Saudi-French relations are experiencing a ‘quantum leap,’ Adel Al-Jubeir tells Arab News en Francais

1: Al-Jubeir on Saudi-French ties
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Updated 20 June 2023
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Saudi-French relations are experiencing a ‘quantum leap,’ Adel Al-Jubeir tells Arab News en Francais

  • Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs says both nations have “young leaders who have visions, ambitions and courage to move their countries to a better level”
  • Kingdom is “well placed” to secure World Expo 2030, boosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Paris visit, he adds
  • Climate envoy lauds Kingdom’s moves toward supplying Europe with clean, renewable energy, and partnerships on hydrogen power

PARIS: The relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is going through a “quantum leap,” Adel Al-Jubeir, the Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, told Arab News en Francais in Paris, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continues his official visit to the French capital this week.

“We’re witnessing a quantum leap in Saudi-French relations,” said Al-Jubeir. “Saudi Arabia and France have been strategic partners and allies for many, many decades. We have commonality of outlook with regards to international relations, with regards to the sovereignty of nations, the principle of non-interference, respect for international law.

“We both believe in our people. We both believe in empowering youth and women. We both believe in providing opportunity. We both believe in connecting with the world. And we both are working to connect with the world and be connected with the world.

“The relationship between our two countries is very strong, has been very strong. And we’re looking forward to elevating the relationship on a personal level between our leaders. It is a very strong personal relationship.”

The crown prince arrived in Paris for an official visit at the end of last week, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Friday to discuss bilateral, regional and international affairs.

In Al-Jubeir’s view, the strength of the Saudi-French relationship is owed, to a great extent, to the shared values of the two leaders, who are of a similar age and outlook.

“We have young leaders who have visions and ambitions and courage to move their countries to a better level. And this is all the coming together of all of these different elements,” he said.

“We have tremendous opportunities to further our trade and investment relationship. We have tremendous opportunities to further our cultural and educational relationships. We have tremendous opportunities to further our people-to-people relationships, and nothing comes better, more clearly, than when you have a summit.




Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the Kingdom’s official reception for Expo 2030 bid on Monday. (SPA) 

“And this is what we have during this visit: His royal highness’s meeting at the Elysee with the president of France, the Saudi business and investment delegation in France with the accompanying events, the meeting of the Bureau of International Exhibitions, and the bid announcement for Saudi Arabia to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh.”

One issue on which France seeks Saudi support is Ukraine. French media outlets recently indicated that Paris wants Riyadh to leverage its relationship with Russia to help find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Asked by Arab News en Francais whether there was any basis to these reports, or any progress on the issue, Al-Jubeir highlighted the Kingdom’s proactive role in prisoner exchanges, the facilitation of grain exports from Ukrainian ports, and engagement with the international community to try and bring a negotiated end to the conflict.

“There is a dialogue and an exchange of views on how to deal with any challenges and how to overcome obstacles. And we do this through a serious and intensive consultation mechanism. The objective of both countries is to bring peace and stability to the Middle East region and to the world,” he said.

Saudi Arabia’s relationship with France and other European nations goes beyond strategic partnerships. Energy security, particularly as the world makes the transition to cleaner sources of energy, has become a significant area of cooperation.

Long a major supplier of hydrocarbons, Saudi Arabia is now moving to supply Europe and its neighbors in the Middle East with clean and renewable sources of energy.

“We are one of the largest investors in the world in renewable energy, whether it’s solar energy, whether it’s wind, whether it’s hydro,” said Al-Jubeir.

“We are working on building, as we speak, transmission lines into neighboring countries so we can more efficiently distribute the energy to other countries. We are working with Europe to see how we can provide Europe’s requirements for green hydrogen.

“We are, in particular, working with Germany and with the Netherlands, because of the Port of Rotterdam, and Germany is a strategic partner in technologies for green hydrogen. We are building the largest green hydrogen plant in the world in NEOM.

“We are also working on providing Europe with electricity generated from renewable energy because Europe requires up to 30 percent of its electricity (to come from renewables) in the coming decades. They may require that that be important and we want to be the supplier of that energy.

“And we have agreements with, or understandings with, Cyprus and Greece with regards to energy cooperation and with regards to transmission lines, so we can deliver this energy efficiently to Europe.”




Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir being interviewed by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas in Paris on Monday. (AN photo )      

Saudi Arabia’s investment in renewables is part of a wider environmental strategy, implemented through the Vision 2030 social reform and economic diversification agenda, the Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives, and the Kingdom’s embrace of the circular carbon economy.

“Saudi Arabia’s climate agenda is very clear and very, very ambitious,” said Al-Jubeir. “The issue is really to employ what we call the circular carbon economy approach, where we look at environmental and climate issues in a holistic manner and we seek a solution to it in a holistic manner, rather than in a one-size-fits-all approach.

“The approach we take is producing energy more efficiently and more cleanly, capturing carbon, sequestering carbon, working on redesigning our cities to make them more efficient so we reduce the amount of time that people drive … We work on better standards for energy consumption in all aspects, whether it’s household appliances, whether it’s public buildings.

“The other part of the circular carbon economy is also to use nature in order to capture carbon more effectively. We have designated 30 percent of Saudi Arabia as protected areas and we’re working on making sure that that’s in place.




The NEOM Green Hydrogen plant is expected to begin green hydrogen production using 100 percent renewables in 2026. (NEOM)

“We have committed to designating 30 percent of our oceans as designated protected areas. We are now at about 22 percent. We will be reaching 30 percent in the next very few years.

“We are part of the global methane pledge and we doubled our commitment to reducing methane; that was announced last year, where we doubled our goal because we were able to acquire the technology and the ability to do more. We were one of only three G20 countries to do so.”

Given the breadth of achievements that Saudi Arabia has to share, it is perhaps no surprise that the Kingdom has made its bid to host World Expo 2030 such a high priority. Indeed, the event would coincide with the completion of the Vision 2030 reform drive.

The crown prince himself is presenting the Saudi bid during the International Bureau of Exhibitions meeting in Paris this week, and on Monday night he participated in an official reception for 179 countries as part of the Kingdom’s bid.

Asked by Arab News en Francais whether the crown prince’s personal presence in Paris to promote Riyadh’s bid is a signal that Saudi Arabia feels it has already secured the nomination, Al-Jubeir said: “The vote will be in November. We are in a good position. We will be in a much, much better position thanks to the presence of his royal highness here in Paris to talk to delegates and to oversee the opening of the Saudi bid for hosting Expo 2030.




The crown prince met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Friday to discuss bilateral, regional and international affairs. (AP)

“Having his royal highness the crown prince here at the presentation of our bid is very significant because he is the driving force behind Vision 2030 … I have no doubt that his presence here, during the launch of Saudi Arabia’s bid, is going to have a huge impact on signaling the commitment of Saudi Arabia to this expo, signaling the commitment of his royal highness to this expo and to his Vision 2030.”

If Riyadh secures the nomination, Al-Jubeir said the World Expo venue would become a permanent part of the city’s cultural fabric and a monument to its achievements.

“The exhibition that Saudi Arabia has in mind, and that his royal highness charted out, is that this is going to be an unprecedented exhibition,” he said.

“It will be an exhibition like no other. We are allocating tremendous resources to this exhibition. We want this exhibit to be a permanent exhibit, not a temporary exhibit. We want it to become part of the cultural scene of Riyadh.”

He added: “I have no doubt that the world will be positively stunned by what the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is able to do, should we have the honor of receiving the votes to be able to host this important event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the city of Riyadh, in 2030.”


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days

Updated 14 July 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's king and crown prince on Sunday congratulated President Jakov Milatović of Montenegro on his country's National Day celebration. 

In a cable, King Salman wished Milatović "continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Montenegro steady progress and prosperity," the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the Kingdom's prime minister, sent a similar message in a separate cable, according to SPA.

Earlier on Saturday, the king and crown prince greeted Kiribati President Taneti Maamau on his country's Independence Day, wishing him and his constituents steady progress and prosperity.

Montenegro, located in southeast Europe, became part of Yugoslavia in 1918 during the realignment of nations after World War I. After Yugoslavia broke up in 1992, Montenegro formed a federation with Serbia, but opted later to become an independent republic in 2006.

Kiribati, an island republic in the central Pacific, gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1979.

Both Montenegro and Kiribati are members of the United Nations.
 


Saudi artist rolls forward with bamboo paper

Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)
Updated 13 July 2025
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Saudi artist rolls forward with bamboo paper

  • Jumanah Telity’s eco-conscious art form is as durable as it is creative

JEDDAH: Saudi artist Jumanah Telity has found an unusual medium for her creativity: bamboo paper.

Through a labor-intensive process she transforms it into sturdy objects, from baskets and storage boxes to small-scale furniture and figurines.

“This art, like any other art, requires specific techniques, sense, and artistic thought to produce creativity,” she told Arab News. “It differs from other arts in that it is a very strong and practical product that is used daily and also decoratively.”

Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)

Originally an educator, Telity spent 19 years in schools, eventually serving as a principal.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to explore her long-time fascination with natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and rattan.

That is when she discovered bamboo paper weaving online and something clicked.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2020, Saudi artist Jumanah Telity decided to explore her long-time fascination with natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and rattan.

• She recently displayed her work at Balad Al-Fann in Jeddah’s historic district.

“It strangely attracted me. I felt like I found my passion here because it really appealed to me,” she said.

Telity says the method involves tightly rolling paper into sticks using a special needle. It is then woven into shape.

Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)

“It begins with choosing the type of paper, its size, and the way it is cut,” she said. “After trying this art, you’ll be amazed at the strength of these products and how they can be washed with soap and water without being affected.”

She describes the art as eco-conscious because of the recycling involved in the process.

To hone her craft, Telity enrolled in intensive online courses specializing in the technique.

Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)

“I found what I was looking for,” she said. “The study was online, intensive, daily, and very precise in how to teach and train step by step.”

Now among the first Saudi artists to specialize in this form of bamboo art, she credits the Kingdom’s growing cultural landscape for supporting artists exploring niche and rare forms of expression.

“This type of art is considered one of the rarest arts in the world,” she added. “It requires precise skills and a deep understanding of transforming paper into a wood-like material.”

Telity recently displayed her work at Balad Al-Fann in Jeddah’s historic district. She was struck by how strongly the art resonated with visitors. “I noticed people’s amazement and admiration for this art and how they were attracted by the type of art, method of weaving and the strength and ability to withstand external factors,” she said.

She now plans to hold workshops to pass on her skills, with the goal of eventually becoming a certified trainer.

With growing interest from aspiring crafters and a renewed push for cultural innovation across Saudi Arabia, Telity believes the future of this art form is bright.

 


Once a symbol of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen fades from view

Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains. (Supplied)
Updated 13 July 2025
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Once a symbol of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen fades from view

  • Today, Saudis continue to express hospitality in new ways — hosting events in gardens, villas, or special venues, while maintaining the warmth and generosity that have always defined social gatherings

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia rapidly modernizes, some elements of its traditional architecture are becoming rarer, but not forgotten.

Once a hallmark of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen remains a cherished symbol of Saudi hospitality and social values, even as lifestyles and housing designs evolve.

“Al-Roshen is a room for special guests,” said Mohammad Alhouti, a resident of Riyadh’s Aldeerah neighborhood.

Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains. (Supplied)

“As soon as a person enters the house through the door, there is a ground-floor sitting room and a staircase. This staircase leads to Al-Roshen, separate so that the guest can go up as soon as they enter the house.”

Unlike the more common majlis, Al-Roshen offered a secluded space for important visitors.

According to Abdulrahman Alhouti, some people would add plaster to the walls of Al-Roshen, creating shapes and decorations that would make it stand out from the main majlis in the house.

FASTFACTS

• Once a hallmark of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen remains a cherished symbol of Saudi hospitality and social values, even as lifestyles and housing designs evolve.

• Unlike the more common majlis, Al-Roshen offered a secluded space for important visitors.

Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains.

Mohammad and Abdulrahman are a part of Thuluthiyyat Almasmak, a weekly cultural gathering held in front of Riyadh’s Al-Masmak Palace.

(From L to R) Abdulrahman Al-Houti, Fahad Al-Hidyyan and Mohammad Al-Houti, members of Thuluthiyyat Almasmak. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

Their group includes Fahad Alhidyyan, helping document and share Riyadh’s history through stories of its neighborhoods, streets, schools and everyday life.

Their weekly gathering has reached its seventh year and the group has welcomed all types of visitors, from locals to international tourists coming to Riyadh, to discuss the past and present of the Kingdom’s capital.

“(The gathering) tells the story of the history of Riyadh, its old alleys, streets, schools, farms and everything old, from the time of King Abdulaziz until the beginning of the development,” Abdulrahman said.

Al-Roshan was similar to Almajlis, but with a separate seating area and cushions. It was a room on the second floor in the house where special guests are hosted. (Supplied)

Today, Saudis continue to express hospitality in new ways — hosting events in gardens, villas, or special venues, while maintaining the warmth and generosity that have always defined social gatherings.

“In the past, receiving guests was of great importance. The host would take great care in welcoming his guests, making every effort to provide them with the best he could,” Alhidyyan said.

“People now meet during Eid, weddings, or planned gatherings, though often outside the home. There is a difference, but the intention remains.”

Rather than fading away entirely, Al-Roshen now lives on through cultural forums and conversations that highlight the evolution of tradition in a rapidly changing society.

For those preserving these stories, the goal is not to resist change but to carry forward the values and meaning behind these cultural symbols.

 


Deputy minister receives Ukraine’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi (R) and Anatolii Petrenko in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 13 July 2025
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Deputy minister receives Ukraine’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Ambassador to Greece Ali Al-Yousef recently presented his credentials to the country’s president, Constantine Tassoulas

RIYADH: Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the Saudi deputy minister for international multilateral affairs, received Anatolii Petrenko, Ukriane’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the foreign ministry wrote in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Greece Ali Al-Yousef recently presented his credentials to the country’s president, Constantine Tassoulas.

 


Lebanon’s envoy wraps up tenure with visit to Arab News

Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Fawzi Kabbara visited Arab News’ headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. (AN photo)
Updated 13 July 2025
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Lebanon’s envoy wraps up tenure with visit to Arab News

  • Kabbara acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and praised Arab News for promoting understanding between the two

RIYADH: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Fawzi Kabbara, on Sunday ended his tenure with a visit to Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas at the newspaper’s Riyadh headquarters.

During the meeting, Kabbara acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and praised Arab News for promoting understanding between the two with its “insightful reporting.”

“It is an honor to celebrate the enduring ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia during a time of significant change in the Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he said.

He highlighted the publication’s commitment to journalistic integrity and said it enriched the media landscape and supported diplomatic relations by keeping diplomats informed on local and regional news.

Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Fawzi Kabbara and Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas view editions dating back to the newspaper’s founding in 1975. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Kabbara also emphasized the pivotal role the media played in shaping public opinion and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

During his tour of the newspaper’s headquarters, the envoy viewed editions dating back to its founding in 1975, including its first Christmas cover, the transformation under Abbas’ leadership in 2016 and award-winning editorial cartoons capturing key moments in world history.

Looking ahead, Kabbara said this was not the end of his time in the Kingdom. He expressed his eagerness to return “wearing a different hat” so he could witness the growth of Lebanon-Saudi relations and Arab News’ evolving role.

He concluded by expressing sincere gratitude to Arab News and Abbas. For his part, Abbas thanked the ambassador for his visit and wished him success in his future endeavors.