Saudi Arabia’s defenses destroy 3 drones launched toward Najran

Arab coalition spokesman Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki speaks during a press conference in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (File/AFP)
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Updated 02 January 2022
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Saudi Arabia’s defenses destroy 3 drones launched toward Najran

  • Regional countries reiterate their full solidarity with the Kingdom and all measures it takes to maintain its security and stability

RIYADH: Saudi air defenses destroyed three drones launched toward the Kingdom’s southwestern city of Najran, the Arab coalition said on Sunday.

The coalition said it had monitored the launch of the drones from the capital Sanaa and that it would take operational measures to deal with the sources of the threat.

Meanwhile, the UAE on Sunday strongly condemned attempts by Yemen’s Houthi militia to target southern Saudi Arabia a day earlier.
The coalition intercepted and destroyed three drones that were launched toward the Kingdom's southern region on Saturday, and said that in response, it was conducting intelligence surveillance in preparation for air strikes.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement that the country “considers this targeting a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security, safety and lives of civilians, and calls for taking all necessary measures to protect civilians from Houthi threats.”
The statement said that the security of the UAE and Saudi Arabia are indivisible, and “any threat or danger facing the Kingdom is considered by the UAE as a threat to its security and stability system.”
Bahrain also denounced the attacks and praised the vigilance and efficiency of the coalition forces, which were able to intercept and destroy the aircraft.
Manama said that the terrorist acts carried out by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in a systematic and deliberate manner constitute a blatant attack on the Kingdom’s sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity.
Kuwait said the continuation of these aggressive practices and the escalation in targeting civilians, civilian areas, the security of the Kingdom, and regional stability constitutes a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law and requires the international community to act quickly and decisively to deter these threats and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Egypt and Jordan also issued similar statements strongly condemning the attacks and all the countries reiterated their full solidarity with the Kingdom and their support for all the measures it takes to maintain its security and stability.


UNESCO honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as thousands flock to Al-Ahsa festival

Updated 06 February 2026
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UNESCO honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as thousands flock to Al-Ahsa festival

RIYADH: The third edition of Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival is drawing thousands of local and international visitors to Ibrahim Palace in Al-Hofuf.

Running until Feb. 7 at the historic palace, the event features a bisht exhibition, a rare bisht gallery, a handicrafts zone and workshops led by skilled artisans.

The festival showcases a convergence of cultures, with international pavilions highlighting the global appeal of this authentic Saudi heritage. 

The bisht’s allure has drawn international visitors eager to explore Al-Ahsa’s rich history and traditional crafts.

Tourists enthusiastically don the traditional robe, admiring its royal designs. Many participate in workshops with master artisans, learning the intricate art of Zari embroidery.

Organized by the Heritage Commission, this year’s festival celebrates the inscription of the bisht on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event showcases Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old tradition of hand-weaving and gold embroidery, a craft passed down through generations of local families.

Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige.

With UNESCO’s participation and representatives from six countries, the festival has evolved into a global platform for cultural dialogue, cementing the bisht’s status as a world-class cultural treasure.

At the heart of the festival is the story of the “Golden Threads” (Al-Zari), intricate gold-plated silver threads that define the bisht’s character and prestige.

Visitors can discover them in the Golden Threads VIP Area, where they can watch master artisans demonstrate the full bisht-making process at the Host’s Majlis, offering insight into Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old craftsmanship.