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 authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday
- The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday
- It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Kingdom with the inclement weather to continue until Monday.
The National Center for Meteorology said in its forecast: “There are chances of moderate to heavy rain in most areas of the Kingdom starting Thursday. Cloudy weather will continue until Monday.”
It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions, the NCM said.
The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday, it added.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense also issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with heavy thunderstorms expected to continue until Monday.
The Makkah and Riyadh regions may experience moderate to heavy rainfall, hailstorms and dust-stirring winds, it said.
Moderate to heavy rain is also forecast for Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, the Eastern Region, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders.
Light to moderate rain may fall in Madinah. Najran and Tabuk may experience light rain showers, it added.
The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions and avoid areas prone to flash flooding, such as valleys.
“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it said.
It also called on the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates through Civil Defense channels as well as the NCM.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and Hajj seasons, the NCM launched training programs for employees of the Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques to enhance precautions against extreme weather phenomena.
Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition
- Artist’s late father inspired the display
- Photographs, digital art and videos portray scenes of prayer
RIYADH: An exhibition in Bahrain by Saudi artist Emtethal Al-Awami’s explored themes of memory, nostalgia, and the intersection of past and present.
“101 Hymns” featured photographs, digital art and videos portraying scenes of prayer, providing a rich and visually engaging experience.
Al-Awami, from Qatif, told Arab News the idea for the exhibition was inspired by her late father, whose actions and movements during prayer and tasbih she had observed throughout her life.
“The movement of his fingers between the beads of the prayer rosary and the sound of his voice reflected moments of serenity and reassurance, embodying feelings of forgiveness and harmony,” she said.
“The scene represents a deep connection with the self, offering a person the time to reflect and return to their true essence.”
The prayer rosary, a symbol of spirituality used across different religions and cultures for over 3,000 years, served as a tool to restore calm amidst the chaos and speed of everyday life, added Al-Awami.
“101 Hymns” sought to show how prayer and tasbih become a sanctuary in a world of pressures and challenges, opening the door to tranquility.
“By observing my father, I realized that these moments provide valuable lessons on patience and serenity, as the soft sound of the prayer beads soothes the soul and offers a deep sense of security,” she said.
After taking time to mourn and reflect following her father’s death around 18 months ago, the Saudi artist said she was determined to complete the project and present it in his honor.
“He was my inspiration and my first supporter, and this idea reflects my love and pride for his spiritual journey, which I aspire to share with others through this exhibit,” she told Arab News.
Al-Awami’s journey as an artist began at an early age with a deep fascination for art and its vast possibilities in various forms of expression. She studied art education at King Saud University in Riyadh, graduating in 1996.
“The initial spark of my artistic journey can be traced back to a specific moment of introspection as I observed the world around me — seeing the beauty in everyday life and realizing the power of visual storytelling,” she said.
She added she was inspired to commit to the pursuit of art as a form of synthesis between individual experiences and broader societal themes.
During her journey to becoming a professional artist, Al-Awami experimented with different styles and mediums which allowed her to progress and refine her voice, establishing her own artistic identity.
“I have learned to weave cultural narratives into my work, and my experiments with different styles and ideas enrich my artistic practice, allowing me to tell diverse stories through my art,” she explained.
As a Saudi artist, Al-Awami often highlights cultural narratives shaped by her own experiences. Arabian art is distinguished by its unique disposition, rooted in a rich history of spiritual, cultural and social chronicles, she said: “It embodies a fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary themes, continually reflecting the dynamic nature of Arab identity, resilience, and creativity across generations.”
Al-Awami emphasized the significant development the artistic community has seen in the Arab world, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Marked by increased recognition of contemporary artists and openness to diverse forms of expression, the Kingdom’s art scene is strongly supported by the government under the Ministry of Culture.
“The emergence of new platforms for showcasing art has revitalized the art scene, fostering collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries,” Al-Awami said.
“As a Saudi woman and artist, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to authentically represent my community. This journey requires overcoming challenges, yet it is rewarding to shed light on the arts and demonstrate that creativity and expression are equally important (as STEM) in enriching society.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
RiDUBAI: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the United States, discussing areas of mutual cooperation and ways to further enhance them.
They also addressed the latest regional and international developments and exchanged views on several issues of common interest.
KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided further relief to thousands in Syria, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief distributed 98 food packages, 113 bags of flour, 15 winter kits and 15 personal care kits to those most in need in Al-Rastan city in Homs governorate.
The initiative benefited 538 people from 113 families as part of a relief material distribution project in Syria.
Meanwhile, 3,271 people from the most vulnerable families affected by the 2023 earthquake in the town of Jindires in Aleppo governorate received shopping vouchers.
They can be used to purchase winter clothing of their choice from approved stores, as part of a winter clothing distribution project in Syria.
Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
- KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, among prize recipients
- Kingdom solidifies its global standing in developing marine solutions to combat the effects of climate change
JEDDAH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has been awarded the prestigious Japan Prize for its research into advancing the understanding of changing marine ecosystems and blue carbon.
The university’s achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s global standing in developing marine solutions to combat climate change, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, is among the recipients of the Japan Prize. His groundbreaking work in marine ecology has earned him international recognition.
KAUST’s board of trustees’ secretary-general, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, expressed pride in the university’s achievement, emphasizing its role in enhancing global understanding of marine ecosystems.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainable climate-change solutions and marine conservation, a milestone reflecting KAUST’s commitment to excellence as a part of Saudi Vision 2030.
Established in 1985 and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Japan,” the honor is awarded annually to scientists who make exceptional innovations in science and technology that promote peace and prosperity for humanity.
Duarte will travel to Tokyo in April to receive the award from Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.
