Saudi ambassador to Thailand sees ‘a prosperous and promising future’ for bilateral relations

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand were officially restored in January this year. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 November 2022
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Saudi ambassador to Thailand sees ‘a prosperous and promising future’ for bilateral relations

  • Investment opportunities are many thanks to similar development priorities, Abdurrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Suhaibani tells Arab News
  • He says the crown prince’s recent visit will contribute to accelerated steps for enhancement of bilateral and trade relations

BANGKOK: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Bangkok last week has opened not only a new chapter in Saudi-Thai ties but also new horizons in which officials and the people see a promising future for both kingdoms.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand were officially restored in January this year, during Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha’s trip to Riyadh, when the two countries agreed to appoint ambassadors for the first time in over three decades.

The crown prince arrived in Bangkok as a guest of honor at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit hosted by Thailand on Nov. 18-19 and became the first Saudi official to make such a trip.

“It was the first visit at the level of the Kingdom’s leadership since the establishment of relations between the two countries in 1957,” Abdurrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Suhaibani, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Thailand, told Arab News.




In welcome messages, many Thais wrote it was an “honor” for them to see the Saudi crown prince in their country. (SPA)

“It will move the relations of the two countries to broader horizons and a prosperous and promising future.

“It will also contribute to accelerating steps that will enhance bilateral, economic and trade relations between the two countries by exploring potential investment opportunities in light of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the development priorities of Thailand.”

The crown prince’s meetings with the Thai leadership have yielded numerous memorandums on energy, investment, tourism, anticorruption efforts and the normalization of diplomatic relations.

When the crown prince arrived in Bangkok, he was officially received by the country’s top leadership and royal family and unofficially by many others, especially from the younger generation, who took to social media to welcome him and set up online fan clubs.

In welcome messages, many Thais wrote it was an “honor” for them to see the Saudi crown prince in their country.




“I think Thai people are looking and are expecting more cooperation with Saudi Arabia,” Abdurrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Suhaibani, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Thailand, told Arab News. (Supplied)

Photos and videos from the visit went viral and made the rounds with captions such as “Warm welcome, Prince,” “This is what people in the country (Thailand) want,” “Happy: Thai-Saudi relations are very close after 32 years,” “Long live MBS.”

“The relations now seem to be on the right track and will grow stronger and more comprehensive in the coming period,” Al-Suhaibani told Arab News.

“The Saudi embassy will focus on implementing and following up on the agreements and memoranda of understanding that were signed during this historic visit.”

Tanee Sangrat, director-general of information at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and soon-to-be Thailand’s ambassador to the US, told Arab News that the visit was “closely watched and followed by the Thai people in Thailand and around the world.”




Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha’s trip to Riyadh in January. (Shutterstock)

He said: “We look to Saudi Arabia as a country that has great potential. The crown prince and prime minister is very widely well respected by our people.

“I think Thai people are looking and are expecting more cooperation with Saudi Arabia.”

With the restoration of ties with Saudi Arabia, Thailand has found not only a new powerful partner in navigating volatile energy markets and energy transition, but also, as many have said, a “gateway” to the Middle East, where Thailand’s presence is not very strong.
 

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The restored relationship would give not only Thai exporters but also investors more access to opportunities in the Gulf and beyond.

“This is a big, big issue for Thailand. Saudi Arabia is a critical partner in the Middle East,” Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Bangkok-based Institute of Security and International Studies, told Arab News.

“That is a gateway for Thailand to re-engage and re-enter Middle East markets. Without the Saudi Arabia relationship, a lot of doors were closed. Now, more doors will be opened.”




Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Bangkok last week. (Supplied)

Suppalerk Aramkitphotha, a business development professional, saw the crown prince’s visit as a “great opportunity.”

“We are very glad that we have this opportunity,” he said, citing the business prospects between Thailand and the Middle East that would now be facilitated.

Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the founder of the first Thai fintech startup to notch up a valuation of more than $1 billion, said he was glad that the Saudi crown prince visited Thailand and new bridges were built.

“Now we can do so much more between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. We can work with Saudis for the future of energy, the future of green hydrogen or future growth in other aspects like the digital economy,” he told Arab News, adding that there would also be opportunities such as medical tourism.

Thailand, where healthcare services are well developed, already has agreements with countries such as Kuwait and Qatar for receiving patients. A deal with Saudi Arabia is likely to be a part of the two countries’ relations going forward.

“We are famous for medical tourism,” Jirayut said. “Everyone can come here, have a nice holiday, nice beach, nice mountains, nice hotels, nice services. And they can get their teeth done. They can recover. They can have a health checkup here at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.”

But there is much more to the renewed ties than business opportunities.

Referring to the potential role that culture can play in cementing the re-established Saudi-Thai relationship, Ambassador Al-Suhaibani said: “There are many similarities between the two countries, particularly in hospitality, generosity, friendliness and, most importantly the richness of culture.




Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Thai Prime Minister witness the exchange of several MoU between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. (Supplied)

“This will encourage us to strengthen relationships and communication between our people, as well as to promote constructive dialogue in many aspects of social, cultural and religious (life).”

This kind of exchange is what Thais have waited for a long time.

Voralak Tulaphorn, a marketing professional, said a Saudi presence is something that was missing from the multicultural landscape of Thailand for a long time.

“Saudi Arabia and (Thailand) actually have rich cultures, and with rich cultures it would be nice to have exchanges in everything from food and nature to fashion and handicrafts.”

For her, what holds the greatest promise as a means of bringing Thais and Saudis together is an appreciation of each other’s cuisines. Food is a good way to win hearts and spread cultural influence.

“I think people love Thai street food,” Voralak told Arab News, adding that she hoped that soon Saudi restaurants would start emerging in Bangkok. “We would love to taste Saudi Arabian food too.”


How NEOM is rewilding Saudi Arabia and reviving ancient falconry traditions

Updated 8 sec ago
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How NEOM is rewilding Saudi Arabia and reviving ancient falconry traditions

  • NEOM is combining heritage and science to protect biodiversity in one of Saudi Arabia’s most diverse landscapes
  • Falcons are returning to the wild thanks to efforts to revive their natural habitat and bolster their numbers

RIYADH: As the world marks World Environment Day, a global celebration of nature and a call to protect our planet, attention turns to an ecological transformation taking place in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

NEOM, the Kingdom’s futuristic megacity project, is rapidly becoming a haven for biodiversity — and at the heart of this effort is a renewed commitment to falcon conservation.

Under the banner of the Hadad Program, NEOM is working in partnership with the Saudi Falcons Club and other national entities to reintroduce native falcon species to the Arabian Peninsula, rebuild local ecosystems, and revive an ancient cultural tradition.

TNEOM, Saudi Falcons Club and other national entities are working together to reintroduce native falcon species to the Arabian Peninsula.  (Supplied)

The work being done in NEOM is about more than saving birds; it is about restoring balance to a landscape often misunderstood as barren and bringing nature back to the center of modern development.

Since 1973, June 5 has been observed as World Environment Day. Led by the UN Environment Programme, it serves as a platform to raise awareness and prompt action on pressing environmental issues from climate change and pollution to biodiversity loss.

Announced in 2017 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, NEOM is a $500 billion mega-project designed to reshape the future of urban living, sustainability and technology.

FASTFACT

• World Environment Day, held on June 5 since 1973, raises awareness on global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.

Encompassing 26,500 square kilometers of mountains, desert, and coastline along the Red Sea, NEOM’s planners aim to build a zero-emission, high-tech region powered entirely by renewable energy.

Yet beyond the cities of the future lies a growing commitment to the past — particularly in preserving and restoring the Kingdom’s natural heritage.

This photo taken on April 19, 2024 shows Tarek Qaddumi (R), executive director of the Saudi Arabia mega-project NEOM, giving a briefing on NEOM sites at a visual culture exhibition in Hong Kong. (AFP/File)

“People tend to assume that this part of the world is an empty desert, but NEOM is stunning for its habitat diversity,” Paul Marshall, head of nature conservation at NEOM, told Arab News.

Indeed, NEOM’s terrain is anything but barren, from mountain peaks reaching 2,600 meters above sea level to oceanic depths plummeting 1.5 kilometers. In between are red sand deserts, canyons and caves, and spectacular shores with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.

This biologically rich region is home to creatures great and small: from hyrax, ibex and oryx to hedgehogs, gazelles and a wide variety of birds and insects.

“From those plants we have insects and mammals. Then, we have the large mammals, of course,” Marshall said.

Paul Marshall, head of nature conservation at NEOM. (Supplied)

Before human encroachment, the region was even home to apex predators such as cheetahs, lynx and leopards. Now, through conservation, NEOM is seeking to recreate conditions that allow such species to return.

“For all of our biodiversity, it is still a fundamentally arid ecosystem,” he said. “The species here have adapted to survive with very low rainfall and because of that, they are able to thrive despite the conditions.”

The Hadad Program supports NEOM’s rewilding strategy by reintroducing native falcon species, most notably the lanner and barbary falcons. “This is a really exciting program,” Marshall said. “It is one of many programs we are doing to restore the full ecosystem in the NEOM area.”

Despite the climatic conditions, several types of plants were able to grow and uniquely adapt to different parts of NEOM’s ecosystem.

“From those plants we have insects and mammals. Then, we have the large mammals, of course,” he said.

He added: “This is a really exciting program. It is one of many programs we are doing to restore the full ecosystem in the NEOM area.”

Falcons used to be widespread throughout the whole of the Arabian Peninsula. But, through a combination of hunting and capturing for sports, in many places, Marshall said, that these animals are hard to find. Today, efforts are underway to bring them back.

With the rich habitat and the efforts to safeguard the falcons, they are creating an environment where the species can be released with the best chances of survival.

They successfully released eight pairs of barbary falcons, which are a very rare type; very few of them are left in the wild.

“We are committed to caring for falcons as a cultural and historical heritage and supporting all related activities through a set of regulations and organizational frameworks adopted by the club,” Talal Abdulaziz AlShammisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, told Arab News.

“This includes promoting and preserving falconry heritage, organizing falcon auctions, collaborating with universities, colleges, research centers and health institutions to conduct falcon-related studies and scientific research.”

Falconry is not just a pastime in Saudi Arabia; it is a centuries-old tradition deeply woven into the fabric of national identity.

“Falconry has been practiced by our ancestors across the deserts of the Kingdom for centuries and today the country is home to thousands of falcons and passionate falconers,” said AlShammisi.

“Local species such as the lanner falcon and the barbary falcon are native to the Saudi environment and hold significant ecological value as essential components of environmental balance.”

The barbary falcon, once on the brink of extinction in parts of the Arabian Peninsula, is now making a comeback. Thanks to the Hadad Program’s careful release, rehabilitation and monitoring strategies, the birds are beginning to reclaim their place in Saudi skies.

The initiative’s success is underpinned by a network of partnerships.

FASTFACT

26,500

Area (square kilometers) of NEOM spanning mountains, desert and Red Sea coastline.

NEOM is working with the Saudi National Center for Wildlife, the Saudi Falcon Club and the Special Forces for Environmental Security to monitor these falcons, to protect them and give them not only the best chances of survival but appearing and breeding.

Soon, the first new generation of barbary falcons is expected to hatch in NEOM.

While falcons are among the stars of NEOM’s rewilding efforts, the program goes much further. More than 1,100 animals once absent from the region — including oryx, ibex, mountain gazelles and sand gazelles — have been reintroduced to help restore a natural ecological balance.

The reintroduction of different species of animals is not only a victory for biodiversity but also a chance to restore natural food chains and ecological interactions that sustained this environment for millennia.

With plans to extend across 95 percent of megacity project’s total land area, the NEOM Nature Reserve represents one of the most ambitious conservation zones in the world.

Through projects such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, the Kingdom aims to plant billions of trees, reduce emissions, and protect vast swaths of land and sea.

As World Environment Day shines a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and restore our natural world, NEOM stands as a compelling example of how large-scale development and ecological stewardship can go hand in hand.
 

 


Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah’s holy sites

Updated 44 min 36 sec ago
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Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah’s holy sites

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah conducted a field tour of the holy sites to inspect camp readiness and facilities ahead of pilgrims’ move to Arafat on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He emphasized the need for coordination across entities and adherence to high operational standards.

Al-Rabiah also reviewed accommodation, logistics and the integration of health, technical and support services to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.


Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly

Updated 04 June 2025
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Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly

  • Pilgrims can use their smartphones to tap on a download point, select their preferred language, and upload the guide to their devices

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have launched a self-help e-book in various languages to guide and teach pilgrims about Hajj and Umrah rituals in order to perform them in accordance with Islamic rules.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance said the smart rituals guide is available in various locations in Makkah and Madinah, and other holy sites.

Pilgrims can use their smartphones to tap on a download point, select their preferred language, and upload the guide to their devices, the ministry added.

The initiative is part of several educational programs launched in the past weeks by the ministry to help over 1.25 million pilgrims currently undertaking Hajj perform their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage correctly.

Saudi authorities, including health, logistical, and security sectors, have deployed cutting-edge technologies for this Hajj season, including drones to deliver medicines and artificial intelligence to safeguard and serve Muslim pilgrims.


Inside the Kingdom’s digitally powered vision for Hajj

Updated 04 June 2025
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Inside the Kingdom’s digitally powered vision for Hajj

  • A massive, tech-driven operation is ensuring a smooth, safe Hajj for millions

JEDDAH: With millions of pilgrims expected, Saudi Arabia is mobilizing a sophisticated, tech-driven operation for Hajj this year, leveraging one of the world’s most complex logistical efforts.

At the center is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, leading a nationwide push to upgrade digital infrastructure, streamline crowd management, and enforce permit regulations, all shaped by lessons from previous Hajj seasons.

Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi, ministry spokesperson, told Arab News that digital transformation remains at the heart of this strategy.

“Crowd management has been strengthened through collaboration with security forces, AI-powered monitoring at the Smart Makkah Operations Center, and updated visa gate protocols,” Alnwaimi added.

“The success of Hajj is not the result of a single entity, but a coordinated, government-wide effort,” Alnwaimi emphasized. “Various ministries and agencies work together across all stages to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims.”

These government entities include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Security Forces, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.

A valid Hajj permit remains key to access and services. The “No Permit, No Hajj” campaign ensures that every pilgrim is registered, monitored, and fully supported throughout their journey.

Saudi Arabia also remains committed to an inclusive Hajj experience, serving pilgrims of all backgrounds through a multilingual outreach and tailored support. Over 300 awareness tools, including guides and instructional videos, cover health, rituals, safety, and logistics for global audiences.

On the ground, more than 167,000 trained personnel are deployed across 10 countries, offering support in 14 languages.

Health kits and educational materials, developed with the Ministry of Health, are available in at least eight languages, including Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay, and Turkish.

These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to make Hajj more inclusive and accessible to Muslims worldwide.

The enhanced Nusuk ecosystem and its upgraded Nusuk Card now integrate mobility, security, and entry and exit procedures to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.

“For the 2025 season, more than 1.4 million smart cards have been issued,” said Alnwaimi. “Each card is linked to the Nusuk app, which now offers over 160 digital services.”

The Nusuk Card has become a central element of the digital Hajj ecosystem, enhancing safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.

The ministry has also implemented a multi-layered monitoring system to ensure the quality of services provided to registered pilgrims.

Operational contracts are formalized in advance through the Nusuk digital platform. During the Hajj season, more than 3,400 field inspections have been conducted to check compliance in areas such as accommodation, transport, catering, and general services.

“Digital tools are central to real-time oversight,” Alnwaimi explained. “The Nusuk Card and app support health and safety monitoring, while 24/7 support is available through Nusuk Care Centers and the Pilgrims’ Care Center hotline (1966), which handles inquiries and complaints.”

These smart cards also grant access to the holy sites, including the Grand Mosque, and securely store key personal data like health records and accommodation details. For elderly and vulnerable pilgrims, they link to wearable devices that transmit real-time data to medical teams, enabling swift emergency response.

The app integrates features like real-time crowd alerts, smart navigation, health data sharing, and multilingual artificial intelligence-powered translation. It offers more than 150 religious FAQs, 160 prayers and supplications, 250 educational resources, and over 200 personalized alerts throughout the pilgrimage.

“The app offers real-time maps with over 20,000 key locations across the holy sites,” added Alnwaimi. “(Nusuk app) reflects how faith and technology are coming together to enhance both the spiritual and logistical aspects of Hajj.”

One of the ministry’s standout initiatives is the Makkah Route program, which simplifies visa, health, and customs procedures for around 249,000 pilgrims before they even depart their home countries.

Through this program, pilgrims complete all required steps, including electronic visa issuance, biometric registration, and health verification at designated airports abroad. Their luggage is coded and sorted according to their transportation and accommodation details in Saudi Arabia.

Upon arrival, pilgrims are taken directly to their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah, while partner agencies handle luggage delivery.

Currently, the Makkah Route operates in eight countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Maldives.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah adopts a data-driven approach to tracking pilgrim satisfaction in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

“After Hajj, feedback is collected through direct testimonials, structured surveys, and digital platforms, providing valuable insights into each pilgrim’s experience,” Alnwaimi said. “We are pleased to share that the satisfaction rate has steadily increased from 74 percent in 2022 to 78 percent in 2023, and now to 81 percent in 2024.”


Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims

Updated 04 June 2025
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Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims

  • Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked Wednesday on pilgrimage
  • The mosque’s backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Namirah Mosque near Mount Arafat, an essential holy site for Muslim pilgrims during Hajj, with thousands of square meters of carpets.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced on Wednesday that Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked on Wednesday on pilgrimage.

The mosque was furnished with 125,000 sq. m of luxurious carpets to provide comfort for Hajj pilgrims, while its backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius.

Reflective paint was applied to the floor, and 117 fog fans were installed in the surrounding courtyards to reduce temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius, the ministry added.

Namirah Mosque is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of pilgrims on the Day of Arafat, which begins on the evening of June 4 and ends on June 5. Afterward, the pilgrims will proceed to the holy sites of Muzdalifah and Mina.

The ministry has upgraded the mosque’s ventilation, air conditioning and purification system to monitor carbon dioxide levels and to allow for 100 percent air renewal every 30 minutes.

To create a healthier environment for pilgrims, the ministry has installed 70 water chillers; each unit can serve up to 2,000 pilgrims an hour, with a total capacity of quenching the thirst of 140,000 pilgrims an hour. In addition, it has updated the site’s audio system and security surveillance cameras.

Namirah Mosque is one of the largest in the world, accommodating nearly 400,000 worshippers at once. It features 72 gates and entrances. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon at this site.