Saudi Arabia condemns ‘abuse of Holy Qur’an’ by extremists in Sweden

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Medics carry a man who was shot in the leg during a riot sparked by Danish anti-Muslim politician Rasmus Paludan in Norrkoping, Sweden on April 17, 2022. (TT News Agency/via REUTERS)
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Counter-protesters throw stones at the police ahead of a demonstration planned by Danish anti-Muslim politician Rasmus Paludan in Orebro, Sweden, on April 15, 2022. (TT News Agency/via REUTERS)
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Updated 18 April 2022
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Saudi Arabia condemns ‘abuse of Holy Qur’an’ by extremists in Sweden

  • Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs  emphasizes concerted efforts to spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned the “deliberate” abuse of the Holy Qur’an, as well as provocations and incitement against Muslims by some extremists in Sweden.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of concerted efforts to spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.
The statement also emphasized renouncing hatred, extremism, and exclusion.
The Kingdom highlighted the efforts to prevent abuse of all religions and holy sites, the statement said.
Three people in the Swedish city of Norrkoping needed medical attention after being hit by police bullets during clashes between police and protesters following Qur’an burnings that caused riots in several Swedish towns over the Easter weekend.
In some places counter-protesters attacked police ahead of planned right-wing extremist demonstrations. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson has condemned the violence.
“Three people seem to have been hit by ricochets and are now being cared for in hospital. All three injured are arrested on suspicion of crime,” Swedish police said in a online statement, adding that none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Police said the situation in Norrkoping was calm on Sunday evening.
Police and protesters have been engaged in serious clashes during the past days, resulting in several police suffering injuries and multiple vehicles torched.
The violence began on Thursday after a demonstration organized by Rasmus Paludan, leader of the Danish far-right political party Hard Line.
Paludan, who had permission for a series of demonstrations across Sweden during the Easter weekend, is known for Qur’an burnings.

with Reuters


Saudi officials meet Egyptian, Greek ambassadors in Riyadh

Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi officials meet Egyptian, Greek ambassadors in Riyadh

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Farouk Tawfik in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The meeting marked the conclusion of Tawfik’s tenure as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Faisal expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s efforts during his service and wished him success in his future endeavors.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met with Greek Ambassador Alexis Konstantopoulos in Riyadh. The two men discussed bilateral relations and topics of common concern, said the Foreign Ministry on X.


Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 13 min 41 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky

  • Two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

During the call, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it. 

They also reviewed Saudi-Ukrainian relations and discussed issues of common interest. Regional and international developments were also discussed. 


Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features first display of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah outside Makkah

Updated 08 January 2025
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Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features first display of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah outside Makkah

  • Exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims
  • Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts”

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will feature, from Jan. 25 to May 25, the first public display outside Makkah of the whole Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is hosting the unprecedented event at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, titled “And All That Is In Between.”

Visitors can admire the intricate weaving and embroidery of the Kiswah, the cloth that adorns the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, featuring silk, gold and silver threads.

Since 1927, the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa has been producing decorative embroidered clothes for the Holy Kaaba, which is replaced annually.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation said that the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba, with its distinctive inscriptions and ornamentations, is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts” and holds significance in the lives of Muslims worldwide.

The exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims over the decades and showcase the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of the Kiswah Factory of the Holy Kaaba.

Alongside the Kiswah display, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will exhibit a collection of historical Islamic artifacts and contemporary artworks. The organizers aim to surpass the 600,000 visitors who attended the 2023 event.

The event also aims to enhance pilgrims’ religious and cultural experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.


Deal to enhance heritage conservation in AlUla, China

Royal Commission for AlUla and Dunhuang Academy have signed a strategic partnership to enhance collaborations.
Updated 08 January 2025
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Deal to enhance heritage conservation in AlUla, China

  • Agreement unites expertise in cultural preservation and tourism growth 

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla and Dunhuang Academy have signed a strategic partnership to enhance cultural, tourism and heritage collaborations between Saudi Arabia and China.

This partnership marks a key milestone in Saudi Arabia-China relations, combining the academy’s 80 years of expertise in heritage research and cultural conservation with the commission’s dedication to preserving AlUla’s cultural heritage. 

The academy manages the Magao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 735 Buddhist caves in Gansu province, famous for their murals and sculptures that reflect Silk Road cultural influences.

The agreement unites the organizations as guardians of unique heritage, history and traditions, according to a recent press release.

The academy’s successful preservation of the Magao Grottoes has earned praise from UNESCO, the World Bank, and the Chinese government.

Both entities will collaborate on a conservation program for historic sites and artifacts in AlUla and western China. They will also organize academic exhibitions and exchange programs for staff and scholars.

Silvia Barbone, vice president of strategic partnerships at the commission, said that China and Saudi Arabia share a rich legacy that has connected people and places across vast distances and centuries.

“Today, our work in global heritage is strengthened by successful collaborations with leading institutions and destinations.”

Barbone added that the academy joins the commission in “our goal to establish northwest Arabia as a hub for research, exploration, and discovery in culture, heritage, tourism, and more, as we drive the regeneration of AlUla.” 

The partnership follows the Saudi Travel Expo, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority, where AlUla was prominently featured. The event, held in Beijing’s Tian Tan Garden in October 2024, highlighted AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage.

Su Bomin, director of Dunhuang Academy, said this collaboration was a significant step in “bridging our cultural histories and advancing heritage conservation efforts.

“By sharing our expertise and resources, we aim to foster cultural exchange, deepen mutual understanding, and create innovative programs that will benefit communities in both China and Saudi Arabia.”

In January 2024, the “AlUla, Wonder of Arabia” exhibition, featuring artifacts from the commission’s archaeological collection on public display for the first time, was hosted at Beijing’s Forbidden City UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attracting over 220,000 visitors, the exhibition followed the signing of a partnership agreement between the commission and the Cultural Heritage Administration of China’s Henan province.


Saudi FM discusses Middle East issues with Spanish, British counterparts, UNRWA chief

Updated 08 January 2025
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Saudi FM discusses Middle East issues with Spanish, British counterparts, UNRWA chief

  • Prince Faisal meets Philippe Lazzarini in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received separate phone calls from Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday.

He discussed recent developments in the Middle East with his Spanish and British counterparts, and efforts to address them.

The Saudi foreign minister also met the chief of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Philippe Lazzarini, in Riyadh. They discussed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to cooperate with UNRWA on projects benefiting the Palestinian people.