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Saudi crown prince calls Qatari emir as Kingdom condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar

Update Interceptor missiles are fired, after Iran’s armed forces say they targeted the Al-Udeid base in a missile attack, as seen from Doha, Qatar, June 23, 2025. (Reuters)
Interceptor missiles are fired, after Iran’s armed forces say they targeted the Al-Udeid base in a missile attack, as seen from Doha, Qatar, June 23, 2025. (Reuters)
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Updated 24 June 2025

Saudi crown prince calls Qatari emir as Kingdom condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar

Interceptor missiles are fired, after Iran’s armed forces say they targeted the Al-Udeid base in a missile attack.
  • Kingdom affirmed solidarity and full support for Qatar, is deploying all capabilities to support country in all measures it takes
  • Widespread Arab condemnation following attacks

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ on Monday condemned strikes launched by Iran on targets in Qatar, a foreign ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the aggression launched by Iran against the sisterly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness,†the statement said.Ìı

“It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,†it added.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar.

During the call, the Crown Prince affirmed the Kingdom’s full support for Qatar and its condemnation of the unjustified blatant aggression launched by Iran against the gulf state, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The Crown Prince also affirmed that the Kingdom has deployed all its capabilities to support Qatar as it takes measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty.

The Kingdom affirmedÌıits solidarity and full support for Qatar and is deploying all its capabilities to support the country in all measures it takes, the statementÌıadded.Ìı

Iran launched missile attacks Monday on a USÌımilitary base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites in the early hours of Sunday morning.ÌıÌı

Qatar condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace is now safe.

UAE condemnation

The UAE described the attack as a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, and a clear contravention of international law and the UN Charter.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its categorical rejection of any attack that threatens Qatar’s security and safety and undermines the security and stability of the region.

The ministry expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and its unwavering support for all measures aimed at protecting the security and safety of its citizens and residents.

It also stressed the need for an immediate halt to military escalation, warning that the continuation of such actions would undermine regional security and drag the region down dangerous paths with disastrous repercussions for international peace and security.

The statement further called for diplomatic solutions and the principle of good neighborliness, stressing that serious dialogue remains the only way to overcome current crises and safeguard the region’s security, stability, and the safety of its people.

Egypt concerned

Egypt also expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks, considering them a “violation of its sovereignty, a threat to its territorial integrity, and a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.â€

Egypt also expressed its “deep concern over the rapidly escalating and dangerous situation in the region,â€Ìıstressing its "complete rejection of all forms of military escalation or infringement on the sovereignty of states,â€Ìıaccording to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Bahrain urges international action

Bahrain affirmed its “full support for the sisterly State of Qatar following the Iranian attack on its territory."

Bahrain expressed its solidarityÌıas “required by the bond of brotherhood and blood, and affirms the solidarity of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in these sensitive circumstances facing the region, to exert the necessary efforts to exercise self-restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through peaceful means,â€Ìıaccording to the Bahrain News Agency.

The kingdom called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder theirÌıresponsibilities in condemning the attacks, and taking effective steps to deter Iran's irresponsible actions. It also urged cooperationÌıto restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region, embracing dialogue and diplomacy to preserve the security of the region and the peace of its people.

Omani rejection

Oman condemned the ongoing escalation in the region. An official spokesperson for the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Iranian missile attack on Qatar as “a rejected and condemned act†that violated the sovereignty of a Gulf Cooperation CouncilÌıstate, contradicted the principles of good neighborliness, and risked expanding the conflict to devastating effect.

Kuwait

Kuwait also denounced the Iranian strike, calling it a “blatant violation†of Qatari sovereignty and airspace and “a dangerous escalation that threatens peace, security, and stability in the region.â€

Iraq’s deep concern

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the “dangerous and accelerating escalation,†describing the attack on Qatar as a turning point that could expand the conflict and warned of the risks posed by the involvement of new actors in the confrontation.

Jordan

Jordan strongly condemned the missile strike, calling it a “flagrant violation†of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Jordan’s “absolute solidarity†with Qatar in confronting threats to its security and stability.

Wider Arab response

Morocco joined the chorus of condemnation, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the attack as a “blatant missile strike†and reiterating the Kingdom’s full solidarity with Qatar.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi said the organization was “surprised†butÌıstrongly condemned the Iranian attack, calling it a direct threat not just to Qatar but to all GCC states. He reaffirmed the Council’s unity and expressed surprise that the strike came despite the GCC’s condemnation of Israeli actions and ongoing mediation efforts.

The Arab Parliament echoed these concerns, labelling the attack “a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty†and warning of the dangers of further escalation.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of a sister nation’s sovereignty, cautioning that it would heighten tensions and hamper de-escalation efforts.

Palestine also issued a statement of support for Qatar, describing the attack as a “blatant violation†of its sovereignty and affirming solidarity with the Qatari people.

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French solidarity

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a return to negotiations after Iran’s attack.

“The spiral of chaos must end,†he wrote on X. “I call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, de-escalate and return to the negotiating table.†He expressed his solidarity with Qatar.

Speaking to broadcaster France 2, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: “This is a dangerous escalation in which Iran bears a heavy responsibility. It is a cycle of violence that puts the region at risk of a widespread conflagration, which would have very serious repercussions even here at home.â€

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UN chiefÌı‘deeply alarmed’

The UN Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, a spokesperson for Antonio Guterres said Monday.

“From the outset of the crisis, the Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including (Monday)’s attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar. He further reiterates his call on all parties to stop fighting,†the spokesperson said. 

“The Secretary-General urges all member states to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law,†they added.


First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy
Updated 5 sec ago

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy
  • Earth Observation platform was launched to meet the growing demand for high-resolution satellite imagery and space analytics across key sectors
  • CEO of the Neo Space Group Martijn Blanken: Earth Observation data supports infrastructure development, urban growth, and resource management

JEDDAH: Neo Space Group, a space and satellite communications company under the Public Investment Fund, has launched º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s first dedicated Earth observation marketplace, advancing the Kingdom’s space economy.

Operated by UP42, a subsidiary of Neo Space Group, the Earth Observation platform was launched to meet the growing demand for high-resolution satellite imagery and space analytics across key sectors.

It supports the Kingdom’s economic transformation under Vision 2030 by integrating Earth Observation data into sectors such as environment, infrastructure, energy, real estate, mining, logistics, agriculture, and urban planning.

Martijn Blanken, CEO of the Neo Space Group, said that the platform reflects increasing demand for space-based intelligence in the Kingdom, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

“Earth Observation data is essential today,†said Blanken. “It supports infrastructure development, urban growth, and resource management. With more than 2.15 million sq. km, º£½ÇÖ±²¥ requires scalable, data-driven tools for strategic decisions.â€

The platform provides access to global data providers and AI-powered services, allowing government agencies, local companies, and international users to acquire and analyze high-resolution imagery and geospatial data through a digital interface.

Frank Salzgeber, acting deputy governor for the space sector at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, called the launch an important step for the Kingdom’s space economy.

“Alongside enhancing national capabilities, the platform is expected to accelerate the adoption of space technologies in the Kingdom. It reflects our national priorities: fostering technological innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building secure infrastructure.â€

The platform follows Neo Space Group’s acquisition of UP42 GmbH from Airbus in December 2024. The German company runs a cloud-native Earth observation platform that simplifies satellite data access and processing.

Available at sa.up42.com, the platform lets users search, access, and process satellite data at scale using automated workflows, unified formats, and user-friendly tools. It complies with Saudi regulations and is hosted on secure local infrastructure.


9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
Updated 10 min 43 sec ago

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
  • Supports 30 STEM teams to transform research into startups
  • King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology backs project

RIYADH: Nine teams have advanced to the finals of the SR2.25 million ($600,000) Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup competition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The teams that advanced are Plansulin, Queed, iRama, Quantasphere Ltd., Advanced Future Technology, Novo Genomics, Larimar, Visi Ground, and iBoat.

The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology hosted the semifinal stage at its Academy 32 facility, the SPA reported.

The event was set up to support 30 teams in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to transform research projects into market-ready startups.

Jameel, organized by StartSmart Entrepreneurship Center, and implemented through partnerships with KACST, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority.

It targets deep tech innovations in the health, energy, environment and climate sectors, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to empower research-based startups.

The semifinal event featured sector-specific training sessions, interactive product development challenges within fixed timeframes, cross-disciplinary workshops and business model refinement exercises.

Participants received specialized mentorship to overcome technical and commercial hurdles.

Radwan Noor, KACST’s general manager of Venture Attraction, said in a statement that they are enabling researchers to convert scientific outputs into viable tech companies with tangible market impact.

KACST supports this through scientific expertise, mentorship, judging, and access to laboratories and research infrastructure.

He said several participating startups graduated from KACST’s Ventures Program, demonstrating successful pathways from national labs to market solutions.

Mohammed Abdulghaffar, senior general manager at Community Jameel, added that this collaboration empowers scientists and innovators to commercialize research.


Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh
Updated 14 min 40 sec ago

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh
  • Running until Aug. 25, the event attracts top breeders and farms from within the Kingdom and around the world
  • Auction provides an opportunity for people across the world of falconry to meet, interact and share ideas

RIYADH: The International Falcon Breeders Auction opened on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh.

Running until Aug. 25, the event attracts top breeders and farms from within the Kingdom and around the world, with Europe, the Americas and Asia all represented, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than just a sales platform, the auction provides an opportunity for people across the world of falconry to meet, interact and share ideas on this ancient sport. The many pavilions, including a “Falconer of the Future†stand, provide a showcase for breeding farms and equipment suppliers.

The event also supports the Saudi Falcons Club’s efforts to promote the heritage, culture and development of falconry, including pioneering breeding farms, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the sector.

Last year’s auction saw 872 birds changing hands for a combined value of more than SR10 million ($2.7 million). That represented a 25 percent increase in revenue and a 36 percent rise in the number of birds sold from 2023.

This year’s event is expected once again to attract the very best falconers and breeders from across the globe, highlighting º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s leadership in preserving intangible cultural heritage and its growing international stature in the falconry world.


Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts
Updated 05 August 2025

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Sri Lankan Ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh.

The officials discussed various topics related to Islamic affairs and ongoing cooperation between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the envoy praised the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting Islamic causes and promoting the values of tolerance and moderation globally, particularly in Sri Lanka.

Ameer Ajwad emphasized that these efforts reflect the true message of Islam, the SPA reported.

“We take pride in the Kingdom’s remarkable role in promoting the values of tolerance and moderation — a noble mission that truly represents the lofty message of Islam,†the envoy said.

He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous support to Sri Lanka across various fields, and especially their service in response to Qur’anic injunctions.

The ambassador also praised the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for spreading a message of moderation worldwide.

He commended the ministry’s awareness programs, training for imams and preachers, and its organization of Qur’an competitions.


Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers
Updated 05 August 2025

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

MADINAH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has empowered the nation’s authors and publishers at the fourth Madinah Book Fair, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The week-long event, held from July 29 to Aug. 4, hosted more than 300 local and international publishing houses and agencies across more than 200 exhibition booths.

Abdullatif Alwasel, the commission’s CEO, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their continued support of the nation’s arts and culture sector.

He said the fair marks a key milestone in advancing the publishing industry and spreading knowledge across society.

Alwasel noted that this year’s edition saw unprecedented participation and a wide range of cultural events tailored to various age groups and intellectual interests.

The fair offered broad opportunities for local publishers and authors, improved book accessibility, and strengthened º£½ÇÖ±²¥ content, he added.

Notable initiatives included a discounted book zone and upgrades to the fair’s technical infrastructure, enhancing visitor engagement and overall experience.

The fair attracted large numbers of people from diverse backgrounds who actively engaged with the cultural program presented by distinguished writers and intellectuals.

The sessions featured panels and workshops on key literary topics for the benefit of the public, according to the report.

The book-signing platform hosted several º£½ÇÖ±²¥ authors with their latest work, while various government and cultural organizations showcased their latest initiatives and contributions to the sector.