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Arab leaders condemn Iran’s Gulf actions, tell regime to stop funding terror

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King Salman said Iran perpetrates terrorist acts directly or through proxies to undermine Arab security. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia's King Salman has started receiving Arab and Muslim leaders at Safa Royal Palace in Makkah ahead of a series of summits. (Screenshot)
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Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed lands in Saudi Arabia for the GCC Arab Summit in Makkah. (Screenshot)
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Some shots from the media center in the Four Point by Sheraton hotel where dignitaries and representatives from the various different countries are attending the Makkah summits. (SPA)
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Iraqi President Barham Salih arrives in Saudi Arabia to attend the three Makkah summits. (SPA)
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Qatar's Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa arrives in Jeddah to attend the three Makkah summits. (SPA)
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President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou arrives in Jeddah to participate in the three Makkah summits in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Updated 31 May 2019
Arab News
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Arab leaders condemn Iran’s Gulf actions, tell regime to stop funding terror

  • Leaders have asked the international community to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities
Updated 31 May 2019
Arab News

MAKKAH: Arab and Muslim heads of state on Friday denounced Iranian actions in the Gulf as destabilizing to regional security and urged that the International community takes “strict measures” against the Iranian regime.

In a gathering in Makkah early Friday, the Arab League heads of nations issued a final communique demanding that the Iranian regime must stop funding terror and and to abide by commitments it has made.

The leaders condemned the sabotage of four commercial ships in the Emirates, which has escalated tensions in the region and precipitated a summit in the Muslim holy city.

They asked the international community to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities.

The final communique also:

• denounced Iranian intervention in the Syrian crisis and its impact on Syria’s unity;

• condemned the launching of Iranian-made ballistic missiles from Yemen toward Saudi Arabia;

• condemned Iran’s interference in the affairs of Bahrain, and its support of terrorist groups there; and

• condemned Iran’s occupation of three islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Gulf and Arab League emergency summits kicked off on Thursday in Makkah for the start of a trio of high-level summits after Saudi Arabian King Salman convened the gatherings earlier this month. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit will be held later Friday, entitled the Makkah Summit: Hand in Hand Towards the Future (Together towards the Future).

Also on the agenda is Palestine, which Saudi Arabian foreign minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf spoke about on Wednesday at a preparatory conference saying: “I would like to emphasize that the Palestinian issue is a paramount issue for Saudi Arabia, in particular the Palestinian people's full legitimate rights and the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

He added: “Our Islamic world is facing the most serious challenges of interfering in its internal affairs.”

OIC Secretary-General Yousef Al-Othaimeen said Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia will be discussed at the Islamic Summit.

He told Saudi TV that all countries share common interests regardless of religion or race. He condemned interference in other countries’ internal affairs.  

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told Arab News that his country is willing to help resolve “longstanding issues” between Muslim countries.

“Pakistan believes that this region is in flux,” he said. “Our message is that we have to join hands. We have to understand each other’s concerns, and have a collective objective of peace and stability so that our region can develop like other parts of the world.”

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03:40 GMT: Arab Summit final statement: Confirms the unity and solidarity of the GCC, highlighting their unified stance

 

 

03:30 GMT: Arab Summit final statement: Iran has to stop supporting and financing Houthi and terrorist militias.

 

 

03:20 GMT:  Arab Summit final statement: Condemns the sabotage of 4 commercial ships in the Emirates.

 

 

03:10 GMT:  Arab Summit final statement: Condemns the Houthi militia attacks on Saudi oil tankers. The Houthi militia attacks are a dangerous threat against the region’s security.

 

 

 

03:00 GMT: Sudanese head of transitional council: We condemn the attacks on Saudi Arabia and the emirates and we stand by our brothers against these attacks

 

 

02:50 GMT: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: We do not accept any threat against Arab countries. We condemn the attacks on oil tankers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

 

 

02:40 GMT: The Emir of Kuwait: Holding the Arab summit now shows the dangers we are facing today. We are afraid that the escalation in our region will deepen our previous wounds.

 

 

02:24 GMT: Iraq’s President Barham Salih: Any attack on the Gulf security is an attack on the security of Arab and Islamic countries.

 

02:20 GMT: Jordan’s King Abdullah II: The security of Gulf countries is the main pillar for the stability of the region. We stand by our Arab brothers to defend their interests and security.

 

 

02:15 GMT: Iraq’s President Barham Salih says regional crisis may lead to war if not addressed properly. Iran is neighbor and its security should be preserved, hopes peace efforts will prevail in the region.

 

 

02:12 GMT: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi:We should strengthen our ability to face these terrorist threats and sources of threat in the region should be addressed.

 

 

02:09 GMT: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi: The attacks on oil tankers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf are clear terrorist acts.

 

 

01:53 GMT: King Salman at Makkah Summit says our hand is extended to cooperate with the countries of the region, including the Iranian people, to promote development.

 

 

01:47 GMT: King Salman says the Iranian regime continues to break international laws.

 

 

01:43 GMT: King Salman says Iran is perpetrating terrorist acts directly or through proxies to undermine Arab security.

 

 

21:30 GMT: King Salman starts the summit with an address to the gathered dignitaries, citing the threat of Iran as the main reason for convening the summit.

21:10 GMT: The UAE delegation - led by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed - have arrived at Safa Palace in Makkah, and have been received by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

21:00 GMT: The Emir of Kuwait, King of Bahrain and Sayyid Shihab, advisor to Oman's Sultan Qaboos all arrive at Safa Palace in Makkah, where Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman joins them for the upcoming discussions.

20:45 GMT: Saudi Arabia's King Salman has started receiving Arab and Muslim leaders at Safa Royal Palace in Makkah ahead of a series of summits.

20:00 GMT: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed lands in Saudi Arabia for the GCC Arab Summit in Makkah, closely followed by the presidents of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

17:45 GMT: Some shots from the media center in the Four Point by Sheraton hotel where dignitaries and representatives from the various different countries are attending the Makkah summits, with messages from King Salman displayed in different languages.

17:15 GMT: The PM of Qatar has landed in Jeddah for the summits in Makkah.

16:25 GMT: Bahrain's King Hamad is now in Saudi Arabia for the summits. His kingdom will next month be hosting a workshop of Middle Eastern and other countries to discuss the international approach to a Middle East peace plan and the Palestinian issue.

15:45 GMT: We've also had the arrival of the Chadian president and the president of Afghanistan on Thursday who will also be attending one of the Makkah summits. The eyes of the Islamic world will certainly be on Saudi Arabia this weekend.

15:30 GMT: Another arrival, another Arab world leader - this time it is Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi who touches down in the Kingdom.

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FOLLOW MAKKAH SUMMITS COVERAGE WITH THE ARAB NEWS SPOTLIGHT

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14:30 GMT: Iraqi President Barham Salih arrives in Saudi Arabia to attend the three Makkah summits.

14:05 GMT: The King of Jordan Abdullah II is met by the Governor of Makkah Prince Khalid bin Faisal as he also arrives for this week's talks in Makkah.

12:10 GMT: Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is received in Saudi Arabia as he touches down for the summits.

11:30 GMT: The Emir of Kuwait arrives in Saudi Arabia for the series of summits

Topics: Saudi Arabia Makkah Summits Makkah Middle East Arabs

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KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen

Updated 16 November 2024
Arab News
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KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen

Updated 16 November 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian activities continue with the delivery of food and medical services in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen.

At the Gaza Strip, the Saudi aid agency deployed a convoy of 30 trucks loaded with 10,560 shelter bags filled with essential supplies allocated for the Palestinian people, and to be distributed through the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization.

In Jordan’s Zaatari Camp, KSrelief clinics provided medical services to 2,483 refugee patients. The internal medicine specialists treated 122 patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma; pediatricians received 285 children, while the emergency medical doctors treated 253 patients, among others.

In Hadhramaut governorate of Yemen, KSrelief delivered a new batch of hemodialysis solutions and supplies to the Fatima Babtain Center for kidney failure patients in Sayoun.

Topics: KSRelief

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Riyadh Zoo returns with new interactive experiences as part of Riyadh Season

Updated 15 November 2024
Hajar AlQusayer
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Riyadh Zoo returns with new interactive experiences as part of Riyadh Season

  • Entry is free for all, visitors can book tickets through the webook platform
Updated 15 November 2024
Hajar AlQusayer

RIYADH: Home to more than 1,400 animals from 190 species, Riyadh Zoo is back for its third year as part of Riyadh Season, offering visitors of all ages new interactive and educational experiences.

Beginning Oct. 30, the zoo opened its doors to the public free of charge. Visitors can book tickets through the webook platform and explore a variety of animals in natural habitats that mimic their original environments.

Riyadh Zoo operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans 161,000 square meters. (Supplied)

Among the new experiences is “Croc Cave,” where guests can safely observe crocodiles from secure platforms. The “Bird Zone” features a range of exotic birds, allowing visitors to engage with them up close and even feed them. Another highlight is the “Kangaroo Yard,” where guests can interact with and take photos of the famous Australian animals.

A new bird show has also been introduced, where trained birds perform entertaining and skilful tricks and routines, delighting the audience. The zoo’s educational offerings have been enhanced with an interactive farm experience, allowing visitors to learn more about nature and animal life through hands-on activities.

Riyadh Zoo operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans 161,000 square meters. The venue also includes food stalls and mobile food trucks to cater to visitors throughout the day.

Several rare and endangered animals have been born so far at the site, and the zoo also witnessed the Gulf’s first animal birth by cesarean section. (Supplied)

Located in Al-Malaz neighborhood, it is one of the key attractions of Riyadh Season.

Seung-Min shin, a frequent visitor at the zoo, told Arab News she had taken her son who was deeply interested in the animals’ various behaviors.

“The flying birds and the absence of cages for each animal — where we can go inside and touch them — that’s the beauty here,” she added.

Visitor Fatima Hashim, emphasized the educational value for young visitors on offer, saying: “Seeing animals in real life helps children learn about animals, their nature, habitats, and the different types of mammals and birds. The experience was wonderful … the staff at the zoo focused on teaching children how to feed the animals, helping them have the full experience.”

According to Riyadh Zoo’s website, several rare and endangered animals have been born so far at the site, and the zoo also witnessed the Gulf’s first animal birth by cesarean section.

Riyadh Zoo’s layout includes zones designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, with fewer stairs and more flat surfaces, allowing everyone to explore the park with ease and enjoy a complete experience.

Riyadh Zoo was originally established in 1957 as a private menagerie for King Saud and the Saudi royal family. It opened to the public in 1987.

 

Topics: Riyadh Zoo Saudi Arabia Riyadh season

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How Saudi Arabia is helping to drive equitable energy transitions in Africa

Updated 16 November 2024
Manal Albarakati
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How Saudi Arabia is helping to drive equitable energy transitions in Africa

  • Saudi ‘Empowering Africa’ initiative bridges energy inequality through leveraging the continent’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower
  • The initiative aims to uplift communities and foster sustainable growth by reducing reliance on imported fuels and building local infrastructure
Updated 16 November 2024
Manal Albarakati

BAKU: As world leaders at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, discuss the responsibility of developed nations to finance climate action in vulnerable regions, South-South cooperation is emerging as a transformative force driving equitable energy transitions.

Saudi Arabia has established itself as a leader in this collaboration between countries in the Global South, leveraging its resources, expertise, and strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential and shape a more sustainable future.

In November last year, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed groundbreaking memorandums of understanding with five African nations — Ethiopia, Senegal, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

The agreements, finalized during the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh, aim to strengthen collaboration in oil, gas, and renewables, representing a holistic approach to energy development.

“These partnerships symbolize more than economic exchanges; they represent our shared commitment to sustainable growth,” Prince Abdulaziz said at the event. “Africa’s energy potential is vast, and Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting its development for mutual prosperity.”

The five agreements align with Africa’s distinct energy opportunities. For instance, Ethiopia seeks to bolster its hydropower infrastructure, while Rwanda is focused on advancing innovation in oil demand management and integrating renewable energy.

By leveraging Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower resources, “Empowering Africa Initiative,” seeks to provide clean and reliable electricity to underserved regions. (Supplied)

These MoUs also emphasize Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting localized solutions in line with global climate goals.

To bridge the energy equity gap on the African continent, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy last year introduced the Empowering Africa initiative. The project leverages Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower resources to provide clean and reliable electricity to underserved regions.

This effort plays a key role in improving energy access in areas where electricity deficits hinder economic development and quality of life.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Africa has 10 TW of untapped solar energy and 350 GW of hydroelectric power.

• Continent posses more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a vital mineral for green technologies.

According to a 2022 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 75 percent of the world’s population without access to electricity, making it the most energy-deficient continent.

The African Development Bank recently noted that Africa needs $130-170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, facing a financing shortfall of up to $108 billion.

Abid Malik, the geo head for Central Asia at the Saudi energy leader ACWA Power, said the projects associated with the Empowering Africa initiative “aren’t just about power” but also focus on “community upliftment and sustainable growth.”

On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Malik told Arab News: “By reducing dependency on imported fuels and creating local infrastructure, these efforts provide resilience against global energy volatility.”

African countries also have more than a fifth of the world’s reserves in minerals critical for the energy transition, according to the UN Trade and Development.

Abdul Malik of Acwa Power. (Supplied)

These minerals, including cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, make the continent crucial to the global renewable energy supply chain. Such resources are foundational to technologies like electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.

Despite this, much of Africa’s value-added manufacturing in green technology occurs elsewhere, and the continent captures less than half of its potential revenue from minerals.

Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of UNCTAD, has warned that critical minerals could create a “development trap” for resource-rich, vulnerable countries due to commodity dependence.

She stressed the urgent need for these nations, which rely on raw materials for most of their export revenue, to move up global value chains.

Saudi Arabia has therefore prioritized partnerships that tap into Africa’s rich mineral resources while fostering localized value creation.

“These collaborations are about ensuring Africa benefits from its own resources,” said Malik of ACWA Power. “The focus is not just on extraction but on building industries that create jobs, generate revenue, and drive technological innovation.”

One such cooperation with Chad aims to integrate solar technology into existing energy frameworks while developing mining infrastructure to support critical mineral extraction. These efforts reflect a forward-looking strategy that aligns African nations with the Paris Agreement while driving economic growth.

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

Indeed, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change focuses on the development of carbon markets, which are carbon pricing mechanisms allowing governments as well as non-state actors to trade greenhouse gas emission credits.

Under this article, parties can voluntarily cooperate to meet emission reduction targets outlined in their nationally determined contributions. This allows a party to transfer carbon credits earned through emissions reductions to help others achieve their climate goals.

And as financing gaps remain a key challenge hampering progress in the Global South, Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to deploy innovative mechanisms, including voluntary carbon markets.

Riham El-Gizy, the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Voluntary Carbon Markets Company, stressed the significance of directing climate finance to Africa.

“Only 2 percent of global climate finance reaches the Global South. This needs to change,” El-Gizy told Arab News at COP29.

Riham El-Gizy. (Supplied)

Although Africa accounts for nine of the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, the continent receives a mere 3-4 percent of global climate finance, according to the African Development Bank.

To boost funding for local African communities, Saudi-backed initiatives, through voluntary carbon markets, are enabling the continent’s countries to monetize their carbon reduction efforts.

“By providing a platform for rural renewable energy projects, we’re creating a pipeline for funding that directly benefits local communities,” said El-Gizy.

This approach not only reduces emissions but also empowers rural areas with much-needed resources, bridging gaps in both finance and energy access.

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s engagement in Africa is the “Empowering Africa Initiative,” a Ministry of Energy project designed to bridge the continent’s energy equity gap. (Supplied)

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in South-South cooperation offers a roadmap for inclusive energy transitions. Its strategy, spanning renewable energy, critical minerals, and carbon markets, underscores the power of equitable partnerships in addressing the climate crisis.

As COP29 unfolds, the emphasis on South-South collaboration reaffirms that Africa’s potential as a renewable energy leader can only be realized through partnerships that prioritize shared growth.

Saudi Arabia’s investments in Africa showcase how collaboration can drive sustainable development, paving the way for a cleaner, more inclusive global energy future.
 

 

Topics: Green & Blue COP29 Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference Editor’s Choice

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Saudi aid agency expands orphan support in Jordan

Updated 15 November 2024
SPA
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Saudi aid agency expands orphan support in Jordan

  • The program exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission in the region through its relief arm, KSrelief
Updated 15 November 2024
SPA

AMMAN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed its latest round of monthly stipends to orphaned children from underprivileged Jordanian and Syrian refugee families across Jordan’s regions of Karak, Tafila, Maan and Aqaba.

Working with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, the Saudi aid agency provided year-long support covering basic living expenses, educational materials, Eid clothing and recreational activities. The program aims to eventually support 1,000 orphans across Jordan.

Beneficiaries are selected from both local Jordanian communities and Syrian refugee populations, ensuring aid reaches those most in need.

The program exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission in the region through its relief arm, KSrelief.

 

Topics: King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (KSrelief) Saudi Arabia Jordan

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40 scouts finish the Wood Badge advanced course

Updated 15 November 2024
SPA
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40 scouts finish the Wood Badge advanced course

  • The course also included how to plan and execute outdoor trips
Updated 15 November 2024
SPA

RIYADH: Forty scouts from various sectors of the Saudi Arabian Boy Scout Association completed the Wood Badge advanced course, with an average of 27 hours of training in theoretical and practical aspects.
The course, organized by Masar Development Association in Al-Ahsa, included working on the role, responsibilities, duties and needs of the scout unit leader and methods and means for training boys, as well as leadership concepts, patterns and theories.
It also covered public relations, scouting and boys’ development, problem-solving methods, youth participation in decision-making, planning methods, tools and techniques, the concept, styles and theories of scouting, protection from harm, and resource development.
The course also included how to plan and execute outdoor trips, including methods for navigation, setting up tents, secret signs, codes, map drawing, estimations, outdoor cooking, organized hiking, and report writing.

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