Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia

Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts farewell reception for outgoing ambassadors at the Cultural Palace, DQ, Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Updated 16 June 2025
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Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia

Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts reception for outgoing ambassadors.
  • Event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment

RIYADH: A farewell ceremony for the outgoing ambassadors of Australia, Cyprus, Hungry and Mexico took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter on Monday.

The event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment and contribution to diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral level.

“During their tenure they did a good job, serving to expand bilateral relations between their countries and Saudi Arabia to new horizons of success and prosperity. I would like to extend them all the best in their life and future endeavors," said Bamakhrama, who is also the Djibouti ambassador.

He mentioned his involvement with them at occasions such as meeting the Riyadh governor during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: “It was good sharing memories with you, we will miss you.”

Mexican ambassador Anibal Gomez Toledo thanked the dean and the Saudi government for their support during his time in the Kingdom.

“You have been very supportive, and a good friend. It has been an honor for me to be here with you all,” he said, praising the warm Saudi hospitality he had enjoyed.

“I think the Middle East has been a very humanitarian experience for me,” he said, adding the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 was an inspiration to many other countries.

Australian ambassador Mark Donovan said he had enjoyed his time in Riyadh and the good relationships he had experienced.

“It was always very professional and very polite. I consider myself lucky to be here,” he said.

“So my whole experience was pleasant. I will miss the Saudi hospitality, the warmth of working here with you all. Technology today allows us to keep in touch much easier than it did 30 years ago — I’m on Facebook, anybody can find me. I wish you all the best.”

Cypriot ambassador Alexis Phedonos-Vadet said: “I am very grateful to be with you all (in) such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Me and my wife thank you all for the support, friendship and cooperation. It has been an incredible journey.”

Hungary’s ambassador, Balazs Selmeci, said he appreciated the opportunity to get together with everyone before saying goodbye to the Kingdom.

“It really has been a privilege to be a part of what has happened here, the ongoing transformation. There are going to be some good times.”

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting and helping countries evacuating citizens from Sudan. Both Saudi citizens and the nationals of other friendly countries were evacuated in mid-2023, with Royal Saudi Navy vessels and Royal Saudi Air Force planes playing a key part.

Also attending the farewell ceremony were the heads of various missions, ambassadors and other Saudi officials.


Henry Jackson Society hosts talks with secretary-general of the Muslim World League in London

The Henry Jackson Society hosted a dialogue with Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of MWL, in London.
The Henry Jackson Society hosted a dialogue with Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of MWL, in London.
Updated 11 sec ago
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Henry Jackson Society hosts talks with secretary-general of the Muslim World League in London

The Henry Jackson Society hosted a dialogue with Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of MWL, in London.
  • Meeting touched on Islam’s message of dialogue, promoting understanding and coexistence among countries and peoples

RIYADH: The Henry Jackson Society hosted a dialogue with Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general and chairman of the Muslim World League, at its headquarters in London.

The meeting touched on Islam’s message of dialogue, promoting understanding and coexistence among countries and peoples, particularly among the diverse communities in multicultural societies.

Al-Issa commended the British Muslim community for its respect for the law, its commitment to social cohesion, and its active engagement in the United Kingdom.

He said that this positive impact has been well documented in reports issued by the Muslim World League and affirmed by senior British officials during official meetings.

He noted that the British Muslim community ranks among the four largest in Europe and, more recently, the most prominent among Muslim minorities in Western countries, distinguished not only by its population size but also by its growing presence in senior government positions.

The discussion underscored the important influence of a mindful family, quality education, and accountable media in cultivating awareness, reinforcing sound thinking, and combating harmful, misleading, and extremist ideologies.

He noted that during a meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace, he conveyed the greetings and appreciation of Muslim scholars and intellectuals affiliated with the Muslim World League.

Al-Issa commended the British monarch’s thoughtful and sincere perspective on Islam, particularly in light of increasing Islamophobia and hostile campaigns driven by ideological extremism.

Al-Issa said that Islam is best represented through its message of moderation, conveyed by its leading official institutions.

The Muslim World League is the voice of Muslim communities worldwide and was the sponsor of the historic “Makkah Document” — a pivotal contemporary Islamic charter endorsed by more than 1,200 leading muftis and scholars.

At a March 2023 conference in London, British Muslims described the document as a foundational religious charter, reflecting the scholarly consensus of the Islamic world under the MWL umbrella, and carrying profound significance because it was issued from Makkah, the spiritual heart of Islam and home of the Kaaba.

The secretary-general of the MWL said in a statement that “the Organization of Islamic Cooperation serves as a voice for Islam from the standpoint of the Islamic nations.”


Head of Iran’s Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services

Head of Iran’s Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services
Updated 25 June 2025
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Head of Iran’s Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services

Head of Iran’s Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services
  • Iranian pilgrims happy with services provided after completing Hajj rituals

RIYADH: The head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, Alireza Bayat, has commended Saudi Arabia for its organization and the facilities provided to pilgrims during the Hajj season 2025.

He said Iranian pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the quality of services upon completing the Hajj rituals and complimented the efficiency of the Saudi authorities in operating air transport, crowd management at the holy sites and healthcare services.

Bayat added the Kingdom had become a role model when serving Muslim worshippers and pilgrims at the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.


Saudi students’ experiments launched to International Space Station

Saudi students’ experiments launched to International Space Station
Updated 25 June 2025
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Saudi students’ experiments launched to International Space Station

Saudi students’ experiments launched to International Space Station
  • Ten experiments designed by students from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world were included in the launch
  • Space Madak competition was set up to support and encourage those who are fascinated by space science and technology

RIYADH: Saudi students’ winning entries from the “Space Madak” competition were launched to the International Space Station on Wednesday morning, the Saudi Space Agency announced.

The launch was part of an international mission that lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States.

Ten experiments designed by students from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world were included in the launch — a landmark event that reflects the Kingdom’s push to advance scientific innovation and empower young talents in the space industry.

The “Space Madak” competition was set up to support and encourage those who are fascinated by space science and technology and are eager to learn how to turn their ideas into practical scientific applications in the microgravity environment aboard the ISS.

The competition, an initiative by the agency in partnership with the Misk Foundation and the Ilmi Science Discovery and Innovation Center, consisted of three categories: “Art: Bezel of Inspiration,” open to ages 6-11; “Agriculture: Bezel of Growth,” open to ages 12-14; and “Engineering: Bezel of Innovation,” open to ages 15-18.

More than 80,000 students participated from across the Arab world.

At the launch of the competition in February last year, Rayyanah Barnawi, the first female Saudi astronaut and supervisor of the competition, said that it was bound to expand the horizons of ambitious young minds and fuel their creativity.

The competition presented a “unique opportunity for students in the Arab world to participate in a journey of discovery and innovation,” she said.

Barnawi was selected by the agency to join Axiom Mission 2 in May 2023, and with fellow Saudi astronaut Ali Al-Qarni, conducted 14 experiments on the ISS — 11 on research in a microgravity environment focused on human health, cell sciences, and cloud seeding, and three interactive educational experiments with students in the Kingdom.

The achievement by the students is a reflection of the Saudi Space Agency’s efforts to fortify the Kingdom’s presence in international space programs and to promote an environment that supports a knowledge-based economy, in accordance with Vision 2030 goals of preparing a generation capable of becoming active contributors in the future of the space sector.


New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather

New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather
Updated 25 June 2025
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New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather

New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather
  • Study seeks sustainable solutions for extreme weather phenomena while supporting quality-of-life improvements
  • Includes analyzing climate effects on urban infrastructure and studying extreme weather patterns

RIYADH: The Regional Centre for Climate Change has launched an advanced scientific study to analyze the effects of climate change on urban environments in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The study seeks sustainable solutions for extreme weather phenomena while supporting quality-of-life improvements in these religiously significant regions with unique urban planning requirements.

These include analyzing climate effects on urban infrastructure and studying extreme weather patterns through modern climate modeling techniques. The initiative also uses data to optimize urban planning and propose resilience solutions to ensure visitor safety and comfort at the Two Holy Mosques.

Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology and general supervisor of the RCCC, said that this research is a fundamental pillar supporting adaptation strategies to climate variables for the Two Holy Mosques.

He said that the centers are committed to providing scientific solutions to enhance future projects’ efficiency at both holy cities.

Mazen Assiri, executive director of RCCC detailed the methodology, saying that the integrated scientific approach analyzes weather phenomena affecting urban environments, incorporating international best practices to deliver outputs that align with national development requirements.

He said that to ensure comprehensive solutions, the center held workshops with government and research entities, performed field studies in central Makkah and Madinah, and analyzed practical implementation pathways.

This initiative aligns with the RCCC’s mission to advance specialized climate knowledge and data-driven decision-making. It directly supports environmental sustainability in major developmental projects throughout the Kingdom, particularly those accommodating millions of pilgrims annually.

The study reinforces national efforts to address climate challenges in strategically vital regions while enhancing institutional cooperation in climate resilience planning.


Literary agent training program launched

Literary agent training program launched
Updated 25 June 2025
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Literary agent training program launched

Literary agent training program launched
  • Five-day course aims to help more Saudis become literary agents as well as enhance existing qualifications and skills
  • Initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to support literary agents and agencies in the Kingdom through intensive, high-quality training

RIYADH: An international training program for literary agents has been launched in the UK by Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

The five-day course, which aims to help more Saudis become literary agents as well as enhance existing qualifications and skills, includes theoretical sessions on current industry strategies, one-on-one consultations with global publishing experts and visits to some of the UK’s leading literary agencies.

The initiative, which offers participants opportunities to improve their knowledge by learning directly from international experts, is part of the commission’s efforts to support literary agents and agencies in the Kingdom through intensive, high-quality training.

It includes workshops, advisory and mentoring sessions with international specialists, and visits to top literary agencies abroad.