Saudi Arabia announces Yemen peace initiative

Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan announced the new peace plan in Riyadh. (Reuters)
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Updated 29 March 2021
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Saudi Arabia announces Yemen peace initiative

  • Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announces wide-ranging push to end conflict
  • Would open Sanaa airport and ease restrictions Hodeidah Port

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia launched a wide-ranging initiative on Monday to bring peace to Yemen, deliver aid to its people and end the country’s six-year war.

The plan calls for a nationwide cease-fire supervised by the UN, the reopening of Sanaa airport, and new talks to reach a political resolution to the conflict.

Restrictions on the Red Sea port of Hodeidah would be eased, allowing access for ships and cargo. Income from the port, including taxes, would go to the central bank in Hodeidah in accordance with the Stockholm agreement.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan urged the Iran-backed Houthi militia to join the initiative. “We want the guns to fall completely silent,” Prince Faisal said.

“However, the time frame is up to the Houthis now. We are ready to go to them. But they have to decide, will they put the interests of Yemen first or the interests of Iran?”

The Saudi peace plan was widely welcomed across the region and the world, and was immediately supported by Yemen’s government, which blamed the Houthis for the failure of previous initiatives.

“The Yemeni government is fully aware that ending the suffering of Yemenis will only be done by ending the coup and the war that was sparked by the Houthi militia,” the foreign ministry said. “It is committed to all peace efforts to end the coup, restore the state and reject Iran’s destructive project in Yemen.”

The US welcomed “the commitment of Saudi Arabia and the internationally recognized government of Yemen to a new cease-fire plan,” the State Department said. All parties to the conflict should “commit seriously” to an immediate cease-fire and engage in negotiations under the auspices of the UN, it said. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Prince Faisal in a phone call that he supported efforts to “end the conflict in Yemen, starting with the need for all parties to commit to a cease-fire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.”

In New York, the UN said the Saudi initiative was in alignment with its own efforts to end the war, led by special envoy Martin Griffiths. “There’s no doubt that every effort must be made to end the conflict in a Yemen and address the suffering of the Yemeni people and the UN looks forward to continue working with all the parties to achieve this goal,” spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman said the initiative gives the Houthis the opportunity to uphold their country’s interests “over Iranian expansionist goals.”

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MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah

Updated 14 July 2025
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MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah

  • Al-Issa highlighted the center’s vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes
  • Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league’s efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing

MAKKAH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa recently received Firdavs Abdukhalikov, president of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, and his delegation in Makkah.

Al-Issa highlighted the center’s vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league’s efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing.

He also praised Al-Issa’s representation of Muslims during his speech at the UN’s inaugural International Day to Combat Islamophobia, held at the General Assembly’s invitation.

Also in Makkah, Al-Issa met Mohammed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, Iraq’s consul general in Saudi Arabia, who paid a farewell visit at the end of his term.


Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif

Updated 14 July 2025
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Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif

  • Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlights commitment to quality service, unforgettable visitor experiences

RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program.

The program, launched in May with the slogan “Color Your Summer,” runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea’s coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities.

Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality.

He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif’s natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA.

Al-Khateeb said at the program’s launch in May: “This year we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.”

The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures.

Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather.

Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer.

Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903.

Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures.

Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards.

The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region’s rich heritage.

Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.


OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank

Updated 14 July 2025
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OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank

Jeddah: The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, met Palestine’s permanent representative to the OIC, ambassador Hadi Shibli, at its headquarters in Jeddah.

The envoy updated Taha on the escalating situation in Palestine, detailing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing violations and crimes by Israeli forces in the West Bank, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The two sides also discussed the provocative rhetoric and incitement by Israeli ministers and officials, plans for annexing the West Bank and claims of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.

Taha reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to advocating for an immediate, lasting ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensuring international protection for Palestinians and supporting a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions.


Saudi royal institute opens registration for traditional arts programs in Riyadh

Updated 14 July 2025
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Saudi royal institute opens registration for traditional arts programs in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, or Wrth, has opened registration for six specialized academic programs in collaboration with leading international universities and academies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The programs aim to preserve Saudi traditional arts, promote their global presence and support the Year of Handicrafts 2025, in line with the Kingdom’s cultural development goals.

Offerings include master’s degrees in traditional furniture design, costume design for performances, museum and exhibition curation, and digital heritage, as well as a higher diploma in traditional product development and an intermediate diploma in choreography.

Programs last one to two academic years and are held in person at Wrth’s Riyadh headquarters. There are no tuition fees, the SPA reported.

The programs combine theory and practice to prepare specialists to transform the traditional arts sector into a sustainable cultural and economic resource.

Wrth invites interested applicants to register and review program details at wrth.edu.sa/programs/construction-diploma-program, with studies beginning at the start of the academic year.

The institute works to promote national identity, enrich Saudi traditional arts, recognize talent in the field, and encourage the mastery and development of these crafts.

Meanwhile, Wrth is taking part in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, which runs until July 15. The initiative aims to promote Saudi traditional arts internationally, support entrepreneurs and offer interactive experiences to the public, in line with the Year of Handicrafts.

The event also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, reflecting the strong cultural ties between the two countries, and fostering new opportunities for collaboration and creativity.

Wrth’s program features activities blending Saudi and Japanese cultures in a contemporary style while preserving the authenticity of each tradition, the SPA reported.

A live demonstration by Saudi artisan Salman Al-Hamad and Japanese artisan Yuho Ohkota showcases Al-Ahsa Bisht embroidery applied to a Japanese kimono in a modern artistic form.

The participation also includes a workshop where visitors can craft a Japanese fan decorated with Saudi-inspired patterns using innovative stamps designed by Fidaa Al-Amri, a Wrth graduate with an advanced diploma in traditional product development.


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days

Updated 14 July 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days

  • Saudi Arabia leaders wish 2 nations’ people good health, progress and prosperity

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince on Sunday congratulated President Jakov Milatovic of Montenegro on his country’s National Day celebrations.

In a cable, King Salman wished Milatovic “continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Montenegro steady progress and prosperity,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar message in a separate cable, according to the SPA.

On Saturday, the king and crown prince congratulated Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau on his country’s Independence Day, wishing him and his constituents steady progress and prosperity.

Montenegro, located in southeast Europe, became a part of Yugoslavia in 1918 during the realignment of nations after the First World War.

After Yugoslavia broke up in 1992, Montenegro formed a federation with Serbia, but opted to become an independent republic in 2006.

Kiribati, an island republic in the central Pacific, gained its independence from the UK in 1979.

Both Montenegro and Kiribati are members of the UN.