PARIS: It is entirely feasible that Mohammed bin Salman and Emmanuel Macron can be friends. They have much in common.
Both are young men. The crown prince of Saudi Arabia is just 32, while Macron was 39 when he became his country’s youngest-ever president, and turned 40 only recently, in December.
On the earlier legs of his global tour, which has taken him to Britain, the US and Egypt, the prince’s dealings have all been with leaders who are old enough to be his parents. US President Donald Trump is 71, British Prime Minister Theresa May is 61 and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is 63. Macron is of the prince’s generation.
Both are ambitious and both are in a hurry. The crown prince certainly makes no secret of it, telling Time magazine in a recent interview: “I don’t want to waste my time. I am young. ”
Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s wide-ranging plan for reforming its economy and society, is the prince’s brainchild, and though the name implies the notional target for the changes is 2030, it often seems that the prince does not want to wait that long.
Macron was so impatient for change in France — and so ambitious to be the one to implement it — that he announced his candidacy for president without bothering to court endorsement from any political party. Once a member of the Socialist party, he neither returned to that fold nor sought a place in another. Instead, he formed his own movement in April 2016, named it “En Marche!” (suitably dynamic, it translates loosely as “Let’s go!”) and got on with the task of winning over the country. Thirteen months later, he was elected president with 66 percent of the vote.
Mohammed bin Salman also acceded to his position as heir to his father, King Salman, through a vote. As he explained to Time magazine, he could not have become crown prince without the endorsement of the Allegiance Council, the body responsible for determining future succession to the throne of Saudi Arabia.
The council is made up of sons and grandsons of King Abdul Aziz, founder and first monarch of Saudi Arabia. Currently, there are 34 members.
“So I get the highest vote in the history of Saudi Arabia, more than anyone before me,” the prince told Time. “I got 31 from 34 votes of the Allegiance Council. So this is the highest.”
The next highest vote ever recorded was 22, he added.
Neither leader appears to have a great fear of upsetting sections of their domestic audience in the pursuit of radical reforms. In France, that is a guaranteed consequence of taking on the unions and challenging public-sector workers over their working hours or retirement age. French transport workers have been on strike for a week now.
But Macron is committed to reforming French labor laws, ridding the country of its reputation for inflexibility and old-style bosses-versus-unions confrontation and making France more business-friendly. 
Similarly, the crown prince is well aware that not everyone in Saudi Arabia approves of his reforms. But he also knows that his contemporaries, the young, who make up two-thirds of the population, are mostly with him.
So there should be much on which to build a strong rapport when Mohammed bin Salman arrives in Paris on Sunday night for a two-day visit.
The visit will concentrate on culture, tourism, investment and new technology. The prince is due to visit the French capital’s start-up hub, Station F. However, there has been no hint about new contracts to be signed.
Instead, Macron’s officers have spoken of a “new cooperation” with Saudi Arabia.
“We want a new cooperation, concentrating less on contracts and more on investing in the future, especially in digital and renewable energy, with a common vision,” is the word from the Elysée Palace.
The word “vision” is certainly one the crown prince understands well.
“I suspect the objective for the trip to France is pretty much the same as the visit to the US and the UK — to present Mohammed bin Salman as the future leader of Saudi Arabia and to highlight investment opportunities in an evolving economic and social environment there,” said Jerry Feierstein, director of Gulf affairs and government relations at the Middle East Institute.
“The Saudis have already announced a major deal with a French entertainment company to build movie theaters in the Kingdom. They may be interested in more French investment in the entertainment or tourism sectors.
“There may also be interest on both sides in discussing Saudi plans to develop their nuclear energy sector where the French have major capacity. Finally, there may be some discussion on defense purchases.”
As for Saudi Arabia, a source close to the royal delegation told AFP: “This is not a traditional state visit. It is about forging a new partnership with France, not just shopping for deals.”
Some observers view the visit as an expression of confidence by the prince.
AFP reports that more than a dozen memorandums of understanding are set to be signed between French and Saudi organizations in the fields of tourism, energy and transport. There is also scope for stronger cooperation on combating terrorism.
Experts say Macron also has to balance strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia with managing relations with other countries in the region, especially Iran. The prince’s sojourn in the US appears to have brought Riyadh and Washington closer together. President Donald Trump’s dislike of the Iran nuclear deal is well known.
Denis Bouchard of the French Institute of International Relations said Macron has to persuade Mohammed bin Salman that “it is better than have the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran than no deal at all.”
The prince and the president have met once before, when Macron stopped off briefly at Riyadh airport en route to Abu Dhabi to weigh into the crisis sparked by the prime minister of Lebanon, Saad Hariri, announcing his resignation live on television from Saudi Arabia.
But Jerry Feierstein warned that for all the similarities between them it would be wrong to assume the crown prince and Macron will automatically become best friends. There are other contenders for that role, he said.
“Certainly Macron and Mohammed bin Salman would have more in common than with Trump, who is old enough to be the prince’s grandfather. But the crown prince does seem to have a close relationship with (Trump’s son-in-law) Jared Kushner, who is also closer in age.”
Unafraid of reform: The kindred spirits of Saudi crown prince and Macron
Unafraid of reform: The kindred spirits of Saudi crown prince and Macron
- More than a dozen memorandums of understanding are set to be signed between French and Saudi organizations.
- Saudis announced a major deal with a French entertainment company.
Saudi Arabia’s fight to protect liver health
- ‘Take care of your liver now, and it will take care of you for life,’ deputy minister for population health tells Arab News
- Saudi Ministry of Health focuses on measures to tackle liver disease
JEDDAH: The liver plays a central role in keeping our bodies healthy. It filters toxins, supports digestion, stores energy and essential nutrients, and helps the body fight infections.
The major concern with liver diseases, however, is that they are often silent killers. The progression is very gradual, and most patients experience no symptoms, leaving them unaware of their condition. This makes awareness and early detection vital.
This is a national health priority for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, which is focusing on preventive care.
Protecting liver health means preventing long-term complications and improving the quality of life for millions, contributing to the ministry’s targets to improve healthy life expectancy, in line with Vision 2030’s goal of creating a vibrant society.
In an exclusive interview following World Liver Day on Saturday, Dr. Abdullah Assiri, the deputy minister for population health, said that viral hepatitis — especially hepatitis B and C — has been a long-standing concern and is responsible for many cases of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
He said: “In Saudi Arabia, the hepatitis C virus has caused the most cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and liver transplants.”
Hepatitis is essentially an inflammation of the liver caused by different viruses — types A, B, C, D, and E — each differing in how they spread, how severe they become, and how they are prevented.
Assiri added: “The challenge with hepatitis is that up to 95 percent of people living with the infection globally are unaware they have it, because the illness can remain silent for years.
“In terms of early warning signs, these can be quite vague, including fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or mild jaundice, but there are often no symptoms at all until the disease is advanced.”
Assiri explained that the main reason why liver conditions go undiagnosed until the later stages is that the liver is a remarkably resilient organ.
It continues to function well, even when partially damaged. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms like swelling, jaundice, or digestive issues appear, the disease may have already progressed to cirrhosis or liver failure.
He said: “Late detection can lead to serious consequences, including irreversible scarring of the liver, liver cancer, and life-threatening complications.
“That’s why we strongly recommend that people, especially those with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease, undergo regular check-ups and screenings.”
Lifestyle is everything when it comes to liver health. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking all put extra pressure on the liver.
Though alcohol-related liver disease is less prevalent in the Kingdom, other lifestyle factors, like unhealthy eating habits, along with viral hepatitis, play a larger role.
He said: “The good news is that the liver has an exceptional capacity to heal if given the right care. Even early-stage damage can often be reversed through lifestyle changes. I have personally witnessed patients transform their health by adopting better habits.”
As a medical professional Assiri always recommends lifestyle changes centered around four key pillars: nutrition, sleep, relaxation, and exercise. These are all vital to maintaining a healthy liver, as are hepatitis vaccinations.
At the national level the Ministry of Health is tackling liver diseases through policies that focus on prevention, early detection, infection-control practices in healthcare, and effective treatment.
Assiri said: “A major milestone in the national strategy was the introduction of direct acting antiviral medications in 2014, which marked the beginning of an ambitious nationwide effort to eliminate hepatitis C.
“Data shows that a comprehensive program combining targeted screening, aggressive treatment of around 8,000 patients per year, and strengthened prevention strategies could see this disease eliminated in Saudi Arabia by 2030 — or even earlier.
“Eliminating hepatitis C would save an estimated 3,000 Saudi lives and SR10 billion ($2.6 billion) in healthcare costs.
“Importantly, this elimination program also enables broader screening initiatives for other ‘silent killer’ diseases such as hepatitis B, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia — allowing us to implement early preventive health interventions on a national scale.”
He added: “Our progress has been substantial. We met our 80 percent treatment coverage targets in 2023, are on track to reduce mortality by 65 percent by 2025, aim to diagnose 90 percent of cases by 2026, and are working to reduce new hepatitis C infections by 80 percent by 2030.”
These metrics reflect a robust public health response, and demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to leading by example in regional disease control efforts.
In addition to this, Saudi Arabia continues to be a leader in medical innovation and research in the field. For example, the world’s first robotic left liver lobe transplant was performed here, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to world-class liver care.
The ministry has several initiatives underway. One of the key programs is premarital screening, which tests couples for hepatitis B and C to reduce the risk of transmission and ensure early intervention.
Additionally, it is expanding community screening drives, especially for high-risk groups, and enhancing access to affordable treatment for hepatitis C. In collaboration with health centers, the ministry continues to promote hepatitis vaccinations for adults who may have missed earlier immunization.
Assiri said: “Take care of your liver now, and it will take care of you for life. The liver is the largest and one of the most vital organs in the human body, yet it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves because symptoms of disease can be silent.
“I urge everyone to lead a more active life: eat healthier, stay hydrated, sleep, and get regular check-ups, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes or obesity.
“Get vaccinated, and remember that small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference for your liver and your overall health.”
Saudi deputy minister receives French official
- They discussed prominent developments on the regional and international front and efforts made in this regard
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received vice chairman of the foreign affairs, defense and armed forces committee of the French Senate and chairman of the France-GCC Friendship Group, Olivier Cadec, in Riyadh.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop them, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X on Sunday.
They also discussed prominent developments on the regional and international front and efforts made in this regard.
France’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Patrick Maisonnave, was among the officials present at the meeting.
Environmental Week highlights Saudi Arabia’s sustainability vision
- New national index aims to monitor Kingdom’s environmental health, guide policy decisions
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched Saudi Environment Week on Sunday, themed “Our Environment is a Treasure,” to showcase the Kingdom’s efforts in ecosystem protection and sustainable development.
A highlight was the debut of the National Environmental Performance Index, a strategic tool to monitor environmental progress and guide policy.
The event, inaugurated by Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli in Riyadh, brings together government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and local communities to promote eco-friendly practices and collective responsibility.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir also attended, with the event featuring environmental presentations, agreement signings, and children’s performances to encourage positive environmental behavior.
Activities include nationwide exhibitions, workshops on biodiversity and renewable energy, and forums for green innovations.
The new index, which Al-Fadhli described as essential for informed decision-making, will track environmental metrics like air quality, water conservation, and biodiversity.
It aims to align national development with ecological priorities, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable growth.
Al-Fadhli stressed the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainability, prioritizing natural resource protection and societal responsibility. He said that the index ensures accountability and progress as the country builds a greener future.
Al-Fadhli toured the exhibition, featuring sections on vegetation cover, desertification control, biodiversity, waste management, meteorology, and environmental compliance.
The exhibition also includes workshops highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role in fostering environmental cooperation, raising awareness, encouraging private sector investments in sustainable projects, and advancing technology.
The ministry emphasized that the newly introduced index serves as a nationwide monitoring tool, developed in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme.
It is designed to align with government bodies, environmental organizations, and national centers, ensuring cohesion with Saudi Arabia’s ecological priorities.
Key goals include evaluating environmental health, identifying change drivers, and establishing an early detection system for sustainability challenges and progress.
By tracking progress toward environmental targets, the ministry noted that the index identifies gaps for urgent action, enabling data-driven policy adjustments.
Phase 1 focuses on five core areas linked to the National Environment Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030: wildlife conservation, green space expansion, waste management efficiency, pollution levels in air, soil, and water, and weather forecasting accuracy.
Phase 2 will address emerging priorities, such as climate change metrics, reflecting their importance in long-term environmental planning.
The ministry stressed that the index will provide policymakers with actionable insights, driving improvements in ecological resilience, public health, and quality of life for Saudi citizens.
The National Fisheries Development Center has joined the celebrations of Saudi Environment Week.
Riyadh Al-Fageeh, director general of the center, said: “Our participation highlights the importance of preserving the environment, raising awareness, and strengthening quality of life goals. We aim to emphasize the role of institutions and individuals in maintaining ecological balance, aligned with Vision 2030.”
He added: “Saudi Environment Week reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting natural resources and leading regional efforts in sustainability. We encourage all citizens and residents to actively participate and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.”
Calligraphy captivates Arabic speakers, non-speakers alike, say enthusiasts
- Traditional script is universal language appreciated for artistry, even if not understood
- New fonts to be used by individuals, organizations in formal settings
RIYADH: Arabic calligraphy occupies a global artistic status that captivates Arabic speakers and non-speakers alike, enthusiasts have told Arab News.
The Ministry of Culture last week introduced two fonts based on Arabic calligraphy that are intended to be used by individuals and organizations in formal settings and for artistic works: Al-Awwal and Saudi.
Abdulrahman Al-Shahed, a founding member of the Saudi Arabic Calligraphy Association, told Arab News that the introduction of the fonts was “a welcome step that contributes to renewing the presence of Arabic calligraphy in digital and contemporary contexts, without separating it from its spiritual and aesthetic roots.”
He described the introduction of the fonts as “a call to rediscover calligraphy as a living identity.”
Arabic calligraphy “amazes viewers with its abstract beauty and contemplative spirit,” Al-Shahed said.
He noted that “many non-Arabs don’t read the letters, but they feel them and their beauty,” adding that Arabic calligraphy was consequently a universal visual language.
It has been evolving for more than 1,400 years, and each generation adds its own influence to the artform, expressing its own spirit and time, he said.
Abdul Adeem Al-Shali, a member of the Fine Arts Group in Qatif, told Arab News that “there is a growing interest among a large segment of non-Arabic speakers in the Arabic language and its letters and words.”
He added: “This interest demonstrates the magic of the Arabic letter and its appeal to the eye of the average recipient, let alone someone with artistic awareness.”
Many foreigners have masterfully drawn calligraphy. The American calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya, who converted to Islam and learned calligraphy in Istanbul, gained widespread fame, for example.
He held numerous calligraphy exhibitions in America and other Western countries, receiving praise from those interested in the art, said Al-Shali.
The arts enthusiast is optimistic about the future of Arabic calligraphy and urged those in charge of art colleges, calligraphy institutes, and Arabic language colleges at universities to “preserve this great heritage and teach it to current generations with great care.”
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the minister of culture, said that the new typefaces were a tribute to the Kingdom’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, his ministry adding that they were based on historic “inscriptions and Qur’anic manuscripts.”
The design of Al-Awwal highlights the spirit of calligraphy in ancient inscriptions in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Saudi takes into account the artistic principles of the Al-Awwal script and makes it more contemporary.
A group of local and international experts was responsible for their design, with support from the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy Initiative.
Arabic calligraphy originated in the Arabian Peninsula and was influenced by the cultural and political conditions in the region and ancient rock art from pre-Islamic civilizations and languages. It spread with the migration of Arabs during the Islamic expansion.
The new typefaces “reflect the historical depth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered the cradle of ancient human civilizations and the home of various calligraphy and inscriptions, ranging from Musnad, Nabataean, and Thamudic,” the Ministry of Culture said, referencing some of the ancient civilizations from the peninsula.
Saudi project clears 1,050 Houthi mines in Yemen
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,050 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included 1,020 unexploded ordnances, 24 anti-tank mines, three anti-personnel mines and three explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 488,656 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
