GCC chief joins condemnation of Houthi attack on Saudi Aramco Shaybah gas plant
Aramco said the attack caused a small fire but that there were no injuries
Abdullatif Al-Zayani said the attack 'threatens security and stability in the region'
Updated 18 August 2019
Arab News
JEDDAH: The head of the GCC condemned on Sunday a Houthi attack on a Saudi Aramco gas plant.
The militants claimed 10 drones struck the Shaybah natural gas liquefaction plant near the border with the UAE.
Aramco said the attack caused a small fire but that there were no injuries and operations were uninterrupted.
GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif Al-Zayani said the attack was a “cowardly act that threatens security and stability in the region.”
“The targeting of oil facilities in the Kingdom reveals the malicious goals harming the global energy supply,” he said.
He called on the international community to condemn the Houthi’s attacks.
The militants, who are based in Yemen and backed by Iran, have previously used crude kamikaze drones laden with explosives to target infrastructure in the Kingdom.
In May, the Houthis attacked two oil pumping stations with drones but caused no disruption to operations.
They have also repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, including a strike in June that killed a Syrian and wounded 21 others.
The attack on Saturday was widely condemned, including by the UAE.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister, Khalid Al-Falih said the attack was not only aimed at Saudi Arabia “but also against the global economy.”
The Houthis sparked the conflict in Yemen when they seized the capital Sanaa in 2014. An Arab coalition, which includes Saudi Arabia and the UAE, intervened in 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and community
Updated 4 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Makkah’s Hira Cultural District has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity. (SPA photo)
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
City’s transformation recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. (SPA photo)
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
