Saudi Cabinet deplores brutal attacks on civilians, hospitals

November 22, 2016

Riyadh, Nov 22: The Council of Ministers, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, met in Riyadh on Monday and denounced the brutal shelling and heinous attacks on the Syrian people in Aleppo and its surroundings.

king salman

The Cabinet deplored the severe damage caused to people and property, particularly hospitals and schools.

The attacks resulted in the demolition of buildings and civilians being deprived of relief assistance.

The ministers noted that such attacks are contrary to the principles, values and essence of international law and humane principles in general.

The ministers reaffirmed the decisions of the emergency meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that the Kingdom would defend the Two Holy Mosques and enforce a strict call for putting an end to the practices of the Houthi militias and their supporters and their persistence in launching ballistic missiles at Makkah. These were unpredictable threats to Islamic sanctity and hurt the feelings of Muslims.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the ministers on the contents of messages he had received from Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika and the outcome of his meetings and talks with Algerian Premier Abdulmalik Al-Sallal, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abulghait, GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif Al-Zayani and Italian Interior Minister Engelo Alfano.

On reading the 52nd annual report of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) for the fiscal year 2015, King Salman lauded the Kingdom’s vibrant financial situation which is attributed to strong security and stability in the country.

He also expressed his appreciation for SAMA’s efforts in the service of the country’s economy.

The Cabinet also hoped for a bright future in the forward march in accordance with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the national transformation program, (NTP) which will make a tangible economic impact through its diversification of national economic resources.

The Cabinet highlighted the statement made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, on the importance of protecting children from the threats of human society that harm their innocence and breach their dignity and honor.

The Kingdom’s hosting of the National Forum for Preventing Children’s Sexual Abuse on the Internet reflects its interest and care for human rights in general and children’s rights in particular based on the teachings of Islam.

The Cabinet was also briefed on the points raised by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, about his chairing of the 15th meeting of the GCC defense ministers, citing that everybody is looking forward to seeing the GCC move onward, particularly in the defense field amid the current challenges engulfing the countries in the region which necessitate more coordination and work and the taking of prompt action.

It was also briefed on the Kingdom’s stand at the UN Framework Convention’s 22nd Conference on Climate Change held in Marrakech.

It said that it would remain committed to its firm role in facing the problem of climate change and meeting the world’s oil energy needs and also providing support for a gradual transformation toward a more sustainable environmental future.

The Cabinet lauded the outcome of the conference.

Also highlighted was the Kingdom’s assertion at the Africa Labor summit that the GCC seeks fruitful cooperation at the Arab-African level for consolidating partnerships in order to achieve the objectives of UN sustainable development which was approved in New York in 2015.

The Cabinet also lauded the outcome of the 33rd GCC ministers of labor and social affairs held in Riyadh.

It cited the initiatives and programs envisaged to contribute effectively to a number of issues pertaining to the labor and social development fields, including the GCC joint common market.

The Cabinet praised the results of the first Arab Gulf Security exercise held in Bahrain where the Kingdom took part upon instructions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Later, the Cabinet approved the following decisions:

Firstly, the Cabinet authorized the crown prince or his delegated authority to discuss with the Zambians a draft cooperation agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Zambia on the fight against terrorism, organized crimes and illegal trafficking in drugs and psychotropic items and their smuggling.

Secondly on the privatization of sports clubs in the Kingdom, based on recommendations of the Council of Economic Affairs and Development.

The Cabinet approved the following: privatization of sports clubs joining the Saudi championship for Premier Football League clubs.

The General Authority for Sports will, in coordination with the ministers of commerce and investment and economy and planning, stipulate regulations and conditions whereby the sports companies will carry out their activities.

Formation of a committee to supervise the completion of the club privatization stages to be headed by the president of the General Authority for Sports and members composed of the deputy minister of economy and planning, commerce undersecretary for systems and regulations in addition to representatives of the Finance Ministry, Saudi Football Association, and the Professional League Association.

Thirdly, the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Maldives in the field of Islamic affairs and endowments.

Fourthly, the Cabinet authorized the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with Djibouti a draft memo of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Culture and Endowments in Djibouti in the area of Islamic affairs.

Fifth, the Cabinet authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with the Independent Permanent Commission on Human Rights at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) a draft head office agreement between the Saudi government and the Independent Permanent Commission on Human Rights at the OIC.

Sixth, the Cabinet approved the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Central Africa at the level of “non-resident ambassador”.

The Cabinet also approved an agreement on the employment of domestic workers between the Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development and the Ministry of Public Office in Chad.

Finally, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a national program to maximize the benefits of government incentives in the energy and water sectors aimed at reducing consumption of energy and water in order to ensure economic efficiency in the productive sectors.

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Agencies
July 26,2020

Jeddah, Jul 26: The city of Makkah is opening its arms again to welcome pilgrims for the annual Hajj — although only a handful compared with previous years.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event is limited to about 1,000 pilgrims, all from inside Saudi Arabia, about 700 of whom are expatriates.

Abdullah Al-Kathiri, an Emirati and a recovered COVID-19 patient, postponed his pilgrimage last year because it coincided with his wedding plans. “I’ve heard from many who’ve performed the pilgrimage in past years that it was always a smooth process, even with the massive numbers,” he said. “So you could imagine how it would be with the limited number of pilgrims this year. Surely it will be a great experience.”

Khadija, a Bulgarian expatriate, was overcome with tears when she heard she would be performing Hajj this year. “I didn’t expect they’d accept,” she said. “I’m sure this year’s Hajj will be an exceptional one in all respects.”

Dr. Haifa Yousef Hamdoon, a Tunisian physician in Qassim, is another who did not expect to be accepted because of the low numbers this year. “When I received confirmation of my request, I was overjoyed and couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Mu’taz Mohamed, a Sudanese pilgrim who also lives in Qassim region, praised the preventive and precautionary health measures taken in order to ensure his safety and that of other pilgrims, to enable them to perform the rituals safely.

After completing their arrival procedures, the pilgrims were taken to their accommodation in Makkah, supervised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. They will stay there for four days before beginning their pilgrimage on July 30.

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News Network
April 23,2020

Riyadh, Apr 22: In an extraordinary initiative, the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has decided to facilitate the travel of expatriates who have an exit and reentry visa or final exit visa to return to their countries.

This is in line with the order of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

According to the initiative, called “Auda” (return), expatriates can apply seeking permission for travel to their countries through the Absher portal of the ministry.

Announcing this, Saudi's Ministry of Interior said that the initiative will be implemented in cooperation with a number of relevant government agencies.

Requests for travel from expatriates will be received and approved in coordination with the relevant authorities to complete their travel procedures on board international flights.

As per the initiative, a text message will be sent to the beneficiary stating the travel date, ticket number and reservation details, and by which the beneficiary can obtain his travel ticket and complete the travel procedures.

Clarifying the procedures for the travel, the ministry said that the applicant shall select the icon (Auda) after visiting the Absher portal and fill the following fields: iqama (residency permit) number, date of birth, mobile number, departure city and airport of arrival.

It is not mandatory for the expatriate to have his own Absher account for availing of the service, the ministry said, adding that this facility is to enable expatriates to benefit from this initiative.

The departure will be through the following airports: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Muhammad International Airport in Madinah, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

Those expatriates who are outside these cities can benefit from the service through entering airport of departure after completion of their travel procedures in sufficient period of time.

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Agencies
July 23,2020

Abu Dhabi, Jul 23: Muslims in the United Arab Emirates have been asked to perform Eid Al-Adha prayers at home even as mosques will be allowed to operate at an increased capacity of 50 percent from Aug. 3.

Mosques in the UAE have been operating at 30 percent capacity after they reopened on July 1.

Announcing the move, Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, the official spokesman for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, stated that after assessing the situation and coordinating with the concerned authorities, it was decided that Eid Al-Adha prayers would be conducted in homes and takbeers broadcast through visual and audio means.

He also announced that the Emirates Fatwa Council has recommended that donations and sacrifices should be to official charitable causes in the country only.

Al Dhaheri advised the public to donate during this time to the official charitable bodies in the country with sacrifices and donations, through smart applications concerned with sacrifices or through slaughterhouses outlined by the local authorities that guarantee the application of precautionary and preventive measures and provide remote services without the need to enter livestock markets or slaughterhouses.

Al Dhaheri stressed the need to avoid family visits and gatherings, and replace them using electronic means of communication or phone contact, as well as refraining from distributing Eid gifts and money to children and individuals during this occasion recommending to instead use of electronic alternatives.

Al Dhaheri pointed out that it is necessary to avoid visiting pregnant women, children and those with chronic diseases who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and not to allow them to leave the home and avoid going out to public places to preserve their health and safety.

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