Saudi Arabia’s crown prince visits Dubai Expo, meets Dubai ruler

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. (Twitter/@DXBMediaOffice)
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. (Twitter/@DXBMediaOffice)
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. (Twitter/@DXBMediaOffice)
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the Kingdom’s pavilion at Dubai Expo. (Twitter/@KSAMOFA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the Kingdom’s pavilion at Dubai Expo. (Twitter/@KSAMOFA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the Kingdom’s pavilion at Dubai Expo. (Twitter/@KSAMOFA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. (Twitter/@DXBMediaOffice)
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Updated 09 December 2021
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Saudi Arabia’s crown prince visits Dubai Expo, meets Dubai ruler

  • Saudi Arabia and the UAE issued a joint statement following the crown prince’s visit
  • The two sides agreed to work to coordinate their positions on regional and international issues

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday arrived at the World Expo headquarters in Dubai, on the second day of his official tour of the UAE.
The crown prince was received by UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, where they held a meeting to discuss “ways to strengthen bilateral relations that bind the two brotherly countries and peoples within the framework of the same destiny and common vision,” Dubai Media Office reported.

Sheikh Mohammed said that the world is looking for ward to Saudi Arabia hosting the World Expo 2030 in the capital, Riyadh, with the efforts of Prince Mohammed.
“I assured the prince that we are also looking forward to the upcoming Riyadh Summit,” he said in a tweet, referring to the Gulf Cooperation Council annual meeting, adding: “The peoples of the Gulf are waiting for us with new and great ideas and projects.”




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. (Twitter/@HHShkMohd)

Saudi Arabia and the UAE issued a joint statement following the crown prince’s visit, which also included a meeting with his Abu Dhabi counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
The two sides praised the distinguished level of cooperation between them in the political, security, military, economic and development fields, and the cooperation and integration achieved under the umbrella of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council.
“The two sides referred to the abundant economic potentials and distinguished opportunities for strengthening the strategic partnership and doubling joint investments, stressing the importance of highlighting the promising areas for investors in the two countries,” the joint statement said.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE commended the close cooperation between them, and the successful efforts of the OPEC+ group, aimed at enhancing the stability of the global oil market. They called on member states to continue cooperating and adhere to the OPEC+ agreement. 




Sheikh Mohammed said that the world is looking for ward to Saudi Arabia hosting the World Expo 2030 in the capital, Riyadh. (Twitter/@HHShkMohd)

They agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, climate change, health, tourism, food security and human development, especially in the youth and women’s empowerment sectors.
On regional and international issues, the two sides agreed to work to coordinate their positions in a manner that serves their interests and enhances security and stability.
They affirmed their full support for all legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is their right to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On Yemen, the two sides agreed to continue their efforts to find a comprehensive political solution to the crisis and stressed the need to complete the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. 
“We condemn the continued targeting by the terrorist Houthi militia of airports, objects and vital installations in the Kingdom,” the statement said.
The two sides called for implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms to ensure that Lebanon can overcome its crises and confine weapons to the legitimate state institutions.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the Kingdom’s pavilion at Dubai Expo. (Twitter/@KSAMOFA)

“Lebanon must not be a launching pad for any terrorist acts and an incubator for organizations and groups that target regional security and stability, such as the terrorist Hezbollah group, nor a source for drugs that threaten the safety of societies in the region and the world,” the statement said.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE welcomed the success of the recent elections in Iraq, and hoped the new Iraqi government will continue to work for the security, stability and development of the country and eliminate terrorism and foreign interference.
“The two sides also welcomed the agreements reached by the parties to the transitional phase in Sudan, and affirmed their continued support for everything that would achieve security and stability in Sudan” and stability and prosperity for its people, the statement added.
They also stressed the need to cooperate and seriously and effectively deal with Iran’s nuclear and missile program with all its components and repercussions in a way that contributes to achieving regional and international security and stability. They emphasized the principles of good neighborliness and respect for UN resolutions and international legitimacy, and sparing the region from all destabilizing activities.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leaves the UAE and is seen off by his Abu Dhabi counterpart Mohammed bin Zayed. (Twitter/@KSAMOFA)

The statement also demanded on parties to the Iran nuclear talks to take into account the interests, security and stability of the countries of the region during negotiations.
The two sides also affirmed that a political solution is the only solution to the Syrian crisis, and pledged support to the efforts of the UN envoy. They also welcomed Libyan and UN efforts to support the implementation of the agreed political outcome, and stressed the need to withdraw mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya.
The Kingdom and the Emirates also agreed to support security and stability in Afghanistan so it does not become a safe haven for terrorists and extremists. The two sides denounced any acts aimed at recruiting Afghan refugees in the various conflict areas, and pledged to support relief efforts and humanitarian work in Afghanistan. 
The UAE praised the Kingdom for calling an extraordinary meeting for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, which will be held in Pakistan on Dec. 19. Saudi Arabia also praised the the UAE’s efforts in the evacuation operations from Afghanistan.

Prince Mohammed sent separate cables to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, as well as to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, following his visit, thanking them for the warm reception and hospitality he and his accompanying delegation received.
He said the talks he held over the past two days “confirmed the depth of the historical and distinguished relations between the two brotherly countries,” and wished them good health and happiness and the Emirati people steady progress and prosperity, SPA reported.
Prince Mohammed left the UAE for Qatar following a two-day visit to Oman, as part of a wider Gulf tour that also includes stops in Bahrain and Kuwait.


Heritage in hand: ‘Year of Handicrafts’ honors Kingdom’s cultural legacy, artisans

Updated 14 sec ago
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Heritage in hand: ‘Year of Handicrafts’ honors Kingdom’s cultural legacy, artisans

  • Saudi women’s craft in Northern Borders region links past to present

RIYADH: Handicrafts have long held a special place in Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric, representing a prosperous heritage passed down through generations.

Rooted in the creativity and skill of Saudi artisans of both sexes, these traditional crafts symbolize the nation’s ingenuity and resilience while highlighting its diverse cultural identity.

Throughout 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Culture will organize an array of events, exhibitions, educational programs and competitions under the banner of “Year of Handicrafts,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

These activities aim to emphasize the cultural and historical significance of handicrafts while supporting their relevance in modern life.

Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan said: “Saudi handicrafts reflect the creativity of Saudi society through weaving, handmade artifacts and artistic innovations passed down through generations.”

The initiative seeks to foster appreciation for traditional arts and encourage their continued practice and preservation. “Among these are pottery, traditional clothing, ceramic utensils, leatherwork, copperwork, tailoring, dyeing, blacksmithing, gold and jewelry crafting, and other handmade creations by Saudi artisans,” he said.

The Ministry of Culture aims to elevate Saudi handicrafts locally and internationally, empowering artisans and boosting their contribution to the economy. This will be achieved through events organized with partners to highlight the cultural, historical and economic importance of handicrafts.

Through partnerships across the public, private and non-profit sectors, the Year of Handicrafts will cultivate sustainable practices, foster innovation and contribute to cultural dialogue.

In Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, women play a pivotal role in preserving these traditional arts.

Handicrafts are passed down through generations and traditionally inherited by women, and are intricately connected to the region’s natural environment, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Most notable are Sadu, tent and textile making and embroidered handicrafts, some of which may take 10 continuous days to make.

With these handicrafts, women record a strong presence at national events and festivals, in the region and beyond, the report said.

The traditional market in Arar, which opened more than 10 years ago, supports many elderly craftswomen and their granddaughters, allocating them places to display their products and handicrafts.

The market, in addition to Al-Khozama Hall, has emerged as an important heritage destination that offers families specialized courses on buying and selling, saving money and e-marketing.

Several craftswomen said that they inherited their craft from their mothers and passed them on to their granddaughters, especially since marketing these products to many people in the region also created economic opportunities, SPA reported.

Meanwhile, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts in Riyadh will launch the Wrth Community initiative on Saturday, marking the beginning of its year-long celebration of the “Year of Handicrafts.”

The initiative will feature a series of meetings and dialogues with leading figures in the field, as well as educational workshops. The initiative seeks to revitalize and modernize traditional handicrafts by incorporating contemporary design and technologies, fostering collaboration among institutions and the local community, and highlighting the crucial role of traditional arts in preserving cultural identity.

The initiative will also help individuals to use these arts in innovative ways through specialized training, the SPA reported.

It covers a diverse range of areas — education, handicrafts and entrepreneurship — and features dialogue sessions, providing a platform for skill development, experience exchange and the fostering of creativity and innovation.


KSrelief continues aid projects in Yemen, Gaza

Updated 10 min 15 sec ago
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KSrelief continues aid projects in Yemen, Gaza

  • The project aims to improve services and promote hygiene among those affected by the humanitarian crisis

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has signed an agreement with a civil society organization to implement a $359,000 water and sanitation project in Yemen’s Hodeidah governorate. 

The project aims to improve services and promote hygiene among those affected by the humanitarian crisis, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

It includes the distribution of personal hygiene kits, toilet cleaning supplies, and the installation of 20 mobile toilets. Access to safe drinking water for domestic use will also be ensured, benefiting 131,662 individuals.

Ahmed Al-Baiz, assistant supervisor general of operations and programs at KSrelief, signed the agreement in Riyadh. 

Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 2,100 shelter kits to support residents and displaced families in northern Gaza, benefiting 21,000 people.

This aid comes amid a large influx of displaced people due to ongoing Israeli military operations in northern Gaza for over two months, the SPA added. 

KSrelief’s executive partner in Gaza, the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, has begun distributing the aid packages to alleviate suffering during the severe cold and ongoing siege.

The kits include blankets, mattresses, cooking utensils, and water containers to help families cope with the harsh conditions.

The distribution is expected to continue in the coming days, reaching thousands more displaced and needy families in Gaza, the SPA reported.


Authorities review Ramadan readiness in Madinah

Updated 18 min 7 sec ago
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Authorities review Ramadan readiness in Madinah

  • The meeting included a presentation by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque on Ramadan preparations

RIYADH: Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, chaired a meeting to discuss preparations for Ramadan.

The meeting was attended by heads of several government agencies in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region, commended the leadership’s care for visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.

He emphasized the need to enhance readiness among all parties to ensure the highest levels of comfort, security and reassurance for visitors during Ramadan.

The meeting included a presentation by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque on Ramadan preparations.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reviewed its operational plans, while the Ministry of Health’s regional branch presented its health system readiness for visitors.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of developments related to operations at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.


New initiative to train Saudis in generative AI

Updated 01 January 2025
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New initiative to train Saudis in generative AI

RIYADH: A professional training program in generative artificial intelligence has been launched at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran.

The program is offered by the Gen AI Academy in collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority and NVIDIA.

This initiative marks the first step in a plan to train 4,000 Saudi citizens, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.

The program will train and qualify Saudi citizens in generative AI. It aims to build the next generation’s capabilities in AI, enhance participants’ expertise to foster innovation, and underscore the Kingdom’s advanced position in the field.

It targets individuals with a solid foundation in computer science or related fields, as well as academic professionals and practitioners.

The training includes advanced, up-to-date materials provided by certified Saudi experts from NVIDIA.

Participants will engage in a blend of virtual self-learning modules and interactive in-person workshops.

On completion, participants will receive professional certifications accredited by NVIDIA, recognized globally as leading credentials in generative AI.

The program is part of the authority’s efforts to promote learning and build national AI capabilities, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position among data- and AI-driven economies.


Security exhibition showcases KSA’s tech advancements

Updated 01 January 2025
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Security exhibition showcases KSA’s tech advancements

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition recently concluded at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh.

Visitors were immersed in the Kingdom’s rich history of security and service, spanning from its founding to the present day, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The exhibition highlighted the ministry’s key development projects, investments in technology, AI applications and digital solutions aimed at enhancing public safety, environmental sustainability, traffic safety, and Hajj and Umrah services.

Visitors also learned about the ministry’s security services for individuals, businesses and government entities through platforms like Absher and the 911 call centers, the SPA reported.

The exhibition showcased anti-drug smuggling efforts, border security awareness, search and rescue operations, and land and sea monitoring.

A major highlight of the exhibition was the shooting range, where visitors enjoyed supervised shooting experiences under the guidance of professional trainers.

It also featured captivating military scenarios, performances by musical bands, camel and cavalry bands, and engaging folk performances from various regions of the Kingdom.