Saudi Arabia is an ‘indispensable partner,’ says British ambassador

Ambassador to the United Kingdom Neil Crompton at his residence in Riyadh. (AN photo)
Short Url
Updated 11 December 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia is an ‘indispensable partner,’ says British ambassador

  • UK prime minister says clean energy projects will create more jobs in both Kingdoms

RIYADH: “It is a historical relationship,” said British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton, describing Saudi-UK ties in a new interview with Arab News.

British Prime Minster Keir Starmer made his first visit to Saudi Arabia this week to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discuss areas of cooperation with some of the Kingdom’s industry leaders.

Both the prime minister and the crown prince want to modernize the relationship, Crompton said.

“I have been here nearly five years, and I have just seen the areas of cooperation expand, in part because there is so much happening in the Kingdom … All the different things (Saudi Arabia is) trying to do — tourism, innovation, artificial intelligence, sport — these are all natural areas where the UK can work with you.”

The prime minister’s top priority is encouraging economic growth in the UK, Crompton added, a goal that is reflected in the Saudi government’s own aspirations to grow its economy and improve the quality of life of its citizens.

“Like Saudi Arabia, we are free traders,” he said. “The more UK investment there is in Saudi Arabia, the better it is for Saudi and our investors, and the more Saudi investment there is in the UK, the better is for our economies.”

Crompton said that both leaders are pursuing a UK-Gulf Cooperation Council free trade agreement and hoping to get it finalized as soon as possible.

“The Gulf countries are on the move; they’re all booming,” he added. “Saudi (gross domestic product) has grown 70 percent since Vision 2030 was launched in 2016. That’s impressive.”

Major talking points of discussions with Starmer included partnerships in clean energy and moving his Plan for Change forward.

Green energy projects in both countries have created over 4,000 additional jobs, the UK government reported.

In partnership with NEOM, Graphene Innovation Manchester has announced the launch of the world’s first commercial production of graphene-enriched carbon fiber.

The project strives to generate £250 million ($318 million) in investment in research and innovation in the Greater Manchester region and create more than 1,000 skilled jobs.

Further uplifting the green energy partnerships between the two Kingdoms, Starmer said: “Oxford-based private equity fund HYCAP is supporting Saudi Arabia’s plans to reach net zero emissions by 2060 by investing £785 million to develop hydrogen mobility clusters in Northern Ireland and across the UK, creating more than 1,000 jobs.”

The project will deliver critical elements of hydrogen production and distribution while removing 25 million tonnes of transport-related CO2 over its duration.

The UK and Saudi Arabia are also working to create a new Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen, backed by several Saudi and British universities, with Newcastle University playing a leading role.

UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Miliband said: “This is the government’s Plan for Change in action, to make us a clean energy superpower and deliver a decade of renewal.”

In early December, UK leading carbon capture technology company Carbon Clean signed a collaboration deal with Saudi Aramco for innovation in modular carbon capture technology, hoping to create 2,000 jobs in the UK.

Additionally, UK-based sustainable cement company Next Generation SCM and Saudi Arabia-based company City Cement partnered to produce and supply 2.5 million tonnes of sustainable cement and concrete a year. Over the next five years, this partnership is expected to drive £200 million in investment and create over 200 jobs in both Saudi and the UK.

“Saudis historically like to invest, but a lot of the investment went into London, which is good. But I think, when we invest in different parts of Saudi Arabia, and when Saudi Arabia invests in different parts of the UK, that’s good for both countries and good for both peoples,” Crompton said.

“It shows in the sense that the economic relationship extends beyond the two capitals.”

Another highlight of the British prime minister’s visit was the promotion of cultural heritage for both nations.

The Saudi Heritage Commission is in the middle of finalizing a new deal with Historic England, a public body of the British government, for cooperation and knowledge-sharing between experts from both countries on preserving cultural landmarks.

The Royal Commission for AlUla will also collaborate with UK entities — the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport and the Department for Business and Trade — to increase visitor numbers to 2 million tourists per year by 2035 and upskill the local people through training programs.

Starmer said in a statement: “I’m pleased the UK is forging new partnerships with Saudi Arabia to protect the cultural heritage of AlUla by harnessing British expertise. Through deeper economic ties with key partners such as Saudi Arabia, we can unlock growth and new opportunities both at home and abroad to deliver change that is felt by working people in the UK.”

Cooperation in defense and security was also strongly emphasized by Starmer during his visit to the Kingdom.

“We have a shared history, and part of our shared history is recognition that Saudi Arabia is a key diplomatic partner, not just in the Arab world, but in the Islamic world. I think it has a neutral ability to bridge gaps both between East and West and North and South,” Crompton said.

Crompton explained that Saudi Arabia is an “indispensable partner” for discussing international issues and a “key partner” in de-escalating conflicts in the Middle East and getting to a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel.

Starmer said the UK will play a more active role in the region and work to strengthen defense cooperation across land, sea, space, air, and cyber threats.

He has also announced £11 million in funding for humanitarian aid in Syria, hoping to meet the needs of the 370,000 people estimated to have been recently displaced.

Starmer said: “From cutting the cost of living for hardworking British people to building resilient supply chains or supporting communities in Britain, what happens in the Middle East matters at home.

“That is why we are strengthening our defense partnership with Saudi Arabia, protecting the most vulnerable in Syria, supporting our partners in Lebanon and working with the international community to push for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, secure the return of all hostages and accelerate aid into Gaza.”

It was recently revealed by the British Chamber of Commerce that Israel’s war on Gaza has impacted 50 percent of UK businesses.

The UK will also provide the Lebanese Armed Forces with a large assistance package in the form of training and equipment in support of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

On furthering international cooperation, Crompton said that KSrelief, the Saudi Fund for Development, and the UK pledge to spend $100 million between them each year on joint development projects in Africa.


Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims

  • This year, the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries

MAKKAH: Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah have praised Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to Islam and Muslims.

Implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the program’s invitation to diverse communities highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to enabling more Muslims to perform Hajj with ease and tranquility.

Pilgrims from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka said the program had a significant humanitarian impact and reflected the Kingdom’s global outreach.

They lauded Saudi Arabia’s rapid infrastructure development, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, which has substantially increased capacity for pilgrims.

The guests commended the exceptional services, meticulous organization and high-quality infrastructure in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

This year, the program is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s legacy of service to the global Muslim community.


Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina

Updated 06 June 2025
Follow

Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina

  • The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings
  • They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability

MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday at Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed the longstanding ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, SPA added. 

They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability.

The reception was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Also in attendance were Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy; Minister of Information Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari; Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan; and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki.

On the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar joined the meeting along with Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim, Chief of Army Staff and ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq.


The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city

Updated 06 June 2025
Follow

The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city

  • Hajj experience is pathway to lifelong transformation

RIYADH: Every year, millions of Muslims around the world take on a spiritual journey to perform the pilgrimage to Makkah. This religious obligation is only performed once in a lifetime for those who are able, and begins long before the pilgrim arrives in Makkah.

The route to the holy city begins with a deep, personal decision motivated by faith, hope for closeness to God, and the fulfilment of accomplishing one of the five pillars of Islam.

From the moment pilgrims form the intention to perform Hajj, a transformative process begins where they must secure their spot through Saudi officials in their countries.

Some countries request attending educational seminars before the Hajj to prepare them spiritually and physically for the trip.

“We have the administrative facilities that include Hajj registration, application, and all related administrative matters,” said Abdulrahman Mustafa Hamidh, a Syrian living in Turkyie, who is currently working as a religious guide for pilgrims.

“It’s simple. The process starts by applying through the Hajj offices located throughout the city, or by appointing someone for those who are far away in distance and unable to attend. They can appoint someone else, such as a brother, to do the registration process for them and pay a small registration fee,” he said.

Hamidh is currently studying for his PhD in religious studies and has been a frequent traveler to Makkah for Hajj since 2016.

After registration is completed, Hamidh explained the second step, which is the final part of the process. According to him, people take their passports to their guide or group leader to complete their registration applications for them.

“The entire process for pilgrims is very, very simple,” he said.

After this step, pilgrims wait for their applications to be accepted by Saudi officials and to receive their visa and the documents that they need for Hajj.

Once accepted, pilgrims receive the necessary tools such as Ihram, luggage, and all the belongings they will need for the journey.

“As for packing a travel bag, it’s also easy. Hajj pilgrims often receive large luggage from the organizing agency, which contains smaller bags and other Hajj supplies, such as Ihram, as well as Hajj garments for women,” Hamidh said.

When pilgrims complete the logistics, prepare their luggage and say their farewells to their families and loved ones, they leave their homes, carrying with them not only essential supplies but also hopes, prayers and hearts full of devotion.

However, while they arrive in Makkah and engage in this emotional and precious experience, others may face obstacles that hinder them from either completing the journey or arriving early.

One example is the journey of a pilgrim from Libya, Amir Qathafi, who was part of the last group of pilgrims from his country to depart for Makkah this year.

Unfortunately, before boarding, it took some time to go through security due to an issue with his passport. This resulted in the plane taking off, leaving him behind.

Surprisingly, a problem with the plane arose a few minutes after take-off, which required the pilot to return to the airport to solve the issue.

For a second time, Amir was refused permission to board the plane, and the flight took off again. Yet, miraculously, performing Hajj this year was destined for him, and the plane faced another technical issue a few minutes after the second departure.

This time, the pilgrim from Libya was allowed to board the plane to join the rest of his team on the route to Makkah.

Like Amir, millions of Muslims have genuine appreciation for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The journey to Hajj is more than a physical experience. It is a deeply spiritual and emotional commitment that begins with intention and ends with lifelong transformation.


Saudi crown prince speaks with Turkish President Erdogan

Updated 06 June 2025
Follow

Saudi crown prince speaks with Turkish President Erdogan

  • President Erdogan began the call by commending the Kingdom for the successful organization of this year’s Hajj season

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Thursday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

President Erdogan began the call by commending the Kingdom for the successful organization of this year’s Hajj season and the effective measures taken to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Turkish leader also extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to the Crown Prince, who in turn offered his congratulations on the occasion to President Erdogan.


Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

Updated 06 June 2025
Follow

Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Health has advised pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — when temperatures at the holy sites are at their highest — to help avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

The importance of following preventive measures such as using umbrellas, drinking plenty of water and complying with instructions from the authorities has also been emphasized.

The guidelines have been issued to protect pilgrims and ensure their safety during Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

So far, the ministry has reported a 90 percent reduction in the number of cases of heat exhaustion from last season.

The improvement aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, both part of Vision 2030, which aim to ensure a safer Hajj experience.

The Ministry of Health said the decrease was a result of stronger preventive measures, expanded awareness campaigns and effective coordination across relevant agencies.

These actions have included the launch of an awareness kit in eight languages to help prevent heat-related illnesses during Hajj.

The kit includes guidelines, videos, social media posts and printable materials advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and use umbrellas to avoid direct sun exposure.