Saudi Arabia condemns repeated Israeli incursions at Al-Aqsa mosque compound

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, August 13, 2024. (Reuters)
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, August 13, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 14 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia condemns repeated Israeli incursions at Al-Aqsa mosque compound

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, August 13, 2024.
  • Condemnation came after Ben Gvir led hundreds of Israelis into the compound on Tuesday and performed prayers marking a Jewish holiday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Tuesday repeated Israeli incursions at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in annexed east Jerusalem, the foreign ministry said.

The condemnation came after Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led hundreds of Israelis into the compound on Tuesday and performed prayers marking a Jewish holiday.

In a statement, the ministry stressed the importance of respecting religious sanctities, and renewed the Kingdom’s warning against the continuation of these violations of international law and the historical status of Jerusalem.

It also warned against provoking millions of Muslims around the world, and renewed its call for the international community to assume its responsibility toward stopping ongoing Israeli violations of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions in Gaza.

Ben Gvir has often defied the Israeli government’s longstanding ban on Jewish prayer at the mosque compound.

The compound is Islam’s third holiest site and a symbol of Palestinian national identity but it is also Judaism’s holiest place, revered as the site of the ancient temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

While Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the mosque compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem during specified hours, they are not permitted to pray or display religious symbols.

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Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields.

They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to the developments. 


Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece

Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece

Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece
  • The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia

CRETE, Greece: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces took part on Sunday in a joint naval-air exercise called Medusa 13, being held in Greece.

The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia, and aims to strengthen international military cooperation and enhance naval security, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Col. Naval Commander Fahd Al-Humaidi Al-Otaibi, the exercise commander, explained that Medusa 13 is designed to build alliances and foster joint security cooperation among participating nations.

The focus of the exercise is on executing joint combat missions using modern weaponry, coordinating between different units to counter unconventional maritime threats, and exchanging expertise in securing operational areas from various dangers.

The Saudi naval forces’ participation includes a range of units, such as the Special Naval Security Units, Marine Infantry, His Majesty’s Ships, and Naval Aviation. The exercise will take place both on the Greek island of Crete and in key operational areas in the Mediterranean Sea.

Medusa 13 will feature military operations, information operations, amphibious assaults, and a civilian evacuation scenario, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the training. The joint exercise is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the naval capabilities of all participating nations while promoting regional security.


Saudi ministry promotes broiler pigeon breeding

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)
The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi ministry promotes broiler pigeon breeding

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)

RIYADH: In a bid to boost food security and protein diversity, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently hosted a workshop in Riyadh for broiler pigeon breeders.

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aimed to equip breeders with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise broiler pigeon production to 16 million birds annually, equivalent to 12,000 tons of meat.

By increasing production and adopting modern breeding techniques, the ministry hopes to boost food security and reduce reliance on imports.

The ministry emphasized the importance of collaboration with Saudi universities to conduct research that supports the productive and economic aspects of broiler pigeon breeding.

Broiler pigeon breeding is seen as a promising project in Saudi Arabia due to its contribution to food security and potential to preserve natural resources.

By investing in this sector, the Kingdom aims to achieve its national targets while promoting sustainable agriculture.

 


Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine
Updated 13 October 2024
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Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine
  • The two sides discussed various topics of common interest

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Palestine to the Kingdom Basem Al-Agha on Sunday in Riyadh, where they held friendly talks.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Algerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sherif Walid in Dammam on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various topics of common interest.

The Algerian ambassador thanked Prince Saud for the warm reception.

 


Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms

Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
Updated 13 October 2024
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Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms

Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
  • Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities
  • A total of $8,000 in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category

MAKKAH: Madinah’s date palms provided the perfect backdrop for a 10-kilometer race that attracted almost 2,000 competitors on Saturday.

The race, organized as part of Madinah Dates Season, began at the Madinah National Park and passed through the Khalil farms.

Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities, with race stages named after renowned local date varieties, including anbarah, ajwa, berni, saqai, and majdool.

The event was attended by several volunteer groups and government entities. A total of SR30,000 ($8,000) in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

The Madinah Dates Season exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in partnership with the National Center for Palms and Dates and the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, was launched in early October.

As part of the exhibition, Camp Wrth for Handicrafts, organized by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), aims to teach and promote awareness of traditional Saudi arts.

The camp brings together 49 young men and women from various regions across the Kingdom.

Sessions at the camp offer opportunities to learn traditional skills, engage in handicrafts, and create products inspired by local heritage, as well as participate in cooking demonstrations.

Abdullah Al-Zawawi, a member of the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Chamber, told Arab News that each year the Madinah region competes with other regions of Saudi Arabia in the production and export of dates.

“Madinah exports 97.9 million kilograms of dates to more than 60 countries, sharing a message of love, peace, and genuine Saudi generosity with people worldwide,” he said.

At least 28 date varieties are exported, including ajwa, sukkari, safawi, anbara, sagai, majdool, barhi, barni, and mabroom — all cultivated by the region’s 27,000 farms, Al-Zawawi said.

“Each year, more than 20 date factories in Madinah compete to present their finest products to over 14 million visitors, welcoming them with the renowned warmth and generosity of Madinah’s people. Blessed with 4 million palm trees, the region’s date industry generates an impressive SR948.5 million annually.”

He said that the government offers significant support under Vision 2030, as demonstrated by the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Madinah region.

The ministry prioritizes quality at every stage of date production — from cultivation and harvesting to marketing — ensuring that Madinah dates reach global markets in peak condition.

The exhibition features the harvest of more than 29,000 regional farms, highlighting their vital role in supporting and strengthening food security strategies across the Kingdom.

A virtual reality area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the farming experience, bringing the harvest to life, and fostering greater environmental and agricultural awareness.

More than 50 sales outlets, a tasting and cooking area, and displays of traditional handicrafts are among other attractions.

A range of government and private organizations are also present to highlight initiatives in the agricultural sector, and showcase financial and logistical services available to regional investors.

“The Madinah Dates Season stands out as a vibrant and multifaceted event within our series of date seasons,” Lulu Walid, director of the Madinah Dates Season, told Arab News.

“The season is characterized by a unique visual identity, with colors that represent different elements of the dates sector, such as the distinctive hue of ajwa dates, exclusive to Madinah. This season offers a rich variety of events across multiple fields.”

She said the season’s activities began with auctions showcasing the finest dates from Madinah’s farms, alongside an AI hackathon with prizes totaling up to SR900,000.

The exhibition also features 46 pavilions showcasing and selling date products from local businesses and families, fostering support for the community and promoting small industries.