JEDDAH: The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi militia’s aggression toward the Kingdom on Thursday, describing it as a failed attempt by a corrupt tyrant who was “not of Islam.”
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, who is the head of the Supreme Council of Scholars, praised the courage of the Saudi forces who had defended the country from the attacks.
Saudi air defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles fired toward various targets in Saudi Arabia by Houthi militia in Yemen earlier this week. He said: “We must be united with our leaders and we appeal to them ... and defend them.”
The Grand Mufti said the attack was a “serious criminal act of aggression that was misguided and was not an Islamic act.” He described the Houthis as “corrupt tyrants,” whose actions bore no relation to Islam.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN Security Council’s members stressed that the attacks are a serious threat to the Kingdom’s security and to regional security. Concern was expressed over Houthi militias’ declaration that they plan to continue attacking the Kingdom and other countries in the region.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Iran is supplying Houthi militia in Yemen with weapons. “There is a problem in Yemen that the political process has not started and that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is under constant attacks being carried out by Houthi militias who are getting weapons from Iran,” he said.
The Australian Imams Council condemned the launch of ballistic missiles by Iran-backed Houthi militias in several cities of the Kingdom, including Riyadh.
President of Australian Imams Council Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman said in a statement: “The more-than-200-member Council, Australia’s largest Islamic legal body, condemns this aggressive and criminal act, and affirms its stand by the Kingdom in defending its security and stability and confronting the repeated attacks carried out by Iran-backed Houthi militias.”
The Islamic communities in Australia also condemned the missile attack in Saudi Arabia.
“The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils condemns this criminal operation,” the head of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Dr. Rateb Junaid, said in a statement.
For its part, the Association of Muslims Union of Australia (UMA) has condemned the Houthis’ targeting of cities and residential communities with ballistic missiles while the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization (AICTO) condemned the launching of ballistic missiles carried out by Houthi coup militias on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued on Thursday, AICTO stressed its solidarity with the Kingdom in confronting any attempt to threaten its security and stability, praising the success of the Saudi military forces.
Grand Mufti of the Republic of Tunisia Sheikh Othman Battikh said: ”This is done by those who do not want the good for the Arab and Islamic world, as the attack on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an attack on the entire Muslim World and Muslims wherever they are. It is undoubtedly a crime against all peace advocates in the world.”
Saudi’s Grand Mufti slams Houthis as ‘corrupt tyrants’
Saudi’s Grand Mufti slams Houthis as ‘corrupt tyrants’
Heart of Africa’s culture, cuisine now at Boulevard World
- Food, coffee, music, crafts on offer in Riyadh
- New zone features giraffes, lions and parrots
RIYADH: Boulevard World has brought the vibrant spirit of Africa to Riyadh with a special zone featuring the cuisine and culture from some of the continent’s countries.
The Africa Zone has exotic wildlife including giraffes, colorful parrots, and lions. There is also an array of food and music from various nations.
A highlight is the Ethiopian Coffee experience, which showcases the country’s hospitality and rich traditions. This coffee is made using traditional methods which bring out unique flavors.
Hanan Amro, a coffee maker at one of the Ethiopian restaurants, told Arab News: “We bring our coffee beans from our farm in Ethiopia. They are fresh, and we carefully select them.
“We sun-dry, roast, and brew the coffee in our special pot to create a strong drink that combines elements of Turkish and Americano coffee.”
The Africa Zone also hosts live music featuring traditional rhythms and folk tunes.
For those looking to take a piece of Africa home, the zone features many kiosks selling antiques, animal statues and leather goods.
There is also an array of skincare products made with Shea butter, for which certain nations are renowned.
The launch of the Africa Zone coincides with Boulevard World’s expansion for this year’s Riyadh Season, which has increased the number of themed zones by five to 22.
The expansion is a part of Riyadh Season’s initiative to attract people from various backgrounds and promote cultural understanding.
Italian designer discusses fashion innovation, sustainability at AlUla talks
- Event was hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Development Fund, in collaboration with the Fashion Commission
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Development Fund, in collaboration with the Fashion Commission, recently hosted luxury fashion designer and Italian entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli at AlUla.
The event supported the fund’s mission to assist creatives and entrepreneurs in the cultural sector by promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering sustainability, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It aimed to connect global cultural experts with Saudi entrepreneurs and creatives, providing a platform for dialogue, as well as sharing expertise and best practices to drive growth and innovation.
The session focused on integrating diverse techniques into cultural projects, enriching cultural identity, while blending creativity and innovation, the SPA said.
Cucinelli discussed his career in a panel titled “Brunello Cucinelli: From Castel Rigone to the World,” discussing key themes such as building a global fashion brand, merging heritage with innovation, sustainability in luxury fashion, social responsibility, cultural exchange, and the future of fashion.
He emphasized craftsmanship as essential to sustainability and authenticity in fashion.
The event aligns with the fund’s efforts to improve the managerial, financial, and technical skills of creatives, reducing startup costs, and sustaining creativity in the cultural sector.
In November, the fund signed credit agreements worth more than SR30 million ($8 million) to finance Saudi fashion projects, supporting growth and job creation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
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.
