RIYADH: Abdullatif Al-Zayani, secretary-general of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has strongly protested and condemned the “irresponsible” attacks and accusations levelled against the GCC by Qatari mainstream media.
The condemnation by Al-Zayani coincides with the announcement made by Manama on Wednesday that visa restrictions would be imposed on Qatari nationals.
A statement from the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said Manama’s visa requirements for nationals and residents of Qatar will apply from Nov. 10. “The new measures aim to prevent harming the security and stability of Bahrain, particularly in light of the latest repercussions of the crisis with Qatar,” said the statement.
In the past, all citizens of the GCC were free to travel to any member state only by carrying their nationality card.
In a statement issued by the GCC General Secretariat late on Tuesday, Al-Zayani lambasted the Qatari media and said: “This is an unjust campaign that has gone beyond all customs, values and media professionalism by using a discourse that is unusual among Gulf nationals and that is full of abuses, insults and lack of respect.” He also denounced what he said were Qatari media attempts to suggest that his Bahraini nationality influenced his approach to the GCC conflict.
The GCC chief said: “Officials in the Qatari government and the Qatari media are fully aware that the solution of the crisis and the end of its repercussions are in the hands of the GCC leaders, who are the members of the supreme council, and no one else.”
The statement said that the job of the secretary-general is to “execute orders,” not resolve crises. “I am fully committed to shouldering the responsibilities, tasks and duties assigned by the Supreme Council to preserve the coherence of the GCC bloc, and its regional and international achievements,” Al-Zayani added.
“At the same time, I will remain a righteous son of the Kingdom of Bahrain, loyal to its leaders and attached to my patriotism,” reaffirmed Al-Zayani, while calling on the Qatari media “to stop resorting to media practices that harm, divide, do not contribute to bringing brothers closer and hinder the good mediation efforts undertaken by Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, a leader known for his wisdom, loyalty and love for the GCC countries and people.”
Commenting on the intransigence of Qatar and the measures taken by Bahrain, Dr. Solaiman Al-Otaibi, a faculty member of the political science department at King Saud University, said: “Bahrain has taken the right measures to ensure security for itself, and for the region as a whole … There is a need to monitor the movements of Qatari nationals because of their complicity in acts of terror,” Al-Otaibi added.
“Qatar has been supporting extremism and terrorism, which prompted the Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ) to isolate that Gulf state,” said Hanif Razdan, a local PR strategist. He called on Qatar to comply with “the demands of the ATQ for an early resolution to the worsening crisis before it gets too late.”
GCC chief blasts Qatar media over accusations and insults
GCC chief blasts Qatar media over accusations and insults
Ithra celebrates Founding Day with family-friendly Ramadan festivities
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day as part of a multi-night Ramadan cultural experience from Feb. 20-22.
As it has done annually since the launch of Founding Day in 2022, Ithra’s indoor and outdoor spaces weave together history, arts and community engagement, offering a wide range of experiences inspired by the beginnings of the first Saudi state across the center’s facilities.
Visitors are welcomed into a festive, family-friendly Ramadan atmosphere through a rich array of 30 programs, activities and events honoring the Kingdom’s heritage and the achievements of the country’s founders 300 years ago.
Riyadh-based Tiger Lee, who is from China, drove several hours from the capital to Dhahran and was delighted to experience the celebratory energy.
“Today is a holiday and we have three days of vacation (for Founding Day), so we just visited this city — it is our first time,” he told Arab News as his two friends, also Chinese, looked on.
“This city is so beautiful; it has a beautiful beach, different from Riyadh — that’s a beautiful city also,” Lee said.
“I have been in Riyadh for four years, but this is my first time in Dhahran. You know, the Chinese are always working, very busy. And it’s the Chinese New Year and also Ramadan, so it’s a very, very special time,” he said.
Lee was eager to enter the Ithra Cinema and watch one of the films being screened.
“We will enter to watch a film in half an hour, I don’t know what it is about, I still did not watch, but I want to understand how this country is building, what is this history of this country?”
He was also excited to explore the country more broadly.
“Saudi Arabia is a very, very important country in the Middle East. We also have a good friendship between China and this country,” Lee added. “I feel so good. I’m saying thank you, thank you very much, Saudi Arabia — from my heart.”
As always, entry to the center is free, and visitors of all nationalities are welcome.
There are plenty of culinary experiences for snacking and dining within the center’s premises. Nosh, Cantina, Tobby’s, Baking Up, Brunswick, Salil, Origo, Roboresso, Fast 2, and, of course, Pattis, an Ithra staple for years, are among the options available for food and drinks.
Outdoor offerings include the souq, featuring local vendors selling traditional goods; the Henna: From Mothers to Daughters henna station; traditional sadu weaving sessions; and more.
The nearby Energy Exhibit offers activations such as Minted History, which delves into the Kingdom’s old paper currency, the Najdi Majlis Experience, and Heritage of Our Ancestors.
The Plaza will be hosting three main events: Holy Qur’an: The Manuscripts, Katatib Journey, and the Takhleed mini art exhibition titled “Timeless Sacrifices.”
The cinema, which Lee and his friends attended, is showcasing three films. Screenings are free of charge but require tickets, which can be secured at the box office desk.
The Ithra Museum, as well as the library, are holding special storytelling experiences for the young and young at heart.
The only part of Ithra’s Founding Day festivities that requires purchasing tickets is the Children’s Museum. With so many interactive spaces and activities, the admission price of SR20 ($5) may be worth it.
Since the Founding Day celebrations coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, Ithra has also arranged Taraweeh prayers on the premises for those who wish to join.
The center will be open from 8:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. for the duration of the Founding Day celebrations. Visit Ithra’s website or social media channels for exact timings of each activity.
