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Arab leaders condemn Iran’s Gulf actions, tell regime to stop funding terror

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King Salman said Iran perpetrates terrorist acts directly or through proxies to undermine Arab security. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia's King Salman has started receiving Arab and Muslim leaders at Safa Royal Palace in Makkah ahead of a series of summits. (Screenshot)
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Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed lands in Saudi Arabia for the GCC Arab Summit in Makkah. (Screenshot)
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Some shots from the media center in the Four Point by Sheraton hotel where dignitaries and representatives from the various different countries are attending the Makkah summits. (SPA)
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Iraqi President Barham Salih arrives in Saudi Arabia to attend the three Makkah summits. (SPA)
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Qatar's Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa arrives in Jeddah to attend the three Makkah summits. (SPA)
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President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou arrives in Jeddah to participate in the three Makkah summits in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Updated 31 May 2019
Arab News
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Arab leaders condemn Iran’s Gulf actions, tell regime to stop funding terror

  • Leaders have asked the international community to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities
Updated 31 May 2019
Arab News

MAKKAH: Arab and Muslim heads of state on Friday denounced Iranian actions in the Gulf as destabilizing to regional security and urged that the International community takes “strict measures” against the Iranian regime.

In a gathering in Makkah early Friday, the Arab League heads of nations issued a final communique demanding that the Iranian regime must stop funding terror and and to abide by commitments it has made.

The leaders condemned the sabotage of four commercial ships in the Emirates, which has escalated tensions in the region and precipitated a summit in the Muslim holy city.

They asked the international community to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities.

The final communique also:

• denounced Iranian intervention in the Syrian crisis and its impact on Syria’s unity;

• condemned the launching of Iranian-made ballistic missiles from Yemen toward Saudi Arabia;

• condemned Iran’s interference in the affairs of Bahrain, and its support of terrorist groups there; and

• condemned Iran’s occupation of three islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Gulf and Arab League emergency summits kicked off on Thursday in Makkah for the start of a trio of high-level summits after Saudi Arabian King Salman convened the gatherings earlier this month. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit will be held later Friday, entitled the Makkah Summit: Hand in Hand Towards the Future (Together towards the Future).

Also on the agenda is Palestine, which Saudi Arabian foreign minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf spoke about on Wednesday at a preparatory conference saying: “I would like to emphasize that the Palestinian issue is a paramount issue for Saudi Arabia, in particular the Palestinian people's full legitimate rights and the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

He added: “Our Islamic world is facing the most serious challenges of interfering in its internal affairs.”

OIC Secretary-General Yousef Al-Othaimeen said Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia will be discussed at the Islamic Summit.

He told Saudi TV that all countries share common interests regardless of religion or race. He condemned interference in other countries’ internal affairs.  

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told Arab News that his country is willing to help resolve “longstanding issues” between Muslim countries.

“Pakistan believes that this region is in flux,” he said. “Our message is that we have to join hands. We have to understand each other’s concerns, and have a collective objective of peace and stability so that our region can develop like other parts of the world.”

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03:40 GMT: Arab Summit final statement: Confirms the unity and solidarity of the GCC, highlighting their unified stance

 

 

03:30 GMT: Arab Summit final statement: Iran has to stop supporting and financing Houthi and terrorist militias.

 

 

03:20 GMT:  Arab Summit final statement: Condemns the sabotage of 4 commercial ships in the Emirates.

 

 

03:10 GMT:  Arab Summit final statement: Condemns the Houthi militia attacks on Saudi oil tankers. The Houthi militia attacks are a dangerous threat against the region’s security.

 

 

 

03:00 GMT: Sudanese head of transitional council: We condemn the attacks on Saudi Arabia and the emirates and we stand by our brothers against these attacks

 

 

02:50 GMT: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: We do not accept any threat against Arab countries. We condemn the attacks on oil tankers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

 

 

02:40 GMT: The Emir of Kuwait: Holding the Arab summit now shows the dangers we are facing today. We are afraid that the escalation in our region will deepen our previous wounds.

 

 

02:24 GMT: Iraq’s President Barham Salih: Any attack on the Gulf security is an attack on the security of Arab and Islamic countries.

 

02:20 GMT: Jordan’s King Abdullah II: The security of Gulf countries is the main pillar for the stability of the region. We stand by our Arab brothers to defend their interests and security.

 

 

02:15 GMT: Iraq’s President Barham Salih says regional crisis may lead to war if not addressed properly. Iran is neighbor and its security should be preserved, hopes peace efforts will prevail in the region.

 

 

02:12 GMT: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi:We should strengthen our ability to face these terrorist threats and sources of threat in the region should be addressed.

 

 

02:09 GMT: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi: The attacks on oil tankers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf are clear terrorist acts.

 

 

01:53 GMT: King Salman at Makkah Summit says our hand is extended to cooperate with the countries of the region, including the Iranian people, to promote development.

 

 

01:47 GMT: King Salman says the Iranian regime continues to break international laws.

 

 

01:43 GMT: King Salman says Iran is perpetrating terrorist acts directly or through proxies to undermine Arab security.

 

 

21:30 GMT: King Salman starts the summit with an address to the gathered dignitaries, citing the threat of Iran as the main reason for convening the summit.

21:10 GMT: The UAE delegation - led by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed - have arrived at Safa Palace in Makkah, and have been received by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

21:00 GMT: The Emir of Kuwait, King of Bahrain and Sayyid Shihab, advisor to Oman's Sultan Qaboos all arrive at Safa Palace in Makkah, where Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman joins them for the upcoming discussions.

20:45 GMT: Saudi Arabia's King Salman has started receiving Arab and Muslim leaders at Safa Royal Palace in Makkah ahead of a series of summits.

20:00 GMT: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed lands in Saudi Arabia for the GCC Arab Summit in Makkah, closely followed by the presidents of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

17:45 GMT: Some shots from the media center in the Four Point by Sheraton hotel where dignitaries and representatives from the various different countries are attending the Makkah summits, with messages from King Salman displayed in different languages.

17:15 GMT: The PM of Qatar has landed in Jeddah for the summits in Makkah.

16:25 GMT: Bahrain's King Hamad is now in Saudi Arabia for the summits. His kingdom will next month be hosting a workshop of Middle Eastern and other countries to discuss the international approach to a Middle East peace plan and the Palestinian issue.

15:45 GMT: We've also had the arrival of the Chadian president and the president of Afghanistan on Thursday who will also be attending one of the Makkah summits. The eyes of the Islamic world will certainly be on Saudi Arabia this weekend.

15:30 GMT: Another arrival, another Arab world leader - this time it is Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi who touches down in the Kingdom.

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FOLLOW MAKKAH SUMMITS COVERAGE WITH THE ARAB NEWS SPOTLIGHT

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14:30 GMT: Iraqi President Barham Salih arrives in Saudi Arabia to attend the three Makkah summits.

14:05 GMT: The King of Jordan Abdullah II is met by the Governor of Makkah Prince Khalid bin Faisal as he also arrives for this week's talks in Makkah.

12:10 GMT: Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is received in Saudi Arabia as he touches down for the summits.

11:30 GMT: The Emir of Kuwait arrives in Saudi Arabia for the series of summits

Topics: Saudi Arabia Makkah Summits Makkah Middle East Arabs

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Art therapy workshop sparks hope for cancer patients 

Updated 22 January 2026
Jasmine Bager
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Art therapy workshop sparks hope for cancer patients 

  • First monthly session was presented by local artist Hanan Al-Ateeq in cooperation with Kalimat House and Sawn Project
  • Gathering brought together women ranging from cancer survivors to those who attended directly from chemotherapy
Updated 22 January 2026
Jasmine Bager

DHAHRAN: King Fahd University Hospital in the Eastern Province boosted the healing process on Wednesday with the launch of a year-long cultural program supporting cancer patients and survivors through art therapy.

The first monthly session was presented by local artist Hanan Al-Ateeq in cooperation with Kalimat House and Sawn Project. Taking place until December, the program aims to offer fun, playful sessions.

Wednesday’s gathering brought together women ranging from cancer survivors to those who attended directly from chemotherapy. Some picked up a drawing pencil for the first time since childhood, but all were there to get their hands dirty while cleansing their spirits.

Somewhat sullen and quiet at first, the space became a giant canvas of color as the women began to relax, giggle and ask questions, such as which colors to mix to make a particular shade.

Some accidentally dipped their abaya sleeves into the acrylic paint — but luckily it washes out with soap and water. Aside from prayer time, soothing music delicately swirled through the air as the moon peered through the window.

Lina Al-Muhanna, founder and director of the Sawn Project, told Arab News how a deeply personal family experience led her to create the program, which is centered on human connection and emotional support.

The idea grew from her own journey supporting her father during his long cancer battle, a time shaped by hospital visits and moments of isolation. The experience inspired her to help cancer patients to benefit from socializing with the chance to unleash their creative energy away from medical treatments, and she launched the initiative three years ago.

“Today, I honestly feel happy from the very beginning, because Sawn is a dream initiative that I founded,” Al-Muhanna said.

“The main goal of the initiative is to support cancer patients by providing other support to help them accept their condition, which contributes to better healing, alongside their medical treatment, of course.”

The project includes both group-based sessions and cultural and art-related workshops, each carrying a clear message of care, solidarity and encouragement. The program was developed in coordination with the hospital after Al-Muhanna identified a gap in patient support.

“Today was the first session, and it was very exciting. Seeing the patients’ enthusiasm was moving,” she said after Wednesday’s event, with tears filling her eyes.

At its core, Sawn focuses on helping patients navigate the emotional realities of illness — coping with pain, the side effects of treatment, and the sense of disconnection that often accompanies long hospital journeys.

Al-Muhanna told Arab News about a specific patient who attended the art therapy session despite feeling unwell after undergoing chemo just hours earlier.

Concerned for her, Al-Muhanna phoned the patient’s doctor and was told the session would be beneficial. Joining the group, the patient used vibrant pink colors to paint her white canvas.

“That’s why we focused on creating group psychological support, cultural workshops and meaningful activities,” she said, adding that Sawn was aiming to expand remote services and continue evolving in response to patients’ needs.

Kalimat House served as the cultural partner for the initiative, with the workshop led by the organization as part of its year-long cultural programming. Founded in 2014 by cultural visionaries Anfal Al-Hammad and Haifa Al-Owain, it was established with a mission to nurture literature, the arts, and socially driven cultural engagement.

Speaking to Arab News, Al-Hammad told Arab News that Kalimat House’s role as the cultural arm meant it supported arts and culture programming that spans “art workshops, creative writing, workshops, book club sessions and poetry nights.”

She said the decision to take part was rooted in the belief that “arts and culture are tools to self- expression,” particularly for individuals navigating difficult physical and mental healing journeys.

Being part of the program, she added, offered an opportunity to give something back to society, while also engaging participants’ potential and skills by giving them “those tools in order to express themselves also to create artworks from their pain, from their emotions, to support them and their journey.”

Al-Hammad highlighted that Kalimat House’s role focuses on “giving that outlet to those patients, or target audience, and be supportive to them on their journey,” as the initiative launches a full-year program with additional art therapy sessions planned in the months ahead.

Facilitating artist Al-Ateeq, whose practice bridges art, psychology and community-based healing, told Arab News that while she had been drawing since childhood, her relationship with art changed profoundly after the death of her mother in 2017.

That loss, she said, marked a turning point. She stopped doing art while mourning until one day, four years later, she was ready to start again. Since then, she has transformed art from a disciplined practice into a personal tool for healing.

“I always say that perfectionism is what creates blocks,” Al-Ateeq explained, describing how the pressure to achieve “flawlessness” eventually led her to put down the paintbrush.

“Drawing is instinctive,” she said. “Why do we think we need to suffer or struggle to return to art? We are all born artists. It’s our natural state.”

That realization reshaped her approach and now forms the foundation of her art therapy workshops.

“Every human being has the ability to express themselves on a canvas,” she said. “If someone cannot express their thoughts or emotions through words, they can express them through painting.”

Al-Ateeq’s sessions focus on observation as much as instruction. She watched participants’ movements, color choices and hesitations as they paint — details which she says often reveal internal states more honestly than conversation.

“When they draw, they release emotions because no one is judging them,” she said. She added that many patients draw night skies, dark spaces and layer the paint thickly, while others who are in recovery might draw sunshine and vibrant trees.

The hospital setting, she said, was intentional as the workshop was designed specifically for Saudi women undergoing cancer treatment or recovery.

“They are the people who need it most,” Al-Ateeq said. “In Saudi Arabia, I feel that many people come because they don’t have a voice. They carry a lot inside them.”

Many women arrived insisting they did not know how to draw — only to leave changed, with some vowing to continue at home.

“Therapy doesn’t have to be heavy,” explained Al-Ateeq. “It can be joyful. It can be creative. It can be gentle. It can be deep in a beautiful way.”

For her, the goal is not diagnosis or technical mastery, but creating a safe, human space — one where participants leave feeling, as one woman once told her: “Like we left the room and came back different.”

One participant, Samarh “um Turki” Al-Zahrani, said she left the session energized and inspired: “At the beginning, I didn’t know anyone here, but the atmosphere created a sense of excitement. I felt that we all became friends very quickly. The group energy was lovely. I would love to keep doing this and to return to other sessions.

“I surprised myself. I discovered talents within myself that had been buried. I felt a spirit of passion — a spirit that came from the place we were in, from the group, from the sense of closeness and togetherness between us. It was a truly beautiful experience,” she added.

Additional support for the program was provided by SMT Family Counseling Center, Estenarh, the Saudi Cancer Foundation, Al-Rashed Social Responsibility and Vibent.

Topics: King Fahd University Hospital

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