Recognizing Palestinian state is a ‘strategic necessity’ Saudi Arabia tells UN

Manal Radwan, counsellor at Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry, said this was a moment of historic urgency for the UN to reach a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. (UNTV/Screengrab)
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Updated 24 May 2025
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Recognizing Palestinian state is a ‘strategic necessity’ Saudi Arabia tells UN

Recognizing Palestinian state is a ‘strategic necessity’ Saudi Arabia tells UN
  • The Kingdom and France prepare to co-chair conference next month designed to hasten implementation of two-state solution
  • Foreign ministry’s Manal Radwan tells preparatory meeting recognizing Palestine would mark beginning of peace in the Middle East

LONDON: Recognizing the state of Palestine is a “strategic necessity” that would mark the beginning of peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia told a UN meeting on Friday.

The comments came as the Kingdom and France prepare to co-chair a global conference next month designed to hasten the implementation of a two-state solution to end decades of conflict between Israel and Palestinians.

The effort has gained further support this week as the devastating toll of Israel’s resumed assault on Gaza sparked international anger.

Speaking at a UN General Assembly meeting in preparation for the conference, co-chair Manal Radwan, counsellor at Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry, said that a just solution to the Palestinian question was not only a moral and legal imperative, but “the cornerstone of a new regional order based on mutual recognition and coexistence.”

“Regional peace begins with recognizing the state of Palestine, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a strategic necessity,” she said.

“It is the only way to eliminate the space exploited by non-state actors and replace despair with a political horizon, grounded in rights and sovereignty, ensuring security and dignity for all.”

The high-level conference is scheduled to begin on June 17 at the UN headquarters in New York and aims to urgently adopt concrete measures toward the implementation of the two-state solution.

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said this week that the conference was meant to rally the world to recognize a Palestinian state.

Palestine is officially recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states and has observer status at the UN but is not a full member. 

More than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel unleashed its military operation in Gaza after the October 2023 Hamas-led attack killed 1,200 people.

As the death toll and suffering in Gaza has increased, more nations have moved to recognize Palestine, including Ireland, Norway and Spain last year.

President Emmanuel Macron has said that France would probably recognize Palestine at the June conference and the UK is in discussions about a similar step.

This week, France, Britain and Canada called on Israel to halt its military offensive on Gaza and a remove its restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Israel has recently launched an expanded operation in Gaza, aiming to seize full control of the territory and cut off all aid for several months.

Radwan said that the meeting on Palestine’s future came at a moment of “historic urgency” with Gaza “enduring unimaginable suffering” and civilians continuing to pay the price of a war “that must end immediately.”

“Despair grows deeper by the day, and yet, this is precisely why we must speak not only of ending the war, but of ending a conflict that has lasted for nearly eight decades,” she said.

She said that Saudi Arabia was honored to stand with other nations committed to the diplomatic effort to bring “real, irreversible and transformative change, to ensure, once and for all, the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine.”

“The only way to prevent the reoccurrence of violence, terrorism and atrocities is to implement the two-state solution, including through the support of a robust multilateral framework,” she added.

French presidential adviser for the Middle East and North Africa, Anne-Claire Legendre, said that a political solution to the conflict was a matter of urgency.

“The June conference must mark a transformative milestone for the effective implementation of the two-state solution,” she said.

“We must move from the end of the war in Gaza to an end of the conflict. Faced with the facts on the ground, the prospects of a Palestinian state must be maintained.”


Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition

Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition
Updated 4 min 54 sec ago
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Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition

Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition
  • Event highlights smart projects, training initiatives, and global partnerships in the sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Transport General Authority, held an international exhibition in London to showcase its key initiatives and achievements in supporting the maritime transport industry.

The event was attended by senior officials and saw broad participation from International Maritime Organization member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar and Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, along with government officials, embassy representatives, and maritime attaches.

The event highlighted the Kingdom’s role as an active partner in the international maritime system and a key contributor to developing global maritime regulations and practices, the SPA added.

It also reflected Saudi Arabia’s continued influence within the International Maritime Organization and its efforts to promote sustainability and improve the efficiency of maritime supply chains.

The exhibition showcased the academies and specialized centers established by the Kingdom, as well as initiatives to localize talent and train seafarers, officers, and marine engineers.

It also featured smart projects that support automation in the sector, enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, according to the SPA.

Prince Khalid said that the exhibition reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation, highlighting the Kingdom’s hospitality and pursuit of sustainable, collaborative maritime partnerships.

Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom is steadily moving toward leadership in maritime transport, driven by Vision 2030 and investments in talent and technology to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub.

In recent years, the Saudi maritime sector has grown rapidly, with the number of Saudi-flagged vessels reaching 409, totaling more than 100,000 gross tons and more than 16.5 million deadweight tons.

The number of registered Saudi seafarers has risen to 3,000, supported by specialized programs and regulatory initiatives that empower national maritime capabilities, the SPA reported.

These efforts build on Saudi Arabia’s active role in the International Maritime Organization, advancing the maritime transport industry through a vision that goes beyond fleet development or regulatory modernization.

It includes creating an advanced global maritime system based on operational excellence, human capital investment, and cutting-edge technology for a promising, sustainable future.


Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors
Updated 12 July 2025
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Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail has attracted more than 27,000 visitors from the city, across the Kingdom, and from Gulf and international destinations.

Running from 6 p.m. till 1 a.m. each evening, the 30-day Beit Hail Festival offers a rich blend of cultural, artistic, and heritage experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of live performances and interactive heritage displays, recreating scenes from the past and presented by skilled male and female artisans.

Exhibits give younger generations a glimpse of how their ancestors transformed natural materials into functional items, showcasing the ingenuity and authenticity of Saudi heritage.

More than 40 activities allow visitors to explore traditional crafts such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and distinctive Najdi and Hail door making.

Other highlights include traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making, the SPA added.

Visitors can also savor a variety of traditional folk foods. At the heart of the festival, an artistic theater hosts performances, including the Hail Samri and Saudi Ardah.

The festival also provides a platform for local craftspeople to showcase their work directly to the public.


Kingdom arrests 21,058 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 21,058 illegals in one week
Updated 12 July 2025
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Kingdom arrests 21,058 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 21,058 illegals in one week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 21,058 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,558 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,500 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,000 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 2072 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 52 percent were Ethiopian, 47 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 28 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 37 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer

Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
Updated 12 July 2025
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Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer

Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
  • Shopping festival, water sports, live music light up coastal city for 90 days of fun

JEDDAH: As part of this year’s Jeddah Season, summer events under the theme “Jeddah is Different” launched on Friday night at Jeddah Art Promenade, coinciding with the opening of several new zones for the summer vacation.

The program offers entertainment, culture and tourism across several main destinations, including the city’s iconic landmarks and key facilities.

The opening night featured drone shows, roaming performances and interactive characters, creating an engaging experience for families and visitors.

Throughout the summer, the season includes cultural experiences, entertainment shows, water activities, live music, shopping and other attractions, providing residents and visitors with diverse activities over 90 days.

It supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by diversifying entertainment options and enhancing quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors.

Among the main attractions is the Jeddah Shopping Festival, combining traditional and modern markets, along with promotions and discounts at malls, hotels, airlines, car rentals and restaurants. The festival will run until Aug. 31.

This year’s season also features the West Coast zone in Obhur, offering entertainment on Jeddah’s coast, women-only beaches, and both day- and night-time activities.

Visitors can enjoy water sports and games at public and private beaches, relax at retreats like Kashta Beach and attend musical performances by the sea.

The Perfume Exhibition showcases a wide range of local and international perfumes, specialized workshops and exclusive launches, with experts and celebrities taking part.

The enclosed, air-conditioned Forest Wonders area offers interactive experiences, including live animal encounters, theatrical and roaming performances, and jungle-themed restaurants until Aug. 30.

Art enthusiasts can attend concerts and art events featuring Arab and Gulf stars, adding a creative dimension to the season.

Events remain open past midnight to avoid the summer heat. More events are expected to be announced later this year, spanning the cultural, artistic and tourism fields.


10 Riyadh travel, tourism offices closed over rules breaches

10 Riyadh travel, tourism offices closed over rules breaches
Updated 7 sec ago
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10 Riyadh travel, tourism offices closed over rules breaches

10 Riyadh travel, tourism offices closed over rules breaches
  • The initiative aims to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and improve service quality across the Kingdom

RIYADH: Inspection teams from the Ministry of Tourism visited travel and tourism offices in Riyadh as part of the “Our Guests Are a Priority” campaign.

The initiative aims to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and improve service quality across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In Riyadh, the inspections led to the closure of 10 offices for violations. The main offenses included operating without a license, organizing unauthorized Umrah and Hajj trips, transporting pilgrims in unlicensed vehicles, and housing worshippers in unregulated facilities in Makkah and Madinah.

The campaign is part of the ministry’s efforts to protect tourists’ rights and regulate tourism service providers. It targets unlicensed offices or those operating beyond their approved activities.

The ministry confirmed it will impose regulatory penalties on violators, including fines of up to SR50,000 ($13,300). For repeat offenses, fines can reach up to SR1 million.

Additional sanctions may include suspension or permanent closure of the office, depending on the severity of the violations. The ministry urged all licensed providers to comply with the terms of their licenses.

It also advised tourists to deal only with licensed and regulated providers to protect their rights and ensure a safe, reliable experience, the SPA reported.

Complaints about tourism and hospitality services can be reported to the Unified Tourism Call Center at 930.