RIYADH: On the heels of the Saudi-American strategic dialogue, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus stressed her country’s support to the Kingdom in facing the Iranian, Houthi aggression and said that Saudi Arabia “absolutely” has the right to defend itself.
During a phone interview with Arab News, Ortagus described the Saudi-American relationship as “strategic, sophisticated and bipartisan” regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election.
Regarding critics who question US arms sales to the Kingdom, Ortagus said that deals have been happening “under Republican and Democratic administration for some time,” adding that both this administration, as well as previous ones, supported them.
Having lived in Saudi Arabia almost a decade ago while working under former President Barack Obama, she remembers those deals well.
“We know that Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Gulf are on the front line of Iranian aggression,” she said. “That’s why we have sought to bolster and strengthen our allies to stand up to the aggression from Iran.”
Expressing concern over the abandoned and decaying oil tanker, the Safer, that has been moored near Ras Issa oil terminal on the shores of the Red Sea for more than five years, she said: “The leaking and immobile oil storage vessel Safer is a time bomb in the Red Sea, and if it ruptures, it will devastate the Red Sea ecosystem — killing its marine life and its treasured environmental heritage and depriving the people who rely on the Red Sea of their livelihoods.
“The Houthis have politicized the tanker by continually imposing conditions before they will grant access to UN officials who need to board the Safer and do the work necessary to prevent massive environmental damage throughout the region. We call for an end to the delays and for the UN experts to be granted access so that they can assess the vessel and begin repairs.”
Following the strategic dialogue which took place on Oct. 14, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a $1 billion investment for a new embassy in Riyadh and two consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran. “This shows our commitment to Saudi Arabia,” said Ortagus.
The relationship between the two countries has spanned 75 years, “we think about it in terms of the past, present and future.”
She termed the relationship as “strong but certainly not without its challenges.”
Ortagus added: “We have faced enormous challenges and moments of very trying times. But, when we start to look forward toward the future, it is important that the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia is a bipartisan relationship as it has always been.
“The relationship is certainly based on more than military, security, and oil.”
She said: “It has become a much more sophisticated trade relationship and very, very close people ties.
“We look at the next 75 years as something that can be fruitful and positive and certainly support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for the country.”
She underlined the US support for the upcoming G20 virtual summit which Saudi Arabia is hosting virtually due to the pandemic.
“I know we are all disappointed that we won’t be in Saudi Arabia for that meeting, but we will be working together quite closely,” Ortagus added.
Saudi Arabia ‘absolutely’ has the right to defend itself, says Ortagus
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Saudi Arabia ‘absolutely’ has the right to defend itself, says Ortagus
- US State Department spokesperson stresses support against Iran
- Ortagus tells Arab News relationship with Saudi Arabia “is bipartisan”
The female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh that aim to empower women
- Yoga, Pilates studios provide safe, calm environment
- ‘I have met some pretty incredible women,’ Australian customer says
RIYADH: A number of female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh are aiming to provide empowering communities for women, driven by the desire for privacy and comfort.
Locations like gyms, pools and even some theme parks have created safe spaces exclusively for women on designated days.
This allows women to dress freely and engage in activities that foster a sense of community.
One such place is Sunsets Yoga, a serene studio environment dedicated solely to women.
It offers an array of classes and programs focused on health and wellness and also has an entertainment center where women can unwind and connect.
“Sunsets Yoga was born out of my passion for yoga and my deep desire to help people,” owner Wateen Al-Tuwaijri told Arab News.
Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.
Emma Shirley
“I opened this space because I believe in the transformative power of yoga — not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well.
“My goal for Sunsets Yoga is to create a welcoming, peaceful environment where individuals can escape the stresses of daily life, reconnect with themselves and grow both physically and mentally.”
Al-Tuwaijri said it was “especially important” to have places in Riyadh that cater exclusively to women.
“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers.
“It’s about supporting their journey of self-discovery and personal growth in a place where they can feel free, strong and inspired.”
Al-Tuwaijri said she wanted to build “a community that supports, encourages and nurtures” people.
Another prominent female-only space is the reformer Pilates studio Bdn in Al-Rayyan District.
“I’ve been practicing reformer Pilates for over 15 years now and swear by it,” owner Najd Al-Hatlani said.
“It has given me impeccable self-awareness regarding my body and how the smallest muscles move to support the larger ones … it has completely changed my perspective regarding all workouts.
She said she opened the studio to serve an untapped market in the east of Riyadh.
“Female-oriented spaces have always been part of our cultural heritage and experience. I think it’s important to continue to offer these safe haven spaces for women in order to maximize their well-being.
“As kind as many people want to be, we as women have shared far too many similar experiences through life which makes it comforting to be in the same room as that unspoken supportive energy.”
The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions, Al-Hatlani said.
Emma Shirley, an Australia living in Riyadh, is a regular at Bdn.
“Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. My go-to Pilates studio in Riyadh is Bdn. I have been going there for a few months.
“Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.”
Saudi Arabia takes part in European Economic Congress
- The Saudi delegation met with the Poland’s deputy minister of Economic Development and Technology to discuss economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Poland
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia participated in the 17th edition of the European Economic Congress, held in Katowice, Poland, from April 23-25.
The Saudi delegation consisted of Ambassador to Poland Saad bin Saleh Al-Saleh; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment for International Relations Sara Al-Sayed; Deputy Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade Abdulaziz Al-Sakran; and representatives from the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, specifically the Saudi-Polish Business Council.
The Saudi delegation met with the Poland’s deputy minister of Economic Development and Technology to discuss economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Poland and strategies to improve investment and trade exchange, as well as taking part in a dialogue session focused on the same topics and including a review of the economic transformations occurring in the Kingdom in light of Saudi Vision 2030.
The delegation also conducted meetings and workshops with several representatives from companies attending the congress to present investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Royal body offers Saudi traditional bisht-making course
- Wrth plays a leading role in promoting Saudi identity and cultural heritage, both locally and globally
RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, Wrth, has opened registration for the Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Apprenticeship Program in Al-Ahsa governorate.
Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi — referring to the traditional male outer-garment dress made in Al-Ahsa — is a culturally significant craft in the Kingdom.
The program spans three semesters and aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to revive, preserve, and promote this traditional art form.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of the craft, including its history, tools, techniques, embroidery, sewing, and the traditional textile industry.
Instruction will be delivered by seasoned artisans who have inherited and practiced the craft for generations.
Following the successful first and second editions in 2023 and 2024, which trained 22 participants, the third edition will run from July 6 to Aug. 5, 2027.
This initiative is a part of Wrth’s broader effort to offer regular training programs that provide the skills and expertise required for specialized handicrafts.
Wrth plays a leading role in promoting Saudi identity and cultural heritage, both locally and globally.
It is committed to supporting emerging national talent, safeguarding intangible heritage, and fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional arts.
Registration is through Wrth’s website: https://wrth.edu.sa/programs/apprenticeship.
Jeddah’s Historic District to get new waste management plan
- Ministry of Culture to collaborate with recycling firm on green initiative
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Investment Recycling Co. to strengthen cooperation on waste management and recycling in Jeddah’s Historic District.
The initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to revitalize the area, promote environmental sustainability, support green initiatives and enhance the visitor experience.
The agreement was signed by Wael bin Sami Saim Al-Daher, director general of the General Administration of the Jeddah Historic District Program, which is affiliated to the ministry, and Haitham bin Hassan bin Hamed, CEO of SIRC’s Western Region branch.
It outlines collaboration on implementing best practices and solutions for recycling construction and demolition waste, managing solid waste and converting it into materials such as gravel and fertilizer.
It also includes identifying effective mechanisms for waste collection and transportation and raising environmental awareness among residents and visitors.
The collaboration will contribute to national goals such as reducing carbon emissions, achieving fuel savings and creating jobs.
As part of its ongoing efforts in the Historic District, the ministry has added 120,000 sq. meters of green spaces, while its cleaning and maintenance teams remove 70 tonnes of waste daily.
Maldives honors Saudi Arabia’s Islamic affairs minister
- The honor is in recognition of the minister’s outstanding efforts in consolidating the approach of moderation and balance; spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence; and promoting constructive communication among people
MALÉ: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs in the Maldives has awarded the Kingdom’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh the shield for promoting moderation, tolerance and communication between peoples for 2025.
It was presented by Dr. Mohamed Shahim Ali Saeed, the minister of Islamic affairs of the Maldives, and was received on his behalf by Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, the imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque.
The ceremony was attended by Adam Sharif Omar, minister of regions; Dr. Ismail Shafi, minister of education; and Sheikh Mohamed Latif Ali, the grand imam of Sultan Mohamed Takrufan Grand Mosque.
The honor is in recognition of the minister’s outstanding efforts in consolidating the approach of moderation and balance; spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence; and promoting constructive communication among people.
He has also been recognized for his continued support of Islamic cooperation and the qualitative initiatives he has provided to serve the Maldivian people in the fields of dawah, education, and community development.
These initiatives form part of the programs that have contributed to enhancing community awareness and consolidating authentic Islamic values.
