Author: Mahdeehassan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of Islamic affairs, Dawah and guidance, Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, has received messages from 176 ministers, scholars, muftis and presidents of Islamic institutions in more than 70 countries, affirming their support for the Kingdom as it faces continuing attacks by the Houthis in Yemen, officials said. The messages condemned the recent strikes, including those that killed at least 12 people and injured 309 when the Iran-backed militia targeted Khalid International Airport in Riyadh over the weekend. Some of those killed were pilgrims, including the Bangladeshi Islamic scholar Nasrullah Al-Badr, who was killed while on his way to perform…

RIYADH: Beneath crystal chandeliers and gleaming display cases filled with diamonds, pearls, and gemstones, visitors are moving between jewelry brands in Riyadh this week searching for something more than precious metals. Industry leaders say Saudi consumers are looking beyond precious metals and gemstones, placing greater value on craftsmanship, originality, and personal meaning. That is all on display at Jewels of the World Fine Jewelry, which has opened at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah. The exhibition marks the first time the Jewels of the World series has expanded to two venues in the capital, running alongside Jewels of the World Luxe…

RIYADH: The US embassy in Riyadh said on Monday that American citizens had been detained for filming recent events in Saudi Arabia, which has suffered a string of deadly attacks by the Houthi militia. The US mission said “American citizens have been detained for taking photos of recent events,” without specifying how many were arrested. It noted that Saudi authorities have warned that “filming, publishing, or sharing information related to counter missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability.” The embassy also said US government employees must obtain its authorization before using any airport in the…

RIYADH: International efforts to ensure the sustainability of outer space must also address security threats, as lack of progress in one area could undermine progress in the other. The warning came from Ambassador Carlos Foradori at the Global Space Connectivity and Sustainability Events 2026 in Riyadh on Monday. Argentina’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, and chair of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space, said that the two issues must be addressed together. “These agendas are complementary, not competing,” he said. “Sustainability without security is fragile, because everything built for sustainability…

RIYADH: The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said Monday that its forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis at the Saudi capital Riyadh. “Interception and destruction of a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh,” Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki, spokesman for the coalition, wrote on X. Just after midnight on Tuesday, the coalition said that two ballistic missiles fired by Houthi rebels toward Khamis Mushayt were intercepted and destroyed. Earlier on Monday, the coalition said it was responding to an attack involving drones and cruise missiles. The Houthis have been attacking Saudi airports ‌and…

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs Rakan Tarabzoni represented the economy minister at the 10th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council Economic and Development Affairs Authority’s Permanent Ministerial Preparatory Committee in Manama on Sunday, alongside committee members from GCC states, the Economy Ministry said in a statement. The meeting, chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, discussed regional developments and ways to strengthen Gulf economic cooperation. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said accelerating economic integration, completing the Customs Union and advancing the GCC Common Market were essential to boosting the competitiveness of…

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Turkiye condemned on Sunday ongoing Houthi attacks on the Kingdom, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed and injured civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure. In a joint statement, the four countries, known as the R4 Group, called the attacks a “blatant violation of international law” and a “flagrant violation” of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Saudi Press Agency reported. They said the strikes were a dangerous escalation that threatened Saudi Arabia’s security and the safety of civilians. The group pledged solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its full support…

RIYADH: King Salman sent a written message on Sunday inviting Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman to attend the second EU-GCC Summit in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 24. The Saudi ambassador to Oman, Ibrahim bin Saad bin Bishan, delivered the letter on behalf of the king to the Omani undersecretary of the ministry of foreign affairs for political affairs, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Harthy, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The summit will gather leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE, as well as European leaders, represented by President of the European Council…

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the latest regional escalation and efforts to de-escalate tensions with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday, as Riyadh continued diplomatic contacts following attacks on the Kingdom. Araqchi said in a post on Telegram that Iran was ready to provide any assistance to facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The contact was the first publicly reported communication between the two foreign ministers since the recent escalation in attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia. Prince Faisal also received calls from the foreign ministers…

RIYADH: As concerns grow over the current situation in Riyadh, people in the capital’s Diplomatic Quarter are continuing with their daily routines, with a Saudi citizen and a South Korean student describing a sense of normality and security during street interviews with Arab News. Speaking from the Diplomatic Quarter, Saudi citizen Haifa Abdullah said the situation had not changed her outlook on daily life, expressing confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to protect its citizens. “The situation is safe and secure, and nothing will stop us,” Abdullah said. “Our lives and dignity are protected, and the government has not fallen short…