Saudi Arabia

2023 - 3 - 27

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Image courtesy of "The Times of Israel"

Jews plant palm trees in Medina, Saudi Arabia, in rare interfaith ... (The Times of Israel)

A local landowner invited a British delegation to add to his grove, in what some view as a sign of growing religious openness.

Sign in to stop seeing this](//crm.timesofisrael.com/sign-in) The visit is a sign of greater openness to other faiths in the Arabian Peninsula. If so, please join The Times of Israel Community.

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Image courtesy of "Atalayar"

Saudi Arabia in the orbit of China and Russia: towards a new ... (Atalayar)

But the country's strongman on deputation from his father, the almost nonagenarian King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is calibrating his new diplomatic approach with an ...

"Ties between the two countries expanded following the launch of the OPEC+ oil production deal in 2016 and King Salman bin Abdulaziz's historic first visit to Moscow in October 2017." Iran and Russia have taken their relations to the next level since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. Beijing wants to become a major player in the Gulf and fill the power vacuum left by Washington. "Russia is useful to Riyadh for one thing: to maintain the price of oil," explains Dobson. Instead, Saudi Arabia opted at the last minute to defend a production cut until the end of the year. It can rely on the mythologised history of the Silk Roads to rhetorically embolden both nations in their outreach to the West," summarises Greer on a strategy that seems to have worked to date. Iran is clearly one step ahead of Saudi Arabia in its relations with Russia and China. While China may be more aligned with Iran in political terms, especially when it comes to challenging the US-created international order, in economic terms it prioritises its relations with Saudi Arabia. "Moreover, the nature of the rivalry lent itself well to the Chinese approach". "He is playing a dangerous game of three-way geopolitical chess," condenses former British diplomat John Dobson in the pages of the Sunday Guardian. But the country's strongman on deputation from his father, the almost nonagenarian King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is calibrating his new diplomatic approach with an eye on distancing himself from the House of Saud's traditional ally, the United States, and triangulating his relations with Russia and China. Saudi Arabia's crown prince is seeking to provide the desert kingdom with a new foreign policy that will enable it to strengthen its strategic position in an unstable international context, still marked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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Image courtesy of "Anadolu Agency"

3 QUESTIONS - Can Saudi Arabia's economic growth be sustained? (Anadolu Agency)

Saudi Arabia achieved a significant 8.7% growth in its gross domestic product in 2022, the highest growth rate among all G20 countries - Anadolu Agency.

[Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. However, while a strong basis for financing is certainly crucial for the success of the initiative, another vital requisite especially with respect to the growth of the private sector as the engine of development in non-oil sectors is a stable and effective business environment. At a minimum, reduced risk of direct confrontation between two countries would contribute to the improvement of the business environment both at the national and regional levels. Sustainability, in this respect, will depend on to what extent the Saudi economy can be diversified away from oil, which in turn depends on how efficiently the profits in this sector will be used in financing the development of non-oil sectors. In the meantime, a key factor related to the Saudi-Iran deal is the fact that it was brokered by China. The deal between the two countries to restore diplomatic relations after years of mutual animosity and suspicion is surely a significant development for the region. Saudi Aramco, 98.5% of which is owned by the Saudi government and producing all of Saudi Arabia’s oil, has announced an annual increase in net profits by an unprecedented 47%.[4] Compared with the overall increase of 8.7% in Saudi GDP during 2022, the growth in oil-related activities was 15.4%, while non-oil activities went up by 5.5% over the same period.[5] In short, favorable developments in the oil market boosted Saudi growth. Yet, more needs to be done to solidly establish conditions within which private enterprise can flourish and foreign investment can be attracted if the aim is to turn Saudi Arabia into a regional business hub rivaling UAE and Qatar. The Vision 2030 initiative, first announced in 2016, provides the strategic framework for the diversification of the Saudi economy. Fossil fuels are limited natural sources and the growth in the Saudi economy based on oil revenue cannot and will not last in the long run. With oil prices remaining high and both demand and supply effects in global oil markets working in Saudi Arabia’s favor, the country has achieved record levels of production and export. Saudi economic growth during the past year was largely fueled by strong export revenues driven by high oil prices in global markets as well as high volumes of oil exported.

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Image courtesy of "Morning Star Online"

Anti-arms campaigners anticipate High Court decision on arms ... (Morning Star Online)

ANTI-ARMS campaigners are waiting to hear from the High Court on their challenge of the government's decision to renew arms exports to Saudi Arabia as its ...

Money from shares contributes directly to keep our paper thriving. You can read 5 more article this month This is the last article you can read this month

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Image courtesy of "Arab News"

Saudi Arabia's traditional souqs exude Ramadan vibes (Arab News)

RIYADH: Souqs are the best place to buy Ramadan essentials — food, decoration or fashion — and to experience the hustle and bustle of the holy month.

The souqs have a variety of shops to explore, selling gold, textiles, honey, spices and much more. “Shopping in Swekit market is fun, especially around this time of the year with the holy month of Ramadhan fast-approaching. “It is a lively, enjoyable, and unpretentious social activity where you see people from different backgrounds and economic classes shop and interact together. Souqs are historical shopping and trading scenes that have been around for thousands of years ... “I work in a company that is a cultural melting pot with people coming from all walks of life, and I always recommend my expatriate colleagues to visit souqs — they love it! “Souqs are historical shopping and trading scenes that have been around for thousands of years.

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Image courtesy of "Jewish Chronicle"

Jews plant date palms in Medina for first time in 1400 years (Jewish Chronicle)

Led by Rick Sopher, 63, a banker and philanthropist from London, the interfaith group visited both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, exploring the ...

“In my previous visits to Saudi on business, I did not advertise my Jewish religion,” he said. They also met the Catholic bishop and rabbis of the UAE. Sopher led the first interfaith discussion held at the compound, where in a packed reception room after Shabbat lunch they discussed how the Koran might connect with or comment on the contents of the Parashah of that week. But not just to come to Saudi Arabia but to be received in such a friendly, hospitable way, is really something marvellous. I was effectively the first Jewish person to plant a date tree in Medina for 1,400 years,” Sopher told the JC. Led by Rick Sopher, 63, a banker and philanthropist from London, the interfaith group visited both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, exploring the recent changes in attitude towards reconciliation and friendship among the three Abrahamic faiths.

As longterm partnership with US fades, Saudi Arabia seeks to ... (Leader-Telegram)

The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

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Image courtesy of "Fortune"

Analyst of Saudi foreign policy breaks down what's really going on ... (Fortune)

Close watchers of the Gulf know the Arab Spring bruised relations with Riyadh and DC.

[balancing act](https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/opec-phenomenon-saudi-russian-cooperation-and-implications-us-saudi-relations) has been the Saudi decision to work with Russia within the framework of the oil producers group OPEC+ – and at the same time [engage with U.S. disengagement](https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/85367) from the Middle East, irrespective of the situation in reality. [believe China will replace](https://www.ft.com/content/4f82b560-4744-4c53-bf4b-7a37d3afeb13) the U.S. [The Conversation](https://theconversation.com) under a Creative Commons license. [Saudi desire to de-escalate regional tensions](https://www.energyintel.com/0000017b-a7dd-de4c-a17b-e7df27540001). [knocked out half the kingdom’s production](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-aramco-fire/attacks-on-saudi-oil-facilities-knock-out-half-the-kingdoms-supply-idUSKCN1VZ01N). Any such visit would indicate a political will on both sides to move beyond the two decades of rancor and acrimony that followed the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul, Afghanistan,](https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/us-left-78000-afghan-allies-ngo-report-rcna18119) served to reinforce deeply-rooted [perceptions about U.S. These meetings formed the backdrop to the China-brokered deal in Beijing. President Donald Trump responded by declaring it had been an attack on Saudi Arabia, not on the U.S., drawing a [distinction between their interests](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-aramco/trump-says-he-does-not-want-war-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-idUSKBN1W10X8). negotiations with Iran, initially in secret bilateral talks in 2013 and subsequently as part of the P5+1 framework of the U.N. To close observers of geopolitical trends in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, the China-brokered deal fits into a pattern.

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Image courtesy of "The National Interest Online"

How Will the Saudi Arabia-Iran Agreement Affect Lebanon? (The National Interest Online)

As the major details of the agreement remain unknown, the Lebanese debate persists.

According to a [report](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/24/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-saad-hariri-mohammed-bin-salman-lebanon.html) by the New York Times, Saudi Arabia’s dismay with Iranian and Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese politics came to a head in 2017 when former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, the son of Rafik Hariri, [resigned](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/24/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-saad-hariri-mohammed-bin-salman-lebanon.html) from his post in a televised statement from Riyadh. The ambassadors [returned](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2059511/middle-east) to Lebanon in April 2022, signaling improving relations. This prompted online commentators to derisively [question](https://arabic.cnn.com/miscellaneous/article/2023/03/11/saudi-nasrullah-remarks-iran-social) the extent to which Iran consults with Hezbollah on its affairs, given the significance of the deal. [mobilize](https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt183p3d5.12) the Sunni sect, largely represented by the Future Movement party founded by the late Rafik Hariri. [Abraham Accords](https://www.state.gov/the-abraham-accords/), which normalized diplomatic relations among Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. [statements](https://arabic.cnn.com/middle-east/article/2023/03/07/hassan-nasrallah-iran-saudi-arabia) made just a few days before the agreement. The nation has also been governed by a [caretaker government](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-happens-now-that-lebanon-is-without-president-2022-11-01/) with limited powers since the parliamentary elections in May 2022. Samir Geagea, a prominent Lebanese politician and leader of the Christian Lebanese Forces party, which is close to Saudi Arabia and made significant gains in the 2022 parliamentary elections, emphasized that the presidential election battle is a local concern. Lebanese Forces member of parliament (MP) Pierre Bou Assi [expressed](https://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9/600795/%D8%A8%D9%88-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AB%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%88%D8%A3%D9%82%D9%84) skepticism about the deal, doubting its potential benefits for Lebanon. [official statement](https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1331132/lebanon-needs-a-lebanese-not-iranian-saudi-rapprochement-saudi-foreign-affairs-minister.html) from a senior Saudi government official. Most notably, the trilateral statement asserts that both sides agree to respect the principle of state sovereignty and the “non-interference in internal affairs of states.” Although China led the agreement, it came after two years of prior [mediation efforts](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/28/irans-zarif-reiterates-support-for-ceasefire-in-war-torn-yemen) by Iraq and Oman, which facilitated formal bilateral talks between both sides since early 2021. [Joint Trilateral Statement](https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2433231#2433231), was brokered by China in Beijing on March 10 and has since been hailed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

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Image courtesy of "Atalayar"

Saudi Arabia and Iran make progress in their bilateral relations and ... (Atalayar)

This was confirmed by the Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdullahian, after a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan. In ...

In addition to Russia and Iran, others such as Jordan and Oman are pushing for a resumption of ties that they believe should be very positive for the region as a whole. What is clear is that the Middle East is undergoing a restructuring in which not only the countries of the region themselves are immersed. With China continuously postulating itself as a mediator, and Russia sponsoring the diplomatic reunion between Syria and Saudi Arabia, the Middle East is immersed in a clear Eastern influence that does not seem to be going unnoticed in the West, as the United States has already assured with the announcement of the re-establishment of Saudi-Iranian relations. Indeed, the Wall Street Journal points to the recent meeting between Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad in Moscow, where they may have held the first talks on the deal with Saudi Arabia. The hope is that this rapprochement between the powers most involved in what began as a civil war can bring some peace of mind to a society experiencing the greatest humanitarian catastrophe since the Second World War, according to the United Nations. In addition to discussing the forthcoming meeting, they discussed some of the ideas that should form the basis for the restoration of diplomatic relations.

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Image courtesy of "The Media Line"

The Secret to the Rapprochement Between Saudi Arabia and Iran ... (The Media Line)

Okaz, Saudi Arabia, March 25. What is the key to restoring relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran?

The secret to restoring relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran lies in several key details. What is the key to restoring relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran? This is why former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett viewed the resumption of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran as a “political victory” for Tehran and a “fatal blow” to attempts to construct a regional alliance against the Islamic Republic.

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Image courtesy of "PR Newswire UK"

46 mining licenses issue by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and ... (PR Newswire UK)

PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 46 new mining licenses during January 2023, including 31 exploration licenses, 14...

The law also includes exploration licenses for minerals of two categories (A) and (B), with license periods ranging from 20 to 30 years. Of the total active mining licenses, the largest number have been awarded to projects within the province of Riyadh with a total of 507 licenses, followed by 418 licenses in the Makkah region, 369 licenses in the eastern region, 242 licenses in the Madinah region, and 191 licenses in the Asir region. With mineral resources estimated to be worth around 5 trillion riyals, there is great potential for the sector to contribute significantly to the country's economy. Taking the lead are quarry licenses for building materials with 1,331 licenses, followed by 647 exploration licenses, 178 small mine exploitation license, 42 reconnaissance licenses, and 32 mineral ores licenses. [https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2032760/3957209/Ministry_of_Industry_Logo.jpg](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2032760/3957209/Ministry_of_Industry_Logo.jpg) [https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041110/mining_key_Infographic.jpg](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041110/mining_key_Infographic.jpg?p=original)

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Image courtesy of "Stimson Center"

How to Build on the Saudi-Iran Reset • Stimson Center (Stimson Center)

Like the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), creation of a new regional security forum could develop organically through ...

Fundamentally, Saudi–Iran ties will be hampered by U.S.–Iran tensions at a time when there is little forward momentum on the nuclear front and Iran faces pressure for its growing military ties to Russia and its repression of internal dissent. Despite Saudi efforts to hedge its foreign policy by reaching out to China and working with Russia primarily to curb oil production, the Kingdom remains dependent on the U.S. One question in the aftermath of the announcement of the Saudi-Iran deal is what impact it will have on the prospect of Saudi normalization with Israel. desire to conclude a so-called “123 agreement” with the Kingdom establishing a legally binding framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation, including prohibition of enrichment, reprocessing, and the unauthorized transfer of nuclear material. Saudi Arabia is keen to re-establish a semblance of stability in the region to safeguard its investments and rollout of its Vision 2030 to transform its economy from total dependence on oil. Progress could extend to an understanding of regional roles, rights, and responsibilities, forming the pillars for a new regional security architecture.

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Image courtesy of "Arab Center Washington DC"

The GCC Is On Board with the Saudi-Iran Agreement (Arab Center Washington DC)

The signing of a joint trilateral statement by senior national security officials from Saudi Arabia and Iran in the…

Oman has long served as a [facilitator](https://www.npr.org/2019/07/09/739851463/how-oman-has-become-a-key-diplomatic-player-in-the-middle-east) and intermediary for back-channel messaging between the US and Iran, most notably in the [prelude](https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/omani-back-channel-iran-and-secrecy-surrounding-nuclear-deal) to the P5+1 negotiations that culminated in the JCPOA; and more recently there have been signs that Qatar has [performed](https://amwaj.media/media-monitor/qatar-carries-us-message-to-tehran-as-iaea-chief-set-to-visit-iran) a similar role. [the slowest to rebuild relations with Qatar](https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/qatar-world-cup-bahrain-lost-economic-opportunity) after the signing of the Al-Ula agreement in 2021. Officials in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh also reached out to Iranian counterparts, [directly](https://agsiw.org/uae-outreach-to-iran-cracks-open-the-door-to-dialogue/) and [indirectly](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/04/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-iran-talks.html), to establish channels of communication and dialogue that paved the way, in fits and starts, for the China-brokered Saudi-Iran deal to restore relations. If, as is likely, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was motivated to reduce Iran’s ability to act as a spoiler while he redoubles a focus on delivering Vision 2030 and associated “ [giga-projects](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2167321/saudi-arabia),” the UAE may take more than a passing interest in their progress, especially as said projects move Saudi Arabia into direct competition with Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the travel, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. However, attacks on shipping and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE the following year brought home the risks and vulnerabilities of being on the front line of confrontation, especially as Trump pointedly [refused](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-aramco/trump-says-he-does-not-want-war-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-idUSKBN1W10X8) to come to their defense. This does not necessarily mean that the GCC can take the lead in crafting a new approach, and it may be the case that the signs of competitive rivalry in Saudi-Emirati relations ensure that the GCC as an institution remains less than the sum of its individual members. [letter](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2017/01/iran-gcc-saudi-tension-kuwait-dialogue-initiative-visit.html) to then President Hassan Rouhani that sought to establish the basis for dialogue between the GCC and Iran. Shaken by the 2019 attacks and shocked by the United States’ lack of response, Saudi and Emirati leaders have, both in words and actions, demonstrated an intent to achieve a workable coexistence with Iran that was lacking in 2017. Early indications suggest a [will](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/19/irans-raisi-welcomes-invitation-by-saudi-king-official), both in Saudi Arabia and in Iran, to repair relations, which aligns with China’s interest in maintaining a workable balance in regional relationships that can offset the lack of progress on issues such as the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, the Gulf crisis ended in settlement in 2021 and relations have improved markedly in the two years since the [Al-Ula Declaration](https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/No%20Volume/56786/Part/I-56786-08000002805b2870.pdf) that formally ended the matter. [reported](https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-plans-summit-of-persian-gulf-arab-and-iranian-leaders-as-new-middle-east-role-takes-shape-357cfd7e) that a successful resumption of diplomatic relations is expected to lead to a GCC-Iran summit that will take place in China later in 2023. It is certainly the case that Beijing’s role in sealing the deal to restore diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran, which were [severed in January 2016](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/1/4/saudi-arabia-cuts-diplomatic-ties-with-iran), adds a new dimension to the regional political landscape.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

At least 20 dead when bus hits bridge, burns in Saudi Arabia (ABC News)

State media in Sauid Arabia say at least 20 people were killed when a packed bus hit a bridge, overturned and burst into flames in the country's southwest.

Many people travel to enjoy nightly feasts with family and friends during the Muslim holy month. It said the crash occurred when the vehicle's brakes failed in southwestern Asir province bordering Yemen. The crash occurred during the first week of Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk.

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Image courtesy of "Middle East Eye"

Saudi defector fears he is being hunted in London after bounty ... (Middle East Eye)

Verified Twitter account offers 10000 Saudi rials for information about whereabouts of police colonel-turned-dissident.

To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this [reported](https://twitter.com/fahadnoic/status/1638668542135369728?s=46) calling a restaurant on Edgware Road last week to shut down the former officer while he was doing a live Tik Tok critical of Saudi Arabia. “I hope one day to disclose my identity and walk free,” she said. “They want to make an example out of him by trying to shut him down. During Ramadan last year, he said he was asked to go to the Qatif province, again far from Arar, to spy on Shia Muslims praying at mosques and monitor their activities. He said he had “politely” avoided certain assignments for years. It’s about my dignity,” he said. “Just advice,” he said. “Those people killed Khashoggi and now they are in jail. The original post and responses to it were still up on Monday evening at the time of publication. “The search is underway.” One said that if they could find him, they would be praised for what they would do to him.

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Image courtesy of "Gulf News"

Saudi Arabia: At least 20 Umrah pilgrims killed, 29 injured in horrific ... (Gulf News)

Bus collided against bridge, tipped over, and caught fire as a result of a brake failure.

The victims were on their way to Mecca to perform Umrah. Dubai: At least 20 Umrah pilgrims were killed and 29 injured in a horrific bus crash southwest of Saudi Arabia, local media reported. The passenger bus crashed into a bridge on Monday, overturned, and caught fire, killing 20 and injuring 29.

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Image courtesy of "NDTV"

20 Pilgrims Killed, Dozens Injured In Bus Crash In Saudi Arabia (NDTV)

A bus ferrying pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca burst into flames after a collision on a bridge on Monday, killing 20 people and injuring more than two ...

Footage broadcast on Al-Ekhbariya showed a reporter standing in front of what appeared to be the burnt-out shell of the bus. "According to preliminary information we have now received, the number of deaths in this accident reached 20, and the total number of injuries was approximately 29," the state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel reported. The incident in the southern province of Asir highlights persistent challenges to safely transporting worshippers to Mecca and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam.

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Image courtesy of "Arab News"

Bus crash kills 20 in Saudi Arabia's Asir region (Arab News)

RIYADH: A bus crash killed 20 people on Monday and injured 29 more in Saudi Arabia's southwestern region. State TV Al-Ekhbariya said the accident occurred ...

The academic enrichment course aims to enhance a student’s personal and social skills ... Courses begin towards the end of July and finish mid-August. The foundation said that the academic enrichment course aims to enhance a student’s “personal and social skills…

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Image courtesy of "WION"

Bus carrying pilgrims crashes, bursts into flames in Saudi Arabia ... (WION)

A bus carrying pilgrims was caught in an accident in Saudi Arabia and burst into flames Monday, killing 20 people and injuring more than two dozen others.

The channel also aired footage of the charred remains of the bus. Reports suggest that the brakes of the bus failed in the southwestern Asir province bordering Yemen. In October 2019, around 35 foreigners were killed and four others injured when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle near Medina.

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Image courtesy of "Lagatar English"

20 Umrah pilgrims die, 29 injured in Saudi Arabia bus crash ... (Lagatar English)

Lagartar24 Desk. New Delhi, March 28: At least 20 Umrah pilgrims were killed and 29 others were injured after a bus crashed southwest of Saudi Arabia on ...

At least 20 Umrah pilgrims were killed and 29 others injured in a bus accident in Asir. Bus collided against a bridge, tipped over, and caught fire as a result of a brake failure, reports Gulf News The bus hit a bridge, tipped over, and caught fire.

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Image courtesy of "Atalayar"

Saudi Arabia and Iran make progress in their bilateral relations and ... (Atalayar)

This was confirmed by the Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdullahian, after a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan. In ...

In addition to Russia and Iran, others such as Jordan and Oman are pushing for a resumption of ties that they believe should be very positive for the region as a whole. What is clear is that the Middle East is undergoing a restructuring in which not only the countries of the region themselves are immersed. With China continuously postulating itself as a mediator, and Russia sponsoring the diplomatic reunion between Syria and Saudi Arabia, the Middle East is immersed in a clear Eastern influence that does not seem to be going unnoticed in the West, as the United States has already assured with the announcement of the re-establishment of Saudi-Iranian relations. Indeed, the Wall Street Journal points to the recent meeting between Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad in Moscow, where they may have held the first talks on the deal with Saudi Arabia. The hope is that this rapprochement between the powers most involved in what began as a civil war can bring some peace of mind to a society experiencing the greatest humanitarian catastrophe since the Second World War, according to the United Nations. In addition to discussing the forthcoming meeting, they discussed some of the ideas that should form the basis for the restoration of diplomatic relations.

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Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

20 Hajj pilgrims killed, 29 injured in bus accident in Saudi Arabia ... (Hindustan Times)

Saudi Arabia: Al-Ekhbariya TV said 29 other people were injured in the crash and aired footage showing the charred remains of the bus. | World News.

Many people travel to enjoy nightly feasts with family and friends during the Muslim holy month. It said the crash occurred when the vehicle's brakes failed in southwestern Asir province bordering Yemen. Saudi Arabia: Al-Ekhbariya TV said 29 other people were injured in the crash and aired footage showing the charred remains of the bus.

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

At least 20 killed after bus carrying pilgrims crashes in Saudi (Aljazeera.com)

The incident took place on Monday in the southern province of Asir, bordering Yemen. It comes during the first week of Ramadan, a busy time for the Umrah ...

The vehicle “then collided with a bridge, overturned and caught fire”. The incident took place on Monday in the southern province of Asir, bordering Yemen. [some 35 foreigners](/news/2019/10/17/saudi-bus-crash-35-killed-four-injured-near-medina/) were killed and four others injured when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle near Medina.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Twenty pilgrims killed in Saudi Arabia bus crash (BBC News)

The bus was carrying pilgrims to Mecca when it hit a bridge in Asir province and burst into flames.

They had reportedly been planning to undertake the lesser Muslim pilgrimage, or Umrah. In 2019, 35 Arab and Asian expatriates were killed when a bus collided with another vehicle as the travelled from Medina to Mecca for the Umrah. The bus was transporting the pilgrims to the Islamic holy city of Mecca on Monday when it hit a bridge in the south-western province of Asir, overturned and caught fire.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Sabah"

At least 20 killed after pilgrims bus crash in Saudi Arabia (Daily Sabah)

At least 20 people were killed and dozens of others injured in Saudi Arabia on Monday when a bus carrying pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca burst into...

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Twenty pilgrims killed in Saudi Arabia bus crash (BBC News)

The bus was carrying pilgrims to Mecca when it hit a bridge in Asir province and burst into flames.

They had reportedly been planning to undertake the lesser Muslim pilgrimage, or Umrah. In 2019, 35 Arab and Asian expatriates were killed when a bus collided with another vehicle as the travelled from Medina to Mecca for the Umrah. The bus was transporting the pilgrims to the Islamic holy city of Mecca on Monday when it hit a bridge in the south-western province of Asir, overturned and caught fire.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

China's Xi speaks with Saudi crown prince, supports Saudi-Iran talks (Reuters)

China's President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, discussing a wide range of subjects including supporting ...

Register for free to Reuters and know the full story The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran are expected to [helped broker](he surprise deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic ties offers much for the United States to be intrigued about, including a possible path to rein in Tehran's nuclear program and a chance to cement a ceasefire in Yemen) a surprise deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Middle East rivals, earlier this month to restore diplomatic ties, in a display of China's growing influence in the region which is being warily watched by the United States.

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Image courtesy of "China Daily"

Xi says China expects Saudi Arabia, Iran to continue to improve ... (China Daily)

President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday it is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighborliness and continue to improve their ...

China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to implement the outcomes of his state visit to Saudi Arabia, the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit last year, and continue to firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, Xi said. The Chinese side also stands ready to expand practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with Saudi Arabia, and push for greater development of China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said. BEIJING -- China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make all-out efforts to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era and contribute more to peace, stability and development in the Middle East, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday. Xi made the remarks during his phone talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

China expects Saudi Arabia, Iran to improve ties under Beijing ... (NewsDrum)

Weeks after China brokered a landmark peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said he expects both countries to ...

"The Iran-Saudi rapprochement has been touted as a momentous development in the region. It is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, Xi said, adding that China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks. Xi in his phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman said it is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, official media here reported.

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Image courtesy of "Middle East Monitor"

Saudi Arabia: Jews plant date palms in Madinah as part of interfaith ... (Middle East Monitor)

A group of British Jews have taken part in a rare interfaith initiative in Saudi Arabia where they were allowed to enter and plant palm trees in the sacred ...

Also last year, an [Israeli tourist](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220719-israel-journalist-enters-makkah-tours-mount-arafat/) managed to enter Makkah, violating the prohibition of non-Muslims from entering the holy city. Madinah was once home to a Jewish community consisting of three major tribes, however tensions and breaking a pact with the nascent Muslim community led to their execution and exile. But not just to come to Saudi Arabia but to be received in such a friendly, hospitable way, is really something marvellous." [Laws were relaxed in 2021](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210505-saudi-removes-muslims-only-signs-from-highway-to-madinah/) enabling non-Muslim tourists to visit the city and make their way up to the [perimeter fence](https://salaamgateway.com/story/tourists-flock-to-saudi-arabia-as-the-country-opens-to-foreign-visitors) of the Prophet's Mosque. Each participant was invited to plant a sapling of an It's really a heart-warming occasion," he added.

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Image courtesy of "Al Arabiya English"

Saudi Crown Prince discusses Iran rapprochement, strategic ... (Al Arabiya English)

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed the Kingdom's appreciation for the Chinese initiative “to support efforts to develop the good.

[For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.](https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMOnQlwswi_quAw?oc=3&ceid=US:en&hl=en-US&gl=US) [Gulf](/News/gulf) [Saudi Arabia](/News/saudi-arabia) [Middle East](/News/middle-east) [Saudi Arabia, Iran agree to re-establish diplomatic relations: Statement](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2023/03/10/Iran-Saudi-Arabia-agree-to-re-establish-diplomatic-relations-Iranian-state-media) [Saudi FM agrees with Iranian counterpart to hold a bilateral meeting ‘soon’](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2023/03/23/Saudi-FM-agrees-with-Iranian-counterpart-to-hold-a-bilateral-meeting-soon-) [Saudi investments in Iran possible if there’s a ‘goodwill’: Saudi finance minister](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2023/03/15/Saudi-investments-in-Iran-possible-if-there-s-a-goodwill-Saudi-finance-minister) [Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2023/03/10/Iran-Saudi-Arabia-agree-to-re-establish-diplomatic-relations-Iranian-state-media) on restoring diplomatic ties through a Chinese mediation after the two nations severed ties in 2016.

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Image courtesy of "Middle East Eye"

Interfaith Jewish group plant date palms in Medina (Middle East Eye)

Earlier this month, Rick Sopher, 63, a Jewish philanthropist from London, led an interfaith group that included Jews, Muslims and Christians on a trip to the ...

To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this "But not just to come to Saudi Arabia, but to be received in such a friendly, hospitable way, is really something marvellous." It’s really a heartwarming occasion," Sopher said. They also met with prominent scholar Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah, a Catholic bishop and Jewish rabbis in the UAE. I would hardly have believed them," Sopher said. [Saudi](https://www.middleeasteye.net/countries/saudi-arabia) landowner has invited a delegation of British Jews to plant date palms on his private farm in Medina as part of an interfaith trip to Saudi Arabia and the [United Arab Emirates](https://www.middleeasteye.net/countries/united-arab-emirates).

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Image courtesy of "Al Arabiya English"

Saudi Arabia, UK bolster security cooperation (Al Arabiya English)

Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom have signed agreements in areas of security and development, during a meeting of the countries' interior and home.

Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al-Falih, and a number of officials from the two countries. [For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.](https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMOnQlwswi_quAw?oc=3&ceid=US:en&hl=en-US&gl=US) [AlArabiya](/) [Saudi Arabia](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia) and the United Kingdom have signed agreements in areas of security and development, during a meeting of the countries’ interior and home secretaries, state press agency SPA reported on Tuesday evening.

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Image courtesy of "Middle East Eye"

Interfaith Jewish group plant date palms in Medina (Middle East Eye)

Earlier this month, Rick Sopher, 63, a Jewish philanthropist from London, led an interfaith group that included Jews, Muslims and Christians on a trip to the ...

To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this "But not just to come to Saudi Arabia, but to be received in such a friendly, hospitable way, is really something marvellous." It’s really a heartwarming occasion," Sopher said. They also met with prominent scholar Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah, a Catholic bishop and Jewish rabbis in the UAE. I would hardly have believed them," Sopher said. [Saudi](https://www.middleeasteye.net/countries/saudi-arabia) landowner has invited a delegation of British Jews to plant date palms on his private farm in Medina as part of an interfaith trip to Saudi Arabia and the [United Arab Emirates](https://www.middleeasteye.net/countries/united-arab-emirates).

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Image courtesy of "Anadolu Agency"

Saudi Arabia-Iran relations to strengthen regional solidarity, China's ... (Anadolu Agency)

Xi Jinping, Mohammed bin Salman hold phone call, 1st time since Riyadh, Tehran decided to normalize ties - Anadolu Agency.

[Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. China will further support the process,” Xi told MbS, who is also the kingdom’s prime minister, in a phone call. The Saudi crown prince, for his part, hailed China’s support for good-neighborly relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Top diplomats of Saudi Arabia and Iran have since held two phone calls and are expected to meet during the ongoing Ramadan, the holy fasting month of Muslims. “The recent successful dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Beijing helped improve bilateral relations between the two countries, which will strengthen regional solidarity and ease the tensions in the region. The improved bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran will “strengthen regional solidarity,” China’s President Xi Jinping told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) on Tuesday.

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Image courtesy of "Al-Monitor"

20 pilgrims dead in bus crash en route to Saudi Arabia's Mecca (Al-Monitor)

Almost every pilgrimage season witnesses deadly accidents in Saudi Arabia.

The kingdom attaches great importance to religious tourism as it seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil. Millions visit Saudi Arabia each year to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Nearly 500 of the victims were Iranian. The pilgrims’ journey is perilous as roads become busy and holy sites overcrowded during pilgrimage season. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said last month that a total of 4.8 million foreign pilgrims had arrived in the kingdom to perform the pilgrimage since the start of the Islamic year at the end of July 2022. The victims included Saudi nationals and various others.

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