance the skill levels of the expatriate workforce. The target was achieved by covering 160 countries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This service is in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 195, which aims to ensure that expatriate workers possess reliable academic qualifications, as well as the practical experience and skills required by the Saudi labor market before entering the Kingdom.
The “Professional Verification” service focuses on the competence of workers in high-skill professions, as well as verifying the alignment of academic qualifications with the appropriate level and field of study. This is done in accordance with approved standards, such as the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions and the Saudi Unified Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations. The service is fully automated and is provided through a unified platform for professional verification, following simplified and fast procedures.
The Ministry of Human Resources has covered 1,007 professions as part of the implementation phases of the “Professional Verification” service, targeting all labor-exporting countries worldwide. The Ministry will continue to cover all high-skill professions, which fall within groups 1-3 according to the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions, including engineering and health professions, in coordination with the relevant government authorities.
It is worth noting the fact that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims, through this service, to regulate the labor market, improve the quality of jobs and services within the labor market, and enhance productivity levels.
Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrives in Lebanon for first visit in 15 years
- This one-day trip marks the first high-ranking Saudi visit to Lebanon since 2015
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, arrived in Lebanon on Thursday for the first visit to Beirut by Riyadh’s top diplomat in 15 years.
Announced earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, this one-day trip marks the first high-ranking Saudi visit to Lebanon since 2015, after years of strained ties over Lebanon’s perceived alignment with Iran, its role in drug smuggling to Gulf countries, and persistent instability.
Prince Faisal welcomed Lebanon’s recent election of a president, following a prolonged political vacuum, calling it a positive development. He expressed the Kingdom's support for the potential formation of a new government but stressed that Lebanon must pursue real reforms and take a forward-looking approach for sustainable progress.
He underscored that Lebanon's future is in the hands of its people and called on them to make decisions that would steer the country toward a new direction.
Saudi authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday
- The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday
- It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Kingdom with the inclement weather to continue until Monday.
The National Center for Meteorology said in its forecast: “There are chances of moderate to heavy rain in most areas of the Kingdom starting Thursday. Cloudy weather will continue until Monday.”
It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions, the NCM said.
The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday, it added.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense also issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with heavy thunderstorms expected to continue until Monday.
The Makkah and Riyadh regions may experience moderate to heavy rainfall, hailstorms and dust-stirring winds, it said.
Moderate to heavy rain is also forecast for Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, the Eastern Region, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders.
Light to moderate rain may fall in Madinah. Najran and Tabuk may experience light rain showers, it added.
The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions and avoid areas prone to flash flooding, such as valleys.
“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it said.
It also called on the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates through Civil Defense channels as well as the NCM.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and Hajj seasons, the NCM launched training programs for employees of the Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques to enhance precautions against extreme weather phenomena.
Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition
- Artist’s late father inspired the display
- Photographs, digital art and videos portray scenes of prayer
RIYADH: An exhibition in Bahrain by Saudi artist Emtethal Al-Awami’s explored themes of memory, nostalgia, and the intersection of past and present.
“101 Hymns” featured photographs, digital art and videos portraying scenes of prayer, providing a rich and visually engaging experience.
Al-Awami, from Qatif, told Arab News the idea for the exhibition was inspired by her late father, whose actions and movements during prayer and tasbih she had observed throughout her life.
“The movement of his fingers between the beads of the prayer rosary and the sound of his voice reflected moments of serenity and reassurance, embodying feelings of forgiveness and harmony,” she said.
“The scene represents a deep connection with the self, offering a person the time to reflect and return to their true essence.”
The prayer rosary, a symbol of spirituality used across different religions and cultures for over 3,000 years, served as a tool to restore calm amidst the chaos and speed of everyday life, added Al-Awami.
“101 Hymns” sought to show how prayer and tasbih become a sanctuary in a world of pressures and challenges, opening the door to tranquility.
“By observing my father, I realized that these moments provide valuable lessons on patience and serenity, as the soft sound of the prayer beads soothes the soul and offers a deep sense of security,” she said.
After taking time to mourn and reflect following her father’s death around 18 months ago, the Saudi artist said she was determined to complete the project and present it in his honor.
“He was my inspiration and my first supporter, and this idea reflects my love and pride for his spiritual journey, which I aspire to share with others through this exhibit,” she told Arab News.
Al-Awami’s journey as an artist began at an early age with a deep fascination for art and its vast possibilities in various forms of expression. She studied art education at King Saud University in Riyadh, graduating in 1996.
“The initial spark of my artistic journey can be traced back to a specific moment of introspection as I observed the world around me — seeing the beauty in everyday life and realizing the power of visual storytelling,” she said.
She added she was inspired to commit to the pursuit of art as a form of synthesis between individual experiences and broader societal themes.
During her journey to becoming a professional artist, Al-Awami experimented with different styles and mediums which allowed her to progress and refine her voice, establishing her own artistic identity.
“I have learned to weave cultural narratives into my work, and my experiments with different styles and ideas enrich my artistic practice, allowing me to tell diverse stories through my art,” she explained.
As a Saudi artist, Al-Awami often highlights cultural narratives shaped by her own experiences. Arabian art is distinguished by its unique disposition, rooted in a rich history of spiritual, cultural and social chronicles, she said: “It embodies a fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary themes, continually reflecting the dynamic nature of Arab identity, resilience, and creativity across generations.”
Al-Awami emphasized the significant development the artistic community has seen in the Arab world, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Marked by increased recognition of contemporary artists and openness to diverse forms of expression, the Kingdom’s art scene is strongly supported by the government under the Ministry of Culture.
“The emergence of new platforms for showcasing art has revitalized the art scene, fostering collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries,” Al-Awami said.
“As a Saudi woman and artist, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to authentically represent my community. This journey requires overcoming challenges, yet it is rewarding to shed light on the arts and demonstrate that creativity and expression are equally important (as STEM) in enriching society.”
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, the two officials reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the United States, discussing areas of mutual cooperation and ways to further enhance them.
They also addressed the latest regional and international developments and exchanged views on several issues of common interest.
