JEDDAH: Arab countries have denounced Houthi attempts to attack Saudi Arabia’s southern region using a ballistic missile and three explosive-laden drones.
The Arab coalition said that the Iran-backed militia fired a ballistic missile late Saturday toward Jazan that was intercepted and destroyed.
The missile attack comes just hours after the coalition forces destroyed three armed drones targeting the southern region of Saudi Arabia, including one drone that was headed to Khamis Mushait.
The coalition said that the Houthis are continuing to target civilians and civilian objects.
The Arab Interior Ministers Council strongly condemned the repeated terrorist operations carried out by the Houthi militia.
In a statement, the council’s General Secretariat said the Iran-backed group aims to destabilize security and stability in the Arab region, through financial and weaponry support from external parties, by deliberately pursuing aggressive practices that violate the rules of international humanitarian law and ignoring all efforts to end the conflict in Yemen.
The council called on the international community to hold the perpetrators of these terrorist acts accountable, reiterating its absolute support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security, stability and sovereignty of its lands, and efforts of coalition forces in confronting the Houthis’ threats and hostilities.
The Arab Parliament reaffirmed its full solidarity with the Kingdom against anything that targets its security and stability.
The legislative body of the Arab League described the Houthi militia as a “terrorist organization operated from Tehran to implement a policy of spreading chaos and terror in the region and the world.”
The Arab Parliament urged the international community to assume its responsibilities in confronting such Houthi criminal attacks that threaten regional and international peace and security, and to take measures that would deter these terrorist groups and those who finance and support them, led by Iran.
It stressed the need for serious action in this regard, and praised the efficiency and vigilance of the air defense forces of the Arab coalition, which succeeded in intercepting and destroying the drones.
Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expressed his strong condemnation of the attempt to target innocent civilians in Saudi Arabia.
He reiterated the organization’s condemnation of the Houthi terrorist militia’s attempts by launching of booby-trapped drones toward innocent civilians in the Kingdom, terming them “war crimes.”
He praised the Saudi Air Defense Forces, which intercepted and destroyed the drones.
Al-Othaimeen also stressed the OIC’s firm solidarity with the Kingdom in all the measures it takes to protect its security and stability as well as the safety of its citizens and residents in its territories.
Kuwait has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the continuing terrorist Houthi militia threat to the security of Saudi Arabia and the targeting of civilians and civilian areas and the stability of the region.
The Foreign Ministry also stressed Kuwait’s full solidarity and support for the Kingdom in all measures it takes to preserve its security, stability and sovereignty.
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the failed Houthi attack, saying that “this terrorist act constitutes a blatant attack on the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, and a serious threat to the security and safety of its citizens and residents.”
It also stressed the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities in condemning these heinous Houthi attacks, threatening regional security and stability.
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed its firm position in condemning these repeated and cowardly terrorist acts targeting civilians and vital facilities in the Kingdom with the aim of undermining security, stability and peace.
Arab states condemn ‘blatant’ Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
https://arab.news/5zpdp
Arab states condemn ‘blatant’ Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
- Houthis fired a ballistic missile and explosive-laden three drones at the Kingdom’s southern region
- Arab Interior Ministers Council calls on international community to hold the perpetrators accountable
Saudi women embrace natural beauty: a fresh take on changing standards
- Trend focuses on simplicity over perfection
- Consumers take more mindful approach
RIYADH: Women in Saudi Arabia have been embracing a more natural approach to their beauty routines in recent years, focusing on sustainability, health and authenticity over heavy makeup and curated perfection.
Arab News spoke to several women who described how this trend reflects a deep alignment with personal and societal values — prioritizing routines that enhance their natural features while promoting overall well-being and environmental sustainability.
For Laila Al-Ghamdi, this change is personal. “A few years ago, I would say natural beauty was everything to me. As a young teenager, my whole world used to revolve around the epitome of beauty,” she said. “Nowadays, healthier choices are influencing my decisions, and ironically, they’re the ones that make me prettier.”
This shift is supported by local brands that cater to these changing standards. One standout is LOCA Beauty, a Saudi brand with a focus on sustainability that was founded in 2018.
“LOCA Beauty was born out of a desire to provide innovative solutions that align with the Saudi lifestyle,” said Mai Al-Mohaimeed, marketing director of LOCA. “We focus on natural ingredients and sustainable packaging, which resonates deeply with our customers.”
Similarly, Asteri, another brand, empowers women with vegan products that withstand harsh weather conditions while celebrating the region’s natural beauty.
Beauty is no longer about fitting into a mold. It’s about feeling good in your own skin and celebrating who you are.
Munira Al-Ahmad, Local
Sustainability is central to the natural beauty movement in Saudi Arabia. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and health effects of their purchases. Local brands are rising to meet this demand with eco-friendly materials and safe ingredients.
Glossig, inspired by Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes, combines cultural storytelling with artistic innovation to enhance individuality. Meanwhile, Mai Ward and Jayla emphasize sustainability and luxury — Mai Ward celebrates Saudi heritage through handcrafted, sustainable products, while Ladeena focuses on organic solutions, delivering skin-friendly products infused with natural oils and butters.
For women like Rawan Al-Zahrani and Munira Al-Ahmad, these brands have become trusted choices.
“I love how LOCA products feel luxurious yet sustainable. Their makeup products are my go-to because they offer such an amazing glow to my skin,” Al-Zahrani said.
Al-Ahmad, meanwhile, praised Asteri for its innovative solutions. “Asteri’s products feel like they’re made for me — lightweight but effective, perfect for our environment,” she said.
Social media has also played a transformative role in this cultural shift. Platforms such as Instagram have become spaces for clean beauty enthusiasts to share tips and inspire others. Influencers highlight natural products and promote mindful consumerism.
“I follow several Saudi influencers who promote natural beauty and share tips on skincare and makeup,” Al-Zahrani said. “Their advice has helped me simplify my routine and focus on products that work for me.”
While local brands are thriving, they face significant challenges in competing with international giants. In a market saturated with global names it is difficult for smaller brands to stand out.
“Being a local beauty brand presents both opportunities and challenges,” Al-Mohaimeed said. “This also provides us with an opportunity to emphasize what sets us apart — our deep understanding of the Saudi market and the cultural nuances that shape our consumers’ needs.”
Changing beauty standards also reflect a generational change. Younger Saudis are more open to challenging traditional norms and exploring new ideas, driving innovation in the beauty industry. Natural beauty is becoming more about celebrating individuality and authenticity.
“Beauty is no longer about fitting into a mold,” Al-Ahmad said. “It’s about feeling good in your own skin and celebrating who you are.”
By choosing products and routines that align with their values, Saudi women are redefining the beauty industry, shaping a more sustainable future one natural step at a time.
GCC secretary general receives British ambassador to Saudi Arabia
- Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the GCC and the UK within the framework of their strategic partnership
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi received UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton at the GCC Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed the progress of negotiations on the free trade agreement signed between the GCC and the UK and reviewed the latest regional and international developments, the General Secretariat wrote in a statement.
Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the GCC and the UK within the framework of their strategic partnership, serving the aspirations and mutual interests of both sides.
Saudi authorities warn of inclement weather as country braces for heavy rainfall
- Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday
- Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast more rain accompanied by thunderstorms across several regions, with a red alert in Makkah, Asir and Baha regions due to the inclement weather.
The National Center for Meteorology forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in parts of Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah.
Fog may form in some areas of these regions, it added.
Temperatures will drop and frost may form in the northern parts of the Kingdom, according to the NCM.
It added that dust-stirring winds will blow and rain may fall in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Region and Jazan regions.
Meanwhile, Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday. Some areas in the capital also were lashed by hail.
Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas, forcing the Civil Defense to warn against venturing into flooded areas and valleys.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued warnings and safety instructions, as the country braces for heavy rainfall, urging the public to stay at home, avoid valleys and waterlogged areas, and adhere to all safety directives.
“We follow the weather conditions in some areas of the Kingdom, and call for staying away from valleys and water bodies,” the Civil Defense posted on X.
“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it added.
Makkah Governorate on X posted several videos of heavy rains, thunderstorm and waterspouts.
Social media is filled with videos from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and the Red Sea City of Jeddah, showing streets and city roads flooded, and cars submerged as result of heavy rainfall.
According to the NCM, winds over the Red Sea will be northeasterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part at speeds of 20-50 km per hour. Waves may range from one meter and a half to more than two meters, and the sea will be relatively calm to choppy.
KSrelief delivers critical food, shelter aid to Syrian families
- Saudi aid agency also launches voluntary program to support Syrian healthcare sector
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief on Tuesday distributed food and shelter aid to 200 families in the city of Douma, in the Rif Dimashq governorate of Syria, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Also on Tuesday, KSrelief distributed food and shelter aid in the village of Nasib, in the Daraa governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
To date, seven planes carrying food, medical supplies, and shelter materials have arrived at Damascus International Airport as part of a Saudi relief airlift.
Additionally, 60 Saudi trucks containing essential supplies, including food, shelter materials, and medical supplies crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria as part of a Saudi relief land bridge operated by KSrelief.
On Jan. 1, Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to provide essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the country’s new leadership to rebuild after years of civil war.
According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.
Recently, Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Fadi Al-Qassem met with the KSrelief team in Damascus, where they discussed ways to deliver aid to the Syrian people and coordination between the Saudi aid agency and civil society organizations in the country.
Al-Qassem commended the support provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief and praised the Kingdom’s prompt response to the humanitarian situation in Syria.
Syrian Minister of Health Dr. Maher Al-Sharaa also met with the KSrelief team and discussed ways to contribute to addressing the needs of the Syrian healthcare sector.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, KSrelief continues implementing its project to enhance healthcare services for Syrian refugees and the host community in the town of Arsal.
In one month, the Arsal Primary Health Care Center received 12,676 patients and provided 23,386 services across various departments.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of those in need, particularly Syrian refugees affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
KSrelief also announced the opening of registration for the Saudi Voluntary Program for Syrians. The program aims to support the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts by providing critical emergency and medical services to Syrians in need.
The initiative covers surgery, psychological support, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, internal medicine, pediatrics, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, and prosthetics, among other treatments.
Registration is available here.
Al-Ahsa’s bishts are exquisitely tailored, rich cultural symbols
- Known across the Arab world for their elegance, quality and intricate embroidery
RIYADH: Al-Ahsa is known for its diverse industries and handicrafts, particularly the Hasawi bishts, which are sought-after across the Arab world for their exquisite tailoring, quality and intricate embroidery.
The Hasawi bisht is favored by dignitaries, officials and businesspeople for its aesthetics as well as the rich culture it represents, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
They come in dark or light fabrics depending on taste, the occasion and season.
These garments are often adorned with silk thread, as well as golden and silver zari embroidery in shades of yellow, reddish hues, and white, the SPA reported.
Handmade bishts continue to be in demand despite machine-made options.
Certain families in Al-Ahsa and elsewhere in the Kingdom are renowned for their expertise in crafting handmade and artisanal bishts, with meticulous attention to design, shape and embroidery.
Prices vary based on craftsmanship, fabric quality, and the type of zari used. Fabrics from Japan or Kashmir, along with German zari, are factors in determining cost.
Winter bishts, woven from camel hair, come in varying quality and are distinguished by their thickness and weight compared to those made for summer.
Bisht fabrics are woven in Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan, with China and India offering similar manufactured options, the SPA added.
The embellishment of the winter Hasawi bisht initially had silk thread, and later incorporated golden and silver.
Stitching the karmuk, the wide section adorned with zari, can take 14 days by hand, while a machine can complete the task in two hours.
