�� calls for global recognition of Palestine and end to Israeli aggression in Gaza

�� foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan speaks during the high-profile meeting at the UN aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (AP)

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Updated 37 sec ago

Arab News

September 22, 2025 23:11

�� calls for global recognition of Palestine and end to Israeli aggression in Gaza

At landmark UN summit co-chaired by the Kingdom and France, Saudi foreign minister condemns ‘repeated attacks’ on sovereignty of Arab and Muslim countries
Prince Faisal bin Salman says Israel’s actions ‘threaten regional and international peace and stability and undermine efforts of peace in the region’

Updated 37 sec ago

Arab News

September 22, 2025 23:11

NEW YORK CITY: �� reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution to the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, during a peace conference co-chaired by the Kingdom and France at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.

Saudi authorities also called for global recognition of the State of Palestine, and an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank.

Delivering a statement on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Salman, began by sharing greetings from King Salman, along with the crown prince’s best wishes for the success of the conference.

He also thanked the French president, Emmanuel Macron, for the formal declaration of France’s recognition of the State of Palestine.

The one-day Saudi-French conference took place amid escalating violence in the Middle East. Prince Faisal condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza, the West Bank and Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem), including what he described as “brutal crimes,” as well as “repeated attacks on the sovereignty of Arab and Muslim countries,” citing in particular the recent Israeli strike on Doha.

“These actions underline the insistence of Israel to continue with its aggressive practices that threaten regional and international peace and stability and undermine efforts of peace in the region,” he said.

Only the implementation of a two-state solution can bring lasting peace, he added.

Prince Faisal also welcomed the recent successful vote by the UN General Assembly on the “New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” in which 142 member states out of 193 voted in favor.

“This reflects the will of the international community to render justice to the Palestinian people and consolidate their legal, historic rights in line with international frameworks, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative,” he added.

He said �� stands ready to work with France and other peace-seeking nations to follow up on the outcomes of Monday’s conference, help end the war in Gaza, halt unilateral actions that undermine Palestinian sovereignty, and establish an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In his closing remarks, Prince Faisal thanked those states that have already officially recognized the State of Palestine, or plan to do so, and urged others to take “a similar historic step.”

He added: “Such action will have a great impact on supporting the efforts towards the implementation of the two-state solution, achieving permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, and finding a new reality whereby the region can enjoy peace, stability and prosperity.”

FULL SPEECH:

In the name of God, the Merciful, the compassionate,

Your Excellency President of the Republic of France, your Excellency Secretary General, your Excellency President of the General Assembly, distinguished guests,

God, peace, and blessings be upon you. I have the honor to deliver the statement of the Kingdom of �� as a co-chair of this conference, on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom.

It is my pleasure to convey to you the greetings of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and his wishes along with the crown prince’s wishes for the success of this conference. We thank His Excellency President Macron and His Excellency Antonio Guterres for their efforts towards achieving the two-state solution; we thank him also for recognizing the State of Palestine.

This conference is co-chaired by the Kingdom of �� and France at a time when the Israeli occupation authorities continue their aggression and their brutal crimes against our brothers the Palestinians in Gaza Strip and its violations in the West Bank and Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its repeated attacks on the sovereignty of Arab and Muslim countries, the latest of which was the attack against Qatar.

This underlines the insistence of Israel to continue with its aggressive practices that threaten regional and international peace and stability and undermine efforts of peace in the region. This reiterates our deeply rooted conviction that the implementation of the two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and permanent peace.

The historic position of his Excellency the French President to recognize the State of Palestine, and the fact that many countries have taken this similar courageous position, and the broad support for the resolution of the General Assembly to adopt (the declaration) the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution that received 142 votes in its favor reflects the will of the international community to render justice to the Palestinian people and consolidate their legal historic right in line with international frameworks and relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The Kingdom is keen on continuing its partnership with France and all countries calling for peace to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of this conference to put an end to the war in Gaza and stop all unilateral measures that threaten Palestinian sovereignty, to work on ending the conflict in the region, and establish the Palestinian independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In conclusion, we thank again those countries that have recognized or have announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine; we call all other countries to take a similar historic step that will have a great impact on supporting the efforts towards the implementation of the two-state solution, achieve permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, and find a new reality whereby the region can enjoy peace, stability, and prosperity.

Thank you.

Crafting for the future — Saudi youth keeping heritage alive

Updated 45 sec ago

Hajar AlQusayer

September 22, 2025 22:00

Crafting for the future — Saudi youth keeping heritage alive

Vision 2030 has created new ‘creative sector,’ says researcher
Greater economic opportunities, craftspeople tell Arab News

Updated 45 sec ago

Hajar AlQusayer

September 22, 2025 22:00

RIYADH: Many young people in �� are embracing traditional crafts through a number of training programs and workshops that link cultural identity with modern opportunity.

Hammad Al-Shammari, a young craftsman specializing in mud construction, said his journey began during the excavation of a historic home.

“There, I felt the value of old buildings, with their decorations, columns, and authentic architectural features,” he told Arab News recently.

“From that moment, my passion for restoring traditional homes was born.”

Al-Shammari went on to specialize in mud construction at the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, or Wrth, where he trained in structural and restoration techniques.

“Wrth has been the greatest blessing in my journey,” he said. “It helped me develop my craft skills both practically and academically … I learned how to connect heritage identity with contemporary innovation.”

Hammad Al-Shammari, a young craftsman specializing in mud construction. (Supplied)

Wrth focuses on strengthening national identity through traditional arts. The organization trains young Saudis, honors master craftspeople, preserves both tangible and intangible heritage and raises awareness at home and abroad.

Al-Shammari said architecture reflects the Kingdom’s cultural richness.

“Each region has its own unique features, from the Al-Qatt Al-Asiri decorations of the south, to Hijazi plasterwork, Najdi mud-and-wood architecture, to the beauty of the eastern buildings that still retain their charm.”

“The greatest challenge was reviving old memories and practices within a modern society in a unique and high-quality way. I overcame this through patience, curiosity, and by learning from the experiences of elders and those with long practice,” he added.

Mamdouh Al-Harbi, an urban heritage researcher, highlighted the importance of passing on skills.

“Knowledge transfer is the lifeline of heritage crafts, without it, these practices risk becoming static artifacts in museums rather than living traditions,” he said.

He noted that in the past, crafts were family-based livelihoods, passed from parents to children. Industrialization and urban growth, however, caused many practices to decline.

Today, Vision 2030 and new legislation have reversed the trend.

Hammad Al-Shammari went on to specialize in mud construction at the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts. (Supplied)

“Traditional crafts have transformed from endangered practices into a promising creative sector that links national identity with economic development,” Al-Harbi said.

He added that youth engagement now reflects creativity and entrepreneurship. Modern technologies such as 3D printing and virtual reality are being introduced into training programs, while heritage motifs are finding their way into public buildings.

“Showcasing youth success stories that turn crafts into entrepreneurial projects reshapes public perception,” he said.

He added: “Heritage crafts will only remain attractive to youth if they are freed from rigidity and reimagined as spaces of contemporary creativity.

“Today’s generation, raised in an era of technology, engages with crafts not as repetitive traditional skills but as opportunities for experimentation, innovation, and a renewed connection to identity.”

Heritage crafts are also creating career pathways. Graduates can work in restoration projects, museums, and cultural festivals, or establish businesses in heritage-inspired decor, fashion, and tourism.

Among the more specialized crafts is manuscript-making, where young artisans learn skills that date back centuries.

Faisal Al-Jarallah, a young craftsman specializing in manuscripts, said his passion developed unexpectedly.

“Honestly, at first it wasn’t passion that led me to this field. I was assigned to work in the manuscripts department against my will. I feared it and saw it as a burden. But now, I have become passionate about it,” he said.

He described the process as “the art of making books by hand … preparing paper, creating inks from natural materials, calligraphy, gilding, ornamentation, and binding.”

He noted that �� holds 27 percent of the manuscripts in the Islamic world, calling it “a heavy responsibility that requires proper preservation.”

He added that the Kingdom is now moving “from preservation to presentation.”

National programs, he added, have been instrumental. “I believe the movement and competitiveness created by national initiatives are the real drivers of creativity in the field of crafts.

“Initiatives like the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, Wrth, have played a major role in shaping this cultural scene and supporting artisans,” he said.

He described manuscripts as “a repository of diverse knowledge and sciences,” and said traditional crafts remain powerful symbols of identity.

“When a young person learns the craft of their ancestors, they not only acquire a manual skill but also connect with their roots, fostering a sense of belonging and pride,” he added.

Topics: SND2025

National Guard Minister receives Korea’s minister in Riyadh

Updated 25 min 37 sec ago

Arab News

September 22, 2025 21:05

National Guard Minister receives Korea’s minister in Riyadh

The two sides discussed topics of mutual interest and reviewed ways to strengthen defense cooperation

Updated 25 min 37 sec ago

Arab News

September 22, 2025 21:05

RIYADH: Minister of the Saudi National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz received Korea’s Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back and Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Seok Jong-gun in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed topics of mutual interest and reviewed ways to strengthen defense cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They also explored opportunities to develop partnerships within the military industries.

Topics: Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Ahn Gyu-back

Royal Commission for Riyadh invites bids for Qiddiya high-speed rail project

Updated 22 September 2025

Rashid Hassan

September 22, 2025 17:57

Royal Commission for Riyadh invites bids for Qiddiya high-speed rail project

RCRC: Qiddiya high speed rail aims to strengthen vital transport links across Riyadh
RCRC: With speeds of up to 250 km/h, it will serve as a central mode of the capital’s modern transport network

Updated 22 September 2025

Rashid Hassan

September 22, 2025 17:57

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, in partnership with the National Center for Privatization & PPP, and Qiddiya Investment Company, has launched the registration phase for companies and entities vying to implement the first phase of the Qiddiya high-speed rail project, under a public-private partnership model.

“The RCRC, in collaboration with Qiddiya Investment Company and the National Center for Privatization & PPP, announces the start of the Expression of Interest phase for the construction of the Qiddiya high-speed rail project,” the RCRC said on its official account on X.

“The Qiddiya high speed rail aims to strengthen vital transport links across Riyadh, by providing a high-speed rail connection between King Salman International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District and Qiddiya City in less than 30 minutes,” it said in another post on X.

“With speeds of up to 250 km/h, it will serve as a central mode of the capital’s modern transport network, enhancing the travel experience, and facilitating access to Riyadh’s key destinations,” it added.

It will be a major component of Riyadh’s transportation system, complementing the city’s newly launched public transport network and offering an integrated urban mobility experience.

Welcoming the announcement, Thamr Alotaibi, a Riyadh resident, told Arab News: “Glad to know that RCRC has invited bids for the Qiddiya high speed rail. It will certainly start a new era of smart mobility in the capital. Aiming to connect major landmarks — King Salman International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District and Qiddiya City within 30 minutes, through a super-fast rail line with a top speed of 250 km per hour, it will make commuting easier, traffic free, faster and smarter.”

The initiative reflects RCRC’s strategy, in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization & PPP and Qiddiya Investment Company, to establish strategic partnerships with the private sector to expand Riyadh’s transport infrastructure.

It also aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors while promoting sustainable urban growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 focuses on transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub by developing advanced transport infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and promoting private-sector investment, with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy serving as the primary guide for achieving these goals.

NTLS is considered the main guide to develop the strategies of transport modes and logistic services and provide effective governance between transport modes to facilitate the connection and engagement between them.

Specialized companies and interested investors are invited to submit registration applications by Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, via email at [email protected].

Topics: Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)

Saudi designers weave heritage into fashion’s global tapestry

Traditional Saudi crafts are being reinterpreted by designers, capturing international attention.

Updated 22 September 2025

Ghadi Joudah

September 22, 2025 18:00

Saudi designers weave heritage into fashion’s global tapestry

Designers take inspiration from traditional designs for Saudi National Day
Patterns based on heritage crafts find success on global stage

Updated 22 September 2025

Ghadi Joudah

September 22, 2025 18:00

RIYADH: As �� celebrates its 95th National Day, a vibrant thread of cultural heritage is weaving its way onto the global fashion stage.

Traditional Saudi crafts — the geometric boldness of Sadu weaving, joyful spontaneity of the Al-Qatt Al-Asiri decorative style, and meticulous precision of Najdi embroidery — are being reinterpreted by designers, capturing international attention through prestigious European showcases.

This creative renaissance aligns with ��’s designation of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, and Vision 2030’s mission to transform heritage into a globally-recognized style.

Arwa Al-Ammari, fashion consultant, Arab Fashion Council ambassador, and public speaker, was named by the BBC as one of “the most creative minds on the planet” for putting “Saudi elegance on the fashion map.”

Forbes listed her among its Top 30 (2022) and Top 50 (2023) Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands. Her consultancy portfolio includes the Saudi Cup, the world’s most valuable horse race.

Reflecting on her brand ArAm’s origins, she told Arab News: “I launched ArAm to create pieces that carry couture’s artistry but function in daily life. In Saudi culture, craftsmanship has always been integral.”

On Saudi’s design evolution, Al-Ammari said: “When I first launched ArAm, many Saudi designers were still in the early stages of exploring how to express their identity. Heritage was often treated as something to either preserve traditionally or reference subtly.”

Today, she credits Vision 2030 for making culture “a foundation for shaping our future.”

Her work has been displayed in the window of Selfridges — featuring Najdi embroidery against a traditional door and desert lavender.

She said that “translating intangible heritage into visual form is delicate yet inspiring. I wanted to capture Saudi culture’s warmth and storytelling traditions — not just motifs.”

On blending Al-Qatt Al-Asiri’s spontaneity with couture, Al-Ammari said “What I find fascinating is its raw spontaneity … I reinterpret it through couture’s refined lens.”

Her designs have become “powerful soft power to tell our stories.”

As an ambassador, she added that “fashion has opened a new window reflecting creativity and cultural pride … it connects Saudi designers with the world.”

And for the 95th National Day, she told Arab News: “Authenticity, hospitality, family, community and resilience. These values show how creativity rooted in tradition can boldly inspire the future.”

When Moe Khoja launched Hindamme in 2016, he sought to “create a dialogue between our heritage and the contemporary world,” he told Arab News.

“�� has stories waiting to be told through fashion — rooted in culture but speaking to global audiences.”

His collections distill the geometry of traditional Sadu weaving into minimalist silhouettes.

Explaining his philosophy, Khoja told Arab News: “Hindamme translates to ‘well put together,’ reflecting balance and elegance.

“Tradition shouldn’t be imposed as a weight, but flow naturally into contemporary forms.”

Technical innovation drives his process and translating desert tent patterns into fluid garments requires “rethinking everything.”

Khoja said: “They never realized Saudi motifs could feel so contemporary. When you treat heritage with respect and innovation, it becomes universally compelling.”

The success of Saudi designers has been seen in European showcases: Al-Ammari’s Selfridges exhibition and Paris’ Premiere Vision featuring Sadu-inspired textiles.

Moreover, the Kingdom is working to support homegrown designers with various schools and programs.

The Saudi Fashion Commission partnered with Italian fashion school Istituto Marangoni to establish a Riyadh campus in August at the King Abdullah Financial District’s creative hub. The institution will offer three-year diplomas in fashion design, business and fragrance development.

Topics: SND2025

8th ministerial Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 meeting confirms ongoing cooperation

Updated 22 September 2025

Arab News Japan

September 22, 2025 13:22

8th ministerial Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 meeting confirms ongoing cooperation

Updated 22 September 2025

Arab News Japan

September 22, 2025 13:22

TOKYO: �� and Japan on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation during a ministerial meeting of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030. This strategic initiative aims to enhance economic, cultural, and technological ties between the two countries.

Prominent figures representing �� included Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi eSports Federation; Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, minister of investment; Sara Al-Sayed, deputy minister of investment; and Ghazi Binzagr, ambassador of the Kingdom of �� to Japan, among others.

Yoji Muto, the minister of economy, trade and industry, and Hisayuki Fujii, the state minister for foreign Affairs, along with others from the Japanese delegation, attended the meetings.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, the participants exchanged views on the direction of future cooperation, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, technology transfer, and cultural exchange.

Japan and �� held the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 in December 2023, as well as the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 Ministerial Roundtable in January this year.

Fujii welcomed the Saudi delegation to Japan, expressing his pleasure in hosting the 8th meeting of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 in Tokyo, according to the ministry.

He praised the cooperation between Japan and �� in various areas this year, which also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Fujii highlighted Japan’s efforts in promoting people-to-people exchanges, culture, sports, education, and research within the framework of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing the mutual respect and admiration shared by both nations.

He further expressed Japan’s hope that the Saudi National Day, to be celebrated on Sept. 23 at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, will give further momentum to strengthen bilateral relations.

Topics: Japan �� Saud Vision 2030

��

�� calls for global recognition of Palestine and end to Israeli aggression in Gaza

�� calls for global recognition of Palestine and end to Israeli aggression in Gaza

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Palestinian Authority says France’s recognition of state ‘historic and courageous’

Crafting for the future — Saudi youth keeping heritage alive

Crafting for the future — Saudi youth keeping heritage alive

The Saudi artist giving traditional crafts a new voice

In ��’s ‘Year of Handicrafts,’ passion has no limits

National Guard Minister receives Korea’s minister in Riyadh

National Guard Minister receives Korea’s minister in Riyadh

Saudi National Guard minister visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Saudi minister crowns winners at Ada’a Health Awards

Royal Commission for Riyadh invites bids for Qiddiya high-speed rail project

Royal Commission for Riyadh invites bids for Qiddiya high-speed rail project

Haramain High-Speed Railway transports highest number of passengers in a single day since its launch

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Saudi designers weave heritage into fashion’s global tapestry

Saudi designers weave heritage into fashion’s global tapestry

8th ministerial Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 meeting confirms ongoing cooperation

8th ministerial Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 meeting confirms ongoing cooperation

Japan govt officials attend Saudi Vision 2030 Ministerial Roundtable

Saudi, Japan discuss ties at Vision 2030 business forum in Tokyo

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�� calls for global recognition of Palestine and end to Israeli aggression in Gaza

�� calls for global recognition of Palestine and end to Israeli aggression in Gaza