RIYADH: The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new complex for the US Consulate General in Dhahran was held in the Eastern Province on Tuesday.
“Today, we begin a new chapter in the longstanding historical relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia,” Consul General Mike Hankey said.
“First established in the Eastern Province over 70 years ago, the US Consulate General in Dhahran has grown side-by-side with this community, forming a lasting partnership based on mutual friendship and respect. The new building is yet another cornerstone in our enduring relationship.”
Participants in the event included Hankey, his predecessor Joey Hood, Eastern Province Secretary-General Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Battal, Eastern Province Mayor Fahad Al-Jubeir, and other senior Saudi officials and local community leaders.
Conveying good wishes on behalf of Eastern Province Gov. Saud bin Naif, Al-Battal reaffirmed the strength and depth of US-Saudi relations.
He added that the new multi-building complex will greatly expand services for Saudis and expatriates traveling to the US, and will better support American citizens living and working in the Kingdom.
It will be situated on a 10.5-acre site in the city of Alkhobar, and will include a consulate office building, the consul general’s residence, support services buildings and facilities for consulate staff. The new complex is expected to open in 2020.
Foundation laid for new US Consulate in Dhahran
Foundation laid for new US Consulate in Dhahran
Saudi Cabinet welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government and SDF, condemns Gaza ceasefire violations
- Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari said ministers welcomed cooperation between the Syrian government and the SDF, supported by Saudi Arabia and the US
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on Tuesday welcomed a ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, reiterated the Kingdom’s support for resolving regional and international disputes through dialogue, and condemned Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire.
The Cabinet said the breaches in the Palestinian territory undermine efforts to stabilize the truce and advance the second phase of the peace plan, stressing the need for a just and lasting settlement that enables Palestinians to establish an independent state.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari said ministers welcomed cooperation between the Syrian government and the SDF, supported by Saudi Arabia and the US, which led to a ceasefire agreement aimed at promoting peace, stability and national unity in Syria.
The Cabinet reviewed outcomes from several major international events hosted by the Kingdom, including the second Ministerial Council meeting of the Green Middle East Initiative, which expanded membership to 35 countries and reaffirmed commitments to plant more than 22 billion trees and rehabilitate 92 million hectares of land, SPA added.
Ministers also praised the International Conference on Building Capabilities in Data and AI in Riyadh, which saw the launch of multiple initiatives and the signing of 27 agreements to strengthen academic partnerships and advance the Kingdom’s national artificial intelligence strategy.
They commended the fifth Future Real Estate Forum, which resulted in 80 agreements and memoranda of understanding, as well as the Saudi Media Forum, highlighting Riyadh’s growing role as a global hub for innovation, digital transformation and content creation.
The Cabinet reviewed progress across government sectors, welcoming the launch of the National Privatization Strategy as a key step toward diversifying the economy, strengthening private sector participation, and improving infrastructure and public services. It also noted new development projects in the industrial cities of Makkah and Jeddah aimed at boosting local manufacturing and economic growth.
Among a series of decisions, the Cabinet approved cooperation agreements and MoUs with Cyprus, Finland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, South Korea and Mexico, alongside partnerships with Harvard University and the League of Arab States.
Ministers also approved Saudi Arabia’s National Policy for the Arabic Language, endorsed the Equestrian Authority’s membership in the International Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders, and adopted Gulf Cooperation Council framework legislation on combating narcotics and responding to hazardous materials incidents.
The Cabinet further approved the state’s final accounts for the previous fiscal year, renewed and appointed members to the General Authority for Real Estate board, and authorized several senior promotions across government departments, including ambassadorial and minister plenipotentiary roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
