RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has called for the convening of two summits of Gulf and Arab states to be held on May 30 in Makkah.
The meeting will be held in conjunction with the upcoming Islamic Summit.
According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement, King Salman has sent an invitation to the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and leaders of other Arab countries to two summits to discuss the recent attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the UAE and on Saudi Arabia’s oil pipelines and their repercussions on the region.
“The attack on ships in the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates and the terrorist-backed Iran-backed Houthi militias’ attack on two oil pumping stations in the Kingdom have serious implications for regional and international peace and security and for the supply and stability of world oil markets,” the foreign ministry said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
The announcement came days after mysterious sabotage attacks against several tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and drone attacks on a crude pipeline by Iran-aligned Yemen Houthi militia, which Riyadh claimed were carried out on Iranian orders.
The United States has also deployed an aircraft carrier and bombers to the Gulf over alleged threats from Iran.
The Kingdom’s regional allies welcomed the Saudi invitation.
The UAE’s foreign ministry said the current “critical circumstances” require a unified Arab and Gulf stance.
The meetings will be a “significant opportunity for the countries of the region to achieve their aspirations for establishing peace and stability,” it said.
King Salman to convene summit of Gulf and Arab states
King Salman to convene summit of Gulf and Arab states
- Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Islamic Summit
Saudi Cancer Foundation brings families together for fun Ramadan gathering
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Cancer Foundation in the Eastern Province hosted “Ramadan Unites Us,” an evening of Saudi food, live entertainment and games on Friday night.
Held at the Al-Muhaidib Down Syndrome Center, known as “Hiba,” the gathering was full of jubilation and plenty of prizes for children, including one for best traditional attire.
With booths dedicated to various parts of the vast Kingdom, the event included a live performance from the Hejaz region and several cartoon-like characters wearing costumes, as live drumming reverberated with lively chanting.
There were plenty of opportunities to learn about the foundation’s activities as prizes were awarded to those who correctly responded to related questions asked via a microphone.
Essam Al-Jafari, executive director of the Saudi Cancer Foundation, spoke to Arab News about his excitement as the event unfolded.
“Tonight, we’re spreading joy to every single person connected to the Saudi Cancer Foundation,” Al-Jafari said.
“It has become a Ramadan tradition to get everyone together: cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families, their kids, grandkids and neighbors, too.”
As cheerful chatter spread and the cooler breeze swept across, the free event was well attended.
“We went all out. We have around 25 booths tonight, offering food, drinks, coffee, activities — you name it — encapsulated into one memorable, family-friendly, fun night,” Al-Jafari added.
“Everything you see here is completely voluntary — every one of the vendors is volunteering their time. It was all given from the heart.”
One such vendor was Dr. Lulwah Abed Al-Musallam, a medical doctor who started a luxury accessories brand, Lulu’s Creations, six years ago.
“I’m from here; this is my hometown, and I used to always volunteer with the foundation when I was in medical school; I’m really well known here for volunteering — our relationship is more than 10 years,” Al-Musallam told Arab News.
“I had two passions when I was a child: I used to always want to save lives, of course, and help people, and I also had fashion to make,” she said.
“I started working with natural things — I love everything natural in this world. I believe that the more natural, the more it speaks to you.
“I started to work with pearls because my name is Lulwah (‘pearl’ in Arabic), and then stones. I started doing jewelry.”
Her 7-year-old daughter helped man the booth as customers purchased sparkly rings and earrings.
There were also many youngsters taking in the experience.
Arab News spoke with three relatives: 11-year-old Leena Al-Joghaiman, her 9-year-old cousin Shahad Al-Faraj and their 11-year-old aunt, Sara Al-Omair, all of whom were ecstatic to be there.
“I watched all the shows and it was really nice. There’s lots of people and the food is nice too — I tried my brother's popcorn,” Al-Joghaiman told Arab News.
“It is my first time coming here and I like it. I like the Ramadan lights and the DJ and stuff,” Al-Faraj added.
“It’s a very good event. The weather is very nice out here, and they made it look like the old times,” Al-Omair chimed in, gesturing to the traditional decorations and setting.
