JEDDAH: The Saudi Armed Forces have concluded their participation in the Arab Shield 1 maneuvers that began on Nov. 5.
The three-week exercise, which also included forces from host nation Egypt, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, is one of a series undertaken by the Saudi military to strengthen military relations between Arab countries and improve the combat skills and readiness of their fighting forces.
Saudi troops, led by Commander of the Saudi Royal Land Forces Lt. Gen. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Mutair, took part in a number of key activities, including a seminar for senior officers at which Brig. Saeed Al-Qahtani gave a lecture about the challenges facing the Arab world from a military perspective.
A variety of joint field operations were carried out to simulate the elimination of armed terrorist positions in border villages, the securing of international borders and strategic communications using Land Forces, Special Forces and Marines, and to plan future operations and logistics support. Saudi air and naval forces, and a number of tanks, also took part in a number of specialized maneuvers.
“The participation of our armed forces in Arab Shield 1, along with some other brotherly Arab countries, comes in accordance to the directives of our wise leadership to continue and improve the military cooperation ... in order to unify the concepts and exchange experiences, which enhances our capabilities and combat readiness,” said Al-Mutair.
“The accuracy in the live shooting we saw at the end of the training reflects the good preparation in all areas of the exercise and of those in the participating forces.”
Al-Mutair thanked the Egyptian authorities for their work and the excellent preparation for the exercise and congratulated them for its success, and said he hoped to see similar collaborations in the future.
Brig. Abdullah bin Yousuf Al-Jaser, the military attache at the Kingdom’s embassy in Egypt, said that the participation of the Saudi forces in Arab Shield 1 had been effective in supporting and developing their armed capabilities and preparing military leaders to deal with challenges and fight terrorism.
Saudi Armed Forces hone combat skills during Arab Shield 1 military exercise
Saudi Armed Forces hone combat skills during Arab Shield 1 military exercise
- A variety of joint field operations were carried out to simulate the elimination of armed terrorist positions in border villages, the securing of international borders
‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies
- From jareesh to rose-infused ice cream, the Kingdom serves up flavor, tradition, hospitality
RIYADH: For the third year in a row, Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission will participate in the Taste of London food festival, held in Regent’s Park from June 18 to 22.
Through its “Taste of Saudi Culture” pavilion, the commission promotes cultural exchange, showcases the richness of Saudi culinary heritage, and highlights the Kingdom’s culinary excellence.
The pavilion will feature immersive activities celebrating the diversity of Saudi cuisine, including live cooking demonstrations by skilled Saudi chefs.
Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.
HIGHLIGHT
Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.
Beyond food, the pavilion will include interactive cultural elements reflecting Saudi heritage, such as traditional henna art and colorful Asiri rose headbands.
Guests will be welcomed with premium dates and Saudi coffee — timeless symbols of Saudi hospitality, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Handcrafted ice cream infused with traditional Saudi ingredients like dates, Taif rose, and Jazan mango will also be served, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist.
A variety of refreshing cold drinks made from local ingredients will complement the experience, the SPA added.
A boutique section will feature signature Saudi products like maamoul (date-filled cookies) and unique Saudi coffee, blending retail, culture, and taste into an immersive journey.
This participation underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the depth of Saudi culinary arts and sharing the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture with global audiences.
Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders
- Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed latest developments in the region and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the repercussions of Israel’s military operations against Iran with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone call on Saturday.
The call comes a day after Israel launched a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing a number of top generals. The two countries continued to trade blows on Saturday.
Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed the latest developments in the region and the importance of exerting all efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Later on Saturday, Prince Mohammed spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders reviewed developments in the region following Israeli strikes on Iran, SPA said.
Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh
- During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday.
During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.
They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.
Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.
Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.
Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
