Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?

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Updated 23 February 2025
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Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?

Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?
  • Saudi strategic expert and think tank founder highlights Kingdom’s balancing act in diplomacy, maintaining relations with Russia while supporting Western stances
  • Dr. Abdulaziz Sager says Riyadh’s diplomatic influence extends to Gaza, where it rejects Palestinian displacement, remains committed to two-state solution

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh designed to re-establish fractured relations between Washington and Moscow and plot a course to ending the war in Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia brokered the talks on Feb. 18, signaling its emerging influence on the world stage. It comes amid a growing recognition of the Kingdom’s potential role as a mediator, positioning it as a crucial bridge between East and West. Further talks are expected on Feb. 25.

Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener.

“Saudi Arabia has taken an important position that has led to this meeting, which means Saudi Arabia originally refused to take a side — neither with the Russians nor with the Ukrainians,” Sager said.

Global media outlets have highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unique positioning, noting that it has maintained positive ties with both Russia and the West throughout the Ukraine conflict, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia launched what it called a “special military operation.”

CNN said Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the high-stakes rapprochement meeting between US and Russian officials “underlines the Kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.”

The US broadcaster also speculated that “another likely aim” could be pursuing “added leverage for Riyadh in future talks on the fate of postwar Gaza.”

Radio Free Europe likewise suggested the discussions represented an opportunity for Saudi Arabia “to assert its political clout after it rejected US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza’s residents while resisting any normalization of relations with Israel.”




Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, spoke to Katie Jensen, host of the current affairs show “Frankly Speaking.” (AN Photo)

The fact that Riyadh “originally refused to take a side” is not to say it has condoned Russia’s behavior, nor failed to play a role in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the war, Sager said.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has consistently voted against the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the UN, contributed aid and participated in prisoner exchanges.

“In fact, they took a position that they vote in the UN for the decision against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the GCC countries, they have taken, also, a very firm and clear position on that subject also,” Sager said.

“They have contributed to the humanitarian issue in Ukraine. They have participated in the release of some of the prisoners also — Ukrainian prisoners from the Russian side.

“And also, they have insisted, and this was stated during the visit of the (Saudi) foreign minister to Ukraine, confirming the position of Saudi Arabia on the unity of Ukraine.”

Sager added: “Yet, Saudi Arabia never wanted to be fully on the side of either, or what the American and the European countries … (said, which was): ‘Either you are with us or against us.’

“So, they have maintained relations with Russia. They never wanted to cut relations diplomatically with Russia, because Russia has been a very important and useful partner in OPEC+.”

This balanced approach, according to Sager, has allowed the Kingdom to maintain open lines of communication with both sides, creating an environment for dialogue.

The Feb. 18 talks in Riyadh were attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and on the Russian side by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and head of Moscow’s Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev.

“It was a very important meeting that took place in Riyadh, attended by both the US secretary of state and the national security adviser. It brought the American and Russians together after many years when they did not get together, and also to discuss the current situation,” Sager told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen.

“And the result of that, of course, is to create a different committee between both sides to go in depth and in detailed discussion of the whole issue.”




Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh. (KSAMOFA)

While Ukraine was not directly involved in the Riyadh talks, Sager noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was aware of the discussions. He also pointed to subsequent meetings in Paris involving European foreign ministers, where Ukraine was likely informed of the outcomes.

However, the absence of Ukraine from the initial talks has raised questions about inclusivity and just how sustainable a resulting peace deal might be. Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out accepting a peace deal negotiated without Ukraine.

Last Monday, European leaders held a hastily arranged summit in Paris — a day before the US-Russia talks in Riyadh — amid fears that Ukraine and Europe could be excluded from peace negotiations, raising concerns about the continent’s long-term security.

However, Sager clarified the Riyadh discussions extended beyond Ukraine, encompassing broader issues related to the US-Russia relationship.

These included the status of frozen Russian assets and sanctions, with some reports suggesting the easing of restrictions on credit card usage for Russians. Such measures could be seen as confidence-building steps aimed at fostering a more constructive dialogue.

Indeed, the Kingdom may soon play host to a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Looking ahead to future talks, Sager said: “Definitely, Ukraine will participate, and I think it was clearly stated by the US side (that) there will be participation from the Ukrainian side and the Europeans.”

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Sager reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. He sharply criticized US proposals that involve the deportation of Gazan people and the conversion of the Palestinian territory into a real estate project.

“The Saudi position never changed,” he said. “The Saudi position is still insisting on the two-state solution. If you have another solution, tell us.”




 Leaders of the GCC countries, Jordan and Egypt convened in Riyadh on Friday ahead of an emergency summit in Cairo. (AFP)

He dismissed alternative solutions as unacceptable, saying that such proposals are rejected by Arab countries. This regional consensus, he said, underscores the importance of a unified approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He also speculated that the US proposals could be aimed at achieving collective recognition and normalization with Israel, which he believes is unlikely to succeed.

“I don’t think that will happen because Saudi Arabia is leading the team, and if you remember, we had the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh here, and that summit did confirm with the 57 countries attending that a two-state solution is the way forward that we will be accepting.”

Sager highlighted the widespread international support for a Palestinian state, with 149 UN member countries already recognizing it.

“The solution that President Trump presented is unacceptable,” he said. “The deportation of the people of Gaza and converting it to a real estate project — and then, there is no guarantee that they will (go) back. I don’t think this is acceptable.

“And by the way, not only Saudi Arabia but also all GCC countries along with Egypt and Jordan reject such a thing. I think he wanted to divert attention from the two-state solution, that he will put the countries in the region here in a defensive position to defend themselves from not really getting to the two-state solution that they’ve always believed in.”

Sager highlighted the importance of a unified Palestinian position, urging Hamas and other factions to participate in a unified Palestinian Authority. This call for unity reflects the belief that a cohesive Palestinian voice is essential for achieving a lasting peace.

“Definitely the Arab countries and the Arab League will ask for a unified Palestinian position, a unified Palestinian Authority,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization by some countries but suggested that individuals close to Hamas could be represented in the Palestinian Authority.

This nuanced approach recognizes the need to engage with all relevant stakeholders, even those with differing ideologies.




Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted to Katie Jensen the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener. (AN Photo)

 

Sager also addressed the issue of ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza, noting that they were taking place despite President Trump’s recent rhetoric. While acknowledging Trump’s tendency to escalate demands, he suggested that these threats often serve as a basis for compromise.

Regarding international legal cases against Israeli leaders, Sager affirmed the importance of pursuing justice and upholding international law.

He praised South Africa’s efforts in bringing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and emphasized the need to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.

“I think it’s worth pursuing because in the end, we need to respect international law and we need to respect the international court. And such an effort (that) has been put by South Africa (is) highly appreciated,” said Sager.

“And remember, the G7 meeting in 2025 will take place in South Africa. So, that effort has been appreciated, and I think that matter should continue because we should not give a chance for the genocide and those (who) commit such a crime to get away with it without getting to the court and getting to the legal side.”

Looking ahead, Sager expressed cautious optimism about the Middle East, citing successful ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza as positive developments.

However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.

“There are many cases still open,” he said. “We have almost seven countries in an almost failed state. The situation in the Arab world, we have Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Gaza, of course, the Palestinian side, all of those, there is a huge demand for reconstruction, which can cost trillions.”

Given the uneven recovery in different parts of the Middle East and North Africa, is Sager more or less optimistic about the region’s future than he was last year?

“I’m always optimistic,” he said. “But also with optimism, with cautious optimism, I see that there is a lot of hard work (that) needs to be done to overcome a lot of those issues.”

 

 


KSrelief offers vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss in Kenya

KSrelief offers vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss in Kenya
Updated 18 April 2025
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KSrelief offers vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss in Kenya

KSrelief offers vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss in Kenya
  • Aid agency launches Sama’a Volunteer Program supporting children with hearing loss in the African country

Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has launched the Sama’a Volunteer Program, a Saudi-led program for cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation in Kenya, offering vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s media department told Arab News on Friday that the program will provide 25 cochlear implant surgeries at Avenue Hospital in Nairobi and support 50 families with post-operative training in speech therapy and auditory rehabilitation.

“A team of 19 specialized medical volunteers will carry out the procedures and training over the coming days,” said KSrelief.

The launch event was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Kenya Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Salman; Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya’s minister of health; and Jibril Ibrahim Abdullahi, ambassador of Somalia to Kenya.

Children from Somalia are also among the expected beneficiaries, highlighting the program’s regional scope.

Commenting on the program, Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor-general for planning and development at KSrelief, said: “Hearing loss affects each child differently. Some are born with it, others lose it later, but what they share is the potential to connect, learn and thrive when given the right care. That is what this program is here to support.”

The Sama’a Saudi Program is part of KSrelief’s broader efforts to expand access to specialized healthcare for vulnerable communities across Africa and beyond.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health posted on X: “Cabinet Secretary of Health Aden Duale launched the Volunteer Medical Porgram for Cochlear Implantation and Audio Rehabilitation for Children at a Nairobi hotel, in partnership with KSrelief. The initiative brings together advanced technology and skills transfer to support children with hearing loss.

“Aligned with Kenya’s National Ear and Hearing Care Strategic Plan (2023–2028) and UHC goals, the program is part of efforts to reverse the causes of childhood hearing loss through a comprehensive, person-centered approach.”

Duale highlighted the inclusion of hearing devices in the Kenya Essential Medical Supplies List (2023) and partial coverage for cochlear implants under the SHA benefits package.

The donation targeting 1,000 children across Africa has so far seen the implantation of the top-of-the-range hearing aids to 30 children aged between 3-5 years in Kenya (15) and Somalia (15). The implants correct severe to profound deafness.

Duale highlighted the importance of partnerships in strengthening ear and hearing care, and building a strong, inclusive health system.

He described the collaboration as a symbol of unity in restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope for children and families who need it most.


Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags

Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags
Updated 18 April 2025
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Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags

Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags
  • Focus on pop culture, nature, childhood joys, they tell Arab News
  • Old cassette tapes, coins, watches and K-pop photos are collected

RIYADH: From cassette tapes and coins to K-pop photocards and fallen flowers, Generation Z collectors in Saudi Arabia spoke to Arab News about how they value sentiment and storytelling over price tags and prestige.

Unlike traditional antique collecting, which often centers on ornate heirlooms and museum-worthy artifacts, this younger generation is finding nostalgia and meaning in items that speak to their own lives: pop culture, nature, and childhood joys.

Many of these collections begin as simple interests and evolve into deeply personal archives of memory and identity.

For Hawazen Mohammed, collecting starts with focusing on items that others might overlook.

“I collect things from nature because I see them as treasures — I can’t imagine walking past them and leaving them behind,” she said.

Alongside pressed leaves, rose petals, and interesting twigs, Mohammed’s love of small details also finds expression in sticker collecting — something she has done since childhood.

Nature’s treasures, as Hawazen Mohammed calls them – collected during walks as part of her growing assortment of leaves, flowers, and found objects. (Supplied/Hawazen Mohammed)

“As for the stickers, I’ve loved collecting them since I was a kid. I grew up and became an otaku fan,” she said, referencing her passion for Japanese anime and its visual culture.

This desire to preserve moments is not limited to organic materials. Others, like Htoon Saeed, turn to objects rich in historical context.

“My hobby of collecting coins came from my interest in history and vintage things,” she explained. “I noticed that coins are the ideal way to commemorate a particular era in history.”

Her collection includes both paper money and coins from countries around the world, laid out and organized with care. Each piece, regardless of value, holds significance as a snapshot of its time and place.

Abdulaziz Al-Yamani found his archive not in a museum or market — but in a cassette box filled with the voice of Talal Maddah.

The singer “shaped the sound of Saudi music and the soundtrack of my childhood and hometown,” said Al-Yamani.

“These tapes may be rare now, but to me, they’re pieces of history — and keeping them safe feels like a way to honor that legacy.”

Abdulaziz Al-Yamani’s cassette box is more than nostalgia — it’s a tribute to Talal Maddah, “the soundtrack of my childhood and hometown,” he says. For him, preserving these tapes is preserving a piece of Saudi musical history. (Supplied/Abdulaziz Al-Yamani)

K-pop collector Jana Al-Harbi started her journey with a single card.

“What started as a simple joy in buying a rare photocard of an idol I love quickly grew into a three-year journey of collecting, connecting, and sharing moments with people who understand the same excitement,” she said.

“It’s slightly more than just a hobby — it’s something I truly loved, no matter the effort or cost. It brought me closer to a community and a passion that meant so much to me. And introduced me to a caring and loving side of myself I had never noticed before.”

In a world where digital interactions often feel fleeting, the tangible joy of collecting serves as a grounding ritual. Al-Harbi’s collection eventually led to an extraordinary moment.

“Collecting photocards also gives fans a big opportunity: a chance to win a one-to-one video call with their favorite idol. And that’s what happened to me — it gave me a sense of fulfillment and brought a beautiful closure to the journey.”

Collector Naif Al-Zahrani looks to vintage watches to mark not just the passing of time, but the stories tied to it.

“I collect money and coins, old and new from different countries, but what I love to collect mostly is vintage watches,” he said.

“For me, I believe watches represent the time you spend, and the memories you make. Watches (are) something that I collect because I see (them) as an art piece that you can have for life.

A timeline in timepieces — from a 1945 Heloisa to a 1980s West End Watch, Naif Al-Zahrani’s collection captures the evolution of design and sentiment. “Each one tells a story,” he says. “They’re not just watches — they’re memories worn on the wrist.” (Supplied/Naif Al-Zahrani)

“It represents the personality of the wearer with the different designs, colors, and shape. As a person who is interested in history, everything collectible has its own story and value.”

His most cherished timepieces include a 1945 Heloisa with a black leather strap he describes as “the oldest watch that I adore.”

In addition, he has a 1970s Philippe Moraly with a mother-of-pearl dial which is his “favorite design,” and a 1980s West End Watch he calls “my everyday watch.”

While these collections vary in shape, theme and age, what unites them is the deep emotional and personal connection each collector has with their items.


Saudi Arabia, UK sign pact on marine biodiversity protection

Saudi Arabia, UK sign pact on marine biodiversity protection
Updated 18 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia, UK sign pact on marine biodiversity protection

Saudi Arabia, UK sign pact on marine biodiversity protection
  • Sea animals, mangroves to be studied, monitored regularly
  • Data generated will be used to determine vital interventions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has signed a pact with the UK’s National Oceanography Center to collaborate on marine biodiversity projects, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Signed in Riyadh, the collaboration between the NCW and NOC includes monitoring the health of sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, mangroves, seagrass, and other species.

Studies will be undertaken to determine the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, and the use of advanced technologies to track these activities and mitigate their potential harm.
 

The NCW’s CEO Mohammed Qurban said the agreement would help protect wildlife, conserve ecosystems, and restore ecological balance.

The NOC’s Deputy Director Alex Rogers welcomed the partnership. “Global collaboration is essential to achieve NOC’s vision of gaining a deeper knowledge of the ocean to help every living thing on our planet flourish.”

“The seas around Saudi Arabia host a wealth of biodiversity, from rich tropical coral reefs and seagrass beds to deep-sea ecosystems that have barely been explored.

“The collaboration between NCW and NOC will generate critical data on the distribution of species and their ecosystem functioning,” Rogers told Oceanographic magazine.

Britain’s NOC is a research and technology institution specializing in marine science, with facilities in Southampton and Liverpool. It is the UK’s largest organization dedicated to sea-level science and the research and development of coastal and deep-sea technologies.

Saudi Arabia’s NCW, established in 2019 in place of the National Wildlife Authority, is tasked with “preserving wildlife and biodiversity and protecting ecosystems.”

The NWC also “prioritizes research and innovation in wildlife conservation, drawing on national and international expertise.”


Saudi students win 4 awards at European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad

Saudi students win 4 awards at European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad
Updated 18 April 2025
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Saudi students win 4 awards at European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad

Saudi students win 4 awards at European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad
  • Prizes include silver, bronze, 2 honorable mentions
  • 217 female students from 56 countries participated

PRISTINA: Saudi Arabia’s math team won four awards in the recently concluded 2025 European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad.

The EGMO competition in Pristina, Kosovo, from April 11 to 17, featured 217 female students from 56 countries.

All four Saudi contestants won awards, with Fatimah Buali capturing a silver medal and Sarah Aljughayman winning a bronze.

Retaj Alsaleh and Albatool Alaidarous both garnered an honorable mention, according to the EGMO site.

 

The Kingdom’s tally in the annual competition now stands at 36 awards, two gold medals, seven silver, 15 bronze, and 12 certificates of appreciation.

The Kingdom was represented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, which prepares Saudi Arabia children for international scientific competitions and Olympiads.

Saudi Arabia is among the non-European countries that have regularly participated in the annual EGMO event, which started in 2012.

The other regular participants are Japan, China, Australia, Brazil and the US.

 

 


Saudi AI researcher designs system to help people understand sign language

Saudi AI researcher designs system to help people understand sign language
Updated 18 April 2025
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Saudi AI researcher designs system to help people understand sign language

Saudi AI researcher designs system to help people understand sign language
  • ‘Using my background in computer engineering and the power of AI, I realized we could create a smart system that recognizes sign language in real time and translates it,’ says Bader Alsharif
  • Though his initial version translates signs into English, he says it can be adapted to all languages and his next goal is to create a version for Saudi Sign Language

CHICAGO: Working as a teacher with members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community helped a Saudi artificial intelligence scholar realize that technology held the potential to help improve the way they communicate with the world.

After working with people with hearing impairments for more than a decade-and-a-half, Bader Alsharif said he has come to understand that one of the greatest challenges they face is the public’s lack of understanding of sign language. He realized that if this barrier could be overcome, it would not only improve this community’s ability to communicate but also help the wider public better understand the lives of those who rely on signing.

“I decided to focus on sign language and AI because of my close work with students over the past 16 years,” the 39-year-old told Arab News. “I saw the challenges they face when it comes to communication, especially in situations where people around them don’t understand sign language.

“That really touched me and made me want to help. So, using my background in computer engineering and the power of artificial intelligence, I realized we could create a smart system that recognizes sign language in real time and translates it into words.

“This can help bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing community. In simple terms, a camera captures the person making a hand gesture and then AI models analyze those gestures using deep learning and hand tracking. Then the system matches the gesture to letters and words, and displays the meaning of the particular words.”

As Alsharif became more immersed in his academic research, he quickly identified the potential for AI to be a transformative tool in support of deaf students. He personally understands about 30 percent of sign language gestures but the AI-powered program he is developing is designed to interpret the full range of signs, which would help to bridge the communication gap.

The computer engineering scholar has spent several months working with a team to build a dataset that includes every aspect of each sign language gesture and its English translation. The dataset contains nearly 130,000 images of hand gestures, each of which is assigned 21 data points to help the system correctly identify and translate the sign.

Though the initial version is for English translation, Alsharif said datasets can be created for all languages, and his next goal is to create a version that interprets Saudi Sign Language.

“As soon as we have a good dataset, we can implement any sign language translation system into any language,” he added.

Right now, the system is one-way, translating sign language into English, with some limitations. The next challenge, he said, is to reverse the process and expand the system to translate speech, in any language, into sign language.

Originally from Makkah, Alsharif graduated with bachelor’s degree from the College of Technology in Riyadh in 2008 and began working for the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation in Riyadh. In 2017 he received a master’s degree in computer engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology.

His work aims to combine technological innovation with social impact, a goal that positions him as a forward-thinking leader in the use of computer engineering in healthcare.

Alsharif has been studying for a doctorate since 2021 at Florida Atlantic University, where his research focuses on various aspects of sign language-recognition systems, and the use of AI and the internet in the provision of medical services.

He also works as a teaching assistant, guiding and evaluating more than 30 students who are carrying out engineering-design projects. He also assists more than 200 students with advice about technical questions, design principles and project development.

“All these studies use artificial intelligence to help solve real-world problems and support people who have special needs,” Alsharif said.

Alsharif, who lives in Boca Raton, Florida, with his wife and four children, said he is grateful to the government of Saudi Arabia, which made all of his achievements possible. Other innovative projects he has led or been involved with include the opening of digital communications technology company CISCO’s first office in Saudi Arabia, and he has has managed the optimization of performance and security for more than 300 devices.

He has also published more than 10 peer-reviewed papers, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things, particularly as they relate to healthcare. He says he has a particular commitment to advancing technology and fostering inclusivity, particularly through his work with individuals with special needs.