The Pakistani Army on Thursday rejected any rift with Saudi Arabia and said the upcoming visit of Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the kingdom was pre-planned.

Army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar addressed the media in Rawalpindi where he was asked about a media report that General Bajwa was going to Riyadh to fix some irritants in bilateral ties.

"The hearts of the Pakistani people beat with the Saudi people, so there is no need to raise questions on the relations," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-shah-mehmood-qureshi-postpones-press-briefing-after-remarks-on-saudi-arabia-319955">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi postpones press briefing after remarks on Saudi Arabia</a>

He said the upcoming visit of General Bajwa to Saudi Arabia was pre-planned and it was about military-to-military relations.

"There is no need to read too much into it. Everything is fine," he said.

Official sources said that Bajwa was expected to travel to the kingdom on Sunday.

Earlier, it was reported that historic ties between the two nations were under stress as Saudis were reluctant to call a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the Kashmir issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-general-qamar-javed-bajwa-to-visit-saudi-arabia-in-quest-to-smooth-ties-320171">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties</a>

Last week, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his frustration in a TV interview when he warned that Pakistan would be forced to call a special meeting of the OIC.

The OIC is dominated by the Arab block led by Riyadh and due to increasing warmth in ties with India, Saudi and the UAE rulers are apparently not willing to oblige Pakistan.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia gave Pakistan a USD 3 billion loan and USD 3.2 billion oil credit facility to help its balance of payments crisis.

Pakistan has already paid back USD 1 billion two weeks ago to Saudi Arabia which has not so far obliged a request to extend the oil facility on deferred payments.

Reportedly, Riyadh was demanding payment of another USD 1 billion.

The Pakistani Army on Thursday rejected any rift with Saudi Arabia and said the upcoming visit of Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the kingdom was pre-planned.

The Pakistani Army on Thursday rejected any rift with Saudi Arabia and said the upcoming visit of Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the kingdom was pre-planned. Army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar addressed the media in Rawalpindi where he was asked about a media report that General Bajwa was going to Riyadh to fix some irritants in bilateral ties. "The hearts of the Pakistani people beat with the Saudi people, so there is no need to raise questions on the relations," he said. Also read: Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi postpones press briefing after remarks on Saudi Arabia He said the upcoming visit of General Bajwa to Saudi Arabia was pre-planned and it was about military-to-military relations. "There is no need to read too much into it. Everything is fine," he said. Official sources said that Bajwa was expected to travel to the kingdom on Sunday. Earlier, it was reported that historic ties between the two nations were under stress as Saudis were reluctant to call a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the Kashmir issue. Also read: Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties Last week, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his frustration in a TV interview when he warned that Pakistan would be forced to call a special meeting of the OIC. The OIC is dominated by the Arab block led by Riyadh and due to increasing warmth in ties with India, Saudi and the UAE rulers are apparently not willing to oblige Pakistan. In 2018, Saudi Arabia gave Pakistan a USD 3 billion loan and USD 3.2 billion oil credit facility to help its balance of payments crisis. Pakistan has already paid back USD 1 billion two weeks ago to Saudi Arabia which has not so far obliged a request to extend the oil facility on deferred payments. Reportedly, Riyadh was demanding payment of another USD 1 billion.

Pakistan denies rift with Saudi Arabia

An investigator for the U.N. Human Rights Council urged member states on Thursday (July 9) to pressure Saudi Arabia to free women activists before a G20 nations summit which Riyadh will be hosting in November.

UN rights investigator calls on S. Arabia to free women activists

Last week, three senior Saudi royals were arrested amid rumours of an alleged coup plot in Riyadh. Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, brother of King Salman, former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, and his younger brother, Prince Nawaf bin Nayef were detained

Are Saudi Royals facing treason charges?

Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the world's richest horse race on Saturday (February 29) with a purse of $20 million. The event, which takes place at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh is expected to attract up to 10,000 spectators, with the main race run over 1,800m on a dirt track with a maximum field of 14. The winners prize will be $10 million.

Riyadh gears up for world's richest horse race

Saudi Arabia will stop funding to mosques in foreign countries. how Saudi funded mosques built up their influence in India - and how Riyadh's latest move impacts them.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia to stop funding mosques in foreign nations

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia&nbsp;including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">snubbed by Saudi Arabia</a>, home to Islam's holiest shrines.

The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations.

Issues including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-rohingya-worlds-fastest-growing-refugee-crisis-267598">plight of Myanmar's Rohingya</a> and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis

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In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani&nbsp;slammed Washington's global clout.

"American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said.

The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries.

The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-parties-meet-as-accord-nears-collapse-266694">Islamic republic's nuclear programme</a>.

In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind".

He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence.

We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said.

With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC.&nbsp;

There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khan-cancels-malaysia-summit-under-saudi-diplomatic-pressure-268893">withdrawing from the gathering</a> reportedly after Saudi pressure.

Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman.&nbsp;

But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes. Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been snubbed by Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest shrines. The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations. Issues including the plight of Myanmar's Rohingya and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted. Also Watch: Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis × In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani slammed Washington's global clout. "American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said. The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries. The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind". He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence. We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said. With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC. There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan withdrawing from the gathering reportedly after Saudi pressure. Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman. But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

Iran urges to fight against US 'economic terrorism' at Muslim summit

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan departed for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a one-day visit to appease the Saudi Kingdom.

Imran Khan rushes to Riyadh after unhappy signals from Kingdom

&nbsp;Non-Saudi&nbsp;investors were allocated&nbsp;23 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;institutional&nbsp;tranche&nbsp;of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-energy-minister-talks-opec-unity-backs-aramco-to-soar-266793">Aramco's initial public offering</a> (IPO), an executive at one of the lead banks on the deal told the Al Arabiya news channel on Monday.

Wassim Al Khatib, head of investment banking at National Commercial Bank&nbsp;also said the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Public Pension Agency received an allocation equivalent to 11.5 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;IPO&nbsp;institutional&nbsp;tranche.

State-owned&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;is expected to list 1.5 per cent&nbsp;of its shares on the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;exchange later this week in a deal worth $25.6 billion.

Non-Saudi investors were allocated 23 per cent of the institutional tranche of Saudi Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), an executive at one of the lead banks on the deal told the Al Arabiya news channel on Monday.

Non-Saudi investors were allocated 23 per cent of the institutional tranche of Saudi Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), an executive at one of the lead banks on the deal told the Al Arabiya news channel on Monday. Wassim Al Khatib, head of investment banking at National Commercial Bank also said the Saudi Public Pension Agency received an allocation equivalent to 11.5 per cent of the Aramco IPO institutional tranche. State-owned Aramco is expected to list 1.5 per cent of its shares on the Saudi exchange later this week in a deal worth $25.6 billion.

Non-Saudi buyers got 23% of Aramco IPO institutional tranche

Two gay Saudi journalists who sought asylum in Australia after being threatened at home over their relationship have been held for weeks at an immigration detention centre, their lawyer said Wednesday.

The couple arrived in Australia in mid-October&nbsp;on tourist visas but was singled out by airport customs officials, then taken into detention, when they admitted plans to seek asylum, lawyer Alison Battisson told AFP.

"Australia being very well known for being... a safe place for LGBTI people, they were incredibly surprised and distressed," she said.

One of the men, who worked for Saudi Arabia's media ministry and regularly assisted visiting international news organisations, said they came under pressure from authorities after dissident leaked sensitive documents to foreign media.

"I was called into a prison on the outskirts of Riyadh by the state security," he told ABC, adding they "hinted that they realised I was in a relationship with my partner and that I should stop working with the foreign media".

Battisson said the men had not leaked any documents, but were swept up in a wider crackdown by Saudi authorities in the wake of Khashoggi's murder.

In August, one of the men received a phone call from a relative warning they knew of their gay relationship and if it it wasn't ended his partner would be killed.

Police followed that up with separate calls asking them to come in for questioning, which led to their decision to flee.

Homosexuality is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabias-state-security-categorises-feminism-homosexuality-atheism-as-extremist-ideas-261671">illegal in Saudi Arabia</a> and punishable by death.

Battisson says the two men have been separated in detention as one&nbsp;

Two gay Saudi journalists who sought asylum in Australia after being threatened at home over their relationship have been held for weeks at an immigration detention centre, their lawyer said Wednesday.

Two gay Saudi journalists who sought asylum in Australia after being threatened at home over their relationship have been held for weeks at an immigration detention centre, their lawyer said Wednesday. The couple arrived in Australia in mid-October on tourist visas but was singled out by airport customs officials, then taken into detention, when they admitted plans to seek asylum, lawyer Alison Battisson told AFP. "Australia being very well known for being... a safe place for LGBTI people, they were incredibly surprised and distressed," she said. One of the men, who worked for Saudi Arabia's media ministry and regularly assisted visiting international news organisations, said they came under pressure from authorities after dissident leaked sensitive documents to foreign media. "I was called into a prison on the outskirts of Riyadh by the state security," he told ABC, adding they "hinted that they realised I was in a relationship with my partner and that I should stop working with the foreign media". Battisson said the men had not leaked any documents, but were swept up in a wider crackdown by Saudi authorities in the wake of Khashoggi's murder. In August, one of the men received a phone call from a relative warning they knew of their gay relationship and if it it wasn't ended his partner would be killed. Police followed that up with separate calls asking them to come in for questioning, which led to their decision to flee. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and punishable by death. Battisson says the two men have been separated in detention as one

Gay Saudi journalists detained in Australia after asylum bid

A man stabbed three performers at a live show in Saudi Arabia's capital and was arrested, state television reported on November , adding that the victims were in stable condition.

Man stabs three performers on stage in Riyadh

Yemen's Saudi-backed government and southern separatists signed an agreement on Tuesday (November 5) to end a power struggle in the south of Yemen that Saudi Arabia's crown prince hailed as a step towards a wider political solution to end the multi-faceted conflict.

Yemen government, separatists sign deal to end power struggle in south

In this segment of WION, watch WION's exclusive report from Riyadh.

WION travels to Saudi Aramco's Khurais & Abqaiq facilities

The two leaders expressed satisfaction on bilateral relations saying that India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council will further strengthen partnership in all area including in defence, politics and people to people contact.

PM Modi in Saudi Arabia: Key Highlights

Saudi Arabia wants to forge strong ties with India. This is a relationship rooted in the realm of political and economic realities.&nbsp;

Truth be told, strong ties will benefit both sides. India needs oil. What about the Saudis? Why has Riyadh prioritised Delhi?

What is the strategic significance? On WION Edit, we will explore these questions. First, let's tell you what India has been up to. Diversifying sources of energy.

PM Narendra Modi's government is credited for boosting India's ability to do this through multiple engagements. After US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, India needed to secure its energy interests.&nbsp;

And Saudi Arabia was quick to fill the gaps. Right now, India imports 83 per cent of its oil needs and Saudi Arabia is the second-biggest supplier

So technically, access to Indian markets is a huge economic benefit for a country like Saudi Arabia - whose economy is fueled by oil. But that's not the only draw for Riyadh.

It is looking at the long term and India's growing clout. Here are some points to note:

Going forward, Saudi Arabia wants to rely less on its oil reserves. In March 2018, the Kingdom announced the largest renewables project ever, a solar push worth over 200 billion dollars.

That project failed to take off and was eventually. But Saudi Arabia has not given up its goal to move away from oil dependence. Recently, Riyadh tripled its renewable energy target. The focus is wind and solar energy, projects have been tendered.

So why does Saudi Arabia want to move away from oil? Because depending on oil is dangerous.

First, fluctuating prices hurt the Saudi economy. A drop in oil prices puts them under fiscal pressure. Two, as the world transitions towards clean and renewable energy, countries like Saudi Arabia will be hit hard.

So what can the Kingdom do? Shift to renewable energy. Insulate the economy from oil price shocks and as a buffer, establish ties with countries that import oil-- i.e. India.

Yes, countries will aggressively push for climate action in the coming years. But that doesn't imply a total ban on fossil fuel. At least for the next few decades.

And countries like India and China will have more energy needs as their economies expand. So Saudi Arabia will find no better importers than India and China during this transition period. Besides, India will be perfectly placed to help Saudi Arabia through the clean energy transition.

The solar market in India is robust and ever-growing, the synergies are also in India's favour.

Besides, Saudi investments in India are strategic. The return from Indian markets is one of the best in the world. And the economy is pegged to grow further in the coming decades.

This is the grand plan, Saudi investments in India are strategic and a win-win proposition for both. This relationship is no more about remittances or immediate gains. India is one of the biggest games in town and Saudi Arabia only knows it too well. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia wants to forge strong ties with India. This is a relationship rooted in the realm of political and economic realities. Truth be told, strong ties will benefit both sides.

Saudi Arabia wants to forge strong ties with India. This is a relationship rooted in the realm of political and economic realities. Truth be told, strong ties will benefit both sides. India needs oil. What about the Saudis? Why has Riyadh prioritised Delhi? What is the strategic significance? On WION Edit, we will explore these questions. First, let's tell you what India has been up to. Diversifying sources of energy. PM Narendra Modi's government is credited for boosting India's ability to do this through multiple engagements. After US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, India needed to secure its energy interests. And Saudi Arabia was quick to fill the gaps. Right now, India imports 83 per cent of its oil needs and Saudi Arabia is the second-biggest supplier So technically, access to Indian markets is a huge economic benefit for a country like Saudi Arabia - whose economy is fueled by oil. But that's not the only draw for Riyadh. It is looking at the long term and India's growing clout. Here are some points to note: Going forward, Saudi Arabia wants to rely less on its oil reserves. In March 2018, the Kingdom announced the largest renewables project ever, a solar push worth over 200 billion dollars. That project failed to take off and was eventually. But Saudi Arabia has not given up its goal to move away from oil dependence. Recently, Riyadh tripled its renewable energy target. The focus is wind and solar energy, projects have been tendered. So why does Saudi Arabia want to move away from oil? Because depending on oil is dangerous. First, fluctuating prices hurt the Saudi economy. A drop in oil prices puts them under fiscal pressure. Two, as the world transitions towards clean and renewable energy, countries like Saudi Arabia will be hit hard. So what can the Kingdom do? Shift to renewable energy. Insulate the economy from oil price shocks and as a buffer, establish ties with countries that import oil-- i.e. India. Yes, countries will aggressively push for climate action in the coming years. But that doesn't imply a total ban on fossil fuel. At least for the next few decades. And countries like India and China will have more energy needs as their economies expand. So Saudi Arabia will find no better importers than India and China during this transition period. Besides, India will be perfectly placed to help Saudi Arabia through the clean energy transition. The solar market in India is robust and ever-growing, the synergies are also in India's favour. Besides, Saudi investments in India are strategic. The return from Indian markets is one of the best in the world. And the economy is pegged to grow further in the coming decades. This is the grand plan, Saudi investments in India are strategic and a win-win proposition for both. This relationship is no more about remittances or immediate gains. India is one of the biggest games in town and Saudi Arabia only knows it too well. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

Strong ties will benefit both India and Saudi Arabia

The timing of the highly anticipated stock market debut of Saudi energy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-restores-full-oil-output-after-attacks-focused-on-aramco-ipo-253556">colossus Aramco </a>will be dictated by de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's energy minister said Wednesday.

Aramco was expected to launch the first part of a two-stage IPO earlier in October, but the process has been delayed, reportedly due to the prince's dissatisfaction with the valuation of the firm, which had been hoped to reach $2 trillion.

The long-awaited initial public offering will now happen on December 11 on the Riyadh stock market, Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television said on Tuesday.

Aramco did not confirm the report and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman side-stepped the details when he spoke at a major investment conference in Riyadh where the listing has been a topic of discussion.

"I hate this time around to disappoint the media, because I'm not going to talk about OPEC or what we should do, and I'm not going to talk about the IPO," he said to laughs from the audience of policy-makers and top executives.

"It's going to come soon... but it will come at the right time with the right approach, and definitely with the right decision. And it will be a Saudi decision first and foremost, specifically Prince Mohammed's decision," he added.

Prince Abdulaziz is the half-brother of the crown prince, whose ambitious reform plans for the kingdom's economy largely rest on the anticipated $100 billion windfalls from the Aramco listing.

After an initial listing on the domestic stock exchange, Aramco is believed to be planning to sell the rest of a planned tranche of five per cent of the firm on an international bourse.

"The Saudis' current objective is to raise $100 billion through the IPO process, even if that means ultimately selling up to 10 per cent of the company to outside investors," Energy Intelligence said in a report this week.

It cited sources as saying they expect the Saudis to settle on a valuation of $1.6 trillion to $1.7 trillion for the firm.

The timing of the highly anticipated stock market debut of Saudi energy colossus Aramco will be dictated by de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's energy minister said Wednesday.

The timing of the highly anticipated stock market debut of Saudi energy colossus Aramco will be dictated by de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's energy minister said Wednesday. Aramco was expected to launch the first part of a two-stage IPO earlier in October, but the process has been delayed, reportedly due to the prince's dissatisfaction with the valuation of the firm, which had been hoped to reach $2 trillion. The long-awaited initial public offering will now happen on December 11 on the Riyadh stock market, Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television said on Tuesday. Aramco did not confirm the report and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman side-stepped the details when he spoke at a major investment conference in Riyadh where the listing has been a topic of discussion. "I hate this time around to disappoint the media, because I'm not going to talk about OPEC or what we should do, and I'm not going to talk about the IPO," he said to laughs from the audience of policy-makers and top executives. "It's going to come soon... but it will come at the right time with the right approach, and definitely with the right decision. And it will be a Saudi decision first and foremost, specifically Prince Mohammed's decision," he added. Prince Abdulaziz is the half-brother of the crown prince, whose ambitious reform plans for the kingdom's economy largely rest on the anticipated $100 billion windfalls from the Aramco listing. After an initial listing on the domestic stock exchange, Aramco is believed to be planning to sell the rest of a planned tranche of five per cent of the firm on an international bourse. "The Saudis' current objective is to raise $100 billion through the IPO process, even if that means ultimately selling up to 10 per cent of the company to outside investors," Energy Intelligence said in a report this week. It cited sources as saying they expect the Saudis to settle on a valuation of $1.6 trillion to $1.7 trillion for the firm.

Aramco IPO will be Saudi crown prince's decision: Energy minister

PM Modi arrives at Saudi Arabia; All eyes on Modi-MBS bilateral. Watch video to know more.

PM Modi arrives at Saudi Arabia; All eyes on Modi-MBS bilateral

Energy Security, Strategic Ties, Launch Of RuPay Card, Anti-Terror Cooperation Top The Agenda During PM's Visit To Riyadh.

Gravitas: Key Takeaways From PM Modi's Saudi Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the third edition of Saudi Arabia's high-Profile annual conference today.

PM Modi to attend Saudi's 'Davos in desert'

WION Exclusively in conversation with Mahesh Sachdev | Former Indian envoy. Watch video to know more.

WION Exclusively in conversation with Mahesh Sachdev | Former Indian envoy

A decision to impose a 100 per cent tax on bills at restaurants that serve shisha has ignited criticism on social media in Saudi Arabia, where the water pipes are a popular pastime.

The furore has also been fuelled by confusion over how the tax is applied.

In the meantime, some restaurants have stopped offering shisha, while others have lowered their prices to appease customers.

The government's official gazette said earlier this month that the tax will apply to all tobacco products.

However, the ruling from the ministry of rural and municipal affairs said it will apply "to the total invoice of the business serving tobacco products".

A number of restaurants and cafes contacted by AFP said they believed that the tax applies to all table orders in any establishment that serves tobacco products, whether or not the order included shisha.

The decision sparked an avalanche of criticism on social media networks where the Arabic hashtag "tax on hookah restaurants" is trending in the kingdom.

Many people posted photos of their restaurant bills, with totals of more than double the initial amount when taking into account the new 100 per cent tax and a still-unpopular five per cent value-added tax which went into effect last year.

"Tobacco tax, controversy and confusion," read a headline in the Al-Madina newspaper on Monday.

In the face of persistent budget deficits, the world's top crude oil exporter has resorted to measures like cutting subsidies on fuel and power and imposing new taxes including on cigarettes and soft drinks.

There were also suggestions that the new shisha tax could be a measure to protect public health.

"This is an indirect way to prohibit shisha without actually prohibiting it," tweeted Electronic Lawyer, a popular commentator who has more than 80,000 followers.

Other Twitter users said the new decision goes against the country's Vision 2030 ambitions to change its ultra-conservative image and revamp the economy.

Encouraging investment and kickstarting tourism is part of a reform programme envisaged by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to wean the kingdom off its reliance on oil.

Saudi columnist Bassam Fatiny criticised the size of the tax as ill-considered.

"Let us assume that tax on tobacco has environmental and health benefits, is it logical that it be 100 per cent!" he said on Twitter. "The ministry must have misunderstood Vision (2030)."

A decision to impose a 100 per cent tax on bills at restaurants that serve shisha has ignited criticism on social media in Saudi Arabia, where the water pipes are a popular pastime.

A decision to impose a 100 per cent tax on bills at restaurants that serve shisha has ignited criticism on social media in Saudi Arabia, where the water pipes are a popular pastime. The furore has also been fuelled by confusion over how the tax is applied. In the meantime, some restaurants have stopped offering shisha, while others have lowered their prices to appease customers. The government's official gazette said earlier this month that the tax will apply to all tobacco products. However, the ruling from the ministry of rural and municipal affairs said it will apply "to the total invoice of the business serving tobacco products". A number of restaurants and cafes contacted by AFP said they believed that the tax applies to all table orders in any establishment that serves tobacco products, whether or not the order included shisha. The decision sparked an avalanche of criticism on social media networks where the Arabic hashtag "tax on hookah restaurants" is trending in the kingdom. Many people posted photos of their restaurant bills, with totals of more than double the initial amount when taking into account the new 100 per cent tax and a still-unpopular five per cent value-added tax which went into effect last year. "Tobacco tax, controversy and confusion," read a headline in the Al-Madina newspaper on Monday. In the face of persistent budget deficits, the world's top crude oil exporter has resorted to measures like cutting subsidies on fuel and power and imposing new taxes including on cigarettes and soft drinks. There were also suggestions that the new shisha tax could be a measure to protect public health. "This is an indirect way to prohibit shisha without actually prohibiting it," tweeted Electronic Lawyer, a popular commentator who has more than 80,000 followers. Other Twitter users said the new decision goes against the country's Vision 2030 ambitions to change its ultra-conservative image and revamp the economy. Encouraging investment and kickstarting tourism is part of a reform programme envisaged by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to wean the kingdom off its reliance on oil. Saudi columnist Bassam Fatiny criticised the size of the tax as ill-considered. "Let us assume that tax on tobacco has environmental and health benefits, is it logical that it be 100 per cent!" he said on Twitter. "The ministry must have misunderstood Vision (2030)."

Saudi Arabia's new 100% shisha tax sparks fury

The United States announced on Friday (October 11, 2019) a new, large deployment of forces to Saudi Arabia to help bolster the kingdom's defences following the Sept. 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.

Deployment of large number of forces to Saudi Arabia by U.S.

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that it will offer tourist visas for the first time, opening up the ultra-conservative kingdom to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil.

Kickstarting tourism is one of the centrepieces of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform programme to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era.

The announcement comes just two weeks after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/aramco-ipo-how-saudi-arabia-caught-between-united-states-and-china-245687">devastating attacks</a> on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure –- blamed by Washington on Iran - which roiled global energy markets.

"Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country," tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb said in a statement.

"Visitors will be surprised... by the treasures we have to share -- five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty."

Saudi Arabia will open applications for online tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries on Saturday, Bloomberg News quoted Khateeb as saying.

Khateeb said the kingdom will also ease its strict dress code for foreign women, allowing them to go without the body-shrouding abaya robe that is still mandatory public wear for Saudi women.

Foreign women, however, will be required to wear <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-continues-to-stifle-women-dissent-201335">"modest clothing"</a>, he added.

Hard sell

The austere kingdom, which forbids alcohol and has a strict social code, is seen by many as a hard sell for tourists.

Prince Mohammed is seeking to change that through a sweeping liberalisation drive that has brought new cinemas, mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas to Saudi Arabia.

International criticism of the kingdom's human rights record, including the gruesome murder last year of critic Jamal Khashoggi and a crackdown on female activists, could further put off foreign visitors, observers say.

Fears of a regional conflict after the September 14 attacks on state oil giant Aramco may also dampen the kingdom's appeal to holidaymakers.

Visas are currently restricted to expat workers, their dependents and Muslim pilgrims travelling to holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia last year began issuing visas to visitors to attend sporting and cultural events in a bid to kickstart tourism.

The government, reeling from low oil prices, says it hopes tourism will contribute up to 10 per cent of the gross domestic product by 2030, compared to three percent currently.

It says <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-vision-2030-embodies-saudi-quest-for-modernity-26015">by 2030 it aims to attract up to 100 million annual visits</a> by both domestic and foreign tourists.

The sector is expected to create up to one million tourism jobs, the government says, as the kingdom battles high youth unemployment.

Saudi Arabia has splurged billions in an attempt to build a tourism industry from scratch.

In 2017, the kingdom announced a multi-billion dollar project to turn 50 islands and other pristine sites on the Red Sea into luxury resorts.

The country is also developing historic sites such as the centuries-old Mada'in Saleh, home to sandstone tombs of the same civilisation which built the Jordanian city of Petra.

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that it will offer tourist visas for the first time, opening up the ultra-conservative kingdom to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that it will offer tourist visas for the first time, opening up the ultra-conservative kingdom to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil. Kickstarting tourism is one of the centrepieces of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform programme to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era. The announcement comes just two weeks after devastating attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure –- blamed by Washington on Iran - which roiled global energy markets. "Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country," tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb said in a statement. "Visitors will be surprised... by the treasures we have to share -- five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty." Saudi Arabia will open applications for online tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries on Saturday, Bloomberg News quoted Khateeb as saying. Khateeb said the kingdom will also ease its strict dress code for foreign women, allowing them to go without the body-shrouding abaya robe that is still mandatory public wear for Saudi women. Foreign women, however, will be required to wear "modest clothing", he added. Hard sell The austere kingdom, which forbids alcohol and has a strict social code, is seen by many as a hard sell for tourists. Prince Mohammed is seeking to change that through a sweeping liberalisation drive that has brought new cinemas, mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas to Saudi Arabia. International criticism of the kingdom's human rights record, including the gruesome murder last year of critic Jamal Khashoggi and a crackdown on female activists, could further put off foreign visitors, observers say. Fears of a regional conflict after the September 14 attacks on state oil giant Aramco may also dampen the kingdom's appeal to holidaymakers. Visas are currently restricted to expat workers, their dependents and Muslim pilgrims travelling to holy sites in Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia last year began issuing visas to visitors to attend sporting and cultural events in a bid to kickstart tourism. The government, reeling from low oil prices, says it hopes tourism will contribute up to 10 per cent of the gross domestic product by 2030, compared to three percent currently. It says by 2030 it aims to attract up to 100 million annual visits by both domestic and foreign tourists. The sector is expected to create up to one million tourism jobs, the government says, as the kingdom battles high youth unemployment. Saudi Arabia has splurged billions in an attempt to build a tourism industry from scratch. In 2017, the kingdom announced a multi-billion dollar project to turn 50 islands and other pristine sites on the Red Sea into luxury resorts. The country is also developing historic sites such as the centuries-old Mada'in Saleh, home to sandstone tombs of the same civilisation which built the Jordanian city of Petra.

Saudi Arabia to offer tourist visas for the first time

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday&nbsp;that the attack on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-pursues-ipo-planning-despite-attack-damage-doubts-250228">oil facilities </a>was carried out with Iranian weapons, according to a preliminary investigation, but stopped short of directly blaming regional foe Iran.

A foreign ministry statement said Riyadh would invite international experts, including from the United Nations, to participate in investigating Saturday's assault, which cut almost half of Saudi Arabia's oil production.

The United States, which has blamed Iran for the strikes, is studying all available options in addressing the assault, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Monday, Saudi state media said.

"Initial investigations show that Iranian weapons were used in the attacks and work is going on to determine the source of those attacks," the foreign ministry statement said.

"The kingdom is capable of defending its land and people and responding forcefully to those attacks," it added.

Watch: Yemen's Houthis say Saudi Aramco's oil processing plants still a target

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Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the strikes, but the spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition battling the group said preliminary findings indicated the attack was not launched from Yemen.

Tehran has dismissed the US accusations as "unacceptable" and said it was ready for a "full-fledged war."

Riyadh called on the world to condemn those behind the attack on the world's top oil exporter, a key regional US ally which has supported US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign on Shi'ite Muslim Iran.

Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, told Esper that Iranian threats "are not only directed to the kingdom but affect the Middle East and the world," news agency SPA said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who also called the crown prince on Monday, offered his country's "full support and capabilities" to the Gulf Arab state, it added.

The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials had said intelligence indicated Iran was the "staging ground" for the attack and had shared the information with Riyadh. It quoted people familiar with the discussions.

Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki told reporters in Riyadh earlier on Monday that authorities were still determining the launch location.

"The terrorist attack did not originate from Yemen as the Houthi militia claimed," he said, adding that authorities would reveal the location from where drones were launched at a future news conference.

The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Muslim countries intervened in Yemen in March 2015 against the Houthis, who ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital Sanaa, to prevent Iran from gaining influence through the group.

The movement, which denies being a puppet of Tehran and says it is fighting a corrupt system, recently stepped up drone and missile attacks on Saudi cities. The conflict is largely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that the attack on its oil facilities was carried out with Iranian weapons, according to a preliminary investigation, but stopped short of directly blaming regional foe Iran.

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that the attack on its oil facilities was carried out with Iranian weapons, according to a preliminary investigation, but stopped short of directly blaming regional foe Iran. A foreign ministry statement said Riyadh would invite international experts, including from the United Nations, to participate in investigating Saturday's assault, which cut almost half of Saudi Arabia's oil production. The United States, which has blamed Iran for the strikes, is studying all available options in addressing the assault, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Monday, Saudi state media said. "Initial investigations show that Iranian weapons were used in the attacks and work is going on to determine the source of those attacks," the foreign ministry statement said. "The kingdom is capable of defending its land and people and responding forcefully to those attacks," it added. Watch: Yemen's Houthis say Saudi Aramco's oil processing plants still a target × Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the strikes, but the spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition battling the group said preliminary findings indicated the attack was not launched from Yemen. Tehran has dismissed the US accusations as "unacceptable" and said it was ready for a "full-fledged war." Riyadh called on the world to condemn those behind the attack on the world's top oil exporter, a key regional US ally which has supported US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign on Shi'ite Muslim Iran. Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, told Esper that Iranian threats "are not only directed to the kingdom but affect the Middle East and the world," news agency SPA said. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who also called the crown prince on Monday, offered his country's "full support and capabilities" to the Gulf Arab state, it added. The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials had said intelligence indicated Iran was the "staging ground" for the attack and had shared the information with Riyadh. It quoted people familiar with the discussions. Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki told reporters in Riyadh earlier on Monday that authorities were still determining the launch location. "The terrorist attack did not originate from Yemen as the Houthi militia claimed," he said, adding that authorities would reveal the location from where drones were launched at a future news conference. The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Muslim countries intervened in Yemen in March 2015 against the Houthis, who ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital Sanaa, to prevent Iran from gaining influence through the group. The movement, which denies being a puppet of Tehran and says it is fighting a corrupt system, recently stepped up drone and missile attacks on Saudi cities. The conflict is largely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Initial investigations show Iranian weapons used in Aramco attacks: Saudi foreign ministry

The weapons used to strike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-need-middle-east-oil-gas-but-will-help-our-allies-says-trump-after-attacks-on-saudi-arabias-aramco-250005">Saudi oil facilities</a> were Iranian-made, the Riyadh-led coalition said Monday, heightening fears of regional conflict after the US hinted at a military response to the assault.

The weekend strikes on Abqaiq -&nbsp;the world's largest oil processing facility -&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-shuts-pipeline-to-bahrain-after-aramco-attacks-sources-250013">Khurais oil field</a> in eastern Saudi Arabia have roiled global energy markets with prices spiking Monday to record highs.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strikes but Washington has squarely blamed Iran, with President Donald Trump saying the US is "locked and loaded" to respond.

Saudi's energy infrastructure has been hit before, but this strike was of a different order, abruptly halting 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) or about six per cent of the world's oil supply.

The Saudi-led coalition, which is bogged down in a five-year war in neighbouring Yemen, reiterated the assessment that the Huthis were not behind it, pointing the finger at Iran for providing the weapons.

Russia urged "all countries to avoid hasty steps or conclusions that could exacerbate the situation" while the European Union stressed all sides should show "maximum restraint".

China also called on the US and Iran to "exercise restraint... in the absence of a conclusive investigation or verdict."

"All indications are that weapons used in both attacks came from Iran," coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told reporters in Riyadh, adding they were now probing "from where they were fired".

"This strike didn't come from Yemen territory as the Huthi militia are pretending," Maliki said, adding an investigation had been opened.

He labelled the Huthis "a tool in the hands of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the terrorist regime of Iran".

The rebels said they fired 10 drones at the Saudi infrastructure, but the New York Times reported that US officials had satellite images showing the attacks -- possibly with drones and cruise missiles -- had come from the north or northwest.&nbsp;

It&nbsp;indicated they were sourced in the northern Persian Gulf, Iran or Iraq, rather than Yemen.

The assault on the heart of Saudi Arabia's oil industry, which engulfed the facilities in flames, has been condemned by Washington as an "unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply".

Oil prices saw their biggest daily gain since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday after the attacks halved output in the world's top crude exporter, fuelling fresh geopolitical and growth fears.

Europe's benchmark Brent crude surged by 20 percent and US counterpart WTI by 15 percent as commodities trading got underway.

Both contracts later came off their peaks, but were still up more than 10 percent on the day by the mid-afternoon in Europe.

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry insisted world oil markets still had sizeable reserves saying the market has "a fairly substantial amount of oil out there available".&nbsp;

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday said the kingdom would use its vast inventories to partially compensate for the lost production, and the US also authorised the release of its reserves.

"Growing tensions in the Middle East are another headwind for the global economy in already uncertain times, and a full-blown conflict could trigger another leg in the global downturn," said Jennifer McKeown, head of Global Economics at Capital Economics.

With the Huthis threatening further attacks, analyst Oanda senior market analyst Craig Erlam noted Saturday's events had "highlighted the vulnerability of security at these facilities to drone attacks".

The kingdom also has a spare capacity of around two million bpd that it can draw on at times of crisis.

But a prolonged production delay could potentially see prices climb to "triple digits", warned Saudi economic consultant Sulaiman al-Assaf.&nbsp;

The attack is a major test for Saudi Arabia as it could dampen investor confidence in Aramco's upcoming two-stage initial public offering (IPO), a mammoth listing that the government hopes will generate up to $100 billion.

Saudi authorities are considering whether to delay an IPO for the oil giant, people with knowledge of the matter said.

"They're in the process of assessing the damage. It's a possibility but it's still very early," said one of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The IPO, earlier scheduled for 2018, has already been mired in delays as it reportedly struggled to reach a $2 trillion valuation desired by Saudi rulers.

Saudi authorities have sought to calm jittery markets, with the Energy Intelligence specialist newsletter citing industry sources as saying Aramco was "close to restoring as much as 40 percent" of the lost production, or about 2.3 million barrels per day (bdp).

The Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the damage estimates as saying the targeted facilities would take weeks to return to full production capacity.

The real extent of the damage at the facilities however remains unclear.

All eyes are on official word from the Saudis on the situation, which could offer reassurance to world markets. 
&nbsp;

The weapons used to strike Saudi oil facilities were Iranian-made, the Riyadh-led coalition said Monday, heightening fears of regional conflict after the US hinted at a military response to the assault.

The weapons used to strike Saudi oil facilities were Iranian-made, the Riyadh-led coalition said Monday, heightening fears of regional conflict after the US hinted at a military response to the assault. The weekend strikes on Abqaiq - the world's largest oil processing facility - and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia have roiled global energy markets with prices spiking Monday to record highs. Yemen's Iran-aligned Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strikes but Washington has squarely blamed Iran, with President Donald Trump saying the US is "locked and loaded" to respond. Saudi's energy infrastructure has been hit before, but this strike was of a different order, abruptly halting 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) or about six per cent of the world's oil supply. The Saudi-led coalition, which is bogged down in a five-year war in neighbouring Yemen, reiterated the assessment that the Huthis were not behind it, pointing the finger at Iran for providing the weapons. Russia urged "all countries to avoid hasty steps or conclusions that could exacerbate the situation" while the European Union stressed all sides should show "maximum restraint". China also called on the US and Iran to "exercise restraint... in the absence of a conclusive investigation or verdict." "All indications are that weapons used in both attacks came from Iran," coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told reporters in Riyadh, adding they were now probing "from where they were fired". "This strike didn't come from Yemen territory as the Huthi militia are pretending," Maliki said, adding an investigation had been opened. He labelled the Huthis "a tool in the hands of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the terrorist regime of Iran". The rebels said they fired 10 drones at the Saudi infrastructure, but the New York Times reported that US officials had satellite images showing the attacks -- possibly with drones and cruise missiles -- had come from the north or northwest. It indicated they were sourced in the northern Persian Gulf, Iran or Iraq, rather than Yemen. The assault on the heart of Saudi Arabia's oil industry, which engulfed the facilities in flames, has been condemned by Washington as an "unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply". Oil prices saw their biggest daily gain since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday after the attacks halved output in the world's top crude exporter, fuelling fresh geopolitical and growth fears. Europe's benchmark Brent crude surged by 20 percent and US counterpart WTI by 15 percent as commodities trading got underway. Both contracts later came off their peaks, but were still up more than 10 percent on the day by the mid-afternoon in Europe. US Energy Secretary Rick Perry insisted world oil markets still had sizeable reserves saying the market has "a fairly substantial amount of oil out there available". Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday said the kingdom would use its vast inventories to partially compensate for the lost production, and the US also authorised the release of its reserves. "Growing tensions in the Middle East are another headwind for the global economy in already uncertain times, and a full-blown conflict could trigger another leg in the global downturn," said Jennifer McKeown, head of Global Economics at Capital Economics. With the Huthis threatening further attacks, analyst Oanda senior market analyst Craig Erlam noted Saturday's events had "highlighted the vulnerability of security at these facilities to drone attacks". The kingdom also has a spare capacity of around two million bpd that it can draw on at times of crisis. But a prolonged production delay could potentially see prices climb to "triple digits", warned Saudi economic consultant Sulaiman al-Assaf. The attack is a major test for Saudi Arabia as it could dampen investor confidence in Aramco's upcoming two-stage initial public offering (IPO), a mammoth listing that the government hopes will generate up to $100 billion. Saudi authorities are considering whether to delay an IPO for the oil giant, people with knowledge of the matter said. "They're in the process of assessing the damage. It's a possibility but it's still very early," said one of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. The IPO, earlier scheduled for 2018, has already been mired in delays as it reportedly struggled to reach a $2 trillion valuation desired by Saudi rulers. Saudi authorities have sought to calm jittery markets, with the Energy Intelligence specialist newsletter citing industry sources as saying Aramco was "close to restoring as much as 40 percent" of the lost production, or about 2.3 million barrels per day (bdp). The Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the damage estimates as saying the targeted facilities would take weeks to return to full production capacity. The real extent of the damage at the facilities however remains unclear. All eyes are on official word from the Saudis on the situation, which could offer reassurance to world markets.

Weapons used in Saudi oil attacks came from Iran: Saudi coalition

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/opec-decides-to-extend-oil-output-cuts-after-saudi-arabia-russia-pact-232179">Saudi Arabia</a>'s new ambassadors to the United States and the United Kingdom have taken up their posts after several months' vacancy amid tensions with Western allies over the Yemen war and the murder of journalist<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-fiance-calls-for-international-probe-in-killing-230470"> Jamal Khashoggi</a>.

Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, the Gulf kingdom's first female ambassador, presented her credentials in Washington while her brother, Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan, did so in London, state news agency SPA reported on Thursday.

They arrive at a fraught period in both bilateral relationships, with heightened criticism of Riyadh's human rights record and calls to freeze arms sales amid a four-year-old war in Yemen where the Saudi-led coalition is fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis.

Princess Reema was named in February to replace Prince Khalid bin Salman, who was heavily criticised for denying that Khashoggi had been killed last October inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul before the authorities ultimately acknowledged the murder of the Washington Post columnist.

The former ambassador, a brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is now deputy defence minister in Riyadh. The CIA and some Western countries believe the crown prince ordered Khashoggi's murder, which Saudi officials deny.

The new ambassadors, both in their 40s, are the children of a former long-time envoy to the United States. Princess Reema lived in Washington with him for many years and studied at George Washington University.

She has no previous diplomatic experience, having worked in the private sector before joining the kingdom’s General Sports Authority where she championed women’s participation in sports and focused on increasing women’s empowerment.

She becomes ambassador as deeply conservative Saudi Arabia is opening up and granting women more freedom, though also cracking down on dissent including the detention of around a dozen women activists, most of whom had campaigned for the right to drive, which was granted last year. Some campaigners say they have been subjected to torture.

Her brother Prince Khalid was previously ambassador to Germany, whose relationship with Riyadh has been strained in recent years by a moratorium on German arms exports and criticism of the kingdom's "adventurism" in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia's new ambassadors to the United States and the United Kingdom have taken up their posts after several months' vacancy amid tensions with Western allies over the Yemen war and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia's new ambassadors to the United States and the United Kingdom have taken up their posts after several months' vacancy amid tensions with Western allies over the Yemen war and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, the Gulf kingdom's first female ambassador, presented her credentials in Washington while her brother, Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan, did so in London, state news agency SPA reported on Thursday. They arrive at a fraught period in both bilateral relationships, with heightened criticism of Riyadh's human rights record and calls to freeze arms sales amid a four-year-old war in Yemen where the Saudi-led coalition is fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis. Princess Reema was named in February to replace Prince Khalid bin Salman, who was heavily criticised for denying that Khashoggi had been killed last October inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul before the authorities ultimately acknowledged the murder of the Washington Post columnist. The former ambassador, a brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is now deputy defence minister in Riyadh. The CIA and some Western countries believe the crown prince ordered Khashoggi's murder, which Saudi officials deny. The new ambassadors, both in their 40s, are the children of a former long-time envoy to the United States. Princess Reema lived in Washington with him for many years and studied at George Washington University. She has no previous diplomatic experience, having worked in the private sector before joining the kingdom’s General Sports Authority where she championed women’s participation in sports and focused on increasing women’s empowerment. She becomes ambassador as deeply conservative Saudi Arabia is opening up and granting women more freedom, though also cracking down on dissent including the detention of around a dozen women activists, most of whom had campaigned for the right to drive, which was granted last year. Some campaigners say they have been subjected to torture. Her brother Prince Khalid was previously ambassador to Germany, whose relationship with Riyadh has been strained in recent years by a moratorium on German arms exports and criticism of the kingdom's "adventurism" in the Middle East.

New Saudi ambassadors take up posts in Washington and London

World powers should reconsider holding the next Group of 20 summits in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-continues-to-stifle-women-dissent-201335">Saudi Arabia </a>without accountability over the killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-fiance-calls-for-international-probe-in-killing-230470">Jamal Khashoggi</a>, a UN expert who probed his death said Tuesday.

Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, in a report last month found "credible evidence" that linked Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the killing of Khashoggi, a dissident writer who published in The Washington Post.

On a visit to Washington, Callamard who presented her report to the United Nations but does not speak for it said that the next Group of 20 summits, scheduled for November 2020 in Riyadh, offered a chance to pressure Saudi Arabia.

"Political accountability for Mr Khashoggi will mean that it doesn't happen or it's moved elsewhere, or something is being done to ensure that the political system in the US and in other countries does not become complicit of that international crime," Callamard said at the Brookings Institution.

Callamard said it was crucial to recognize that a state carried out the killing of Khashoggi, who was strangled and dismembered shortly after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to handle wedding paperwork.

"So far the Western governments that have adopted individualized targeted sanctions which, by the way, are good are also selling the 'rogue' theory by so doing," she said, referring to the Saudi contention that out-of-control agents were responsible.

"So it's really important to insist on what we do vis-a-vis the state of Saudi Arabia, not some 15, 17 individuals," she said.

She also called for sanctions to restrict Saudi access to surveillance technology, saying the government has shown it "cannot be trusted" with it.

President Donald Trump's administration has slapped sanctions on individuals but vowed to preserve warm ties with Saudi Arabia due in part to its purchases of US weapons and its hostility to Iran.

Meeting Crown Prince Mohammed at the last G20 on Saturday in Osaka, Trump said the 33-year-old leader was doing a "spectacular job."

Callamard said she had not "yet" held talks at the White House during her visit to Washington.

World powers should reconsider holding the next Group of 20 summits in Saudi Arabia without accountability over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a UN expert who probed his death said Tuesday.

World powers should reconsider holding the next Group of 20 summits in Saudi Arabia without accountability over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a UN expert who probed his death said Tuesday. Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, in a report last month found "credible evidence" that linked Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the killing of Khashoggi, a dissident writer who published in The Washington Post. On a visit to Washington, Callamard who presented her report to the United Nations but does not speak for it said that the next Group of 20 summits, scheduled for November 2020 in Riyadh, offered a chance to pressure Saudi Arabia. "Political accountability for Mr Khashoggi will mean that it doesn't happen or it's moved elsewhere, or something is being done to ensure that the political system in the US and in other countries does not become complicit of that international crime," Callamard said at the Brookings Institution. Callamard said it was crucial to recognize that a state carried out the killing of Khashoggi, who was strangled and dismembered shortly after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to handle wedding paperwork. "So far the Western governments that have adopted individualized targeted sanctions which, by the way, are good are also selling the 'rogue' theory by so doing," she said, referring to the Saudi contention that out-of-control agents were responsible. "So it's really important to insist on what we do vis-a-vis the state of Saudi Arabia, not some 15, 17 individuals," she said. She also called for sanctions to restrict Saudi access to surveillance technology, saying the government has shown it "cannot be trusted" with it. President Donald Trump's administration has slapped sanctions on individuals but vowed to preserve warm ties with Saudi Arabia due in part to its purchases of US weapons and its hostility to Iran. Meeting Crown Prince Mohammed at the last G20 on Saturday in Osaka, Trump said the 33-year-old leader was doing a "spectacular job." Callamard said she had not "yet" held talks at the White House during her visit to Washington.

Reconsider Saudi Arabia' G20 after Jamal Khashoggi killing, United Nation expert says

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-coalition-destroys-yemen-rebels-drone-cave-212077">Saudi Arabia </a>wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said.

Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks.

Eight of those wounded at Abha airport were admitted to hospital, coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said.

The other 18 were discharged after receiving first aid, he added in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.

The Huthi rebels said earlier that they had launched a missile at the airport in the Saudi mountain resort city.

Flights were disrupted for several hours before returning to normal.

Abha, capital of Asir province, lies high in the lush Asir mountains and is a popular getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing summer heat of Riyadh or Jeddah.

Malki said an unidentified "projectile" hit the airport which is used by thousands of passengers a day.

He said at least one Indian was among three women wounded along with two Saudi children.

Malki described the incident as a "terrorist attack" on a civilian target which could be considered a "war crime."

He said the coalition would "take stern action" to deter the rebels and protect civilians.

On Monday, Saudi air defences intercepted two rebel drones headed for Khamis Mushait.&nbsp;

The city, not far east of Abha, houses a major airbase that has been one of the main launchpads for the coalition's bombing campaign in Yemen.

Last month, the Saudi air force shot down a rebel drone that targeted Jizan airport on the Red Sea coast close to the Yemeni border, the coalition said.

The rebel attacks come as SPA reported the coalition was intensifying air raids on rebel positions in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah.

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said. Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks.

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said. Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks. Eight of those wounded at Abha airport were admitted to hospital, coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said. The other 18 were discharged after receiving first aid, he added in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. The Huthi rebels said earlier that they had launched a missile at the airport in the Saudi mountain resort city. Flights were disrupted for several hours before returning to normal. Abha, capital of Asir province, lies high in the lush Asir mountains and is a popular getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing summer heat of Riyadh or Jeddah. Malki said an unidentified "projectile" hit the airport which is used by thousands of passengers a day. He said at least one Indian was among three women wounded along with two Saudi children. Malki described the incident as a "terrorist attack" on a civilian target which could be considered a "war crime." He said the coalition would "take stern action" to deter the rebels and protect civilians. On Monday, Saudi air defences intercepted two rebel drones headed for Khamis Mushait. The city, not far east of Abha, houses a major airbase that has been one of the main launchpads for the coalition's bombing campaign in Yemen. Last month, the Saudi air force shot down a rebel drone that targeted Jizan airport on the Red Sea coast close to the Yemeni border, the coalition said. The rebel attacks come as SPA reported the coalition was intensifying air raids on rebel positions in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah.

Yemen rebel attack wounds 26 at Saudi airport

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