Saudi Arabia’s FM announces landmark visit to Lebanon

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan speaks at the WEF in Davos on January 21, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 21 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s FM announces landmark visit to Lebanon

  • The one-day trip on Thursday will mark the first visit by a high-ranking Saudi official to Lebanon since 2015
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed the potential formation of a new government but emphasized the need for real reforms

DAVOS: Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Tuesday in Davos he would visit Lebanon later this week, the first such trip by a Saudi foreign minister in more than a decade.

He made the announcement during a panel on diplomacy at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in the Swiss resort town. 

The one-day trip on Thursday will mark the first visit by a high-ranking Saudi official to Lebanon since 2015, after years of strained relations due to Lebanon’s perceived alignment with Iran, its role in drug smuggling to Gulf countries, and ongoing instability.

Prince Faisal described the recent election of a president in Lebanon, following a prolonged political vacuum, as a highly positive development.

He said the Kingdom welcomed the potential formation of a government but emphasized the need for real reforms and a forward-looking approach to ensure sustainable progress.

He reiterated that the future of Lebanon rested in the hands of its people, urging them to make decisions that steer the country in a new direction.




A UN peacekeeper’s (UNIFIL) vehicle rides along a street in Marjaayoun, Southern Lebanon January 20, 2025. (AFP)

“We will need to see real action, real reform and we will need to see a commitment to a Lebanon that is looking to the future, not to the past,” said Prince Faisal.

“And based on what I hear there and what we see, I think that will inform the Kingdom’s approach, but I have to say what I’ve seen so far and the conversations that we’ve been hearing in Lebanon, all allow me to be very much optimistic.

“We’ve always said, it’s really up to the Lebanese to decide and to make the choices to take Lebanon in a different direction.”

Prince Faisal also said he is “cautiously optimistic” about Syria’s future, citing encouraging signs from the new administration in Damascus and the resilience of the Syrian people.

He emphasized the need for patience and engagement from both the regional and international communities to help rebuild the country’s broken institutions and create a better future for Syrians.

“I would certainly say I’m cautiously optimistic. I may even lean further because you have, first of all, an administration that is saying the right things in private and in public, doing a lot of the right things, but also you have a Syrian people that are incredibly capable and incredibly resourceful,” he said.

He urged collaboration to build on recent positive developments, underlining the collective responsibility to aid Syria’s recovery, especially considering the willingness of the new administration in Damascus to engage constructively with regional and global partners.

“The reality is that they have inherited a broken country with no real institutions and they are having to build all of that from scratch, and that’s not an easy thing,” he said.

“So it’s up to us, I feel in the region first but certainly the international community, to engage, to come and build on this positive development and help Syria and the Syrian people see a much better future.”

Prince Faisal highlighted the importance of lifting the heavy burden of sanctions imposed due to actions of the previous regime, noting some progress with waivers from the US and Europe.




A boy carrying stacks of bread on his head walks past a damaged school in Aleppo, Syria January 21, 2025. (Reuters)

Prince Faisal was also positive about the region as a whole, including the Kingdom.

“We are certainly in a region that is abundant with risk factors, but we are also in a region that has huge potential,” he told the panel.

“I would say that even with the very difficult year behind us, we have shown that we can be resilient as a region and we can actually look to the future, whether it’s the Kingdom, or the GCC countries, and their ability to stay on track with their economic agendas,” he added.

He stressed the importance of avoiding conflict, particularly in light of tensions between Iran and Israel, and expressed optimism regarding the new US administration under President Donald Trump.

“I don’t see the incoming US administration as contributory to the risk of war. On the contrary, I think President Trump has been quite clear that he does not favor conflict,” he said.

“I hope that the approach will also be met on the Iranian side by the addressing of the nuclear program, by being willing to engage with the incoming administration in a way that can help us stay on track with this positive momentum.”

Also on the panel was Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, prime minister and foreign minister of Qatar, who expressed hope that the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas would bring much needed relief to the Palestinian people.




Qatar’s PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani speaks with WEF President and CEO Borge Brende during the annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2025. (AFP)

“Let’s be hopeful (about the ceasefire). It’s still a long way to go with what happened throughout the last 15 months negotiating this very difficult conflict,” he said.

“It showed us that everything can be resolved through talks and through engagement, through negotiations, and we started this week with good news.

“We have seen the humanitarian aid coming in, we have seen hostages going back and we hope that this will be a fair system toward stability now.”


BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s

Updated 14 February 2025
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BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s

  • Aircraft were repurposed as a restaurant, haunted house and trampoline area
  • Planes were dismantled and transported from Jeddah before joining Riyadh Season

RIYADH: 

Visitors are flocking to a unique Riyadh Season dining experience that hosts a variety of activities inside three retired Boeing 777 aircraft.

BLVD Runway is inviting people to dine inside the repurposed planes that were set up after being transported from Jeddah to Riyadh in a highly publicized road journey in September last year.

Before the aircraft were transported, they were dismantled by Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier. It was the first time that the process had been completed outside a Boeing facility.

Saudia completed the operation in just 45 days, well ahead of an expected 60-day timeline.

The three aircraft were redesigned for multiple purposes: One as a restaurant, another as a haunted house and the third as a trampoline area for children.

To access the attraction, visitors only need to pay for parking, with free entry for all passengers.

Inside the aircraft, guests can experience a unique dining adventure featuring authentic Saudi cuisine at the restaurant “Am Hussain” (Uncle Hussain).

The dining space immerses guests in a dining experience that highlights the richness and diversity of Saudi culinary traditions.

The restaurant’s owner, Hussain Ashmawi, expressed deep appreciation for the vision of General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh, who conceptualized the idea.

Ashmawi told Arab News: “This wonderful and modern idea showcases our heritage through the diverse foods of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

“Our offerings garner admiration from both local and international visitors, many of whom are experiencing Saudi dishes for the first time.”

He added: “The food we present on the plane has won the admiration and appreciation of many visitors.

“It allows them to connect with the flavors of our land in a way that is both memorable and enjoyable.”

Ashmawi warmly welcomed visitors to enjoy authentic Saudi flavors, naming his restaurant a must-visit spot for anyone attending Riyadh Season.

The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, showcasing the culinary talents of local chefs.

The restaurant’s decor features traditional Najd-style Sadu red prints and seating inspired by Hijazi designs, creating an inviting environment that celebrates regional aesthetics.

“I was honored to represent Saudi cuisine, and the reactions from our guests are truly priceless,” Ashmawi said.

Visitors can also dine at another restaurant, 10/10 Burger, located in the control tower.

The establishment offers a more contemporary dining experience, catering to a different audience.

Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season 2024 had surpassed 19 million visitors to date. The remarkable turnout highlights the widespread appeal of the event.

The annual medley of events launched in October and recently introduced new offerings, including world-class boxing and wrestling matches, international concerts, unique dining options and public gardens.

Pleasant weather in Riyadh and a mid-semester school break have drawn families to Riyadh Season activities, particularly the “Dunes of Arabia” area, which has attracted camping and winter enthusiasts.


OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

Updated 14 February 2025
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OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha and Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino met in Jeddah on Thursday.

The two officials held talks on cooperation and improving ties between the OIC and Japan.

They discussed several issues of mutual concern, particularly the situation in Palestine.

 


Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

Updated 14 February 2025
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Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi attended on Thursday the Japanese Consulate General’s reception celebrating the Asian country’s National Day.

Prince Saud was received by Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino, Consul General Daisuke Yamamoto, and other consulate officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The governor and the ambassador also held talks on issues of mutual interest ahead of the reception.


Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

Updated 14 February 2025
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Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

  • 2-week course held to enhance the skills of Filipino judges
  • Facilitates exchange of expertise between Saudi, Philippines

RIYADH: Participants in the second judicial course for Filipino judges, held recently at the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, have commended the Kingdom’s government for prioritizing the spread of Islamic knowledge and its commitment to serving Muslims.

The two-week course at the university’s Higher Judicial Institute was aimed at enhancing the skills of Filipino judges, and facilitate the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s course, which concluded on Feb. 12, was the second for Filipino judges. The first course was held in 2022.

The program is part of a series of international judicial training programs organized by the institute in collaboration with countries worldwide. Judges from Malaysia, Indonesia, Comoros, and several other African nations have also participated.

These initiatives aim to foster international cooperation and exchange judicial expertise, further solidifying the Kingdom’s leadership in this field, the SPA reported.
 

 Filipino judges and scholars of the Higher Judicial Institute pose for a souvenir picture at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University ion Riyadh. (SPA)

Islamic law is partially applied in the Christian-majority Philippines and is applicable only to Filipino Muslims. Shariah courts are supervised by the country’s Supreme Court.

Last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed a law expanding the Shariah judicial system in the Philippines to cover not only the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but also other regions.

Under the new law, the Shariah courts have jurisdiction over civil affairs for Muslim communities, including family matters, marriage, and inheritance. Criminal cases remain under the authority of national courts.


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

Updated 14 February 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

  • Constantine Tassoulas replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday congratulated Greece’s parliament chief Constantine Tassoulas on his election as the country’s new president.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, King Salman said he wished the new president every “success,” and for “the friendly people of Greece continued progress and prosperity.”

The crown prince issued a similar statement.

Tassoulas, 65, was elected with 160 votes in the 300-member parliament in the fourth round of voting on Wednesday.

Constantine Tassoulas, left, delivers a speech at the parliament building in Athens on February 12, 2025, after he was elected president of Greece. (Pool via REUTERS)

He replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state, who was not nominated for a second five-year term.

Tassoulas is a member of the governing center-right New Democracy party and a close ally of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. A lawyer by trade, he also served as culture minister a decade ago.