UN special envoy meets Yemeni president in Riyadh for talks on peace efforts

The UN envoy also met with senior Saudi officials, ambassadors of the P5, and the US Special Envoy for Yemen Timothy Lenderking. (AFP/File)
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Updated 03 March 2022
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UN special envoy meets Yemeni president in Riyadh for talks on peace efforts

RIYADH: UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg recently met in Riyadh with Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to discuss the latest efforts to bring peace to the war-ravaged country.

In a statement on Wednesday, the office of the special envoy of the secretary-general for Yemen, told Arab News: “Grundberg briefed the president on his latest efforts and next steps in initiating structured bilateral consultations with multiple Yemeni stakeholders aimed at informing a framework for ending the war and laying the foundations for peace in Yemen.”

Following their meeting, Grundberg said: “I thank President Hadi for his support for my efforts in facilitating a peaceful settlement of the conflict.”

The UN envoy also met with senior Saudi officials, ambassadors of the P5 — the UN Security Council’s five permanent members China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US — and the US Special Envoy for Yemen Timothy Lenderking to discuss recent developments and explore options to reach a sustainable resolution to the conflict as well as achieve immediate de-escalation.

“We need to initiate an inclusive multi-track process that addresses short-term and long-term priorities that can lay the foundation for a peaceful and sustainable settlement to the conflict,” he added.

In October, the UN Security Council’s five permanent members called for the unconditional protection of civilians.

During a call with Marib’s Gov. Maj. Sultan Al-Aradah, the head of missions of the P5 to Yemen said that an inclusive political solution in Yemen was the best way to end the suffering of its people and that all Yemeni parties should promote dialogue.

 


Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region

Updated 27 January 2026
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Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region

  • To develop future ‘cultural architects,’ says CEO Khaled Al-Baz
  • ‘Nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and sense of belonging’

BURAIDAH: The Qassim Children’s Theater Festival opened on Tuesday bringing together professionals from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

The event is being held under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Qassim, at the Science Center in Unaizah governorate.

It has been Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Association and executed by the Unaizah Theater Association, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Running until Jan. 31, it features shows, panel discussions, as well as training workshops to develop children’s theater and strengthen professional skills in the field.

Khaled Al-Baz, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Association, told the SPA the festival forms part of a broader strategy to position children’s theater as a distinct cultural sector.

“Children today constitute genuine audiences — tomorrow’s cultural architects,” Al-Baz said.

Ahmed Al-Humaimidi, president of the Unaizah Theater Association, said it was an investment in young people, noting that it extends beyond performances to include cultural and educational programming.

He said the initiative aims to nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and a sense of belonging, while also identifying emerging talent and encouraging knowledge exchange among theater practitioners.

“Our association recognizes children’s theater as foundational to cultivating aware, creative character,” he said.

The festival serves as both an artistic showcase and a platform for professional dialogue, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding cultural landscape and growing focus on children’s theater as an educational and cultural tool, the SPA noted.

This occurs alongside support for signature initiatives and performing arts promotion as quality-of-life enhancement.