RIYADH: The Saudi government on Tuesday once again condemned the Iran-back Houthi militia’s constant attacks targeting civilians and vowed to take all the necessary deterrent steps to protect national capabilities, oil exports and global commerce.
Chaired virtually by King Salman from NEOM, the ministers highlighted that the attacks do not only target the Kingdom and its economic facilities, but rather the center of the global economy, the security of its exports and its oil supplies, while also affecting maritime navigation.
“In this regard, the Cabinet stressed that the Kingdom will take all the necessary deterrent measures to protect its national capabilities and gains, preserving energy security, the stability of its supplies, oil exports and global commerce,” Majid Al-Qassabi, acting minister of media, said in a briefing to the Saudi Press Agency about the meeting. “This would also lead to the end of these attacks that reflect the on-going Iranian hegemony over the political and military decisions of the militia, which helps Iran achieve its disruptive agenda that seeks to spread chaos and undermine regional and international security. This also confirms the Houthis’ refusal of various political efforts aimed at ending the Yemeni crisis, particularly following the announcement of the Kingdom’s peace initiative,” Al-Qassabi added.
The Council, once again, expressed the Kingdom’s support of all efforts seeking to ensure the smooth flow of maritime navigation, maritime trade and international supply chains in the Suez Canal, congratulating Egypt for successfully refloating the stranded large container ship and returning the international maritime traffic to normal.
Al-Qassabi said the Cabinet expressed its appreciation to GCC and Middle Eastern countries that have expressed their readiness to work with the Kingdom to achieve the goals of the ‘Green Middle East’ initiative, announced this week by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“This initiative will benefit the region and the world through its ambitious goals aimed at reducing Carbon emissions, promoting public health and quality of life, improving the efficiency of oil production, raising the rates of renewable energy use and achieving sustainable development,” said Al-Qassabi.
Saudi Cabinet vows to protect energy security
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Saudi Cabinet vows to protect energy security
Riyadh festival strengthens Saudi-Iraqi cultural bonds
- ‘Common Ground’ celebrates music, art and shared heritage
RIYADH: A Saudi-Iraqi dialogue on music has been held as part of the “Common Ground” festival at Riyadh Boulevard, which runs until Dec. 31.
The dialogue featured Saudi artist Abadi Al-Johar and Iraqi artist Naseer Shamma, who presented their musical creations.
It highlighted the points of convergence between the rich cultures of both nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event aims to highlight the shared cultural elements between Saudi Arabia and Iraq through various cultural and artistic activities.
The goal is to strengthen cultural cooperation between the Kingdom and Iraq and provide an opportunity to explore Iraqi culture and its creative landmarks, the SPA reported.
Iraqi visitors expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and the festival’s recognition of Iraqi artists, particularly the honoring of renowned singer Saadoun Jaber and the late poet Karim Al-Iraqi.
Many said that this reflected the festival’s respect for Iraq’s artistic legacy and its role in fostering cultural ties between the two nations.
An art exhibition at the festival showcases dozens of works by Saudi and Iraqi artists, which visitors praised for vividly portraying the historical and cultural diversity of the two countries while highlighting their shared heritage.
The event has also included discussions on the historical roots of economic ties and recent efforts to strengthen them.
Researchers and historians from both countries gathered to discuss their shared history and explored ways to cooperate in the future.
The festival includes a children’s area with heritage games, arts and crafts, and interactive storytelling.
It also offers a culinary experience blending Saudi and Iraqi flavors, while visitors can enjoy Saudi coffee and Iraqi tea, reflecting Arab hospitality.
The event is being held in collaboration between the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the Iraqi National Library and Archive.
Salam Equine Hospital takes the reins of equine healthcare
- The state-of-the-art facility combines modern technology with innovative design and specialized medical expertise
MAKKAH: Salam Equine Hospital, a venture by Salam Veterinary Group, recently opened its doors in Buraidah, where it epitomizes Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in veterinary and medical innovation.
The state-of-the-art facility combines modern technology with innovative design and specialized medical expertise, setting a new benchmark in equine medicine. The hospital not only offers therapeutic and preventive services but also engages in extensive research and development, positioning itself as a global leader in equine care.
Abdulaziz Al-Jumah, the hospital’s executive director, highlighted the project’s significance in an interview with Arab News. “Salam Equine Hospital is part of the Salam Veterinary Group, and it is the largest veterinary hospital in the world.”
According to Al-Jumah, the hospital has formed strategic partnerships with leading international equine hospitals, such as Baker McVeigh, to bring advanced medical knowledge and technology to Saudi Arabia.
“We have established a plan and a strategy for the hospital, consisting of an engineering system facilitating the entry and exit of horses while ensuring their safety,” he said.
A comprehensive system ensures horse safety from entry to exit, with special gates for emergencies and radiology to prevent infection spread.
The facility has fully equipped recovery and anesthesia rooms where horses are safely anesthetized, operated on, and then monitored in recovery. Its operating rooms are designed to meet international standards for isolation, cleanliness, and air quality, crucial for preventing post-operative infections, Al-Jumah said.
“After the operation, some horses might need intensive care. Therefore, we have established intensive care units that are completely isolated to prevent bacterial infections,” Al-Jumah said. “These units have surveillance cameras to monitor the horses in every room of the hospital and track their safety.”
Al-Jumah said that the hospital has “a radiology room that is lead-lined and fully equipped with radiology and sonar devices that examine the horses’ tendons, fractured bones, and spine. A 360-degree examination is conducted using these exceptional top-notch devices.”
When it comes to equine reproduction, Salam Equine Hospital uses cutting-edge techniques such as artificial insemination, natural insemination, and embryo transfer, including the sophisticated IVF method known as “test tube foal,” where sperm is injected directly into an egg.
The hospital’s reach extends beyond its physical boundaries, with mobile clinics that provide on-site care at stables, ensuring comprehensive health services for horses in the region.
Al-Jumah emphasized the hospital’s ongoing commitment to research. “Salam Equine Hospital is keen to conduct new research and seeks development, uniqueness and excellence in horses’ care, thanks to the support of the board of directors and medical personnel who have raised our ambitions level to become the best in the world. We are always looking to initiate new research in this field.”
This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s vision for medical advancement and sets new global standards in veterinary care.
Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture
- This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University
Jeddah: The Jeddah Historic District Program of the Ministry of Culture recently hosted a delegation of students from Harvard University, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The students were given a tour of the Jeddah Historic District, known as Al-Balad, highlighting its distinctive architectural, cultural and economic landmarks.
They also participated in activities commemorating World Arabic Language Day, which further enhanced their understanding of the area’s rich heritage.
This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and economic development to their peers, the SPA reported.
The Jeddah Historic District Program plays a crucial role in revitalizing the area through community engagement, economic development and sustainable urban planning.
By transforming historic Jeddah into a vibrant environment for living and working, the program aims to establish it as a global heritage and tourist destination.
Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen
Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 570 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included two anti-personnel mines, 50 anti-tank mines, 508 unexploded ordnances and 10 explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 473,258 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.
Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth
RIYADH: The Reading Forum, organized by the Libraries Commission, recently concluded at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.
The forum featured dialogue sessions and workshops attracting reading and culture enthusiasts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Discussions covered novels as artistic expressions that reflect culture and history, foster critical thinking, and the role of narration in promoting cross-cultural dialogue.
Participants highlighted reading and research as tools for personal growth, lifelong learning, and effective content creation.
They emphasized the importance of translation in cultural exchange and global copyright, the SPA reported.
Sessions explored instilling a love for reading in youth through collaboration between families, schools and society, as well as leadership in literary trends and the impact of genres on critical thinking.
The event set out to position reading as a foundation of progress, celebrating Saudi, Arab and global literary talent while fostering a culture of knowledge and intellectual growth.
