Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments

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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has attended on Tuesday the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi ministers attend weekly Cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Updated 06 May 2025
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Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments

  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed authorities to ensure top-level Hajj preparations and pilgrim services
  • The cabinet highlighted record non-oil exports and praised Saudi Arabia’s global rise in digital governance and open data transparency

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended on Tuesday the weekly cabinet meeting in Jeddah that reviewd Hajj preperations and regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The crown prince welcomed Muslim pilgrims who began flocking to the Kingdom from various countries to perform Hajj this year.

He also directed relevant authorities to work with the highest levels of efficiency and excellence in implementing security, preventive and organizational plans to serve the pilgrim guests.

The crown prince also observed the record performance reports of the kingdom’s non-oil exports in 2024 and their continued upward trajectory. The reports reflect the accelerating steps towards diversifying sources of income and investment in the Saudi economy in line with Vision 2030.  

Ministers also noted Saudi Arabia’s advancements in digital governance, including its top regional ranking for the third year in the UN’s e-government services index, and its leap of 92 places in the global Open Data Inventory.

On regional issues, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call for de-escalation across conflict zones, condemned Israeli strikes on Syria, urged an end to the war in Sudan through a local political solution, and reaffirmed support for the two-state solution as a path to lasting peace in Palestine.


Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris

Updated 2 min 12 sec ago
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Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris

  • 75 countries gather in Riyadh to address orbital risks, promote sustainable space use
  • DebriSolver competition highlights innovative solutions for orbital safety

RIYADH: The Saudi Space Agency will host the second Space Debris Conference in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event will bring together experts, decision-makers, and representatives from 75 countries, including governments, international organizations, and specialized space companies.

The conference is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to unify international initiatives addressing the growing challenges of space debris and to promote the sustainable use of outer space as a shared resource.

It aims to protect space activities and orbital infrastructure while supporting the growth of the global space economy, the SPA added.

Held with the support of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, the conference highlights the importance of international cooperation and effective governance frameworks to mitigate space debris risks and ensure a safe, sustainable space environment.

The event seeks to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for space sustainability by enhancing international coordination on space debris issues.

It also highlights the Saudi Space Agency’s role in promoting policies and initiatives that safeguard the future of the space economy, the SPA reported.

Key objectives of the conference include raising global awareness of space debris risks, reviewing related legislation and policies, fostering research and innovation, and developing effective international governance mechanisms to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of orbital environments.

The conference will feature panel discussions and keynote speeches on themes including space sustainability, protection of the global space economy, strengthening international cooperation, and showcasing innovations, partnerships, and operational solutions to address space debris challenges.

A highlight of the event is the DebriSolver competition, an international platform encouraging applied innovation in space debris mitigation.

Leading experts and international judges will evaluate innovative solutions against the highest scientific and technical standards, supporting the transition from research concepts to practical, deployable solutions.

By hosting the conference, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its leading role in supporting international space initiatives, strengthening public-private partnerships, and shaping the future of the global space community.

This aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the space economy and sustainability, the SPA stated.

The first edition, held in Riyadh in 2024, attracted participants from more than 50 countries, along with international organizations and global companies, and concluded with recommendations to raise awareness of the importance of managing space debris.