Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strike on UNRWA school in Gaza
Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom reiterates its “categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation’s continued targeting of civilians and relief agencies”
Updated 17 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Sunday an Israeli strike that killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded at least 20 others on Saturday at a school in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp currently sheltering displaced families.
The Abu Assi school is run by United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the main agency that has been procuring and distributing aid in the Gaza Strip.
The Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom reiterates its “categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation’s continued targeting of civilians and relief and humanitarian agencies amid the silence of the international community.”
It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards ongoing Israeli violations that increase the suffering of the Palestinian people and undermine the chances of achieving peace in the region.
Recently passed Israeli laws have effectively banned UNRWA activities in Israel and the the commissioner-general of the agency Philippe Lazzarini has warned that this will leave a vacuum that will cost more Palestinian lives and create further instability in Gaza and the West Bank.
Saudi Arabia and UK forge deeper ties in trade, tourism and innovation
Kingdom has welcomed more than 165,600 British tourists since 2019
Trade reaches £17.6 billion ($22.4 billion) in year ending March 2024
Updated 8 sec ago
Tamara Aboalsaud and Manal Al-Barakati
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom are solidifying their partnership through expanded collaborations in key sectors, including finance, trade, tourism and innovation.
The strategic alignment reflects both countries’ shared aspirations for economic growth and diversification, with Saudi Arabia leveraging its Vision 2030 initiative and the UK seeking stronger ties in the Gulf region.
Recent high-level discussions underscore a mutual commitment to bolstering bilateral trade, setting ambitious targets, and fostering cross-industry synergies.
Lucy Frazer, Former UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport
These efforts are underpinned by cultural exchanges, increased tourism flows, and cooperative initiatives in emerging sectors such as clean technology and heritage preservation.
According to data from the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, total trade in goods and services with Saudi Arabia reached £17.6 billion ($22.4 billion) in the year ending March 2024.
During a top ministerial meeting in Riyadh in September between Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, officials discussed a target to increase bilateral trade to £30 billion ($39.6 billion) by 2030.
We’ve always had a very strong relationship, but that relationship is getting closer as Saudi Arabia undergoes this huge societal and economic change.
Lucy Frazer, Former UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport
After the meeting, Al-Qasabi noted the implementation of 79 initiatives in 13 economic sectors to strengthen Saudi-British relations that have led to more than 30 percent growth between 2018 and 2023.
“Economic growth is this government’s driving mission, and boosting trade and investment with some of the world’s biggest economies is crucial to that,” Reynolds said in a statement.
The Kingdom was the UK’s 23rd largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of the year’s first quarter, accounting for 1 percent of total UK trade.
Chairwoman of the Saudi British Joint Business Council Jennie Gubbins spoke to Arab News in November 2023 and said that bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and the UK had increased 68 percent in the previous year.
She said at the time: “This is just a really exciting time. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UK, I think, is better than I’ve ever seen it, and I’ve been working between the UK and the Middle East for a long time.
“People who don’t know what’s going on in Saudi Arabia think maybe it’s oil stuff. but it’s all about … a huge growth in the technology (sector). Things like clean tech, fintech, healthtech, huge interest in all of those things,” Gubbins said.
She also said that the council uses Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as a “blueprint” to direct them toward the areas to focus on with continual growth.
Gubbins highlighted that Saudi mega-project NEOM opening its first international office in London is not surprising considering that Britons are the second-largest group of expatriates working at NEOM.
During a November event at the British Embassy, Neil Crompton, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the partnership between the two countries has expanded from traditional defense partnerships to include variable sectors such as tourism, people-to-people relations, and sports, especially since Vision 2030 was announced.
The tourism sector is an area of promising growth, with more British sports personalities, such as the cricketer Kevin Pietersen, visiting Saudi Arabia and many Saudis regularly traveling to London for holidays.
“I think the affection between the two countries is amazing,” Crompton said. “Since we introduced the visa waiver system in June 2022, over 500,000 Saudis have used it to go to London, in addition to the 100,000 who already had a 10-year visa or another passport.”
At the Great Futures Conference in May, the Saudi Tourism Authority and VisitBritain, the UK’s national tourism agency, signed a declaration of intent to develop and grow tourism.
VisitBritain has predicted there will be 240,000 visitors to the UK from Saudi Arabia this year, a 9 percent increase from 2019.
At the event, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that the Kingdom had welcomed more than 165,600 British tourists and issued 560,462 e-visas for British visitors since 2019.
The former UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport Lucy Frazer told Arab News: “We’ve always had a very strong relationship, but that relationship is getting closer as Saudi Arabia undergoes this huge societal and economic change.”
She added: “It’s so dynamic and it’s got so many ambitions for the future. And in the UK, we would like to be a strong partner in that. So we’re collaborating in a number of areas sharing knowledge, sharing expertise, sharing best practice.”
A heritage agreement between Historic England and the Saudi Ministry of Culture was also discussed to encourage joint training and sharing expertise in terms of the restoration of palaces and historic buildings.
Award launched to improve tourism standards in Arab countries
Award will encourage healthy competition, says official
Part of efforts to develop sustainable tourism
Updated 08 December 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: A new award has been launched with the aim of improving the quality of tourist offerings in the Arab world.
A memorandum of cooperation launching the Tourism Quality Award was signed by Bandar Al-Fuhaid, president of the Arab Tourism Organization, and Talal Mandoura, CEO of the Quality Applications Co., according to a statement issued on Sunday.
The Arab Tourism Organization said that the award is part of its efforts to enhance the quality of tourism services and contribute to sustainable tourism development.
It will include a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of the tourism sector, ranging from regulations and laws to the quality of services provided to tourists.
Judging focuses on eight main areas: the quality of regulations and laws, tourism services and products, tourism management, tourist destinations, transportation, accommodation and restaurants, tours and guides, as well as management and knowledge transfer.
“The company will develop training and qualification programs for individuals and institutions to enable them to apply tourism quality and excellence standards,” Mandoura told Arab News.
The award will require effective governance to ensure its transparency and credibility and to achieve its intended goals, he explained.
Khaled Al-Akwa, the award’s technical director, told Arab News that it will motivate tourism institutions to adopt global best practices and develop their products and services to meet the growing needs of tourists.
He explained how the award will create a healthy competitive environment among institutions and boost investment.
“The Tourism Quality Award is a crucial step to boost (the) Arab tourism sector. By applying the principles of good governance, this award can achieve its desired goals of elevating the level of tourism services and enhancing the position of Arab tourism globally,” Al-Akwa said.
Minister receives newly appointed Japanese envoy to Saudi Arabia
They reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various fields
Updated 30 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of State and Cabinet member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz received the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom Morino Yusanari in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various fields.
Prince Turki also wished the Japanese ambassador success in his new duties.
Saudi Arabia says it is satisfied with steps taken to ensure safety of Syrian people
The ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian people and their choices at this critical stage in Syria’s history
Updated 08 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has followed recent developments in Syria and is satisfied with the positive steps that have been taken to ensure the safety of the Syrian people, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
The Kingdom is also satisfied with steps taken to stop bloodshed in the country and preserve its institutions and capabilities, the ministry added in a statement.
The ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian people and their choices at this critical stage in Syria’s history, and called for concerted efforts to preserve the unity of the country and its people, in a way that protects Syria from slipping into chaos and division.
The ministry also affirmed the Kingdom’s support for everything that would achieve the security and stability of Syria in a way that preserves its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
The Kingdom calls on the international community to stand by the Syrian people and cooperate with them in everything that serves Syria, and to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.
It said supporting Syria at this stage is extremely important to help it overcome the woes that the Syrian people have suffered over the course of many years, during which foreign militias have ravaged Syria to impose foreign agendas on its people.
It is time for the Syrian people to enjoy the dignified life they deserve, and for all its elements to contribute to shaping a bright future of security, stability, and prosperity, the statement said.
New Qatif promenade beckons locals with coastal views, diverse flavors
C Front promises shopping, dining, and entertainment catering to different tastes
Project boasts a 2-km promenade for families and friends to stroll along while enjoying views of the waters
Updated 08 December 2024
Hind AlKhunaizi
DHAHRAN: Nestled in the vibrant Al-Shubaili neighborhood of Qatif, C Front emerges like a jewel along the coast, shimmering against the backdrop of the sea and the picturesque Qatif Corniche.
With 60 commercial units offering everything from trendy boutiques to delightful eateries, C Front promises shopping, dining, and entertainment catering to different tastes.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a lively atmosphere where the salty breeze mingles with the aroma of diverse cuisines.
The project boasts a beautiful 2-km promenade for families and friends to stroll along while enjoying captivating views of the glistening waters and lively community.
Enhanced by dancing fountains and spectacular lighting and sound systems, the promenade transforms ordinary shopping trips into extraordinary experiences.
Currently, C FRONT also features exciting pop-up shops that are available until Dec. 14.
These include local abaya designers, clothing shops, Arab perfumes, gold jewelry, frankincense from Oman, dried fruits, books, and a diverse range of restaurants serving sweet delights like chocolate and ice cream, as well as savory options like tacos and burgers.
There is also a play area and an “Ice Kingdom” where kids can play with snow.
While the pop-up shops are temporary, the permanent stores will remain open, promising a wealth of choices, including cafes, food outlets, and family-friendly options.
“The vision for developing C Front is to create a comprehensive destination that reflects the aspirations of Qatif and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in supporting economic and social development,” said Khaled Al-Rasoul Shahab, executive director of Al-Seef Al-Sharqi Co.
Laila Abualsaud, co-owner of Tree Optics with her husband, expressed her enthusiasm for being involved in this exciting project.
“Tree Optics was founded to deliver an exceptional eyewear shopping experience, emphasizing creativity and quality. We are proud to be the first store to open in the unique C Front location,” she told Arab News.
Speaking about what is to come, Shahab said, “We plan to host a series of recreational and cultural events at C Front, including seasonal markets, live performances, and activities for all ages.
“Collaborations with local and international brands will further enhance its appeal as a key destination in Qatif.”
He also highlighted the range of businesses at C Front: “The project features a diverse lineup of restaurants, cafes, fashion shops, and the first hotel in Qatif, elevating service standards and enhancing the shopping experience with numerous options for visitors.”
Discussing C Front’s architectural choices, he added, “C Front features an innovative blend of modernity and Qatif’s coastal character, inspired by the natural environment.
“Its design emphasizes open spaces and visitors’ comfort while reflecting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by focusing on quality design and showcasing local identity.”
Alseef Alsharqi Co., a multi-activity firm engaged in real estate development, investment, and contracting, and Ryadah, an investment and real estate marketing company specializing in facilities and property management, both played crucial roles in bringing C Front to fruition.
Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail and Eastern Province Secretary Fahd Al-Jubair recently visited C Front as part of a broader exploration of development projects and investment opportunities in the area.
