RIYADH: The Cabinet, chaired by King Salman, on Tuesday reaffirmed the statement issued by the emergency meeting of the Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo and their condemnation of all terror acts committed by Iran and its continued interference in the internal affairs of the Arab countries.
The Cabinet meeting, which was held at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, also stressed that Iran should refrain from supporting groups that fuel sectarian conflicts, notably in the Arab Gulf states, and to stop funding militias and armed parties in the Arab countries.
The Cabinet also stressed the Kingdom’s continued stance at the UN on the Palestinian issue.
The Cabinet said the Kingdom will vote in support of a decision to allow the Palestinian people to keep their permanent sovereignty in the occupied Palestinian lands, including Eastern Al-Quds; to support the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan to exploit their natural resources; and to support the Palestinian people to regain their usurped lands and reject Israeli policies, which do not respect international laws and norms.
On other international issues, the Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom’s position on the UN framework agreement on climate change in its 23rd session in Bonn in its commitment in taking necessary measures to address climate change to achieve the objectives of sustainable development in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The Cabinet also strongly condemned the terror attack in Kabul, which resulted in many deaths and injuries, and expressed its support for the Afghan government and people against extremism and terrorism.
The Cabinet appreciated the remarkable progress in the performance of the state general budget for the third quarter of the fiscal year, which showed further improvement in revenues, efficiency in spending and a drop in the deficit, while keeping the required levels of services provided to citizens.
Later, the Cabinet approved a series of decisions:
The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Saudi Ministry of Health and its counterpart in Jordan on health cooperation.
The Cabinet authorized the minister of environment, water and agriculture, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with the Sudanese side a draft MoU for cooperation in the area of water and irrigation.
The Cabinet approved a MoU signed between the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Industry for cooperation in the area of water desalination.
The Cabinet also approved the organizational structure of the Saudi Center of International Strategic Partnerships.
Saudi Arabia backs Arab League stance to check Iranian interference
Saudi Arabia backs Arab League stance to check Iranian interference
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
- Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
