JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia hosted the 12th meeting of the heads of the legislative councils of the GCC countries in Jeddah on Thursday.
The meeting was presided over by the speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh.
Al-Sheikh said: “Our meetings have been founded on great principles that are based on continuous and constructive cooperation to support joint parliamentary action in GCC countries, unite stances and visions, strengthen coordination, consultation and follow-up at regional and international levels, and participate in the building and cooperation process carried out by our countries’ leaders for the sake of enhancing security, stability, development and prosperity for our citizens and highlighting the importance of this body and the need to maintain it.”
“The Kingdom, led by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has always attached particular importance to defending Arab and Islamic causes during regional and international forums,” he said. “The Palestinian cause is at the core of Saudi Arabia’s concerns, as it continues to support the people of Palestine to obtain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
“Saudi Arabia has called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in protecting the Palestinians from Israeli aggression, which is a violation of peace and a provocation to the feelings of Arabs and Muslims.”
The speaker of the Shoura Council referred to the suffering of the people of Yemen, inflicted by the Iran-backed Houthi militias. He said: “Our states continue to uphold their fraternal and human duty to support legitimacy in Yemen, restore hope to its people, and strengthen security, stability and prosperity in Yemeni territory through the Saudi-led Arab coalition and through relief programs and humanitarian assistance.”
He highlighted that Saudi Arabia had provided Yemen with more than $3 billion since 2014 in humanitarian aid and assistance, in addition to its recent donation of $500 million as part of a rapid response to the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Al-Sheikh said that the GCC countries continue to face challenges as well as the threat of terrorist states and organizations, which target the security, stability, economies, capabilities and youth of the GCC countries.
He said: “Our countries’ shared security continues to be threatened by terrorism, and primarily the Iranian regime with its hostile policies in sponsoring terrorism, supporting terrorist militias, and intervening in the internal affairs of other states, which requires us to stand united in the face of the Iranian regime and expose its terrorist schemes.”
“We must work with our friends in all countries of the world to maintain security and stability in the region and the world, and we must insist on achieving full and adequate guarantees toward Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile development programs.”
“The Kingdom also reiterates its condemnation of the Iranian regime’s occupation of the United Arab Emirates’ islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, and stresses the UAE’s right to them.”
“The Kingdom reiterates its strong condemnation of the terrorist attack that targeted two mosques in New Zealand and of all forms of terrorism of any origin.”
He noted the Kingdom’s efforts to build more strategic ties with Iraq, which is a cornerstone in the Arab world, and highlighted the Kingdom’s support for the progress taking place in Iraq in establishing security, fighting terrorism and strengthening the economy, in addition to its active participation in Arab, regional and international forums.
The speaker of the Shoura Council stressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with the people of Syria and their right to territorial integrity, independence and unity. He also stressed the importance of taking seriously the path of the political solution to resolve the crisis while ensuring the stability and security of Syria and preventing foreign interference in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254. “The Kingdom also continues to support the efforts of the UN Envoy,” he said.
Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim gave a speech in which he noted the Kingdom’s role in taking care of the region’s issues and stability, highlighting the importance of the GCC body, the unity of its stances, and its support for Islamic issues, Arab cooperation and solidarity, and Arab activities.
Speaker of Bahrain’s Representatives Council Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal noted the GCC countries’ achievements in women’s rights, highlighting that women in the GCC countries’ have made great strides and are now partners with men in the business, creative and construction fields. This was due to the keenness of the countries’ leaderships to advance women and support their participation in the development of their nations.
Heads of GCC legislative councils meet in Jeddah
Heads of GCC legislative councils meet in Jeddah
- The meeting was presided over by the speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh
- The speaker of the Shoura Council stressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with the people of Syria and their right to territorial integrity, independence and unity
Metal bands battle it out in Jeddah
- Saudi band Wasted Land emerged as champions of the 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Middle East
JEDDAH: Wacken Metal Battle Middle East arrived in Jeddah’s Makan Music Center on Friday night, providing a platform for local metal bands to showcase their musical prowess.
The battle of the bands event featured Jaheem, Volfram, Kaizer, and Wasted Land aiming for top spot, creating a memorable experience for regional metal fans.
Wacken Metal Battle Middle East — supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi, and a competition connected with Germany famous Wacken music festival — featured a jury of music experts and international guests, including judges from Germany, who evaluated the bands based on technical ability, song composition, and musical interpretation. They also took into account the band’s uniqueness, stage presence, audience interaction, execution of sound checks, communication, punctuality, and overall attitude.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Wacken Metal Battle Middle East was supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi Arabia, and a competition connected with Germany’s famous Wacken music festival.
• Saudi band Volfram described the night as a ‘unique and unforgettable experience.’
The jury selected Wasted Land as the champions of the competition, meaning they now have the chance to perform at the Wacken festival, which takes place annually in Hamburg. Adding to the excitement, the winners of the 2023 event, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind also took to the stage as guest performers.
Promoter Monika Bremer said, “Since its inception 10 years ago, Metal Battle Middle East has provided numerous emerging bands with the opportunity to showcase their talent and advance their careers. This anniversary edition is an important milestone for the regional metal scene.
“Thanks to the support of our partners, emerging metal bands have the opportunity to participate in this competition and gain valuable experience,” she added.
Emad Ashor, guitarist and vocalist of Jeddah-based death metal outfit Immortal Pain and one of the judges at the event, said, “Talent, passion, and professionalism are key. This platform allows all bands to explore new experiences and pursue their dream of victory.”
Karim Mounir, composer and bassist of Erasing Mankind, who was also a judge at the event, said: “Wacken is all about embracing the present moment and fostering camaraderie between bands and the audience. Live performances truly distinguish bands, and the Saudi metal scene’s exceptional talent and musicianship have demonstrated their worthiness for such a significant event.
“The band that can most effectively captivate Wacken’s lively and inclusive crowd would be a perfect representative from the Middle East.”
Saudi band Volfram described the night as a “unique and unforgettable experience.”
Reflecting on the band’s journey to the final of the Wacken Metal Battle, a member of Kaizer said, “Being part of this competition is an honor in itself, and sharing the stage with incredible bands is an experience we will always treasure.
“Kaizer is just beginning and has so much more to offer. Our goal is to represent the Saudi metal scene in the most intense and impactful way possible. Earning the title of Jeddah’s Heaviest Music from the crowd is a recognition we deeply appreciate.”
Meet the Russian stylist living ‘blissfully’ in Saudi Arabia
- “True to our expectations, we’ve found immense satisfaction living in Saudi Arabia. We consider it the best decision we’ve made for our family, and have no regrets.” Marsden, a professional stylist, told Arab News
RIYADH: Margo Marsden relocated to Saudi Arabia two years ago when her husband — a British oil and gas engineer — accepted a job in the Kingdom. Since her arrival, she has been documenting her experience of life in Saudi Arabia on social media. Her TikTok profile states she is a “Russian mother married to British father … living blissfully in Saudi Arabia.”
“True to our expectations, we’ve found immense satisfaction living in Saudi Arabia. We consider it the best decision we’ve made for our family, and have no regrets.” Marsden, a professional stylist, told Arab News. “Living here is incredibly invigorating; one can palpably sense the positive transformations taking place in the country, aligned with the ambitious Vision 2030 plan. In my view, Saudi Arabia stands as the premier destination for living in 2024.”
Marsden was born and raised in Kazakhstan before moving to Russia with her parents when she was 14 years old. She lived in several countries before relocating to Saudi Arabia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, Turkiye, Lebanon, Thailand, the UK, and Norway.
Living here is incredibly invigorating; one can palpably sense the positive transformations taking place in the country, aligned with the ambitious Vision 2030 plan.
Margo Marsden, Russian stylist in KSA
Marsden had worked in Riyadh for a month in 2019 with fashion retailer Zara during Ramadan, and when her husband told her about his job offer, she was thrilled at the prospect of visiting the Kingdom again.
“I love it here, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with local and expat women, to elevate their confidence and refine their fashion identity,” she said.
Marsden now has more than two decades of experience in the fashion industry. It’s a passion that began in her childhood, when she would meticulously craft outfits for her Barbie dolls with her mother’s guidance.
Marsden said she worked as a model — treading catwalks in Russia, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, and Thailand — before moving into the business side of the industry, studying fashion design at Accademia Italiana in Bangkok and personal styling at the London College of Style. She has worked as a buyer, content creator and stylist.
“My artistic pursuits also extend behind the camera; I coordinated photoshoots for both personal and corporate clients,” she added.
As a stylist, she said, her main objective is “to enhance my client’s natural beauty and instill confidence in each customer I work with.” While Marsden doesn’t currently have any clients in the Kingdom, she is hoping to establish her own business eventually.
“I’m eager to offer my expertise to individuals keen on enhancing their appearance. Helping others look and feel their best is immensely fulfilling to me,” she added.
To follow Marsden’s journey in Saudi Arabia, visit her Instagram @margo.marsden.
Riyadh forum to explore role of translation in promoting Saudi identity
- The conference aims to contribute to a key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in promoting Islamic values and national identity, by encouraging Saudis to translate these concepts into other languages and cultures
RIYADH: The College of Languages at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh will host a conference titled “Translating the Saudi identity through other languages and cultures” on May 15.
The event, carrying the slogan “We translate our identity,” will take place at the Department of Conferences and Seminars, and is sponsored by Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
It will focus on sharing the Kingdom’s cultural, historical, literary and intellectual heritage with a global audience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
HIGHLIGHT
The conference will attract researchers and enthusiasts interested in Saudi identity and its translation for foreign cultures. Students specializing in national identity and translation will take part, alongside representatives from sectors focused on translating Saudi identity, including ministries, agencies and companies.
The role of translation in promoting a positive image of the Kingdom will also be discussed, as well as fostering international recognition and underscoring the Kingdom’s cultural impact.
The conference aims to contribute to a key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in promoting Islamic values and national identity, by encouraging Saudis to translate these concepts into other languages and cultures.
A competitive environment will be established among university students to introduce them to their identity through other languages and cultures.
The conference will attract researchers and enthusiasts interested in Saudi identity and its translation for foreign cultures. Students specializing in national identity and translation will take part, alongside representatives from sectors focused on translating Saudi identity, including ministries, agencies and companies.
Six scientific sessions and workshops will be hosted at the conference, as well as topic-related exhibitions and cultural events. Sessions will cover themes including “Saudi family identity,” “National identity,” “Linguistic communication,” “The role of translation and publishing in sharing the Saudi identity with the world,” “Translating national heritage into global languages” and “National identity in film translation.”
The conference’s workshops will focus on topics including translating the Saudi identity within the tourism sector.
The College of Languages organized the event as part of its commitment to the 2025 strategic goals of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
King Salman issues royal decree to appoint investigative lieutenants at Public Prosecution
RIYADH: King Salman issued a royal decree on Saturday to appoint 261 investigative lieutenants at the Ministry of Justice’s Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib thanked the king for the royal decree and said it reflected the support provided by the King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the ministry and its departments, SPA added.
Al-Mujib praised the commitment to advancing the development and prosperity of the justice ministry in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan discuss enhancing defense cooperation
- The Saudi-Turkish bilateral defense cooperation committee also met in Istanbul
ISTANBUL: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan’s tripartite committee held its third meeting recently in Istanbul to discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation.
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defense Bilal Durdali, and Lt. Gen Mohammed Owais from Pakistan were among the officials present at the meeting, the Defense Ministry said in a report on Saturday.
The meeting focused on joint cooperation in defense, the transfer and localization of technology, and the development of scientific research in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030, the ministry stated.
The Saudi-Turkish bilateral defense cooperation committee also met in Istanbul recently.
