King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to President Donald Trump following the shooting that kill 17 people at a Florida high school.
The Saudi King and Crown Prince both expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the people of the US.
Nikolas Cruz, 19 - who had white supremacist ties - is said to have confessed to police that he was the one who carried out the shooting on Wednesday using an AR-15 rifle, according to a sheriff’s department arrest report.
Cruz told investigators that he shot students in the hallways and on the grounds of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, north of Miami, the report from the Broward County Sheriff's Office said.
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Saudi leadership sends condolences to US, condemns Florida shooting
Saudi leadership sends condolences to US, condemns Florida shooting
Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Monday
- The directorate indicated that moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Tabuk, Madinah, Jouf, Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Hail, Qassim, Baha and Asir regions
Riyadh: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms and heavy rains are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense.
Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
According to the report, there will be dust-stirring winds, and moderate to heavy rain may fall in the Makkah and Riyadh regions.
The directorate indicated that moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Tabuk, Madinah, Jouf, Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Hail, Qassim, Baha and Asir regions.
The Jazan region will see light to moderate rain, while the Najran region will experience light rainfall, the report said.
The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.
Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr
- The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange
LOS ANGELES: Saudi Arabia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles marked Eid Al-Fitr with a festive celebration attended by Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid, officials from the US State Department, the Vice Mayor of Irvine James Mai, the former mayor of Irvine, and accredited consul generals.
The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Through such initiatives, the consulate aims to highlight the Kingdom’s rich heritage.
Arabic Language Month begins in Spain
- It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is hosting the Arabic Language Month program in Spain throughout April, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, promoting the language, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.
The progeam is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions, the SPA reported.
It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.
As part of the academy’s global Arabic teaching program, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its international reach and fostering global partnerships.
Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by far-right Israeli minister
- Foreign Ministry criticizes attacks on sanctity of the holy site
- Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security, statement says
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it strongly condemns “the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli national security minister under the protection of occupation police.”
The ministry reiterated its condemnation of the attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also condemned Israeli forces for targeting an UNRWA clinic in Jabaliya camp, northern Gaza, and denounced attacks on UN and relief organizations and their staff, the SPA added.
The ministry said: “The Kingdom condemns these ongoing Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and affirms its categorical rejection of anything that would undermine the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites.”
It added that Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security.
The ministry highlighted the importance of protecting UN and relief organizations, as well as their staff, and called for holding Israeli authorities accountable for all violations.
Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday prompted strong condemnation from Jordan and Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Rejoining the Israeli government
The minister, leader of the Israeli anti-Arab Otzma Yehudit party, visited the site after rejoining the government last month following the resumption of the war in Gaza.
Ben Gvir had quit the cabinet in January in protest at the ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian territory.
Since the formation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government at the end of 2022, Ben Gvir has made several trips to the Al-Aqsa compound, each time triggering international outcry.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also condemned Wednesday's visit as a "storming" and "an unacceptable provocation."
Hamas called it a "provocative and dangerous escalation," saying the visit was "part of the ongoing genocide against our Palestinian people."
"We call on our Palestinian people and our youth in the West Bank to escalate their confrontation... in defense of our land and our sanctities, foremost among them the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque," it said in a statement.
The site is Islam's third-holiest and a symbol of Palestinian national identity.
Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, it is also Judaism's holiest place, revered as the site of the second temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Under the status quo maintained by Israel, which has occupied east Jerusalem and its Old City since 1967, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there or display religious symbols.
Ben Gvir's spokesperson told AFP the minister "went there because the site was opened (for non-Muslims) after 13 days," during which access was reserved for Muslims for the festival of Eid Al-Fitr and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In recent years, growing numbers of Jewish ultranationalists have defied the rules, including Ben Gvir, who publicly prayed there in 2023 and 2024.
The Israeli government has said repeatedly that it intends to uphold the status quo at the compound but Palestinian fears about its future have made it a flashpoint for violence.
*Additional reporting from AFP
Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory
- Nawal Al-Anazi’s ‘ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally’
- Al-Anazi believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility
MAKKAH: In the world of equestrianism, where courage and endurance reign supreme, Saudi rider Nawal Al-Anazi has established herself as a rising star.
With unwavering determination and limitless ambition, she has transformed her childhood passion into a professional pursuit, becoming a certified equestrienne with the Saudi Federation and a proud horse owner who dreams of representing her nation on the international stage.
“I have been riding since childhood, but I decided to pursue it seriously about five years ago,” Al-Anazi explained. “What began as a hobby evolved into a lifestyle after I committed to intensive training under professional guidance.”
The road to professionalism was not without challenges, but Al-Anazi’s passion drove her forward. Through rigorous training and acquiring her own horses, she achieved a significant milestone by competing in the prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla.
“Participating in that championship fulfilled one dream, but I am setting my sights higher,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally.”
For Al-Anazi, equestrianism transcends sport; it is about forming profound connections with these animals. “Each horse has its unique personality,” she said.
“They are not just racing vehicles but true partners who understand their riders and respond accordingly. The relationship must be built on mutual trust and respect.”
The equestrienne emphasized that Saudi society has become increasingly supportive of women in this traditionally male-dominated sport. “I have received tremendous encouragement from my family, friends, and the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate,” she said. “This is a sport for everyone with the passion to pursue it.”
To aspiring equestriennes, she offers straightforward advice. “Follow your passion, train diligently, and embrace challenges. Equestrianism builds confidence and strength of character.”
For Al-Anazi, equestrianism is a lifestyle that demands commitment and enduring passion. She said that successful horsemanship requires patience and an intuitive understanding of each animal’s distinct character.
“The essence of true horsemanship is not about domination,” she explained. “It is about cultivating a partnership founded on mutual trust and respect.”
She believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility — qualities that extend beyond the riding arena into daily life. Her ambitions are not solely personal; she hopes to inspire other Saudi women to enter the field.
The rider said that contemporary Saudi women are empowered to fulfill their aspirations across all domains, with equestrianism now receiving substantial backing throughout the Kingdom.
“The journey toward any ambition begins with a single step forward. When you truly believe in your vision and pursue it with unwavering resolve, no obstacle can ultimately prevent your success,” she said.
As Al-Anazi continues her journey toward international competition, she remains grounded in her philosophy: “The horse is a magnificent creature that deserves our utmost respect. If you have a dream, pursue it relentlessly. With determination, you can overcome any obstacle and reach the top.”
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