Frankly Speaking: Saudis feel let down by America, says Prince Turki Al-Faisal

01 Prince Turki al-Faisal’s on the Saudi position towards the Russian-Ukrainian conflict
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Updated 02 May 2022
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Frankly Speaking: Saudis feel let down by America, says Prince Turki Al-Faisal

  • Former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador blames President Biden’s policies for US energy shortage, says Saudis want only mediator role in Russia-Ukraine conflict
  • He says Saudi-Turkish relationship “should be one of the best in terms of benefit for both countries,” be it in trade or cross-border investments
  • He says sanctions should be levied on Israel because of its record of invasions of Arab countries as “aggression is aggression”

JEDDAH: Saudis feel let down at a time when they believe the US and Saudi Arabia should be together facing threats to the stability and security of the Gulf region, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s former intelligence chief and former ambassador to both London and Washington D.C., told Arab News.

He identified the threats specifically as Iran’s influence in Yemen and its use of the Houthis as a tool “not only to destabilize Saudi Arabia, but also affect the security and stability of the international sea lanes” along the Red Sea, the Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

“The fact that President Biden delisted the Houthis from the terrorist list has emboldened them and made them even more aggressive in their attacks on Saudi Arabia, as well as on the UAE,” Prince Turki told Katie Jensen, the new host of Arab News’ “Frankly Speaking.” He was alluding to the Feb. 12, 2021, revocation by the new Democratic administration of the Iran-aligned militia’s designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

“Frankly Speaking” features interviews with leading policymakers and business leaders, diving deep into the biggest news-making headlines across the Middle East and around the world. During his appearance on the video show, Prince Turki offered his views on US-Saudi relations, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the ever-shifting dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics at a time of rising oil prices and diplomatic tensions.

“We have always considered our relationship with the US as being strategic,” he said on the question of whether many Saudis feel they have been betrayed by one of their closest allies.

“We’ve had our ups and downs over the years and perhaps, at this time, it’s one of the downs, particularly since the president of the US, in his election campaign, said that he will make Saudi Arabia a pariah. And, of course, he went on to practice what he preached: First of all, by stopping the joint operations that America had with the Kingdom in meeting the challenge of the Houthi-led rebellion in Yemen against the Yemeni people. And, second, among other similar actions, by not meeting with (Saudi Arabia’s crown prince) and publicly declaring that he would not meet with the crown prince, and, at one stage, withdrawing anti-aircraft missile batteries from the Kingdom when we were facing an increase in attacks by the Houthis using Iranian equipment like missiles and drones.”

Pointing out that Saudi Arabia “all the time … has been calling for a peaceful solution to the Yemen conflict,” Prince Turki said: “Unfortunately the Houthis have always either not responded to that call or simply ignored it or opposed it. And, as we see now, there is a supposed ceasefire established by the UN, but the Houthis continue to infringe on that ceasefire and to take advantage of the ceasefire to reposition their forces and replenish them.”

“So, basically this is how the situation has come to this stage,” he said, referring to the current state of US-Saudi relations. “I hope that we’ll get over it like we got over so many previous downturns in the relationship.”

On the face of it, Washington seems to be quite eager to keep its communication channels with Riyadh open with phone calls and visits by officials but, according to Prince Turki, “it’s not just one thing.”

He said: “It’s the general tone of the atmosphere and America, for example, has been declaring, or American officials have been declaring, that they are in support of Saudi Arabia and will help Saudi Arabia defend itself against outside aggression and so on. We are grateful for those statements, but we need to see more in terms of the relationship between the two leaderships.”

He shrugged off the claim that Saudi Arabia has not budged on the issue of the oil problems that the US is facing, countering it with the argument that Washington itself “is the reason for the state that it is in because of its energy policy.”

“President Biden made it a policy of the US government to cut all links to what is called the oil and gas industry. He curtailed oil production and gas production in the US (when) it had been, in the last few years, the biggest producer of these two energy sources,” Prince Turki said.

This curtailment of US energy production, he says, helped lift the price of oil, together with the OPEC+ agreement established after the COVID-19 difficulty, which “was an agreement to bring down production in order to stabilize the prices, for the benefit of everybody and stability of oil prices.”

Prince Turki was emphatic that Saudi Arabia does not want to be “an instrument or a reason for instability in oil prices,” indicating that actions such as the embargo of 1973 were a thing of the past.

“That is why the Kingdom and the other OPEC members and the OPEC+ members are sticking to the production quotas that they have assigned themselves. I have read that the recent decision by OPEC+ to incrementally increase oil production while the agreement is effective, is in response to the difficulties that people have in the energy sector. Another factor that adds to all this is the security issue, the high rates of insurance that have come about as a result of the war in Ukraine, plus the European and US curtailment of, and sanctions on, the Russian oil industry. All of these things have added to the increase in oil prices.”

In this connection, Prince Turki expressed strong displeasure with comments made by Hillary Clinton, the former US secretary of state, on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program in support of a “carrot-and-stick” approach to force Saudi Arabia to increase its share of oil production in order to reduce prices during what she called an “existential crisis.”

Reiterating that he could not speak for all Saudis, Prince Turki said: “We are not schoolchildren to be treated with a carrot and stick. We are a sovereign country, and when we are dealt with fairly and squarely, we respond likewise. It is unfortunate that such statements are made by politicians wherever they may be. I hope that the relationship of the Kingdom and the US will not hinge around or be built upon that principle.”

Likewise, Prince Turki brushed away the charge that Riyadh has chosen to side with Moscow in the Ukraine conflict, noting that “the Kingdom has publicly declared and voted to condemn the aggression against Ukraine that was passed by the UN General Assembly.”

Pointing out that Saudi Arabia offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, he said: “As a mediator, it will have to maintain a link and the ability to talk to both sides. We’ve had good relations with both countries over the years. In general, as I mentioned, the Kingdom is against the aggression in Ukraine. But also, most recently, the Kingdom has contributed to the fund that was established by the UN to provide support for the Ukrainian refugees in Europe. So that is where the Kingdom stands.”

He described the Saudi mediation bid as “an offer of a friend to friends — both Ukraine and Russia — (with) whom we have had excellent relations in the recent past.”

Moving on to what he perceives as international hypocrisy exposed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Prince Turki said this has been proven “by the way refugees from Ukraine have been described in civilizational terms as being one with the West and one with Europe and so on, as if other refugees from the Middle East or from other parts of the world are not equally human as Ukrainians. That’s one discrepancy in the way that Western media particularly has depicted the issue of the refugees.

“Another one of course — part of the hypocrisy — is the UN and the way that sanctions have been placed on Russia for invading Ukraine but no sanctions for example had been placed on Israel when it invaded Arab countries a few years back. Those are the double standards and the injustices that I think have been taking place over the years.”

On the question of whether Israel should therefore be treated at par with Russia when it comes to sanctions, Prince Turki did not pull punches. “Absolutely. I don’t see what the difference is there between the two,” he told “Frankly Speaking.”

He added: “Aggression is aggression, whether it is committed by Russia or by Israel.”

Furthermore, Prince Turki cast doubt on the theory that normalizing relations with Israel — the route taken by a number of Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and Bahrain — could be a more productive policy. “I have seen no evidence of that,” he said. “The Palestinian people are still occupied, they are still being imprisoned by the Israeli government. Attacks and assassinations of Palestinian individuals take place almost on a daily basis. The stealing of Palestinian land by Israel continues despite the assurances that Israel gave to the signatories of the peace (accord) between the UAE and Israel. So, there is no sign whatsoever that appeasing Israel is going to change their attitude.”

On issues closer to home, Prince Turki views the recent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for one, as a positive development. “I think the leadership in Turkey has come to realize that their previous animus toward the Kingdom was not serving anybody’s well-being and purpose, especially the Turkish people,” he said, referring to the disputes and disagreements of recent years.

“Historic links bring us together with Turkey not just in terms of geography, but also in terms of human relations and family ties between the two countries. My own grandmother was of Turkish extraction, Circassian.”

Moving forward, the relationship “should be one of the best in terms of benefit for both countries,” Prince Turki said, citing such areas as trade, construction, development projects, and investments by Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

“All of those, I hope, will be restored now that the relationship is hopefully back to normal,” he added.

He expressed similarly cautious optimism about the likelihood of a lasting peace deal in Yemen on the basis of the recently concluded Riyadh agreement and the Ramadan ceasefire.

“I’ve always maintained that ceasefire agreements, as attempted by the UN, particularly concerning Yemen, have lacked one crucial aspect which has not led to their success, and that is a mechanism to enforce the ceasefires,” Prince Turki said.

“We saw, after the Kuwait meeting back in 2016, there was a ceasefire, but it led nowhere. And then there was the Swedish-sponsored ceasefire attempt back in 2018, equally without much success. Saudi Arabia’s own efforts at unilateral ceasefires of recent years have led nowhere because there was no mechanism to implement the ceasefire.”

Nevertheless, Prince Turki expressed hope that with the renewed international impetus to bring the fighting in Yemen to an end, some sort of instrument can be implemented so that any party that does not abide by the ceasefire terms is publicly shamed by the international community.

“That has not happened yet. I have not yet seen the UN saying that the Houthis are not abiding by the ceasefire,” he said, adding: “But I hope that they will have the courage and the moral courage to stand up and say who is at fault here.”


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Senegal’s president on independence day

Updated 05 April 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Senegal’s president on independence day

  • The West African country celebrates its independence yearly on April 4th, the day it signed a transfer of power agreement with France in 1960 to form the Mali Federation with French Sudan

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday congratulated Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his country's Independence Day.

In a cable, King Salman wished the Faye "continued good health and happiness", and the government and people of Senegal "steady progress and prosperity."

The crown prince issued a similar statement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The West African country celebrates its independence yearly on April 4th, the day it signed a transfer of power agreement with France in 1960 to form the Mali Federation with French Sudan. The union, however, was short-lived as the two dissolved their union in August of the same year and the former French Sudan became the Republic of Mali.

In early 1982, Senegal and neighboring Gambia formed the Confederation of Senegambia, but parted ways in 1989 as the integration was never carried out.

Faye, the current president, was an opposition candidate who rose to power after defeating incumbent president Macky Sall in the March 2024 election.


How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

Updated 05 April 2025
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How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

  • ESG integration is transforming industries as Saudi firms leverage AI, blockchain, and biotech to drive impact
  • Private companies like SAWACO and WAYAKIT are proving that profitability and sustainability can thrive together

JEDDAH: Saudi companies across multiple industries are increasingly integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into their corporate strategies, driving sustainable growth while balancing environmental stewardship, community impact, and corporate responsibility.

This strategic shift aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 roadmap — a transformative economic diversification plan — and its ambitious 2060 net zero emissions target, reinforcing the nation’s position as a sustainability leader.

SAWACO Water Group exemplifies this transformation, embedding sustainability into its core operations.

“Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a responsibility,” CEO Nizar Kammourie told Arab News, emphasizing the company’s alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on environmental and social progress.

He added: “At SAWACO, we integrate ESG into every aspect of our operations, from optimizing resource efficiency to ensuring transparent governance and community engagement.”

Underpinning this commitment, SAWACO has implemented advanced operations intelligence software to enhance energy efficiency in desalination plants.

“We are leveraging cutting-edge technology to reduce power and chemical consumption while extending the life cycle of our assets,” said Kammourie.

Nizar Kammourie, chief executive officer of SAWACO. (Supplied)

The company also tracks carbon emissions through its Remedium Platform, which supports data-driven reduction targets.

“Accurate carbon accounting allows us to set tangible, data-driven targets for reducing our environmental footprint, ensuring our growth remains responsible and sustainable,” he added.

To address resource optimization, SAWACO has partnered with a US-based firm to pioneer brine minimization technology.

“Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are committed to maximizing its use,” said Kammourie.

“Our innovative brine minimization system enhances freshwater recovery from seawater while significantly reducing brine discharge, preserving marine ecosystems and supporting coastal livelihoods.”

Governance reforms further solidify SAWACO’s ESG leadership. A dedicated committee oversees alignment with international sustainability standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Ethical governance is the foundation of a sustainable business,” said Kammourie “By integrating real-time data analytics, third-party audits, and stakeholder engagement into our decision-making process, we ensure accountability at every level.”

He added: “Sustainability must be measured, not just discussed. That’s why we also integrate ESG metrics into performance reviews, making it a part of our company culture rather than just a corporate initiative.

“We are not just providing water — we are safeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to drive meaningful change that aligns economic success with long-term sustainability.”

These efforts reflect broader national momentum, as Saudi businesses bridge profitability and planetary stewardship to set new benchmarks for ESG leadership in emerging markets.

SAWACO is not just providing water, but also afeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia, according to its CEO. (Supplied)

Similarly, Luisa Javier, CEO of WAYAKIT, highlighted how her women-led biotechnology company has embedded ESG into its DNA, transforming hygiene solutions in aviation, transportation, and facilities management.

“We are not just creating products; we are building solutions that have a measurable environmental and social impact,” she told Arab News.  

WAYAKIT’s flagship disinfectant eliminates 99.999 percent of viruses and bacteria in just 30 seconds using 93 percent biodegradable components.

By replacing harmful quaternary ammonium compounds with biodegradable nano-modified citric acid in aircraft cleaning processes, the company says it has reduced environmental impact by 94 percent.

Dr._Luisa_Javier (left), CEO of WAYAKIT, and cofounder Dr. Sandra Medina. (Supplied)

In addition, its environmental footprint tracker measures progress in energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution reduction, and health improvements.

“Sustainability isn’t just about compliance — it’s about innovation,” said Javier. “We have to rethink traditional approaches and develop solutions that align with the future.”

WAYAKIT also integrates ESG principles into its governance and transparency measures. Its women-led C-suite strengthens decision-making diversity, while blockchain technology safeguards sustainability metrics, preventing greenwashing and ensuring accurate reporting.

“Authenticity matters,” said Javier. “Every sustainability claim we make is backed by rigorous third-party laboratory testing. We are setting a new standard for how biotech companies can be both profitable and responsible.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Kingdom is aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2060, embedding ESG principles in national initiatives like Green Riyadh.

• In 2021, the Saudi Stock Exchange introduced ESG disclosure guidelines, mandating listed companies prioritize transparency.

• Saudi Electricity Co., Almarai, and Saudi Telecom Co. have embedded ESG guidelines, issuing green bonds and improving governance.

Community engagement is another cornerstone of WAYAKIT’s ESG strategy. With 70 percent of its workforce consisting of women, the company provides technical training in biotechnology and leadership development to foster career advancement for Saudi women.

“Empowering women in STEM is not just a mission — it’s a responsibility,” said Javier. “Our workforce is a reflection of what Saudi Vision 2030 aims to achieve: a thriving, innovative economy where women play a central role.”

This momentum is part of a broader national trend. A 2023 report by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, highlighted how Saudi organizations, particularly those within its portfolio, are spearheading ESG awareness and implementation.

Under the Saudi Green Initiative, more than 600 million trees and shrubs are expected to be planted by 2030 across the Kingdom. (SGI photo)  

The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, supports this shift with $187 billion in investments across more than 60 programs to advance the green economy.

Through large-scale investments in green initiatives, innovative carbon reduction strategies, and community-focused programs like those led by SAWACO and WAYAKIT, Saudi businesses are proving that profitability and sustainability can coexist.

Collectively, these efforts set a new benchmark for ESG leadership in emerging markets while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable development.
 

 


Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
Updated 04 April 2025
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Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

  • Concert features symphonic arrangements, in-game HD visuals

DHAHRAN: It is “game on” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture after it opened its doors to an event on Thursday.

The orchestral performance, which is being held nightly at the Ithra Theater — with two shows scheduled for Friday — celebrates the soundtracks of popular video games and attempts to breathe new life into them.

The concert features symphonic arrangements paired with in-game HD visuals and exclusive concept art from popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher 3.

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others. (Supplied)

Sergey Smbatyan, founder of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director and principal conductor since 2005, was on hand to lend context and commentary between the scores on opening night.

He told the crowd before the show: “If you’re not a gamer, what I want you to do is to imagine that you’re in a museum — an art museum — but instead of a curator telling you about the images that you’re going to see on this huge screen, let these musicians tell you that exact story.

“Tonight there is no right time to clap; there is no wrong time to clap. If you hear something you like from these guys (gesturing to the orchestra behind him on stage), let us know.

“We're going to start off tonight with role-play games, or what are known as RPGs, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is focused on interactive storytelling, decision-making and strategy.”

Dhahran resident Paul Blay took his two daughters Sylvia, 11, and Celeste, 10, to the show.

Blay, who is a father of six, told Arab News: “I get emails about Ithra events and saw this one and I thought it would be fun for me and the girls to go to. Like with anyone that you love, I shared the things I love with them.”

The Blay family moved to the Kingdom last year and were keen to attend an event that merged gaming with music.

Celeste told Arab News: “I really like video game music; the music is really pretty and I like listening to that. It is kind of what motivated me to come here. And, also, my dad likes video games.”

The older Blay sisters have both taken music lessons and play multiple instruments, including the piano, the harp and the clarinet.

Their father said: “Some of the best music that’s being composed nowadays is for movies and video games. I expected it to be really high quality and good (at Ithra).”

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.

The last show takes place on April 5, with tickets starting at SR200 ($53), available at the venue or via the Ithra website.

 


Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

Updated 04 April 2025
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Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

  • The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz launched the “Love of Khaled Al-Faisal” exhibition as part of Jeddah Season festivities.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Turki bin Faisal, alongside several relatives of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

The delegation toured the exhibition, housed at the Abadi Al-Johar area in Jeddah, which runs from April 3-8 and welcomes visitors daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

  • Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors

HAIL: With its vibrant array of wildflowers framed by golden sand dunes and majestic mountains, the Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah is one of the Hail region’s most captivating attractions.

Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors, particularly during holidays, Eid and the spring season.

The attraction enchants guests with its sweeping fields of poppies, perfectly balanced in form and color. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder.

This striking beauty enhances the region’s reputation for breathtaking scenery and offers a unique experience.