What strengthening Saudi-Iraq relations means to the region

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Iraq’s Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, left, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his first official trip to Riyadh last month. (AFP)
Updated 07 May 2019
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What strengthening Saudi-Iraq relations means to the region

  • A recent agreement between the two countries could help counter Iran’s actions
  • Co-operation between the two will bring more stability, experts say

DUBAI: Stronger relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq will mean more stability in the region, particularly when it comes to stemming the influence of Iran, according to experts who commented on a recent agreement promoting co-operation between the two countries.
Exerting more influence in Iraq will prove crucial for the Kingdom, they explained, as Iran’s close relationship with the former causes concern among many neighboring countries. Security and intelligence are some of the areas in which Iraq and Saudi Arabia will cooperate in the near future, Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Alhakim was reported as saying.
The announcement came during a state visit last month by an Iraqi delegation to Saudi Arabia led by Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, who met King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The leaders signed 13 agreements in areas such as trade, energy and political cooperation.
According to experts, Saudi Arabia may have the best chance of bringing stability and security to Iraq. “These actions are based on an economic and security approach, having intelligence as a key element to project all potential scenarios, including countering Iran’s possible actions to alter this relation,” said Johan Obdola, president of the International Organization for Security and Intelligence.
“Iran will be facing, from the United States and Europe, the hardest actions, including additional sanctions. On the other hand, there is a momentum in Iraq, with an increasing interest from a vast majority of Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, to stop the influence of Iran in Iraq.”
Obdola said this will create an important opportunity for Saudi Arabia to establish a strong security and intelligence strategy with Iraq, along with economic investments, to stabilize it against the actions of Daesh.
“This toxic influence from Iran has reached a level of rejection within the Iraqi population,” he said. “With this announced security and intelligence cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, there is very much an opportunity to stabilize and reconstruct Iraq, strengthen military and intelligence capabilities, and get a better capacity to counter any actions from Iran in the region, and even abroad.”
Obdola expressed concern about Iran implementing new low-intensity actions against the Arab Gulf states, with even more serious security implications for the rest of the region and abroad.
“The Iranian regime’s actions in Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq show its confidence regarding a lack of direct retaliation from the international community,” he said. “This will change if Iran keeps (up) this disruptive behavior. Iran is still building military and terrorist capabilities, and networks in other regions around the world to create conditions which will impact the US and European forces established in Africa, including Central Africa.”
On Yemen, he said, the Houthis had frequently stated their tactics were modelled on those of the Viet Cong and resistance movements in Latin America, as well as Lebanon’s Shia Hezbollah, with which they have obvious kinship.
“Both Hezbollah and Iran have increased their provision of guns, missiles, military training and funds for the Houthi war effort since 2014, (pleased) to see their Saudi enemies expend soldiers and money on the Yemeni stalemate,” he said. “We must also be aware that there are old and new alliances in this scenario, including Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Iran, among other actors, who must be closely watched.”
Obdola spoke of Saudi Arabia’s strong military capacity and intelligence, supported by its allies in the GCC, and military cooperation with other nations. “However, Iran has global intelligence and terrorist networks which must be analyzed and approached by traditional and non-traditional intelligence strategies,” he said. “Iran’s military apparatus will not be used against Saudi Arabia — it is not projected, at least — and it could be a huge mistake if there is any intention to. Its actions are and will continue to be based on a more low-level, low-intensity, and irregular warfare, and as such, the intelligence strategy of Riyadh must be developed and implemented accordingly.”
According to Dr. Albadr Al-Shateri, politics professor at the National Defense College in Abu Dhabi, the Saudi Arabia-Iraq rapprochement was born out of domestic change within Iraq. He mentioned the demonstrations by the Shiite majority region of Basra, which have shown the extent of general Iraqi discontent with Iran’s hegemony over their country. “The assertiveness of Kurds, especially the uncompromised new president Barham Salih, and determination not to be a pawn (of) any geopolitical competition, led to Iraq’s willingness to get closer to the Saudi-led order,” he said. “Finally, Iran’s gradual weakening as a result of the US pressure and sanctions may have contributed to Baghdad’s hedging its bets.”
He said both Saudi Arabia and Iraq stood to benefit from cooperation in many fields, especially security in the post-Daesh Middle East. “As the terrorist group is splintering into smaller cells, monitoring and coordination by all countries are necessary to avoid a repetition of the Al-Qaeda post-Afghanistan situation,” he said. “Another issue of the smuggling of narcotics between the two countries is of increasing demand. The security cooperation between Saddam’s Iraq and Saudi Arabia, prior to the former’s invasion of Kuwait, could serve as a model of security cooperation between the two countries.”
Funding is also a key element of the cooperation. Raffaello Pantucci, director of International Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies in London, foresees much financial support from the Kingdom for Iraq. “There could also be capacity-building and worrying about the regional threat — Saudis are worrying about groups emanating from Iraq, and about managing their relationship with Iran, as Iraq has a strong relationship with Iran.”
He said it would be complicated, with militias involved in the Iraqi government. “But Saudi Arabia has money, and they can use that to get themselves access and influence,” he said. “Saudis are trying to make sure they are buying themselves an influence in a neighboring country where Iran has a lot of influence — there is a big push happening in Iran, and a part of that is for Saudi Arabia to have an influence in Baghdad.”
Iraq is of great geostrategic importance for Iran, Obdola said. “So a multi-dimensional intelligence component, along with a strong military cooperation, are the most fundamentally important elements for any security cooperation to be effective,” he said.
“This is truly the key component here, having the facts of not only regional players in any scenario to be considered, but potentially more global actors who could, in any particular situation, be used against Saudi Arabia. If all intelligence and security scenarios are projected in a local, regional and even international arena, then Saudi Arabia will be successful in this needed security cooperation with Iraq.”


Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

Updated 04 July 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Salam Palace in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince and Shiekh Tahnoun, who is also the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, discussed relations between the Kingdom and the UAE and ways to enhance them.


Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations 

Updated 03 July 2025
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Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations 

RIYADH: A total of 5,912 inspections covering 4,307 establishments were carried out across the Kingdom by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in April and May.

A total of 996 were shut down due to various violations, while 136 were closed for operating without required licenses and for product safety breaches.

Additionally, production lines at 127 establishments were halted and 1,750 types of products were seized.

The initiative is part of the SFDA’s efforts to ensure compliance with approved regulations and to uphold high quality standards.

At one food establishment, inspectors found raw materials of an unknown origin, employees without health certificates, the absence of a tracking system and inadequate measures being taken to prevent cross-contamination. These led to the closure of the business and the implementation of necessary legal measures.
 


Need for global collaboration to fight drought stressed

Updated 03 July 2025
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Need for global collaboration to fight drought stressed

  • Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of desertification, improve air quality and achieve its sustainable development goals, Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.

Held in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, the four-day event saw the participation of 70 countries, including attendance by local and international ministers, environmental organizations and financial development entities.

Among the participants was Saudi Deputy Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Osama Faqeeha.

Faqeeha, who is also the adviser to the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties Presidency, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts and innovation to address the escalating threat of climate change that resulted in complicated and devastating environmental issues such as drought.

Faqeeha said: “The Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership will serve as a global facilitator, a ‘one-stop shop’ for drought resilience, promoting the shift from reactive relief response after drought hits to proactive preparedness.

“We also seek to amplify global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world.”

The deputy minister said that solutions should be applied through strategies and mechanisms to ensure enhanced resilience in the areas that were mostly affected by drought and climate change globally.

He praised the partnership with the International Drought Resilience Alliance, a global coalition that aims to build resilience against droughts and climate change. 

He said it was fundamental to bridging the gap between the political and financial aspects to ensure the achievement of long-term sustainable development objectives.

The discussion highlighted some of the national efforts and strategies for environmental sustainability, including efforts by the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Islamic Development Bank and the CAF Development Bank of Latin America.


Saudi Shoura Council members visit Turkish parliament

Updated 03 July 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council members visit Turkish parliament

ANKARA: Members of the Saudi-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Saudi Shoura Council met with their counterparts from Turkiye during a visit to the country.

During the meeting, held in Ankara, the two sides reviewed ways to further boost their relations and discussed other topics of common interest.

The Saudi delegation also met with Numan Kurtulmus, president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
 


How AI is transforming Saudi businesses, from homegrown startups to global creative agencies

Updated 03 July 2025
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How AI is transforming Saudi businesses, from homegrown startups to global creative agencies

  • Small business owners are using smart tools to automate tasks like bookkeeping, customer service, and content creation with minimal resources
  • Platforms like Salla and QuickBooks help entrepreneurs manage online stores, financials, and logistics, saving time and boosting efficiency

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the landscape for small businesses, offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, creativity, and competitiveness. As technology evolves, many entrepreneurs are leveraging AI tools to streamline operations and drive growth.

One of the most significant advantages of AI is its ability to automate repetitive tasks. Tools like chatbots can handle customer inquiries around the clock, freeing up valuable time for business owners to focus on strategic initiatives.

This not only improves customer service but also enhances overall efficiency.

AI-powered analytics platforms can process vast amounts of data, providing actionable insights that help businesses make informed decisions based on market trends and consumer behavior. 

In this dynamic environment, AI is transforming small business operations.

A notable example is Hams Nabeel, a working mother who founded her business, Thikra, to preserve cherished memories for families.

“There was a clear need for my business idea,” she told Arab News. “Since I had my daughter, I wanted to preserve her hospital items — like her hat, blanket, and hand bracelet — all in one place.”

AI has become crucial in Nabeel’s entrepreneurial journey, streamlining various aspects of her operations. “ChatGPT helped me expand my business by crafting a clear structural plan,” she said.

What typically took weeks can now be accomplished in minutes, providing clarity when she faced uncertainties.

AI also assisted Nabeel in comparing 3D printers and defining her business’s vision. “AI guided me in crafting my mission and vision and even generated social media posts,” she said.

For financial management, she relies on QuickBooks, which automates tasks and offers valuable insights. Furthermore, Nabeel uses Salla, a website creation tool that simplifies online store management.

“Creating a business is so easy with Salla,” she said, allowing her to focus on creativity rather than technical details.

Screenshot of a page in the AI-enabled powered Salla platform.

In creative sectors, AI tools are essential for content creation and design. From generating social media posts to developing marketing materials, AI helps small business owners maintain a robust online presence without extensive resources.

“We have traditionally always been creatives before tech developers, but with AI it is now enabling us to combine both,” Denis Bodart, who operates a creative animation agency called Feed Me Light in London and Riyadh, told Arab News.

“We are now building more creative tools and AI products, including a new SaaS (Software as a Service) platform focused on the out-of-home advertising sector, which allows us to dynamically display content on various screens at once.

“Imagine walking through a city filled with screens that communicate and showcase engaging, interactive content. For example, the displays can respond to the latest football or esports results, presenting teams in an exciting manner.

“They can also adapt to weather conditions and customize their content based on audience presence in events, venues, and shops.”

Bodart highlighted how AI agents support his team. “By training AI agents to understand our business more, we can use these agents to help support our teams, providing a helping hand with more repetitive tasks such as receipts, bookings, data fetching, or even helping enhance our marketing and sales teams, amplifying our business’s online presence.”

He added: “For Saudi Arabia, the strategic integration of AI holds immense potential to create a truly transformative and positive impact on how they approach upcoming global events such as the Winter Olympics, Asian Cup, and World Cup events.

“This technology can significantly elevate fan engagement, optimize operations, and craft unparalleled experiences, setting new benchmarks for global sporting events hosted in the Kingdom.”

Denis Bodart, who runs a creative animation agency called Feed Me Light in London and Riyadh, says AI helps small business owners maintain a robust online presence without extensive resources. (Supplied)

Integrating AI allows small businesses to provide seamless customer experiences. Automating processes like order management and payment processing enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

“AI has completely changed the game for small creators like me,” Salwa Beauty, a prominent social media influencer in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News. “It’s like having a full creative team in your pocket.”

Salwa utilizes AI to generate content ideas, animate scenes, write captions, and redesign photos — tasks that once required extensive time and resources.

For her fitness content, Salwa has eliminated the need for models or physical products. “I can animate people, create scenes, and even showcase products being used — all without hiring anyone or incurring upfront costs,” she said.

This capability allows her to build a complete brand presence independently, showcasing the democratizing power of AI.

The freedom AI provides is substantial for small businesses. By enabling entrepreneurs to launch ideas, test visuals, and create professional content quickly and affordably, AI empowers them to stand out in a crowded market.

“AI is literally my assistant now,” said Salwa.

AI also reduces costs associated with traditional modeling. Additionally, AI facilitates content creation and scheduling, allowing businesses to maintain a consistent online presence effortlessly.

Platforms like Salla and Zid are enhancing the landscape for small businesses in Saudi Arabia. These platforms leverage AI to optimize customer interactions, enabling efficient order scheduling, carrier connections, and targeted marketing messages based on customer data.

Screenshot of a page in the AI-enabled Zid platform.

Such features not only save time but also enhance the overall customer experience.

AI has emerged as an invaluable asset for small businesses, offering innovative solutions that enhance productivity, creativity, and financial management. Integrating AI tools can significantly transform the entrepreneurial journey, enabling working mothers and small creators to thrive in today’s competitive market.

With AI as a partner, the possibilities for growth and success are limitless. As small businesses in Saudi Arabia continue to embrace these technologies, they open the door to a future where creativity and efficiency flourish, paving the way for new ideas and opportunities.

AI is a powerful ally for small businesses, empowering them to optimize operations, enhance marketing efforts, and improve customer experiences. As more entrepreneurs embrace these technologies, the potential for growth and innovation continues to expand.