RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Thursday the twin suicide bombing that rocked central Baghdad, killing at least 32 people and wounding dozens.
The Kingdom rejects all forms of terrorism and stands by Iraq against anything that threatens its security or stability, the foreign ministry said.
The ministry expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Iraq, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The attack hit the Bab Al-Sharqi commercial area in central Baghdad amid heightened political tensions over planned early elections and a severe economic crisis.
Iraq’s Health Minister Hassan Mohammed Al-Tamimi said at least 32 people were killed and 110 others were wounded in the attack.
Iraqi President Barham Salih strongly condemned the attack, saying that “we stand firmly against the rogue attempts aimed at destabilizing the country.”
In a tweet, Salih said:“The two terrorist explosions against the safe citizens of Baghdad, at this time, confirm that dark groups seek to target the great national needs and the aspirations of our people for a peaceful future.”
The Gulf Cooperation Council also condemned the attack with Secretary-General Nayef Al-Hajraf offering condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Al-Hajraf said the GCC’s solidarity with Iraq in combating terrorism and enhancing security and stability in its territories, affirming the bloc’s “steadfast stances toward terrorism and extremism and its rejection of all its forms and manifestations, motives and justifications,” as well as sources that fund and support it.
The foreign ministries of the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain also issued statements condemning the twin bombings and offering condolences to the families of the victims.
The Emirati foreign ministry “expressed its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilizing security and stability and is inconsistent with religious and humanitarian values and principles.”
Kuwait said the attack “constitutes a violation of the tolerant Islamic Sharia (law) and all values and norms,” adding that the country stands in solidarity with Iraq and “supports its efforts to preserve its security and stability.”
Bahrain “called for the need to join hands in order to confront these heinous terrorist acts that target the lives of innocent civilians and destabilize security and stability.”
Other Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia, also issued similar statements.
Saudi Arabia, GCC condemn twin suicide bombing in central Baghdad
https://arab.news/z54sg
Saudi Arabia, GCC condemn twin suicide bombing in central Baghdad
- The Kingdom rejects all forms of terrorism: foreign ministry
- GCC, UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain also condemning the attack
Balad Beast brings global beats to historic streets
- ‘MDLBEAST put us on the international map,’ say Saudi electronic duo Dish Dash
JEDDAH: The music festival Balad Beast concluded its fourth edition this weekend, having transformed Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage district of Al-Balad into an open-air celebration of music, culture and creativity that attracted thousands of music lovers over two nights.
The festival, organized by Saudi music platform MDLBEAST, featured more than 70 local, regional and international artists across four stages, offering audiences a diverse journey through electronic, hip-hop and global sounds.
Speaking to Arab News, MDLBEAST chief creative officer Ahmad Al-Ammary, also known as DJ Baloo, described Balad Beast as a “cultural takeover” adding that finding the right spaces for dance floors was a challenge, “but Balad is constantly evolving and we work with that change.”
Addressing the challenges of working in a heritage area, he said: “Balad is sensitive and condensed, so logistics can be complex. In our first year, heavy rain flooded one of the planned squares and we had to relocate the Souq Stage to a much smaller space, but it worked and it has remained there ever since.
HIGHLIGHT
Reggae superstar Shaggy noted that the reality of playing live in Saudi Arabia often surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
“Yes, the alleys are narrow and the district is old, but they’re full of ideas, patterns, colors and visuals. Everything flows here,” he continued. “As a festival, it’s hard to define Balad, because it gives so much of itself creatively. It’s incredibly generous with its ideas and details, and inspiration comes from everywhere.”
Balad Beast featured performances from international artists including US rapper Playboi Carti, making his first appearance in Saudi Arabia; US rapper Destroy Lonely; Swedish DJ and producer Alesso; and Bosnian-German DJ Solomun on the opening night. The following night saw French-Haitian singer-songwriter Naïka, reggae superstar Shaggy, Dutch DJ Franky Rizardo, British DJ Pawsa, and US rapper Tyga, and more take the stage, while Saudi and regional artists including Cosmicat, TUL8TE, Zeina, Vinyl Mode, Moayed, Dish Dash, Musab, Varoo and HiFi appeared across the festival, offering audiences a mix of global and local talent.
Saudi electronic duo Dish Dash reflected on the festival organizer’s impact for local artists.
As a festival, it’s hard to define Balad, because it gives so much of itself creatively. It’s incredibly generous with its ideas and details, and inspiration comes from everywhere.
Ahmad Al-Ammary, MDLBEAST chief creative officer
“MDLBEAST put us on the international map,” the brothers told Arab News. “It helped us get recognized by festivals, promoters and event organizers abroad. When we travel, people don’t expect this level of talent coming from Saudi Arabia, especially considering we didn’t have this scene before.”
Shaggy, who performed a hit-filled set during the festival, told Arab News: “I’ve been blessed with some incredible songs, and I see music as a gift and a tool for service. When I go on stage, I’m there to entertain people, to make them smile and feel good, but that service also supports many livelihoods from the people working at this festival to those who work with me. These songs have become part of people’s lives, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Shaggy also noted that the reality of playing live in Saudi Arabia often surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
“I’ve performed in Saudi Arabia more than once, and while there are certain rules that are different, it’s not an issue for me. My focus is always on delivering the hits and giving the audience a great time,” he said.
“There’s a big misconception. People have more freedom than (outsiders) think. Everyone has been extremely nice.”
Asked what advice he would offer to aspiring artists, Shaggy said: “Understand that what you’re given is a gift and a form of service. Stay humble, do the work, and remember why you’re doing it.”
As Al-Ammary noted, there are many such aspiring artists now making a name for themselves in the Kingdom.
“Talent is emerging everywhere, at different levels,” he said. “The scene is still in a mysterious and surprising phase. There’s a rawness to it.”
