RIYADH: Two ballistic missiles were fired at the Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday, according to the coalition battling rebels in neighboring Yemen who claimed the attempted attack.
Saudi Arabia’s air defenses “intercepted” one of the missiles, while another crashed into a desert area south of Riyadh, coalition spokesman Turki Al-Maliki said.
The missiles were “unquestionably” fired at the city “with the intention of hitting inhabited areas,” he added.
Maliki blamed the attack on “militiamen and terrorists, vassals of Iran” who try to “threaten the security of Saudi Arabia, the region and the world.”
Earlier on Wednesday Al-Ekhbariya state television said the country’s air defenses had intercepted the two missiles over Riyadh.
Two explosions were heard in the city, according to an AFP photographer.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels quickly claimed responsibility for attacking “Riyadh Dry Port and other economic targets” in the Saudi capital with Burkan 2H ballistic missiles.
State-run Saudi Press Agency said the country’s air defenses hours earlier had also intercepted a ballistic missile targeting the southern city of Jizan.
The rebels also claimed the Jizan attack, via their Al-Masirah TV.
Maliki accused the Houthis of firing the missile from the northern Yemeni province of Saada and of “deliberately targeting populated civilian zones.”
He said such “hostile action” proves the involvement of Iran in the Yemen conflict, repeating Riyadh’s long-standing claim that regional rival Tehran is supplying the Houthis with ballistic missiles.
Saudi Arabia launched a military coalition in Yemen in 2015, aimed at rolling back the Houthis and restoring the internationally recognized government to power.
The Houthis have in recent months intensified missile attacks against Saudi Arabia.
The latest salvo came a day after US President Donald Trump exited the Iran nuclear agreement, which he criticized for excluding measures to curb Tehran’s ballistic missile program.
Iran backed Houthi militia target Riyadh’s inhabited areas with 2 missiles: coalition
Iran backed Houthi militia target Riyadh’s inhabited areas with 2 missiles: coalition
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
