Kingdom’s deputy minister for political affairs discusses developments in the Middle East with Japan’s peace envoy

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Updated 31 March 2024
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Kingdom’s deputy minister for political affairs discusses developments in the Middle East with Japan’s peace envoy

  • The envoy has visited Jordan and Saudi Arabia and will continue his tour for talks in the UAE and Qatar

RIYADH: Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister for political affairs, met Japan’s Special Envoy for Peace in the Middle East Uemura Tsukasa on Sunday.

The officials reviewed recent developments in the Middle East region and agreed to cooperate to help ease tensions. 

Uemura was visiting as part of Japan’s efforts “to calm down the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine as soon as possible and to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

The envoy has visited Jordan and Saudi Arabia and will continue his tour for talks in the UAE and Qatar.


Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

Updated 10 January 2026
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Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

  • The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16

ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.

The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.

It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.

The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.

The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.

It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.

The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.