Kingdom mourns long-serving oil minister Yamani/node/1814611/saudi-arabia
Kingdom mourns long-serving oil minister Yamani
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Ahmed Zaki Yamani listens to reporter's questions during a news conference in Doha in 1976. (AP/File)
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Ahmed Zaki Yamani in Tokyo in 1974. Yamani, a key player in the first oil shock of 1973, has died at the age of 90. (AFP/File)
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Gulf oil ministers and representatives of western nations meet in October 1973 in Vienna to negotiate price boosts sought by oil producers. Ahmed Zaki Yamani is second from left. (AP/File)
Son of a judge from Makkah was key figure in embargo that shook global markets in the 1970s
Updated 23 February 2021
Rawan Radwan
JEDDAH: Ahmed Zaki Yamani, Saudi Arabia’s longest-serving oil minister and the man behind the oil embargo after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, has died in London at the age of 90.
Yamani became oil minister in 1962, replacing Abdullah Tariki, a founding member of OPEC. He promoted Arab interests and effectively negotiated oil production and prices, becoming a dominant figure in setting production quotas in global markets.
Ahmed Zaki Yamani in Tokyo in 1974. Yamani, a key player in the first oil shock of 1973, has died at the age of 90. (AFP/File)
Born on June 30, 1930, the son of an Islamic scholar and judge in Makkah, Yamani studied in Cairo, then graduated from New York University School of Law and earned a master’s degree from Harvard Law School.
He led the nationalization of the Kingdom’s oil industry, which became fully state owned in 1980, and played an important role in the development of OPEC. He was the public face of the 1973-1974 oil crisis, when the price of crude quadrupled to $12 a barrel.
The #OPEC Family, led by Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, offers their deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of one of the most respected and recognized industry leaders, Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani of Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/GLxO0huuL4
In 1975, Yamani and 11 other oil ministers were held hostage at OPEC’s conference in Vienna by Venezuelan terrorist Ilyich Ramirez Sanchez, known as Carlos the Jackal. He planned to fly Yamani and Iranian minister Jamshid Amuzegar to Baghdad and execute them. The hostages were eventually released in Algiers after negotiations.
Gulf oil ministers and representatives of western nations meet in October 1973 in Vienna to negotiate price boosts sought by oil producers. Ahmed Zaki Yamani is second from left. (AP/File)
When oil prices began to decline in early 1986 to about $10 from a late-1985 peak of about $31, Saudi Arabia cut production to support prices, which cost revenue and market share. Yamani was replaced as oil minister that year by his deputy, Hisham Nazer.
In an interview in 2000, when shale oil was little known and renewables were in their infancy, Yamani famously predicted that technology would reduce oil consumption and increase production from outside OPEC. “The Stone Age did not end because the world ran out of stone, and the Oil Age will end long before the world runs out of oil,” he said.
Saudi Arabia condemns suicide attack on Syrian church
Syria’s health ministry said an attack on a church in Damascus on Sunday killed 20 people
Updated 22 June 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a suicide attack on a church in Damascus that killed at least 20 people.
Syria’s interior ministry said in a statement that “a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of the capital Damascus where he opened fire then blew himself up with an explosive belt.”
The Foreign Ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s position rejecting the targeting of places of worship, the terrorizing of civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood.
It affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.
Sisterhood club at full throttle on the road to freedom
For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers
Updated 22 June 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Young Saudi women are discovering a new freedom riding motorcycles on the streets of Riyadh, challenging stereotypes and fostering an empowering community.
The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, with its all-female membership, is at the forefront of this trend.
Founded in 2022 by Capt. Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles.
“We wanted to break stereotypes and build a strong community that supports freedom, confidence, and sisterhood on and off the road,” Abdulsaud said.
This mission resonates deeply with women who have long felt restricted by societal norms and expectations, she added.
For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers.
Joining the club is an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a lifestyle that celebrates adventure and camaraderie. The club seeks to encourage women to embrace their passions, while providing a supportive network for those who seek to share this journey.
Abualsaud, a dentist and proud biker, explained her motivation for co-founding Sisterhood. “I wanted to create a space where women could feel both powerful and supported,” she said.
“As someone who always seeks adventure, riding became my way of feeling free and present. Building and leading this club wasn’t just about motorcycles — it was about making a statement that women can be bold, united, and unstoppable.”
Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles.
“Owning a bike is not required to join. We welcome women at all levels, whether you’re an experienced rider, someone considering getting a license, or simply curious about the community,” Abdulsaud said.
This inclusive approach makes it easier for women to join without feeling intimidated, fostering a sense of belonging.
Founded in 2022 by Captain Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles. (Supplied)
“I’ve always been passionate about adventurous hobbies. I ride horses and have loved ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) since childhood. So, when women were allowed to ride motorcycles, I jumped at the opportunity,” said club member Maisa Alhugaily.
“What drew me specifically to Sisterhood Club was the sense of community and empowerment it offers. I wanted to be part of a group that supports and uplifts women, while exploring something exciting and different.”
The club provides mentorship, safety training, and introductory riding experiences to ensure that new members can embark on their journeys with confidence.
“What matters most is the spirit of adventure and respect for the community,” Abdulsaud said. This commitment to safety and education helps demystify the world of motorcycles, making it accessible to everyone.
The importance of such clubs for Saudi women cannot be overstated, she believes.
“These clubs give Saudi women visibility, voice, and validation in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Riding a motorcycle in Saudi Arabia is more than a hobby — it’s a symbol of choice, strength, and movement.”
Sisterhood empowers women by offering them opportunities to lead, connect, travel, and inspire each other.
This empowerment is crucial in a society where women are often expected to conform to traditional roles. The presence of female riders challenges stereotypes and encourages other women to explore their interests without feeling limited by societal expectations.
“It also helps normalize the presence of female riders in public, creating a ripple effect for future generations of girls to dream big without limitations,” Abdulsaud says.
Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles. (Supplied)
Currently, Sisterhood organizes over 40 rides and has 260 active members from cities across Saudi Arabia. The community is steadily growing, with regular collaborations with riders from other Gulf countries.
Abdulsaud said: “Sisterhood is not just a local club — it’s part of a larger movement.” This expansion reflects the increasing interest among women in pursuing activities that defy traditional gender roles.
In addition to riding, the club engages in various events and interests that foster camaraderie and personal growth.
“We participate in local and regional motorcycle events, organize safety awareness workshops, community outreach rides, and even lifestyle gatherings like motorcycle fashion events, fitness classes, and off-road trips,” Abdulsaud said.
The wide range of activities encourages a lifestyle filled with empowerment, connection, and fun.
Through the Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, Saudi women are not only discovering a passion for riding, but also building a supportive network that champions their dreams and aspirations. The club embodies a spirit of unity and strength, allowing women to pursue their passions unapologetically.
“We’re telling them, you have a place among us,” Abdulsaud said.
The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club is more than just a group of women who ride; it is a movement that signifies freedom, empowerment, and sisterhood. As these women continue to break barriers and redefine their roles in society, they are paving the way for future generations to ride boldly into their own destinies.
Saudi interior minister meets outgoing UK ambassador in Riyadh
Neil Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen
Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a ‘key, indispensable partner’
Updated 22 June 2025
Arab News
LONDON: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met Neil Crompton, the outgoing UK ambassador to Riyadh, in his office on Sunday.
Crompton bid farewell to Prince Abdulaziz as his tenure as ambassador ended. Prince Abdulaziz thanked Crompton for his service in the Kingdom and wished him success.
Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen.
In a previous interview with Arab News, Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a “key, indispensable partner” to the UK.
“We have a shared history, and part of our shared history is recognition that Saudi Arabia is a key diplomatic partner, not just in the Arab world, but in the Islamic world. I think it has a neutral ability to bridge gaps both between east and west, and north and south,” Crompton said.
Saudi transport minister wraps up visit to Russia and France
The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics
Updated 22 June 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser was recently on an official visit to Russia and France along with his accompanying delegation of officials from the sector.
He participated in the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and its main session, which was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
In France, Al-Jasser attended the opening of the International Paris Air Show as well as a signing ceremony for an air services agreement between Saudi Arabia and Panama.
The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics.