Saudi defense minister’s delegate receives historic Italian ship in Jeddah

Saudi defense minister’s delegate receives historic Italian ship in Jeddah
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Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, assistant to Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi minister of defense. (SPA)
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Updated 28 January 2025
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Saudi defense minister’s delegate receives historic Italian ship in Jeddah

Saudi defense minister’s delegate receives historic Italian ship in Jeddah
  • Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche attend ceremony

JEDDAH: Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, assistant to Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi minister of defense, attended the arrival ceremony for the historic Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci in Jeddah.

The 93-year-old Italian navy tall ship docked at the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina early on Monday, and will remain open to the public until Jan. 30.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche also attended the ceremony.

Al-Otaibi highlighted the Kingdom’s partnership with Italy in the fields of culture and tourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Crosetto expressed pride at seeing the Amerigo Vespucci in Jeddah, emphasizing the cultural exchange between Riyadh and Rome.

The ship’s captain took the Italian and Saudi officials on a tour of the vessel that highlighted its history.

The event was attended by Saleh bin Ali Al-Turki, secretary of Jeddah Province, and Maj. Gen. Salman bin Awad Al-Harbi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense for Strategic Affairs, the SPA added.


Rwanda-backed rebels claim to have seized a second airport in east Congo

Rwanda-backed rebels claim to have seized a second airport in east Congo
Updated 13 min 6 sec ago
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Rwanda-backed rebels claim to have seized a second airport in east Congo

Rwanda-backed rebels claim to have seized a second airport in east Congo
  • The rebels were a few kilometers (miles) away from the airport
  • The Kavumu airport became a target after the M23 rebels seized Goma

GOMA: Rwanda-backed rebels in eastern Congo claimed Friday that they have seized a second airport in the region following a days-long advance toward the Kavumu airport, which serves the South Kivu province.
The Associated Press could not immediately confirm if the Kavumu national airport was under the control of the M23 rebels or government forces.
Government officials and civil society leaders did not immediately comment.
Locals told the AP on Friday morning that the rebels were a few kilometers (miles) away from the airport, a strategic spot for the Congolese military in their fight with the rebels.
The Kavumu airport became a target after the M23 rebels seized Goma, including the international airport there, in late January. Goma is the region’s largest city and the development was a major escalation of the yearslong fighting with Congolese forces in the region.
The M23 rebels — the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups vying for control of Congo’s mineral-rich east — have since advanced deeper into the neighboring South Kivu province.
The rebellion has killed at least 2,000 people in and around Goma and left hundreds of thousands of displaced people stranded, the UN and Congolese authorities have said.


The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April

The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April
Updated 22 min 28 sec ago
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The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April

The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April
  • Theme for 2025 edition is “Cinema of Identity,” exploring how film reflects and shapes individual, national and cultural identity

DHAHRAN: The 11th Saudi Film Festival will take place from April 17 to 24 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, in Dhahran.

Organized by the Cinema Association, in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission of the Ministry of Culture, this year’s festival includes screenings, educational events and networking opportunities.

The theme for this edition is “Cinema of Identity,” exploring how film reflects and shapes individual, national and cultural identity.

The program will feature a mix of local and international films, with a particular focus on how these works navigate the complexities of identity in a globalized world.

The films selected for this program will examine how identity is influenced by heritage, cities and personal experiences, and highlight the challenges and transformations that individuals and societies undergo in response to these influences.

This year’s festival will honor Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, one of Saudi Arabia’s most renowned actors, whose legacy spans over three decades.

Al-Hasawi has been an influential figure in Saudi entertainment, contributing to numerous theatrical productions, TV shows like “Tash Ma Tash” and “Bayni Wa Baynak,” and films such as “Hajjan,” “Zero Distance,” and the recent “Hobal.”

The festival will celebrate his immense contributions to the arts and his significant role in shaping Saudi cinema.

In addition to the spotlight on Saudi cinema, the 11th Saudi Film Festival will feature a special program focused on Japanese cinema.

This segment will showcase a selection of independent Japanese films, offering audiences a chance to experience Japan’s unique cinematic traditions and cultural identity.

The Japanese program will further enhance the festival’s mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue and broaden the perspectives of Saudi audiences.

Throughout the festival, attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in a wide range of activities beyond just screenings.

There will be panel discussions with industry experts, offering insights into the future of Saudi cinema and the evolving role of identity in filmmaking.

Masterclasses will be conducted by seasoned filmmakers and industry professionals, covering key aspects of the filmmaking process such as directing, cinematography and scriptwriting.

The festival will also provide opportunities for one-on-one meetings with experts, where filmmakers can receive personalized feedback and advice on their projects.

For those looking to take their work further, private pitching sessions will be available, giving filmmakers the chance to present their ideas to potential investors and distributors.

Additionally, book signings will give audiences the chance to meet authors and filmmakers who have contributed to the festival, deepening their understanding of the creative processes behind the films.

Tickets can be purchased on the Ithra website.


Saudi Arabia receives Olympic Council flag in handover as it prepares to host 2029 Asian Winter Games in NEOM

Saudi Arabia receives Olympic Council flag in handover as it prepares to host 2029 Asian Winter Games in NEOM
Updated 28 min 54 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia receives Olympic Council flag in handover as it prepares to host 2029 Asian Winter Games in NEOM

Saudi Arabia receives Olympic Council flag in handover as it prepares to host 2029 Asian Winter Games in NEOM
  • Head of Kingdom’s delegation, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, minister of sports and president of Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, received flag from Timothy Fok

HARBIN, China: Saudi Arabia officially received the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia on Friday, marking the start of its preparations to host the 10th Asian Winter Games in 2029 — the first time a country in West Asia will stage the prestigious continental event.

The handover took place during the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, which hosted the Games this year.

The head of the Kingdom’s delegation, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, minister of sports and president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, received the flag from Timothy Fok, vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia.

During the ceremony, organizers unveiled the official logo of NEOM 2029, which, according to a ministry statement, draws inspiration from NEOM’s mountainous landscape, symbolizing strength and ambition

The design incorporates dynamic shapes representing the energy and movement of winter sports, while the letter “A” connects the event’s identity to the Asian Winter Games and the region’s futuristic vision under NEOM’s “Future Rings” concept.

In a statement, Prince Abdulaziz welcomed all participating countries, pledging to deliver an exceptional and unforgettable tournament in NEOM.

“The Kingdom is witnessing a major transformation in the sports sector, thanks to the generous support and vision of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This has positioned Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for global and continental sporting events,” he said.

Prince Abdulaziz also thanked the Olympic Council of Asia, led by Raja Rhandir Singh, and to all Asian countries for their confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to host world-class sporting competitions.

The closing ceremony was attended by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and several prominent international sports figures.


Security Council condemns death of UN aid worker in Houthi detention

Security Council condemns death of UN aid worker in Houthi detention
Updated 39 min 45 sec ago
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Security Council condemns death of UN aid worker in Houthi detention

Security Council condemns death of UN aid worker in Houthi detention
  • Members say threats against humanitarian workers are unacceptable, call for unconditional release of all those detained in Yemen
  • Ahmed, an employee of the World Food Programme, died on Feb. 10; Houthis recently detained 6 aid workers in Saada governorate

NEW YORK CITY: The UN Security Council on Friday strongly condemned the death of Ahmed, a World Food Programme employee, who died in Houthi captivity on Feb. 10.

Council members also denounced the ongoing detention of UN staff, as well as workers from national and international nongovernmental organizations, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions.

They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees held by the Houthis and reiterated that threats against workers delivering humanitarian aid are unacceptable.

The detention of aid workers by the Houthis prompted the UN on Monday to temporarily suspend all operations and programs in Yemen’s Saada governorate, where six people were recently detained.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the decision was a response to the ongoing detention of UN staff by the Houthis, which has compromised the “necessary security conditions and guarantees” for the continuation of UN operations in the area.

It comes as the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with an estimated 19.5 million people in the war-ravaged country requiring humanitarian assistance and protection services, an increase of 1.3 million people compared with 2024.

During a Security Council meeting this week, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said that 17.1 million people in Yemen, 49 percent of the population, suffer from food insecurity and nearly as many do not have access to enough water for their basic daily needs.

Council members expressed deep concern over the rapid and severe deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen. They highlighted the critical need for humanitarian personnel, including UN staff, to be granted unimpeded access so that they can provide life-saving aid for civilians in need.

They also expressed alarm at the growing risks to the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and called on the Houthis to uphold international humanitarian law by ensuring safe, rapid and unimpeded access for aid operations. They reaffirmed that all efforts must be made to guarantee that assistance reaches those who are most vulnerable.

The Security Council underscored the fact that in the absence of a political solution to the conflict in Yemen, the humanitarian crisis in the country will continue to worsen. Members reiterated their commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and said they stand firm in support of the country’s people.

The council also renewed its support for the UN’s special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, and endorsed his ongoing efforts to help reach a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement. This process, they added, must be grounded in the agreed references and consistent with Security Council resolutions.


Racing fans meet Formula E drivers at autograph session

Racing fans meet Formula E drivers at autograph session
Updated 53 min 13 sec ago
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Racing fans meet Formula E drivers at autograph session

Racing fans meet Formula E drivers at autograph session
  • 21 drivers featured at event at Jeddah’s circuit
  • Enthusiast Adel Hasanain got there early to interact with motor racing icons

JEDDAH: Fans at the Jeddah E-Prix were given the opportunity to meet some of motorsport’s biggest stars in person on Friday in a pit-lane walk and autograph session.
Some 21 superstar drivers were featured at the autograph session, all taking time out of their busy schedules to meet fans, have their pictures taken, and sign all kinds of memorabilia.
Hadeer Mohammed, a Saudi student who attended Jeddah’s first race of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with her friends, told Arab News that she was an enthusiast, and added: “I’m a big fan of both Formula One and Formula E and I was very happy when they announced they would host the Formula E in Jeddah.”
She said she was happy to be given the opportunity to meet the drivers, take selfies and get autographs.
She said: “I just got an autograph of Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato of Nissan.”
The Formula E drivers made themselves available at the fan zone with the teams providing photos, postcards and other goodies.
Adel Hasanain said that he arrived early in the day to interact with the motor racing icons.
He said: “It was an excellent opportunity to meet our favorite drivers. I had the chance to get a signed cap from Jake Dennis and Nico Mueller of the Andretti team, and Jean-Eric Vergne and Maximilian Guenther of DS Penske.”
Fans made the most of the opportunity to obtain autographs and take photographs.
Talal Al-Katheri, an engineering student at King Abdulaziz University, said: “It was a great moment for us today as we got the chance to meet these drivers.
“I am a fan of NEOM McLaren so I got autographs and photos of Sam Bird and Taylor Bernard.
“What a day it was, walking on the track and seeing the participating drivers up close.”