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Israeli attacks on health infrastructure violate international law, Saudi FM tells BRICS summit

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses a plenary session of the BRICS summit underway in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses a plenary session of the BRICS summit underway in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday to attend the 17th BRICS summit. (@KSAMOFA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday to attend the 17th BRICS summit. (@KSAMOFA)
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Updated 07 July 2025

Israeli attacks on health infrastructure violate international law, Saudi FM tells BRICS summit

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses a plenary session of the BRICS summit underway in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Prince Faisal is attending BRICS summit on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • Kingdom’s expertise in hosting pilgrimages enhances its position as regional center for preparedness and response to health emergencies, minister says

RIYADH: Israeli attacks on health infrastructure and the targeting of civilians constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told the BRICS summit underway in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.

Prince Faisal called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He said that the human suffering in Gaza cannot be overlooked and that the international community must work diligently to end the crisis and achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace for all, based on the two-state solution in accordance with international law.

In a speech to a plenary session entitled “Environment, COP30, and Global Health,†the foreign minister affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, calling for a practical and balanced approach that takes into account the diverse circumstances of different countries.

He explained that the Kingdom, as a country suffering from water scarcity, has developed advanced methods and technologies to manage environmental challenges and water resources, and has led efforts that led to the establishment of the Global Water Organization which aims to ensure equitable access to the vital resource.

With regard to the health sector, Prince Faisal said the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 includes comprehensive reforms focused on prevention and integrated care.

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s experience in managing major gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah, and developing and planning early warning systems.

Its expertise in hosting Hajj and Umrah enhances the Kingdom’s position as a regional center for preparedness and response to health emergencies, the minister said.


º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2025

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh
  • Bilateral ties play a crucial role in promoting regional and global stability, says Saudi official
  • ‘Tireless work between the two friendly countries can push mutual relations to a new stage’

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Japan held a ceremony in the capital Riyadh on Monday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their countries.

During a speech, Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji highlighted the strong relationship between º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Japan. He said that their cooperation, which began in 1955, plays a crucial role in promoting regional and global stability and prosperity.

“The tireless work between the two friendly countries can push mutual relations to a new stage,†he said. Al-Khereiji highlighted that the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 established a comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve common goals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

He expressed the Kingdom’s desire to enhance its relationship with Japan and achieve greater growth and prosperity for both countries, the SPA added.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is the primary supplier of crude oil to Japan, and Japan has become a significant partner for the Kingdom in trade and investment. Under Saudi-Japan Vision 2030, the two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation, including efforts in decarbonization, as highlighted in a blog post by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Palestinian self-rule key to Gaza future, say top Muslim countries

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participates in a ministerial meeting on Gaza hosted by Turkiye on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participates in a ministerial meeting on Gaza hosted by Turkiye on Monday. (SPA)
Updated 04 November 2025

Palestinian self-rule key to Gaza future, say top Muslim countries

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participates in a ministerial meeting on Gaza hosted by Turkiye on Monday. (SPA)
  • Israeli fire kills three in Gaza
  • Military continues to demolish houses

ISTANBUL: Gaza’s future must be Palestinian-led and avoid any new system of tutelage, º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Turkiye, and 5 other countries said on Monday after talks in Istanbul.

“Our principle is that Palestinians should govern the Palestinians and ensure their own security; the international community should support this in the best possible way — diplomatically, institutionally and economically,†Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after the talks.
“Nobody wants to see a new system of tutelage emerge,†he told a news conference.
The talks also involved top diplomats from Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived earlier on Monday in Istanbul to participate in the ministerial meeting. 
The seven countries were called to a meeting with President Donald Trump in September on the margins of the UN General Assembly, just days before he unveiled his plan to end the Gaza war.
Brokered by President Trump, the Oct. 10 ceasefire has been tested by fresh Israeli strikes.
Israeli fire killed three Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday, north of the southern city of Rafah, which remains under Israeli control, according to local health authorities.
Medics said one of those killed was a woman. 
Residents said Israeli forces continued to demolish houses in the eastern areas of Rafah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City, where forces continue to operate.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry said it received 45 bodies of Palestinians killed by Israel, whose bodies were in Israeli custody. 
The Istanbul talks also focused on the humanitarian situation in the enclave.
Countries are still working on a UN Security Council mandate for an international stabilization force in Gaza, and will decide on any troop deployments once a framework is complete, Fidan said.


Saudi forum to highlight sufficiency-based climate policies at UN conference in Brazil

Saudi forum to highlight sufficiency-based climate policies at UN conference in Brazil
Updated 03 November 2025

Saudi forum to highlight sufficiency-based climate policies at UN conference in Brazil

Saudi forum to highlight sufficiency-based climate policies at UN conference in Brazil
  • It emphasizes reducing resource demand at the source before improving efficiency to promote climate justice and balance economic growth with environmental protection

RIYADH: The Saudi Green Building Forum will participate in the UN Climate Change Conference, to be held in Belem, Brazil, from Nov. 10-21.

The participation extends the forum’s role as a national institution with consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council and accreditation from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

It also reflects the contribution of Saudi experts and Vision 2030–inspired best practices in supporting global efforts toward sustainability and green transformation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

This year, the forum will highlight the principle of “Sufficiency Before Efficiency†in climate policies, the SPA added.

It emphasizes reducing resource demand at the source before improving efficiency to promote climate justice and balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Faisal Al-Fadl, the forum’s secretary-general, said the approach represents a shift in sustainable building thought, noting: “Sufficiency does not mean limiting development; it means achieving a balance between human needs and the planet’s capacity to provide resources, ensuring social equity and environmental protection.â€

The forum will work to enhance international cooperation to develop sufficiency indicators and policies in coordination with partner countries, international organizations, and public- and private-sector stakeholders, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Saudi Green Building Forum is a nongovernmental organization in the Arab world that collaborates with municipalities and housing authorities on environmental development, climate monitoring, combating desertification, and biodiversity through the Saaf framework.

It promotes the localization of green building and the circular economy across the Arab region, inspired by Saudi practices in sustainability and the green transition.


Jeddah’s cultural revival shines at London travel event

Jeddah’s cultural revival shines at London travel event
Updated 03 November 2025

Jeddah’s cultural revival shines at London travel event

Jeddah’s cultural revival shines at London travel event
  • At the event, Historic Jeddah is unveiling new tourism products and interactive experiences that reflect its growing visitor attractions

JEDDAH: Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, is taking part in the World Travel Market in London, one of the world’s premier tourism industry events that runs from Nov. 4 to 6.

This year’s participation builds on its continuing presence at the exhibition, underscoring the district’s rise as a global cultural and tourism destination.

At the event, Historic Jeddah is unveiling new tourism products and interactive experiences that reflect its growing visitor attractions.

Highlights include diverse guided routes such as the Historic Pilgrimage Route, which traces Jeddah’s role as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and connects 10 archaeological sites through immersive storytelling.

Visitors can also explore digital displays of archaeological discoveries via QR codes that reveal the history behind sites, architecture, and rare artifacts — blending knowledge, heritage, and technology.

Special tourism packages for the teamLab Borderless Museum offer a fusion of modern digital art and the district’s rich heritage. Additionally, Historic Jeddah’s page on Google Arts and Culture allows global audiences to experience virtual tours of its landmarks and cultural treasures.

Through this global platform — which drew more than 40,000 industry specialists last year — the ministry of culture aims to strengthen Historic Jeddah’s international presence and highlight its revival under the strategic development project launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The initiative supports Vision 2030 objectives by preserving º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s architectural heritage, growing its cultural and tourism sectors, and turning history into a driver of sustainable economic development.

Located in the heart of Jeddah, Al-Balad is one of the oldest settlements on the Red Sea coast. For centuries it served as a hub for pilgrims and traders, its distinct Hijazi architecture — wooden rawasheen, coral-stone buildings, and traditional souqs — earning it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

The Jeddah Historic District Program, launched by the ministry of culture in 2018, continues to revive the area’s architectural and cultural vitality through restoration, public space upgrades, and new cultural activities.


Training program boosts Saudi fashion talent

Training program boosts Saudi fashion talent
Updated 03 November 2025

Training program boosts Saudi fashion talent

Training program boosts Saudi fashion talent
  • Move enhances capabilities in building brand identity

RIYADH: The Fashion Commission has launched a new training program on content creation in the industry, aimed at helping Saudi talent develop advanced digital communication and brand storytelling skills.

Targeting mid-level Saudi fashion designers, the program enhances capabilities in building brand identity — using digital marketing tools — and producing high-quality creative content to strengthen brand presence in competitive markets.

Participants will also gain networking opportunities and exposure to international industry standards, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Delivered in collaboration with Fondazione Sozzani, the program begins with a virtual introductory session on Nov. 25, followed by intensive in-person training in Milan from Dec. 15-19.

Conducted in English, the training combines theoretical and practical learning, providing designers with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience to support their professional growth and international visibility.

This initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to empowering creative talent, expanding access to global learning, and advancing the Saudi fashion sector.

Registration is available at engage.moc.gov.sa/reg_forms/tracks/95/.