RIYADH: Arab nations affirmed Sunday their complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia against efforts to harm the Kingdom’s policy, position and sovereignty.
The statements, issued by each country’s official news agency, came following accusations against the Kingdom in the case of the missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi, a Saudi national who had been based in the US, has been missing since Oct. 2, when he visited the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to obtain marital documents.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, affirmed the UAE's deep appreciation for the Saudi leadership and praised its position as a major force to ensure regional security and stability and praised its positive role in all its initiatives and constructive policies
He stressed, while there is a need to clarify the information related to this case, the repercussions of political incitement against the Kingdom are unacceptable.
King Salman received a phone call from Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Al-Khalifa, who reiterated Bahrain's constant stand with Saudi Arabia against anyone trying to harm it.
King Hamad affirmed his country’s categorical rejection of anyone who tries to undermine the policy and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain's united stand with Saudi Arabia, said a statement carried on the Saudi Press Agency.
Bahrain earlier expressed its gratitude of the important role played by Saudi Arabia, which “is considered the foundation for security and stability in the Arab and Islamic worlds.”
“Bahrain reiterates its firm stance with Saudi Arabia in all its policies and efforts to confront the various threats and risks facing the international community, extremism and terrorism, as well as the Kingdom’s efforts to promote international cooperation at various political, economic and security levels and its enormous potential in promoting peace and stability throughout the world,” said Bahrain News Agency.
Egyptian foreign ministry spokesman said it warns against "trying to exploit this issue politically against Saudi Arabia on arbitrary charges, and affirms its support for the Kingdom in its efforts and positions to deal with this event,” stressing the importance of revealing the truth of what happened in the context of a transparent investigation, and the danger of not waiting for the results of the investigations instead of the arbitrary charges.
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri said: “The position occupied by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Arab and international societies puts it in the ranks of the central countries entrusted with the stability of the region and in support of Arab issues” and added the campaigns against it constitute a breach of this stability and rejected calls to drag the region towards further negative developments.
Oman’s foreign ministry said the Sultanate “supports the Kingdom in its efforts to clarify the truth, and verification before any hasty, prior judgments are made.”
The Jordanian government also affirmed the Kingdom’s central role in consolidating security, stability and peace and enhancing economic cooperation both regionally and globally.
Media minister Jumana Ghunaimat said in a press statement on Sunday that Jordan stands with Saudi Arabia in the face of any targeted rumors and campaigns aimed without relying on facts.
She stressed Jordan’s support for the Saudi position on the need to provide verified reason and justification to the investigation, stressing the strong strategic relations between the two Kingdoms.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday expressed his appreciation for the firm stance of the Kingdom, which always stands side by the side with Palestine and the rights of its people.
Abbas also expressed his absolute confidence in the Kingdom, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stressing that Palestine was and will remain with Saudi Arabia, in a statement issued by the Palestinian News Agency.
Meanwhile, Yemen said the Kingdom is “being subjected to malicious and prejudicial tendencies due to its honorable and honest positions with issues regarding the Arab and Islamic nation and its leading roles in regional and international stability,” reported Yemeni news agency Saba
The cheap media and political targeting of Saudi Arabia will not deter the Kingdom from continuing its leading and pioneering role,” the statement added.
The Arab League rejected any threat to impose sanctions on the Kingdom, saying “it is totally unacceptable in the framework of relations between countries to threaten economic sanctions as a policy or instrument to achieve political or unilateral objectives.”
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) praised the Turkish-Saudi initiative of forming a joint working group and bringing together specialists from both countries to investigate the circumstances of Khashoggi’s disappearance in Istanbul, Turkey.
“The two countries are capable of presenting a model of bilateral cooperation in the most difficult circumstances, as well as the means to produce results that translate into their good intentions and the depth of good inherent in their leadership,” said OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen.
The OIC stressed the importance of waiting for the results of the investigation conducted by Turkey, with the cooperation of Saudi Arabia, and not jump to premature conclusions, warning regional and international media to ensure accuracy and professionalism in their publications.
The Muslim World League (MWL) also added its voice to the growing chorus of support for Saudi Arabia in the ongoing investigation from Arab nations and organizations.
In a statement issued by the MWL on Sunday, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Isa, the organization’s Secretary General issued a categorical rejection of any threats against the Kingdom.
Al-Isa added that provoking the Kingdom is a “provocation to the feelings of hundreds of millions of Muslims” who stand with the Kingdom.
He concluded that the MWL fully supports the stance of the Saudi government.
Arab allies and Middle East organizations voice support, solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Arab allies and Middle East organizations voice support, solidarity with Saudi Arabia
- Arab world affirms their full solidarity with Saudi Arabia
- The statements, issued by each country’s official news agency, came following accusations against the Kingdom in the case of the missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi
Saudi king, crown prince offer condolences to UAE president on key official’s death
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday offered condolences to the ruler of the United Arab Emirates on the death of a key official and a member of the royal family, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a cable to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president, King Salman expressed "our deepest and sincere condolences" on the death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s ruler representative in Al Ain, who died on May 1, 2024.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed "my warmest and most sincere condolences" in a separate cable to the UAE leader, the SPA said.
French creatives bring enchanting art experience to Jeddah
- For ‘ETH3R,’ Paul Marlier translates dancer Jeanne Morel’s graceful movements into digital art
JEDDAH: Artist Paul Marlier and dancer Jeanne Morel have brought an interactive digital art display dubbed “ETH3R” to Jeddah’s cultural hub, Hayy Jameel.
The French creatives feature immersive artworks generated using the biometric data of Morel captured during her movement in extreme environments — including in zero-gravity.
The unique blend of technology and creativity has captivated audiences with its perspectives on reality, and contrasts with the often mundane nature of daily life.
In an interview with Arab News, Marlier spoke about the creative process behind their digital artwork. He also highlighted the production of artworks inspired by the human and scientific data he had gathered.
“It is a real pleasure to be here, particularly in Hayy Jameel, where we blend art and science to create a sensory experience like no other,” he said. “It represents the DNA imprint of the world — the dance of our souls.”
He added: “ETH3R encompasses paintings and dynamic installations derived from the biometric data of my wife, Jeanne Morel, who dances in diverse and extreme environments, from beneath the ocean depths to high-altitude astronaut training.”
Marlier has amalgamated this scientific data regarding human physiology with other information, including air quality, satellite imagery, and even facts from the Red Sea. “These artworks serve as emotional imprints, reminiscent of moments of grace. It’s truly a collaborative effort.”
Explaining the process, he added: “With Jeanne as the catalyst, adorned with sensors akin to a paintbrush, her dance emotions are translated through code into the digital art seen in the paintings. We explore themes of fragility, spirituality, and the inherent unity between humans and nature — the universal dance.”
“We approach data not as mere codification, but as sensations, enabling us to specify and share the experience. By capturing a wealth of information from this singular dancer, we endeavor to materialize the essence of grace,” Marlier said.
Morel added: “Dance is the way to express your deepest emotions, sometimes simpler than words.”
“Dance is the allegory of life. It allows me to stay alive, connected to the movements of the world. Our bodies are constantly dancing, moving, on this earth which itself dances around the sun and remains in balance thanks to gravity,” she added.
Of their first visit to the Kingdom, Marlier said: “The people are absolutely welcoming here. And spirituality and poetry are so present.”
Morel added: “We admire the spirituality and also the open-mindedness of this country regarding art and especially digital art.”
Waleed Harthi, an art enthusiast, said: “Witnessing art that exceeds boundaries was a mesmerizing journey, captivating our senses and sparking wonder at the fusion of art and technology. The live demonstration and dance were incredibly relaxing and offered a serene escape to some other imaginary world.”
The exhibition runs until May 11.
Saudi FM discusses developments in Sudan with army chief, RSF leader
- During the separate calls, the latest developments in the situation in Sudan and their repercussions on the Sudanese people were discussed
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke with Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chief General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and the leader of Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on Wednesday.
During the separate calls, the latest developments in the situation in Sudan and their repercussions on the Sudanese people were discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Faisal stressed the importance of working to protect Sudan and its people from further destruction and preventing the worsening of the humanitarian conditions there.
The minister also said it was important to prioritise the interests of the Sudanese people and stop the fighting to protect state institutions and bring about safety in Sudan.
Farasan Island celebrates 20th Hareed Fishing Festival
- Event showcases tourist activities such as parasailing, traditional folk dances
RIYADH: Fishermen from the Jazan region have started preparing for the 20th Hareed Fishing Festival, which begins on Thursday.
The festival, which takes place on Farasan Island and lasts for two days, celebrates the fishing of parrotfish, otherwise known as hareed.
It showcases various tourist activities such as parasailing, traditional folk dances, and competitions for catching the fish, which is difficult due to their survival instinct which leads them to hide by corals.
Hareed are traditionally caught close to the shore in nets. The brightly colored fish come in different sizes and change color as they grow, the color varying according to their sex. They are considered parrot-like as they have teeth that they use to scrape food off coral reefs.
The fishing season varies across the region’s waters. In the past, the people of Farasan celebrated the event by visiting newlywed brides wearing traditional dress, while women and children joined in the festivities at her home.
Visitors to the festival will also get the chance to explore the heritage sites in Farasan, which include Wadi Matar, Al-Qassar village and Bait Al-Jarmal, along with several historic houses.
The island boasts a unique cultural heritage which centers on sailing and pearl-diving experiences in the past.
Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Nasser is launching the festival, which is organized by the region’s branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in partnership with the islands’ governorate.
Mohammed Al-Atif, the general director of the branch, said that the festival embodied the customs and traditions of the people of the Farasan Islands and was considered an annual event to highlight the region’s tourism potential.
He added that the festival also celebrates hareed, which appears at the same time each year and proves a major attraction for people in the Jazan region.
Riyadh hosts food technology and innovation show
- Industry giants showcase latest in processing, sustainability
RIYADH: More than 400 companies from 35 countries are taking part in the first Saudi Food Manufacturing show, which opened in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Held under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef, the event focuses on processing, packaging and ingredients and aims to facilitate high level business deals, connections and collaborations.
Three companies that won a Saudi Food Manufacturing Award at the event — Multivac, DC Norris and Brenntag — spoke to Arab News.
Amir Sotoudeh, managing director of Multivac, said the German firm won the Best Processing Innovation Award for its TX series and smart services at Gulfood Manufacturing.
The company has had a branch office in Riyadh since 2009 and the Kingdom is the company’s largest market in the Middle East.
“Saudi Arabia is a significant market, especially in recent years, with major developments focusing on local production and manufacturing. That’s where our technology and expertise as a market leader in processing and packaging are essential.”
DC Norris is a UK-based process equipment company serving 62 countries. It provides solutions for food, dairy and beverage manufacturing and won the Best Processing Manufacturing Award.
Stuart Rigby, product and process technology manager at DC Norris, said the company’s jet cook system, which is used in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai and Azerbaijan, was able to cook meals two to three times faster than traditional methods.
“It also uses considerably less water, resulting in zero burns, requiring less cleaning and reducing costs. Additionally, it consumes up to 55 percent less energy than traditional cooking methods,” he said.
Brenntag, a 150-year-old German company, is the global market leader in chemical and ingredient distribution. It won the Best Ingredients Innovation Award.
Mahaboob Shaik, technical sales manager at Brenntag, said: “We have replicated the characteristics of regular milk-based proteins and constituents using plant-based alternatives. We’ve developed a Greek-style feta cheese made from plant-based ingredients.
“This helps to reduce allergens like milk proteins in dishes like Caesar salad. Now, when you order a salad at a restaurant, you can enjoy a plant-based cheese, which is entirely vegan.”
Several Saudi manufacturers, including Sapin, Anasia and Memco, are taking part in the show, which provides a platform for companies to exchange ideas.
Majed Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, said: “The industrial sector is going to increase both the GDP and abilities of youth in the Kingdom.
“We are making impressive growth through Saudi Vision 2030 and Made in Saudi is remarkable for expanding cities across the country and achieving our goals.”
Among the most innovative products on display are the Novamyl BestBite from Novozymes, which improves texture and softness in baked goods while extending shelf life to reduce food waste. Others include sustainable packaging for dates from Napco, a sugar reduction method for fruit juice from Austria Juice, Lactosan, a natural culinary booster from FSL and Biopap, a range of renewable, compostable, high-performance food containers.
Pavilions from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, US, France, Turkiye and China reflect the international scope of the show, which runs until Thursday.
