World condemns Houthis as US says Iran ‘clearly enabled’ Jeddah oil attack

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Updated 27 March 2022
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World condemns Houthis as US says Iran ‘clearly enabled’ Jeddah oil attack

  • Calls for action against Houthi attacks on civilian targets
  • US pledges to work with Saudi Arabia to shore up defenses

RIYADH: Yemen’s Houthi militia were roundly condemned for an attack on a Saudi oil facility in Jeddah on Friday with the US implicating Iran for enabling the attack by supplying weapons to the group against international law.

“Unprovoked Houthi attacks against Saudi Aramco’s oil storage facilities in Jeddah as well as attacks against civil facilities in Jizan, Najran, and Dhahran are acts of terrorism aimed to prolong the suffering of the Yemeni people,” said Jake Sullivan, the US national security advisor.

He accused Iran of facilitating the group’s actions by supplying weapons, which are against UN rules.

“Today’s attacks, just like the attacks against water treatment plants and energy infrastructure on March 19 and 20, were clearly enabled by Iran in violation of UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting the import of weapons into Yemen,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US will work with the Kingdom to strengthen defenses “while also seeking to advance a durable end to the conflict, improve lives, and create the space for Yemenis to determine their own future collectively.”

“At a time when the parties should be focused on de-escalation and bringing needed life-saving relief to the Yemeni people ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, the Houthis continue their destructive behavior and reckless terrorist attacks striking civilian infrastructure.”

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for “restraint” on all sides and to “urgently reach a negotiated settlement to end the conflict.”.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent escalation of the conflict in Yemen,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement Saturday.

The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said the fire in two tanks at the North Jeddah oil facility had been brought under control, and there were no casualties.

The Kingdom’s s civil defense said it has extinguished fires at two fuel storage tanks in Jeddah that were hit in the attack, state television reported on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, the coalition knocked down two drones over Yemeni territory that were on their way to the Kingdom. It said the launch location was an oil installation in Hodeidah, a city on the Red Sea coast. It also said that it carried out a strike in Sanaa.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen across Jeddah on Friday after the Houthi attack, a reminder of the Iran-backed group’s intent to destabilize international energy security. The militia, which seized the capital Sanaa in 2014 and continues to hold large parts of Yemen, has conducted regular attacks against civilian infrastructure in the Kingdom.

The Saudi-led coalition, which has been supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Houthis, has intercepted numerous drones and missiles in the past.

An attack in Jeddah on March 19 caused a fire at an Aramco distribution center. A day later, the coalition destroyed an explosive-laden boat near Hodeidah, thwarting an imminent attack on shipping in the vital international maritime route.




The attack on the Saudi Aramco oil facility has been widely condemned. (AFP)

Previous attacks have also targeted airports in the Kingdom, causing harm to civilians.

In February, 12 civilians were injured by a drone attack targeting Abha airport. In October, ten people where injured at King Abdulaziz Airport in the southern city of Jazan, with another 16 injured by falling shrapnel following an attack at the same airport last month.

The Houthi militia has increased attacks against Saudi energy installations in recent weeks as Iran seeks to revive a nuclear deal that would allow it to begin selling oil again amid increased international energy demand following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Saudi energy ministry reiterated that it cannot bear responsibility for any shortage of oil supplies to global markets, in light of continuing attacks against its facilities. The ministry said the international community needs to realize the role of Iran in supporting the Houthis to target oil and gas production sites.




The smoke from the attack could be seen from the track. “I smell burning - is it my car?” said F1 world champion Max Verstappen on his team radio. (Reuters)

In a letter to the UN Security Council on Friday, Saudi Arabia said it reserves the right to defend itself against Houthi aggression.

 

 


Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the US, tweeted: “The Iran backed terrorist Houthis continue to attack our civilians, infrastructure & energy facilities with Iranian made missiles & UAV’s with impunity. The international community must act against this aggression that targets innocent civilians and global energy supplies.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi condemned the attack on the Aramco facility during a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. El-Sisi said Egypt stands in solidarity with the Kingdom to confront hostilities.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who visited the Kingdom last week, tweeted: “I fully condemn the latest Houthi attack against critical sites in Saudi Arabia, including in Jeddah. These strikes put civilian lives at risk and must stop.” His foreign secretary, Liz Truss, called the “abhorrent” attack a continuation of recent terror acts by the Houthis and urged an “immediate halt to the violence.”

 

 

The European Union said attacks against cities and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must stop, and the latest hostilities increase the risk of further escalation of the Yemen conflict and undermines ongoing efforts to end the war.
“The EU reiterates its call on all sides to participate in the Yemeni-Yemeni talks, starting on Tuesday, 29 March, in Riyadh under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The EU recalls its full support to the efforts of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg,” said Peter Stabo, spokesman for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

 


The UAE, which has also faced attacks by the Houthi militia in the past, condemn Friday’s attack and called on the international community to stand against the repeated acts of aggression, calling for the coalition’s work against the group to be supported.

France, who condemned the group’s attack in the “strongest terms,” said the acts, which threaten the security of Saudi Arabia and the stability of the region, must stop, urging the Houthis to constructively engage with the Yemeni peace initiative under the UN.

 




The Saudi energy ministry reiterated that it cannot bear responsibility for any shortage of oil supplies to global markets. (AFP)

Bahrain said it backed all measures Saudi Arabia “deems necessary to maintain its security and stability against these deliberate and systematic attacks that are inconsistent with international humanitarian law.”

Meanwhile, Kuwait condemned the attack, which it referred to as a 'cowardly terrorist attack' that not only affects Saudi Arabia's security and regional stability, but the global energy supply. 

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI sent a message of solidarity to King Salman, strongly condemning the attacks and reiterated his country’s full solidarity with the Kingdom.
Canada also condemned the attacks and called on the Houthis to negotiate, reject violence and cease all attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed his country's "sorrow" to Saudi Arabia following a wave of Yemen rebel attacks, in a rare public message to the country, with which it lacks formal ties.

"The State of Israel expresses its sorrow to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after the horrific attack by the Iranian-backed Huthis," Bennett wrote on Twitter.


Sudan said the Houthi attack represented a dangerous escalation in the region and said it supports the Kingdom against anything that endangers its security.
Palestine, Algeria, Pakistan, Poland, and Mauritania also released similar statements condemning the attacks.
Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the attack poses a grave threat to security in the region and global energy supplies. He urged the international community to take a tougher stand against the Houthi terror and as well as their ongoing violation of humanitarian laws.

 

Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, head of the Muslim World League, said the organization stood in solidarity with the Kingdom to protect civilians on its land.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions imposed on Moscow have caused crude prices to soar. The war in Ukraine, which entered its second month this week, has seen the Kremlin see reduced interest for its gas and oil as customers sought to avoid falling foul of international sanctions against Russia.

The main backer of the Houthis, Iran, is aiming to resurrect a nuclear deal with world powers that was scrapped by former US President Donald Trump.

US President Joe Biden has pledged to renew the deal, displeasing allies in the region who believe it rewards Iran, who supports the Houthis with weapons, for its destabilizing activities across the Middle East.

In Feb. 2021, Washington reversed Trump’s designation of the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization, but last month the UN Security Council stamped the group as terrorist.

Concern has also been growing among America’s regional allies that the US may remove Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from its blacklist of terrorist organizations as part of the nuclear deal.

The Revolutionary Guard control a business empire in Iran, as well as military and intelligence forces responsible for terrorist attacks throughout the world.

“The attempt to delist the IRGC as a terrorist organization is an insult to their victims and would ignore documented reality supported by unequivocal evidence,” said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in a statement.




This is the second time Saudi Arabia is hosting the F1 Grand Prix in Jeddah. (AFP)

Talks on the nuclear deal, however, have now paused after Russia wanted an agreement to allow Iran to be exempt from the international sanctions on Moscow. The US said the two issues are unrelated.

A finalized agreement would once again see Iran able to sell its oil freely on international markets, who are hungry for more supply.

The country may have as many as 65 to 80 million oil barrels on stationary tankers, Bloomberg reported, citing data from intelligence solutions provider Kpler.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the F1 Grand Prix this weekend in Jeddah. Race-goers could see a plume of black smoke from the attack in the distance during afternoon practice.

“I smell burning - is it my car?” said world champion Max Verstappen on his team radio, as he appeared one of the first drivers to notice the fumes in the air.




Dark smoke can be seen at the site of the attack on Friday. (AFP)

Despite the drama of the first day, organizers said the race will go ahead as scheduled: “We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon and remain in direct contact with the Saudi authorities,” promoter Saudi Motorsport Company said in a statement.

“The race weekend schedule will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment.”

This is the second time the Kingdom is hosting the event in the Red Sea city.  The race on Dec. 5, 2021, was won by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after a dramatic stop-start contest with Dutchman Verstappen, who would later become world champion in the final race of the season, in Abu Dhabi.


How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs

Updated 20 June 2025
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How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs

  • AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours weekly, boosting efficiency and freeing time for growth
  • Social media remains a key starting point, but surveys show long-term success depends on managing a dedicated digital presence

JEDDAH: Digitalization has reshaped how entrepreneurs get started — particularly in the early stages. Increasingly, small businesses are launching via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, bypassing the traditional route of setting up a dedicated website.

These social-first entrepreneurs are meeting customers where they already spend time, turning social media from a communication tool into a sales platform.

“Generative AI is reshaping the future of business, and when combined with digital marketing, the results are transformative,” Selina Bieber, vice president for international markets at the US-based web hosting company GoDaddy, told Arab News.

With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever. (Supplied)

According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 22 percent of small business owners in the Middle East and North Africa now run their businesses primarily on social media.

This trend highlights the rising importance of social commerce, especially for solo founders and part-time business operators.

However, running a business solely on social platforms comes with risks. Visibility may be high, but ownership and control are limited. Algorithm changes or policy shifts can dramatically affect a business’s ability to reach customers or generate income.

Shoppers also tend to look for additional signals of trust before making a purchase. A professional website, for example, often strengthens a business’s credibility.

According to The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2024 report by Checkout, 73 percent of online shoppers in the region are more confident buying from businesses that have a website, rather than relying exclusively on social media accounts.

In response to this shift, new digital tools have emerged to support social-first entrepreneurs.

Features such as branded microsites, product catalogues, and smart links — often packaged into accessible platforms — help founders establish a more centralized and professional presence online without needing advanced technical knowledge.

Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role in this transition, helping entrepreneurs move more quickly from concept to launch. It can assist in writing product descriptions, developing pricing strategies, and automating customer engagement.

Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment. (Supplied)

Internal data suggests AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours a week — a meaningful benefit for entrepreneurs managing limited time and resources.

Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment.

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a particularly dynamic arena for these digital shifts.

In 2023, GoDaddy signed a partnership agreement with the Kingdom’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises — Monsha’at — to equip Saudi entrepreneurs with the digital tools and training needed to build their online presence.

Signing of the Go Daddy-Monsha'at partnership by Mohammed Alamro, general manager of entrepreneurship planning at Monsha’at, and Selina_Bieber, Go Daddy's VP for international markets. (Go Daddy photo)

The agreement, signed during the Biban 23 entrepreneurship forum in Riyadh, aimed to empower aspiring business owners through workshops, seminars, and a planned business accelerator.

It also included support for Monsha’at Academy and content initiatives to share local success stories.

“We’re inspired to see Saudi entrepreneurs and small business owners feel confident in embracing technology and in their approach to entrepreneurship,” said Bieber.

While social media remains a powerful tool for customer engagement, long-term growth often requires a more permanent digital footprint.

A dedicated website, complemented by tools like GoDaddy’s Show in Bio, can provide an added layer of credibility and security — something that social media accounts alone may not guarantee.

With the rise of impersonation and questionable accounts online, many customers check whether a business has a standalone website before making a purchase.

The latest generation of entrepreneurs is pragmatic and digitally fluent. While they may start on social media, many are increasingly looking for tools that offer more autonomy, control, and brand distinction.

Combining a social-first approach with a professional online presence can offer the credibility and resilience needed for sustainable growth.

“GoDaddy continues to level the playing field by offering powerful, affordable tools that allow small businesses to elevate their marketing and achieve real success,” said Bieber.

With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever.

Social media may be where the journey starts — but building lasting value depends on owning and shaping your own digital presence.
 

 


Saudi science university makes world’s top 100

Updated 19 June 2025
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Saudi science university makes world’s top 100

  • KFUPM jumped to 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings from 101st last year

DHAHRAN: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has achieved a milestone by entering the list of the world’s top 100 establishments, ranking 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings after being 101st last year.

The transformation has taken place across academic, research, and administrative domains. Nearly 100 new programs have been launched, including innovative undergraduate and graduate offerings.

The university has also introduced the region’s first entrepreneurship program, granting students and researchers full ownership of their startups in a move that reflects a modern, innovation-driven academic culture focused on economic empowerment.

In addition, the university has adopted the FAST transformation model and the AI+X initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence as an integral knowledge component across all disciplines, making it a core academic requirement for all students.

The university has also achieved the highest female enrollment rate in engineering programs globally, and attracted students from more than 75 countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
 


Adventurous couple travel across GCC states on motorcycle

Updated 19 June 2025
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Adventurous couple travel across GCC states on motorcycle

  • Driven by faith and adventure, the couple traveled thousands of miles in 24 days, enduring long hours on the road, all to reach their target

JEDDAH: Two Jeddah-based Indian-Saudi bikers have covered a distance of 62,218 kilometers across the Gulf Cooperation Council region on their motorcycles. 

Driven by faith and adventure, the couple traveled thousands of miles, crossing the GCC borders — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Bahrain — and enduring long hours on the road, all to reach their target.

Their 24-day trip stands as a powerful testament to their devotion, determination, and love for an adventurous journey. 

Mir Shakeel Ur Rahman from Hyderabad and Amal Ahmed from Jeddah started biking together 6 years ago after their marriage. It has been a journey of self-discovery, shared interest and passion that has made their biking experience more surreal.

The couple have rode across Saudi Arabia to Makkah, Jazan, Abha, Hail, Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Ahsa to promote Saudi tourism, but this time, the duo decided to go on an epic adventure across the GCC states. “We were excited to start the journey and tackle a route new to us,” said Shakeel.

Mir and Amal taking timeout for a selfie along the road. (Supplied)

For Shakeel and Ahmed, this journey is about much more than reaching and discovering new destinations. It is also about the motorcycle friends they have met and respect.

“Actually this journey was aimed to visit our dear friends and celebrate with them their national days. We really wanted to attend Oman’s national day, UAE’s national days and Bike Week in Bahrain.”

The couple officially left Jeddah at the end of November 2024 to Makkah followed by Taif before riding through Riyadh from where they crossed the border over to Abu Dhabi.

During their stay in Riyadh, the couple met with a number of motorcyclists from all regions of the Kingdom as well as riders from Iraq, and Bahrain. They also participated in the celebration held at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to mark the 54th Omani National Day.

Mir and Amal at the UAE border. (Supplied)

“On our way to the border of UAE from Riyadh, it was not as easy as we expected because of the sandy weather we faced, but we managed to get through with the great help we received from the Saudi patrol officers who kept us safe all the way,” added Shakeel.

Once they reached Abu Dhabi, the couple contacted Sheikh Suhail Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum, widely known as the “Father of All Bikers” in the UAE who invited them to celebrate the UAE’s 53rd National Day along with other motorcyclists from all over the world at his farm.

“It was a great night with Sheikh Suhail who gathered all bikers from all over the world, it was also a great opportunity to exchange our deep relations with our friends while celebrating the UAE’s national day. Actually, we were surrounded by people who were trying their best to help us in any way they can to make our journey safe,” said Ahmed.

The couple with Sheikh Suhail Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum in Abu Dhabi. (Supplied)

Keen to take things further, the pair continued their journey to Oman. Shakeel found riding through Oman particularly enjoyable, from exploring the historic Nizwa Fort and Souq to venturing into the surrounding mountains.

“It was a truly a new experience. It allowed us to explore Oman’s diverse landscapes, immerse ourselves in its rich history, and create lasting memories,” he said.

His wife stated that visiting Oman’s iconic Jebel Akhdar — the Green Mountain — was probably the highlight of their journey.

She added: “Our Omani motorcycle friends also were extremely generous with us all the time we were there; they took us on tours to various parts of Oman and also were very helpful in maintaining our bikes.”

After enjoying their stay for few days in Oman, they rode toward Bahrain and attended the annual Bahrain Bike Week, which featured various activities like motorcycle races, concerts, and street festivals.

“We had wonderful days and the event was filled with energy, passion, and the love for two wheels,” said Shakeel.

While they had reached their final destination, they were informed by KALAM’s World Record that they had officially set the record for the longest motorcycle expedition as a couple.

“It was a great news for us to be recognized by KALAM’s World Record which is an organization that celebrates achievements across various fields. We are extremely happy and I am dedicating this achievement for my wife. We are looking forward to receive this award on Sept. 16, 2025,” said Shakeel.

The couple have no intention of settling down and are already planning their next adventure.
 


Student-led team develops AI device to detect emergency lane offenders

Updated 19 June 2025
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Student-led team develops AI device to detect emergency lane offenders

  • Project was carried out by a student-led team under the supervision of Department of Geomatics faculty members
  • Project employs the YOLO algorithm. YOLO, which stands for You Only Look Once, is a real-time object detection algorithm

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz University has completed an innovative research project that uses artificial intelligence to monitor violations of emergency lanes on highways in real time.

The project was carried out by a student-led team under the supervision of Department of Geomatics faculty members Kamel Faisal, Abdullah Al-Attas, Muhannad Abu-Hashem and Mahmud Al-Koffash, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project employs the YOLO algorithm. YOLO, which stands for You Only Look Once, is a real-time object detection algorithm known for its speed and efficiency.

The algorithm works detecting objects directly from an input image, as opposed to older methods which required multiple passes. This approach significantly speeds up the detection process.

The system uses the Raspberry Pi device, a cost-effective mini computer that employs advanced vision techniques.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the project is highly efficient, making it well-suited for smart city applications, traffic authorities and government agencies.

It has the potential to contribute to improving emergency response times and saving lives by ensuring emergency lanes remain unobstructed.

The model was trained using custom image datasets, with specific video Regions of Interest defined to identify any violations by vehicles.

Geomatics, the academic field behind the project, focuses on the science and technology of digital geographic data.

This includes urban surveying, spatial information systems, and is also referred to as “geospatial data science” or “digital surveying engineering.”

It encompasses the collection, processing, analysis, visualization, and mapping of all types of geographic information, as well as the measurement and management of geospatial data.

Saudi Arabia currently utilizes a number of AI technologies to manage the country’s road traffic and improve safety.

The Sawaher system is a national platform designed to analyze streams of images and videos from public roads and provide real-time insights.

Another system, the Smart C platform, uses data to help decision-making in infrastructure projects.


Reem Al-Bliwi honored to be working in Saudi media industry

Updated 19 June 2025
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Reem Al-Bliwi honored to be working in Saudi media industry

  • Rising star is latest guest on Arab News’ The Mayman Show
  • Saudi-Mexican presenter brings 2 rich cultures to her work

RIYADH: Reem Al-Bliwi, one of Saudi Arabia’s youngest and most recognizable TV presenters, recently spoke on The Mayman Show about the honor of working in the Kingdom’s media industry.

Al-Bliwi burst onto the scene with Studio SBC, a TV show that is a part of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority network.

“Well, I think I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to be doing something I wanted to do, but did not expect to be doing (it) at such an early age,” she said.

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Al-Bliwi quickly earned her spot in the national spotlight with her poise and presence.

With a background in modeling and an identity shaped by her Mexican mother and Saudi father, Al-Bliwi brings a unique blend of confidence, curiosity, and cross-cultural understanding to her work.

Al-Bliwi began pursuing a television media career while she was at university.

“So, I took the opportunity, and at first, I’m not going to lie, I was afraid, because it felt like I had zero experience at the time. I was still doing my bachelor’s degree in public relations — I had just been accepted.”

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Al-Bliwi recalled that she was hesitant due to the difficulty of finding a balance between studying and working.

“So, it felt like I’m either going to succeed or I’m going to ruin it for myself ... like maybe forever who knows. So I took the opportunity, and I said, OK, why not. I’ll do the casting, and I got accepted. I was rehearsing for like maybe a couple of months.”

After her training Al-Bliwi was offered a fashion and beauty segment on SBC’s morning show.

“For me, it was OK, because, I didn’t have much experience at the time. I had just started building my career. I had just been accepted in public relations, so it was fun ... it was a good start.”

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Al-Bliwi dazzled SBC’s morning show editor-in-chief who then told her that she was chosen to be a main presenter of the program.

“I was nervous, but maybe that’s the moment where I felt, ‘OK, this is what I’m supposed to be doing ... this is where I belong.’”

Al-Bliwi recalled how her first outing in the media spotlight was modeling. “I was actually very young. I started doing it very casually, then I found myself actually committed to it.”

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She added that the landscape of the fashion and beauty industry was different five years ago.

“I’m proud of what we have accomplished in those past five years. I mean, we see now the Fashion Commission, everything they are doing — even for the modeling career — and all the programs they have been doing. I’m really proud of that.”

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Al-Bliwi said that her mixed background has shaped her views of how to communicate with the world.

“Saudi is very rich in culture, and also Mexico is very rich in culture. So, I think, having those two parts, I get to appreciate that. And I get to learn more about culture, heritage, history and everything.”