Palestine and Iran: Arab leaders declare their top priorities

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Arab League leaders pose for a family photo during the 29th Arab League Summit in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on April 15, 2018. (Saudi Royal Palace photo/Bandar Al-Jaloud)
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King Salman criticized the US decision to transfer its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem as Arab leaders met in Dhahran for the annual summit. (Reuters)
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Saudi King Salman (C) welcoming UAE's Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (L) ahead of the 29th Arab League Summit in Dhahran. (Saudi Royal Palace photo/Bandar Al-Jaloud)
Updated 16 April 2018
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Palestine and Iran: Arab leaders declare their top priorities

  • Houthi militias blamed for continuous war and suffering in Yemen
  • Iran’s blatant interference in affairs of Arab countries condemned

DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia: Leaders gathered at the Arab summit stressed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and their support for the Palestinian people in their struggle to have an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The leaders also stressed the importance of uniting Arab efforts in the fight against terrorism and to confront Iran’s expansionist ambitions in the Arab region.

In his opening remarks, King Salman named the current Arab League Summit the “Jerusalem Summit” in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

He also announced the dedication of $50 million to UNRWA and $150 million to the Islamic Endowment Support Program in Jerusalem, saying: “The Palestinian issue will remain our top issue until all Palestinians get their legal right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

“As we reiterate our condemnation and rejection of the American administration’s decision concerning Jerusalem, we commend the international consensus that rejects it, and we affirm that East Jerusalem is an inalienable part of the Palestinian territory.

“On Yemen, we affirm our commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, security and territorial integrity.

“We hold the terrorist Iranian-allied Houthi militants fully responsible for the continuous war and suffering in Yemen. We welcome the UN’s statement that denounced the launching of the 119 Iranian-made ballistic missiles by the Houthi militants toward Saudi cities, three of which were targeting Makkah, proving to the international community once again the dangers of Iranian behavior in the region, its violation of the principles of international law and its disrespect of the values, ethics and principles of good neighborliness, and we call for a decisive UN position on this issue.”

King Salman added: “One of the most serious challenges facing our world today is the challenge of terrorism that has allied with extremism and sectarianism to produce internal conflicts that have affected many Arab countries. We renew our strong condemnation of Iran’s terrorist acts in the Arab region and reject its blatant interference in the affairs of Arab countries.

“Based on our belief that the Arab national security is an integral and indivisible system, we have presented you with an initiative to deal with the challenges facing the Arab countries under the title ‘Strengthening Arab National Security to Face Common Challenges,’ stressing the importance of developing the Arab League and its system.”

Jordan’s King Abdullah II said his country made every effort during its presidency of the Arab Summit, and in coordination with Arab leaders, to face the historical challenges of the Arab nation and harness all possibilities and international relations to serve the just causes of our Arab nation, especially the Palestinian cause and Holy Jerusalem.

King Abdullah praised the “positive developments and the victory that the Iraqi brothers achieved against Daesh terrorist organization ... we emphasize the need to complement the military victory with a political process that involves all components of the brotherly Iraqi people.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for the adoption and support of the peace plan he put forward last February in the UN Security Council, which is based on the Arab initiative. It calls for convening an international peace conference in 2018 and for the admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the UN.

Abbas added: “The current US administration broke international laws by its decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and has made itself a party to the conflict instead of a mediator for its solution, making talk of a US peace plan untenable.”

Abbas stressed that the Palestinian side never refused to engage in negotiations and that “it responded to all the initiatives that were presented, and worked with the international quartet and all successive US administrations down to the current one. We met with President Trump several times and waited [for the current administration] to present its plan for peace, but its recent decision constituted a major setback which was rejected by the majority of the world.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed absolute confidence in the wisdom of King Salman in supporting the joint Arab action mechanism, stressing that some regional countries are trying to establish areas of influence in the Arab countries.

As for the Yemeni crisis, El-Sisi said that Egypt is committed to working toward achieving a political solution in Yemen, stressing that Egypt would not tolerate the bombing of Saudi Arabia by some Yemeni elements. El-Sisi added that the army of a foreign state is currently present on the territories of two Arab countries.


Embracing the skies: Riyadh aviation show inspires next generation of pilots

Updated 23 November 2024
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Embracing the skies: Riyadh aviation show inspires next generation of pilots

  • Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation’s first female pilot wants more women to sign up

RIYADH: The Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation was among the top organizations at an aviation show that captivated the Kingdom’s capital with stunning aerobatic displays and an impressive lineup of aircraft.

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector.

The federation presented a collection of colorful hot air balloons to demonstrate the experience to adults and younger generations as part of the efforts to raise awareness about hot air ballooning and to inspire a new generation of pilots.

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector. (AN photo)

Among the pilots was Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the federation.  

Al-Harbi is on a mission to cultivate a community of female pilots, encouraging women to explore the exhilarating world of hot air ballooning. Her story is an inspiring testament to the opportunities available to women in aviation and the importance of representation in this field.

“At the beginning, I was studying at the university, but the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation launched a training program to train balloon pilots,” she told Arab News. “Thank God, I registered, and I was accepted. After that, I started my studies to become a balloon captain. The federation covered the entire mission, which is considered a grant from the federation. I obtained the European EASA license, and then I also obtained the Saudi license from the General Authority of Civil Aviation.”

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning. (Supplied/Aviation Club)

The federation offers structured programs to equip aspiring pilots with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.  

Hot air balloons first appeared in the Kingdom in AlUla as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival in 2018. This event not only showcased the beauty of ballooning, but also laid the groundwork for the establishment of the federation.

The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide. We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi, Saudi hot air balloon pilot

The organization plays a crucial role in promoting balloon culture and raising awareness of the sport.

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning. (Supplied/Aviation Club)

“We want to show people that hot air ballooning is not only fun, but also safe,” Al-Harbi said, emphasizing the importance of public perception in the growth of the sport.

Her career has included a visit to the Netherlands, where she underwent extensive training.

“My studies in the Netherlands were quite lengthy, but it was an incredibly enriching experience,” she said. “The training included both theoretical subjects and practical sessions to help us obtain our licenses.”

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi, Saudi hot air balloon pilot. (AN photo)

The rigorous training not only prepared Al-Harbi for the technical aspects of flying, but also instilled a deep appreciation of the art of ballooning.

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi also spoke about his journey in the world of hot air ballooning, which began was he was a student in Australia.

“I looked at a balloon for the first time in my life and was fascinated by its shape,” he told Arab News. “I had to try the experience, so I did, as a passenger. The experience was beautiful, and I thought we needed this in Saudi Arabia. At that time, Saudi Arabia did not have hot air balloons.”

Among the pilots was Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the federation. (AN photo)

Al-Wahaibi dedicated himself to bringing the ballooning experience back to Saudi Arabia, sharing it with family, friends, and the community.

This included studying aerospace engineering and breaking records in Australia for the fastest training period. He expressed pride in being part of the first Arab country to take part in international hot air balloon competitions, highlighting the significant strides made by the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation.

“The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide,” Al-Wahaibi said. “We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.”

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector. (AN photo)

His vision aligns with the federation’s mission to broaden participation and elevate the sport on an international level.

Based in AlUla, the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation plans festivals designed to integrate the natural environment and the grandeur of the historic landmarks of ancient civilizations such as Hegra.

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning, and even experience the thrill of a balloon ride.

With inspiring pilots such as Al-Harbi and Al-Wahaibi at the helm, the outlook for hot air ballooning in the years to come looks as bright as the skies adorned with colorful balloons.

 

 


Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cypriot president

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides receives Fawaz bin Abdulrahman Al-Shabili in Nicosia. (Supplied)
Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cypriot president

  • Al-Shabili conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the president

NICOSIA: Saudi Ambassador to Cyprus Fawaz bin Abdulrahman Al-Shabili presented his credentials to the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in the capital Nicosia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Al-Shabili conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the president, as well as their wishes for steady progress and prosperity for Cyprus.

Meanwhile, Saudi Vice Minister of Commerce and CEO of the National Competitiveness Center Eman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi led a Saudi delegation of government officials and business leaders to the UK to bolster bilateral economic relations.

 


Saudi Arabia to host Qur’an contest in Nepal

More than 400 contestants from various Nepalese states and governorates will participate in the preliminary qualifiers. (SPA)
Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia to host Qur’an contest in Nepal

  • The competition is part of Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to disseminate the teachings of the Qur’an among young Muslims around the world

RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance will hold the second Holy Qur’an Memorization Competition in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, on Dec. 21-22.

More than 400 contestants from various Nepalese states and governorates will participate in the preliminary qualifiers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The competition is part of Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to disseminate the teachings of the Qur’an among young Muslims around the world.

The closing ceremony, which will include the presentation of awards to the winners, will be held on Dec. 23 and will be attended by officials from various centers and schools across Nepal.

 


Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

Updated 23 November 2024
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Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

  • Unique taste, aroma make it popular locally, internationally

RIYADH: The Asir region is currently in the midst of the Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees.

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sidr honey, which is renowned for its health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system.

The unique taste and aroma of the honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally, the SPA reported.

Beekeepers in Tihama Asir have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SR350 to SR500 ($93-133) per kg.

The region’s diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative improve practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.

By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey while contributing to the global market.


Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

  • Al-Ahsa event to promote communities’ role in economic growth

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al-Ahsa from Dec. 16-18, aiming to strengthen rural communities, and promote their role in driving sustainable development.

Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, said: “The forum is pivotal in advancing rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will support rural communities, while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture.”

Aldhahi said that the forum will unite regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, a widespread issue. To counter this, the forum will propose practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable.

Additionally, it will explore innovations in agriculture and rural development, fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion, she added.

Aldhahi said that the forum builds on the Saudi Reef Program, recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as the world’s largest development initiative of its kind.

The program has supported over 77,000 agricultural projects, achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in vital sectors, and provided upskilling and career opportunities for rural communities.

Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Saudi Reef Program, said: “The program is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment.”

Bakri added that the forum will feature dynamic discussions on key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, rural entrepreneurship, and the role of modern technology in agriculture.

The three-day event will also include an exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, handicrafts, and the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. It will highlight how traditional techniques integrate with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods.