A delegation from the Kingdom will take part in a United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) executive council meeting in Uzbekistan, scheduled between Oct. 1 and Oct. 3.
The delegation will be led by Khalid Al-Dakheel, assistant president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). More than 100 countries are slated to take part.
The session will host participants from international tourism organizations, specialists from academic institutions and experts from the industry.
The annual meeting will focus on developing tourism in Uzbekistan, examine the current state of the tourism industry, assess future prospects of the international travel market and elect new members to the executive committee of the UNWTO.
Delegates at the session will be shown films about Uzbekistan’s rich history, popular monuments and the tourism infrastructure, after which they will be given tours of the historic, cultural and scientific sights of Samarkand and Bukhara.
Uzbekistan Ambassador Alisher Kadirov said he is hopeful that the international forum would boost Uzbekistan’s tourism since only 5,000 Saudi tourists visit the country a year.
He said that there are currently no direct flights operating from the Kingdom to Uzbekistan, but that Saudi Arabian Airlines recently made an agreement with Uzbekistan Airways to launch direct flights between the two countries.
KSA to attend UNWTO session in Uzbekistan
KSA to attend UNWTO session in Uzbekistan
Saudi foreign ministry condemns Iranian drone attack on US embassy in Riyadh
- The embassy issued a shelter in place notice for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam
RIYADH: A statement from the Saudi foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned Iran’s attack on the United States Embassy building in Riyadh after preliminary assessments indicated two drones targeted the facility.
The Saudi Defense Ministry said eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. The incident caused a limited fire and minor material damage to the embassy, with no reported injuries.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to take all measures to defend itself and its interests, including the right to respond.
Reports from early Tuesday described a loud blast and visible flames at the American embassy, with black smoke rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, where many foreign missions are located.
The US Embassy issued a security alert for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, announcing it would remain closed and that all routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments were cancelled. The shelter-in-place notice remains active, and American citizens were advised to avoid embassy premises until further notice.
The embassy also urged travelers to review the most recent Security Alerts, reconsider travel plans in case of possible disruptions, and prioritize their safety and that of their families.
