Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the fatal bombing in Bahrain that killed three policemen, including an Emirati police officer, branding it a “terrorist act.”
Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal denounced the attack Thursday and called for punishing the perpetrators of the explosion that was primarily aimed at sparking violence in Bahrain and destabilizing the peace and security of the neighboring Gulf states. “The incidents in Bahrain are utterly criminal,” said Prince Saud in a statement published in the local media.
He said the Kingdom considers these incidents “terrorist acts” and that “such criminal actions are not unacceptable to any nation or person who has faith in Islamic and Arab solidarity.”
The GCC and Bahrain have asked Iran to refrain from fomenting violence in Bahrain and the region at large.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, rebuked Iran on Thursday at the UN Human Rights Council forum in Geneva. “This is terrorism…premeditated,” said Al-Khalifa in a statement released on Thursday.
He further said “the Iranian meddling in the affairs of Bahrain has become evident from the increase in the terrorist activities” in his country. He told a local daily that his country “is now suffering from an increase in terrorist activities because of the hostile role of certain countries in the region.”
“We have issued a statement listing three organizations on the terror list and will be in contact with the world about this matter,” he said.
“Terrorism is one thing and political actions are something else,” the Bahraini minister said in response to a question about the opposition’s aim to undermine the security of Bahrain in particular and the Gulf region in general.
“The menace of terrorism is posing a growing threat to the peace and security of the Gulf region. The Gulf countries are concerned over the situation.” He added: “The UAE has also taken a firm stance against terrorism and voiced its support for Bahrain. The GCC countries as a bloc are exerting efforts to ensure peace and security in the Gulf and in the extended region.”
GCC foreign ministers also condemned Tuesday night the bomb explosion.
Bahrain blacklisted three anti-government groups as terrorist organizations after the explosion.
These groups are Saraya Al-Ashtar (Ashtar Brigade), Saraya Al-Muqawama (Resistance Brigade) and others associated or allied to them. The decision effectively outlaws these groups and makes their members subject to imprisonment. Bahrain listed Lebanon’s Hezbollah as a terrorist organization last year.
Terror in Bahrain ‘unacceptable’
Terror in Bahrain ‘unacceptable’
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates Riyadh Metro project
- Riyadh Metro network includes six train lines measuring 176 km and 85 stations
- Metro will be open to public from Dec. 1, operate daily from 6am to midnight
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurated the Riyadh Metro project on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The project is considered the backbone of the public transport network in Riyadh, SPA said.
King Salman watched an introductory film about the project, which is distinguished by its exceptional design and technical specifications.
The Riyadh Metro consists of a network that includes six train lines measuring 176 km and 85 stations, including four main stations.
“The Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, is the culmination of concerted efforts made by King Salman and the outcome of his visionary leadership while serving as the Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, the predecessor of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.
The Public Transport Project in Riyadh City was launched based on various studies prepared by the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh.
The studies considered the current and future needs of the public transport sector in the capital and identified the best solutions and options for establishing a sustainable public transport system that is compatible with the city and its characteristics.
The metro will begin to be available for public use from Dec. 1 and will operate daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
The lines will open over the next two months in stages — with the blue, yellow and purple lines opening on Dec. 1, the red and green lines opening on Dec. 15, and the orange line opening on Jan. 5, 2025.
Following the announcement, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb posted on X: “Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may Allah protect him, the #RiyadhMetro project was inaugurated — reflecting the leadership’s commitment during this prosperous era to enhancing Riyadh’s infrastructure and raising the quality of life in the city.
“This aligns with the goals of #SaudiVision2030, further establishing the city’s position as a tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world.”
Abeer Al-Shehri, a Riyadh-based lawyer, told Arab News that the new metro would cut the time she spent in traffic and the number of postponed appointments.
“As a lawyer, my profession involves fieldwork at courts, the Public Prosecution and police stations. Sometimes I have to attend sessions at the office while also having two important appointments to attend,” she said.
“With the traffic, there’s not enough time for both, so I’m forced to postpone one. Additionally, client meetings at the company’s office often take place around noon, and it’s well known that at that time, it’s impossible to reach the location within an hour without being late.
“This forces me to leave at least an hour earlier. The metro will significantly improve the time wasted in traffic, and as a lawyer, it will allow me to commute back and forth to the office in record time.”
Riyadh resident Faisal Suliman Al-Anzy told Arab News that he was “happy and excited” about Wednesday’s announcement.
He plans to use the metro “for visiting friends, (especially at) the weekend when there are traffic jams everywhere.”
Saudi official elected vice chair of organization that sets standards for global food trade
- Saudi Food and Drug Authority says selection of Khalid Al-Zahrani by Codex Alimentarius Commission is a ‘milestone’ and ‘testament to our commitment to global food safety
- Al-Zahrani has represented the Kingdom on several international committees, including at the World Trade Organization
RIYADH: Saudi official Khalid Al-Zahrani was chosen on Wednesday to be vice chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which sets the standards for the international food trade that are designed to ensure products are safe and protect consumer health.
Representatives of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority who were present for the vote at the commission’s 47th annual session in Geneva, Switzerland, congratulated Al-Zahrani on his election.
“This is a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia and a testament to our commitment to global food safety and standards,” said Hisham Aljadhey, the authority’s CEO.
“By assuming the role of vice chair of Codex, (Saudi Arabia) aims to further strengthen international collaboration, promote sustainable food practices and ensure the well-being of consumers worldwide.”
Al-Zahrani has served as the Codex chairperson for the Near East region since 2020 and was reelected to the position in 2023.
He also represented Saudi Arabia on several international committees, including the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade, the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization, and the International Organization for Standardization’s Food Products Committee.
He works closely with the Kingdom’s Food and Drug Authority, which aims to prioritize sustainability and enhance efficiency, inclusiveness and transparency within food systems. The authority was recognized in January by the World Health Organization as one of the first five countries in the world to eliminate the use of industrially produced trans fats in food, alongside Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and Thailand.
“Al-Zahrani’s election highlights the exceptional quality of Saudi staff at the SFDA and the authority's efforts in food-safety legislation and oversight,” the authority said.
The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for “Food Code”) is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations related to food production, labeling and safety, published by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the WHO.
Saudi development fund chief meets Congo’s finance minister
CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad met Congo’s Minister of Finance Doudou Fumba Likunde, the Saudi Fund said on X on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they reviewed development cooperation between the two sides that began 40 years ago, as well as discussing ways to enhance economic cooperation to develop vital sectors in Congo.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Congo Abdulaziz Al-Badi was present during the meeting.
Saudi Arabia halves desalination costs, boosts efficiency by 80%, official says
- Technological advancements have played a critical role in the Kingdom’s water conservation efforts
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has improved its desalination efficiency by 80 percent and halved costs by 50 percent in recent years, a top official from the Kingdom has said.
“Our achievements in desalinated water production in the last eight years are equivalent to what was achieved in the previous four decades,” Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti said.
He outlined the accomplishments at the 2025 Budget Forum hosted by the Ministry of Finance in Riyadh, calling the progress a “historic milestone” for the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Daily desalinated water production has surged to 6 million cubic meters, contributing to a total capacity of 11.3 million cubic meters daily, he added.
The improvement is testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to water security, environmental sustainability and Vision 2030, the deputy minister said.
He highlighted the monumental scale of the Kingdom’s water infrastructure, noting that water production facilities are primarily located along the coasts, requiring water to be transported across thousands of kilometers.
“The water transmission network we have built spans more than 14,000 km — double the length of the Nile River,” he said. “It crosses mountain peaks, valleys and deserts to deliver water to communities across the Kingdom.”
Strategic water storage capacity has also seen a significant boost, rising from 13 million cubic meters in 2016 to more than 25 million cubic meters today.
“This expansion ensures the Kingdom’s resilience in times of crisis, guaranteeing reliable access to water for all regions,” said Al-Mushaiti.
He attributed the achievements to strong government support and private-sector collaboration.
“We have implemented 29 water projects worth SR28 billion ($7.46 billion), of which 30 percent — SR8 billion — is foreign investment,” he said.
Looking forward, Al-Mushaiti announced plans for private sector projects worth SR58 billion.
“We are building a system where public and private sectors work hand-in-hand to achieve national goals,” he said.
Technological advancements have played a critical role in the Kingdom’s water conservation efforts.
Al-Mushaiti said that by using innovation and sustainable practices, the Kingdom is saving more than 9 billion cubic meters of groundwater annually.
“That’s equivalent to the water consumption of the entire Kingdom’s population for three years,” he added.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the water sector installed 2 million electronic meters, enabling more efficient billing and consumption monitoring.
“These meters send notifications to users when their consumption exceeds normal levels, promoting the principle of ‘responsible consumption’,” Al-Mushaiti said.
Furthermore, water rationalization initiatives in government agencies saved more than 31 million cubic meters of water in 2023 alone.
The ministry’s efforts have also spurred growth in the agricultural sector, which has seen its contribution to gross domestic product rise from SR64 billion in 2016 to SR109 billion in 2023.
“We achieved self-sufficiency rates for many crops that now exceed 100 percent,” Al-Mushaiti said, adding that these gains reflect the success of policies aimed at conserving water resources while boosting productivity.
On the environmental front, Saudi Arabia is making strides with its Saudi Green Initiative.
Al-Mushaiti said that in just three years, the country has planted more than 95 million trees using renewable water and supplementary irrigation.
“This number will surpass 100 million by the end of the year, marking the start of a green era for the Kingdom,” he said.
The deputy minister also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership in addressing global water challenges.
“Water is the backbone of life and development, and achieving sustainability is one of the greatest global challenges,” he said.
In this regard, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2023 announced the establishment of the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh.
The decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing water sustainability worldwide, Al-Mushaiti said.
He added that the World Bank has recognized Saudi Arabia’s water system as unique and a model that others should study.
As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its ambitious plans for water security, agriculture and environmental sustainability, Al-Mushaiti concluded with optimism: “The journey so far has been remarkable, but the best is yet to come.”
Saudi Geological Survey celebrates excellence in research, innovation
- Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef attended the event
- CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani reviewed 25 years of accomplishments, emphasizing the survey’s role in advancing geological sciences
JEDDAH: The Saudi Geological Survey recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special event in Jeddah, marking a quarter-century of excellence in geological research and exploration.
Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef attended the event.
The event highlighted the survey’s achievements, future initiatives, and contributions to geological research and innovation. Guests shared insights from their experiences with the organization.
CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani reviewed 25 years of accomplishments, emphasizing the survey’s role in advancing geological sciences, supporting national development, and managing resources sustainably.
He also outlined plans to raise awareness of geological risks via the “Rawasi” platform, preserve Zamzam water sustainability, and complete digital transformation of technical services.
Al-Shamrani affirmed a commitment to advancing technical achievements, implementing projects, and supporting development for a promising future through skilled Saudi cadres.
Al-Khorayef said that since the start of the millennium, the Kingdom had made intensive efforts in mineral resource research and exploration. Led by SGS employees, this had yielded significant discoveries over the past 25 years, impacting the mining sector by boosting investment and developing mineral wealth.
He added that the aim was to position the Kingdom as a global leader in earth sciences and geology through ambitious plans, aligning with its international standing.
These efforts included fully uncovering its mineral wealth, meeting geological needs, building a global earth sciences database, and creating a platform for stakeholders worldwide, the minister said.
