FaceOf: Abdul Aziz Al-Awaisheq, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the GCC

Al-Awaisheq is also in charge of overseeing the GCC’s relations with the outside world
Updated 09 June 2018
Follow

FaceOf: Abdul Aziz Al-Awaisheq, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the GCC

  • is also in charge of overseeing the GCC’s relations with the outside world

Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Abdul Aziz Abu Hamad Aluwaisheg met the British Deputy Chief of Mission in Saudi Arabia Richard Wildash in Riyadh at the GCC headquarters on Thursday.

The two parties discussed the partnership between Britain and Saudi Arabia in 2016 at the British Gulf Summit, going over phases of implementation and the advances achieved. 

Aluwaisheg explained the importance of the strategic partnerships between them, and that Saudi Arabia wishes to fortify these relations.

Aluwaisheg was appointed as assistant secretary-general in November 2011, responsible for coordinating the GCC’s foreign policy in regional and international matters. 

He is also in charge of overseeing the GCC’s relations with the outside world by implementing conventions and programs, as well as strategic cooperation, international and regional partnerships, economic negotiations and organizational cooperation.

He studied economics at New York University, law at Columbia University and political economy at the New School in New York, providing him with the grounding needed to handle his roles at the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Aluwaisheg worked as economist specialist at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for the UN in New York for 18 years. 

He also served as the director of the Department of Economic Integration and Studies at the General Secretariat of the GCC from 1999 to 2009, and then as director general of International Economic Relations from 2009 to 2011.


Ramadan begins with celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia's north 

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Ramadan begins with celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia's north 

  • Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
  • Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month

ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.

While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth,  its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.

Meteorological readiness

As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)

NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.

To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.

The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.