The Serum Institute of India (SII) will supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week on behalf of the British drugmaker, its chief executive told Reuters on Monday. 
 
SII has no immediate plans, however, to divert supplies to Europe, even though AstraZeneca has come under pressure from the EU to deliver more shots after announcing a big cut in shipments due to production problems at a Belgian factory. 
 
SII, the world`s biggest vaccine manufacturer, has partnered with AstraZeneca, the Gates Foundation and the Gavi vaccine alliance to make up to a billion doses for poorer countries. 
 
The Indian company supplies doses on behalf of AstraZeneca but is also free to strike its own supply deals. 
 
"We continue to support AstraZeneca wherever they need support. We are happy to do so," Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla told Reuters in an interview. 
 
"But we have not been asked to supply any more products for Europe because then that would mean supplies to Africa and India would suffer, and we certainly don`t want that," he said. "Once I satisfy that I can look at other, richer nations. Six months to a year, that could change." 
 
He said the doses destined for Saudi Arabia would be shipped in a week or 10 days. SII is also supplying South Africa with 1.5 million doses at the same price of $5.25 each on behalf of AstraZeneca. 
 
"We have our hands full, in fact, with the volumes even we need to supply," Poonawalla said. "We have been on time and we are able to supply to all these nations." 
 
The pricing of the deal between South Africa and AstraZeneca has sparked some controversy as it is higher than the $3 a dose that South Africa and other countries on the continent are due to pay for the vaccine under an African Union arrangement. 
 
AstraZeneca has said it will not profit from the vaccine during the pandemic. 
 
Brazil last week received 2 million doses of the vaccine from SII and Poonawalla said it also paid about $5 per dose. 
 
Poonawalla said that SII would raise production of the AstraZeneca vaccine by 30% by the end of March from its current daily output of about 2.4 million doses, once the third and final facility making the shot comes online. 
 
SII also plans to start stockpiling a vaccine candidate from US&nbsp;company Novavax Inc in a few months, despite a fire last week that killed five people and damaged one of its new plants in the western Indian city of Pune. 
 
Poonawalla said SII had no intention of partnering with companies such as Pfizer Inc whose COVID-19 vaccine needs to be stored at about minus 70 Celsius (minus 94 Fahrenheit) as India currently lacks such facilities. 
 
Pfizer, which developed the shot with Germany`s BioNTech, told Reuters it would pursue its request for India to approve the vaccine if the government committed to buying shots. 
 
Pfizer was the first drugmaker to seek emergency use authorisation for its vaccine in India in early December but it has yet to be approved. 
 
India`s drug regulator says Pfizer officials failed to attend subsequent meetings it had called. The US&nbsp;drugmaker says its officials had not been given enough notice.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) will supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week on behalf of the British drugmaker, its chief executive told Reuters on Monday.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) will supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week on behalf of the British drugmaker, its chief executive told Reuters on Monday. SII has no immediate plans, however, to divert supplies to Europe, even though AstraZeneca has come under pressure from the EU to deliver more shots after announcing a big cut in shipments due to production problems at a Belgian factory. SII, the world`s biggest vaccine manufacturer, has partnered with AstraZeneca, the Gates Foundation and the Gavi vaccine alliance to make up to a billion doses for poorer countries. The Indian company supplies doses on behalf of AstraZeneca but is also free to strike its own supply deals. "We continue to support AstraZeneca wherever they need support. We are happy to do so," Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla told Reuters in an interview. "But we have not been asked to supply any more products for Europe because then that would mean supplies to Africa and India would suffer, and we certainly don`t want that," he said. "Once I satisfy that I can look at other, richer nations. Six months to a year, that could change." He said the doses destined for Saudi Arabia would be shipped in a week or 10 days. SII is also supplying South Africa with 1.5 million doses at the same price of $5.25 each on behalf of AstraZeneca. "We have our hands full, in fact, with the volumes even we need to supply," Poonawalla said. "We have been on time and we are able to supply to all these nations." The pricing of the deal between South Africa and AstraZeneca has sparked some controversy as it is higher than the $3 a dose that South Africa and other countries on the continent are due to pay for the vaccine under an African Union arrangement. AstraZeneca has said it will not profit from the vaccine during the pandemic. Brazil last week received 2 million doses of the vaccine from SII and Poonawalla said it also paid about $5 per dose. Poonawalla said that SII would raise production of the AstraZeneca vaccine by 30% by the end of March from its current daily output of about 2.4 million doses, once the third and final facility making the shot comes online. SII also plans to start stockpiling a vaccine candidate from US company Novavax Inc in a few months, despite a fire last week that killed five people and damaged one of its new plants in the western Indian city of Pune. Poonawalla said SII had no intention of partnering with companies such as Pfizer Inc whose COVID-19 vaccine needs to be stored at about minus 70 Celsius (minus 94 Fahrenheit) as India currently lacks such facilities. Pfizer, which developed the shot with Germany`s BioNTech, told Reuters it would pursue its request for India to approve the vaccine if the government committed to buying shots. Pfizer was the first drugmaker to seek emergency use authorisation for its vaccine in India in early December but it has yet to be approved. India`s drug regulator says Pfizer officials failed to attend subsequent meetings it had called. The US drugmaker says its officials had not been given enough notice.

Saudi Arabia to get three million AstraZeneca shots in about a week from India

The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthi movement said it had thwarted an attack towards the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh on Saturday, Saudi state television reported, but the Iran-aligned group denied any involvement.

The coalition intercepted and destroyed an "enemy air target", state-run Al Ekhbariyah channel and Saudi-owned Al Hadath said on their Twitter accounts.

A military spokesman for the Houthi group, which has launched cross-border missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, said the movement had not carried out any operations against coalition countries over the past 24 hours.

A hitherto unknown group calling itself Alwiya Alwaad Alhaq, which roughly translates as 'The True Promise Brigades', issued a statement late on Saturday claiming responsibility via messaging platform Telegram.

On Friday, the Saudi-led coalition had said it foiled two Houthi attacks using an armed drone launched towards Saudi Arabia and an explosive-laden boat in the southern Red Sea.

The alliance intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa. The conflict is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system.

The movement was designated by the Trump administration this month as a foreign terrorist organisation. New U.S. President Joe Biden has initiated a review of the designation, which U.N. officials have warned could push Yemen into a large-scale famine and chill peace efforts.

The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthi movement said it had thwarted an attack towards the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh on Saturday, Saudi state television reported, but the Iran-aligned group denied any involvement.

The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthi movement said it had thwarted an attack towards the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh on Saturday, Saudi state television reported, but the Iran-aligned group denied any involvement. The coalition intercepted and destroyed an "enemy air target", state-run Al Ekhbariyah channel and Saudi-owned Al Hadath said on their Twitter accounts. A military spokesman for the Houthi group, which has launched cross-border missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, said the movement had not carried out any operations against coalition countries over the past 24 hours. A hitherto unknown group calling itself Alwiya Alwaad Alhaq, which roughly translates as 'The True Promise Brigades', issued a statement late on Saturday claiming responsibility via messaging platform Telegram. On Friday, the Saudi-led coalition had said it foiled two Houthi attacks using an armed drone launched towards Saudi Arabia and an explosive-laden boat in the southern Red Sea. The alliance intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa. The conflict is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system. The movement was designated by the Trump administration this month as a foreign terrorist organisation. New U.S. President Joe Biden has initiated a review of the designation, which U.N. officials have warned could push Yemen into a large-scale famine and chill peace efforts.

Saudi-led forces thwart air attack, Houthi group denies involvement

Saudi Arabia has said it was optimistic it would have "excellent relations" with the new US administration, led by President Joe Biden, and that it would continue to talk with Washington regarding the Iran nuclear deal.

Biden pledged on the election campaign trail to reassess ties with Saudi Arabia, a state he described as a "pariah" in 2019. Biden has said he would take a firmer stand on Saudi’s human rights record and the devastating Yemen war.

"I am optimistic. Saudi Arabia has built solid, historical relations where it worked with different administrations. We will continue to do that as well with President Biden," Saudi's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said in an interview with Arabiya TV.

Prince Faisal said Riyadh would continue to consult with Washington with regards to the Iran nuclear deal. The United States pulled out in 2018 of the 2015 deal between major powers and Iran, under which Iran restrained its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions.

"I believe basically the consultations will be around reaching a solid and strong agreement that takes into account Iran's failure to comply. ..with strong monitoring factors to ensure the implementation of the agreement," Prince Faisal said.

Biden has said that if Tehran resumed strict compliance with the agreement Washington would too.

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies including the United Arab Emirates, concerned about Iran’s ballistic missiles and regional network of proxies, supported Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Tehran and welcomed his decision to quit the nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran.

They have said that this time around they should be included in any potential negotiations between the Biden administration and Iran on a new nuclear deal, to ensure it addresses Iran’s missile capabilities and “malign activity”.

(with inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia has said it was optimistic it would have "excellent relations" with the new US administration, led by President Joe Biden, and that it would continue to talk with Washington regarding the Iran nuclear deal.

Saudi Arabia has said it was optimistic it would have "excellent relations" with the new US administration, led by President Joe Biden, and that it would continue to talk with Washington regarding the Iran nuclear deal. Biden pledged on the election campaign trail to reassess ties with Saudi Arabia, a state he described as a "pariah" in 2019. Biden has said he would take a firmer stand on Saudi’s human rights record and the devastating Yemen war. "I am optimistic. Saudi Arabia has built solid, historical relations where it worked with different administrations. We will continue to do that as well with President Biden," Saudi's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said in an interview with Arabiya TV. Prince Faisal said Riyadh would continue to consult with Washington with regards to the Iran nuclear deal. The United States pulled out in 2018 of the 2015 deal between major powers and Iran, under which Iran restrained its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions. "I believe basically the consultations will be around reaching a solid and strong agreement that takes into account Iran's failure to comply. ..with strong monitoring factors to ensure the implementation of the agreement," Prince Faisal said. Biden has said that if Tehran resumed strict compliance with the agreement Washington would too. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies including the United Arab Emirates, concerned about Iran’s ballistic missiles and regional network of proxies, supported Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Tehran and welcomed his decision to quit the nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran. They have said that this time around they should be included in any potential negotiations between the Biden administration and Iran on a new nuclear deal, to ensure it addresses Iran’s missile capabilities and “malign activity”. (with inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia expects 'excellent relations' with new US administration

Saudi Arabia intercepted a "hostile target" over Riyadh on Saturday, said state media in the kingdom which has come under repeated attack from Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels since 2015.

An explosion was heard in the Saudi capital at around 11:00 am (0800 GMT), AFP correspondents reported.

"I heard a loud sound and thought that something had fallen from the sky," said one resident, who lives in the Al-Sulaimaniyah district of Riyadh. "The whole house was shaking."

The Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Huthis, said it had "intercepted and destroyed a hostile air target going towards Riyadh", without elaborating, according to&nbsp;state-run Al Ekhbariya television station.

Riyadh's King Khaled International Airport said there were a number of flight delays, but it was not immediately clear if they were linked to Saturday's incident.

Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly targeted by the Huthis since its intervention in the Yemen war in 2015.

It is rare, however, for drones and missiles launched by the Huthis to reach the kingdom's capital -- about 700 kilometres (435 miles) from the Yemeni border.

The Shiite rebels have&nbsp;yet to comment on the incident, which comes only days after Joe Biden was sworn-in as US president, replacing Donald Trump.

According to the new US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, the Biden administration will quickly revisit the designation of Yemen's Huthi rebels as terrorists.

At his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Blinken said he would "immediately" review the Trump administration's labelling of the insurgents, fearing the move was worsening a humanitarian crisis.

Saudi Arabia intercepted a "hostile target" over Riyadh on Saturday, said state media in the kingdom which has come under repeated attack from Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels since 2015.

Saudi Arabia intercepted a "hostile target" over Riyadh on Saturday, said state media in the kingdom which has come under repeated attack from Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels since 2015. An explosion was heard in the Saudi capital at around 11:00 am (0800 GMT), AFP correspondents reported. "I heard a loud sound and thought that something had fallen from the sky," said one resident, who lives in the Al-Sulaimaniyah district of Riyadh. "The whole house was shaking." The Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Huthis, said it had "intercepted and destroyed a hostile air target going towards Riyadh", without elaborating, according to state-run Al Ekhbariya television station. Riyadh's King Khaled International Airport said there were a number of flight delays, but it was not immediately clear if they were linked to Saturday's incident. Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly targeted by the Huthis since its intervention in the Yemen war in 2015. It is rare, however, for drones and missiles launched by the Huthis to reach the kingdom's capital -- about 700 kilometres (435 miles) from the Yemeni border. The Shiite rebels have yet to comment on the incident, which comes only days after Joe Biden was sworn-in as US president, replacing Donald Trump. According to the new US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, the Biden administration will quickly revisit the designation of Yemen's Huthi rebels as terrorists. At his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Blinken said he would "immediately" review the Trump administration's labelling of the insurgents, fearing the move was worsening a humanitarian crisis.

Saudi intercepts 'hostile target' over capital

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-considering-legal-immunity-for-saudi-crown-prince-salman-in-assassination-plot-khashoggi-killing-report-351639">Khashoggi</a>.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-gives-emotional-farewell-in-delaware-en-route-to-washington-dc-357855/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump had refrained from taking harsh measures against Saudi Arabia after reports emerged Khashoggi's body was dismembered in the Kingdom's Istanbul consulate in 2018.&nbsp;Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly ordered the killing of the Washington Post journalist.&nbsp;

Biden during his election campaign had vowed to re-evaluate the relationship with Saudi Arabia.

A New York judge had earlier ordered US intelligence agencies to acknowledge that they possess tape recording of the 2018 murder of Saudi Arabian journalist.&nbsp;

The Senate Intelligence Committee has been vetting &nbsp;Avril Haines,51, nomination who is a former top CIA official nominated to be director of national intelligence (DNI) by Joe Biden's incoming administration.

"Our approach to China has to evolve, and essentially meet the reality of the particularly assertive and aggressive China that we see today," Haines told the US Senators, adding, "to safeguard the integrity of our intelligence community, the DNI must insist that, when it comes to intelligence, there is simply no place for politics -- ever."

"The DNI must prioritize transparency, accountability, analytic rigor, facilitating oversight and diverse thinking —- not as afterthoughts, but as strategic imperatives that bolster our work and our institutions," Haines added.

Avril will be overseeing all US intelligence, including the CIA, the National Security Agency(NSA) and FBI counterintelligence.

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi.

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. Watch: Trump had refrained from taking harsh measures against Saudi Arabia after reports emerged Khashoggi's body was dismembered in the Kingdom's Istanbul consulate in 2018. Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly ordered the killing of the Washington Post journalist. Biden during his election campaign had vowed to re-evaluate the relationship with Saudi Arabia. A New York judge had earlier ordered US intelligence agencies to acknowledge that they possess tape recording of the 2018 murder of Saudi Arabian journalist. The Senate Intelligence Committee has been vetting Avril Haines,51, nomination who is a former top CIA official nominated to be director of national intelligence (DNI) by Joe Biden's incoming administration. "Our approach to China has to evolve, and essentially meet the reality of the particularly assertive and aggressive China that we see today," Haines told the US Senators, adding, "to safeguard the integrity of our intelligence community, the DNI must insist that, when it comes to intelligence, there is simply no place for politics -- ever." "The DNI must prioritize transparency, accountability, analytic rigor, facilitating oversight and diverse thinking —- not as afterthoughts, but as strategic imperatives that bolster our work and our institutions," Haines added. Avril will be overseeing all US intelligence, including the CIA, the National Security Agency(NSA) and FBI counterintelligence.

Biden to declassify report on assassination of Jamal Khashoggi

With an artificial moon and flying taxis, Neom has been billed as humanity's next chapter. Ghadi Francis tells you about this $500 billion megacity in the deep deserts of Saudi Arabia. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post | Saudi Arabia's $500 billion megacity

Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, said the oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is now battered by falling crude prices is offering investment opportunities worth $6 Trillion over the next decade.

World Business Watch: Saudi Arabia offers investment opportunities

Saudi&nbsp;Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the kingdom offers investment opportunities worth $6 trillion over the next decade, with new projects representing half of this value, the state news agency reported, citing his speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.

The opportunities are part of the young prince's Vision 2030, aimed at ending the kingdom’s dependence on oil and transforming it into a global investment power.

The prince, known in the West as MbS, plans to create new sectors and develop domestic projects that would create jobs for millions of&nbsp;Saudis, through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom's sovereign investment fund that acts as the main vehicle boosting investments at home and abroad.

PIF will finance 85 per cent&nbsp;of these opportunities along with the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;private sector, while the remaining financing will come from capital investments from investors in the Gulf and globally,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Press Agency said, quoting the prince's speech.

The PIF is the cornerstone investor in a number of mega projects including a high-tech economic zone dubbed NEOM planned for an area close to the size of Belgium, an entertainment park outside Riyadh called Qiddiya being built on a site 2-1/2 times larger than Disney World, and a luxury tourist resort off the Red Sea coast that will span 50 islands.

This week, Prince Mohammed unveiled plans to build a zero-carbon city at NEOM, with infrastructure costs of $100 billion to $200 billion.

The world’s top oil exporter is expected to borrow tens of billions of dollars this year to fill state coffers hit by lower oil prices and to boost liquidity at the PIF.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the kingdom offers investment opportunities worth $6 trillion over the next decade, with new projects representing half of this value, the state news agency reported, citing his speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the kingdom offers investment opportunities worth $6 trillion over the next decade, with new projects representing half of this value, the state news agency reported, citing his speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday. The opportunities are part of the young prince's Vision 2030, aimed at ending the kingdom’s dependence on oil and transforming it into a global investment power. The prince, known in the West as MbS, plans to create new sectors and develop domestic projects that would create jobs for millions of Saudis, through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom's sovereign investment fund that acts as the main vehicle boosting investments at home and abroad. PIF will finance 85 per cent of these opportunities along with the Saudi private sector, while the remaining financing will come from capital investments from investors in the Gulf and globally, Saudi Press Agency said, quoting the prince's speech. The PIF is the cornerstone investor in a number of mega projects including a high-tech economic zone dubbed NEOM planned for an area close to the size of Belgium, an entertainment park outside Riyadh called Qiddiya being built on a site 2-1/2 times larger than Disney World, and a luxury tourist resort off the Red Sea coast that will span 50 islands. This week, Prince Mohammed unveiled plans to build a zero-carbon city at NEOM, with infrastructure costs of $100 billion to $200 billion. The world’s top oil exporter is expected to borrow tens of billions of dollars this year to fill state coffers hit by lower oil prices and to boost liquidity at the PIF.

Saudi crown prince says kingdom offers $6 trillion investment opportunities over next decade

Saudi Arabia has announced the building of a new project "the line" in its future city NEOM. The city, a project personally being monitored by the country's crown prince -- Mohammad bin Salman -- is being built on the Red Sea.&nbsp;

The line will be a 170-km infrastructure project connecting various communities of the city and will blend the region with the surroundings. The project will be such that cars and streets will be not a part of it.&nbsp;

The city is being built as part of the kingdom's diversification plans as oil as a key resource runs out in the region.

Announcing the project, Mohammad bin Salman said, "We need to transform the concept of a conventional city into that of a futuristic one. As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NEOM, I present to you THE LINE. A city of a million residents with a length of 170 km that preserves 95 per cent of nature within NEOM, with zero cars, zero streets, and zero carbon emissions.”

One of the key outcomes of the project is seen as that saves carbon emission as climate change has been a global cause of concern.

The crown prince pointed out, "By 2050, one billion people will have to relocate due to rising CO2 emissions and sea levels. 90 per cent of people breathe polluted air. Why should we sacrifice nature for the sake of development? Why should seven million people die every year because of pollution? Why should we lose one million people every year due to traffic accidents? And why should we accept wasting years of our lives commuting?”

Construction of the said project starts in the first quarter of 2021. It uses artificial intelligence as part of larger sustainability.&nbsp;

The project uses "clean energy" and will make all daily needs--schools, medicines, clinics others within 5-minute reach.&nbsp;

Other countries in the Gulf are also diversifying. Notable are countries like Qatar and UAE among others. The diversification process is accompanied by relaxation in conservative rules in many of the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has announced the building of a new project "the line" in its future city NEOM. The city, a project personally being monitored by the country's crown prince -- Mohammad bin Salman -- is being built on the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia has announced the building of a new project "the line" in its future city NEOM. The city, a project personally being monitored by the country's crown prince -- Mohammad bin Salman -- is being built on the Red Sea. The line will be a 170-km infrastructure project connecting various communities of the city and will blend the region with the surroundings. The project will be such that cars and streets will be not a part of it. The city is being built as part of the kingdom's diversification plans as oil as a key resource runs out in the region. Announcing the project, Mohammad bin Salman said, "We need to transform the concept of a conventional city into that of a futuristic one. As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NEOM, I present to you THE LINE. A city of a million residents with a length of 170 km that preserves 95 per cent of nature within NEOM, with zero cars, zero streets, and zero carbon emissions.” One of the key outcomes of the project is seen as that saves carbon emission as climate change has been a global cause of concern. The crown prince pointed out, "By 2050, one billion people will have to relocate due to rising CO2 emissions and sea levels. 90 per cent of people breathe polluted air. Why should we sacrifice nature for the sake of development? Why should seven million people die every year because of pollution? Why should we lose one million people every year due to traffic accidents? And why should we accept wasting years of our lives commuting?” Construction of the said project starts in the first quarter of 2021. It uses artificial intelligence as part of larger sustainability. The project uses "clean energy" and will make all daily needs--schools, medicines, clinics others within 5-minute reach. Other countries in the Gulf are also diversifying. Notable are countries like Qatar and UAE among others. The diversification process is accompanied by relaxation in conservative rules in many of the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's future city will have no cars, no streets

Air travel between Qatar and Saudi Arabia will resume on Monday, according to the countries' airlines, a major landmark as Doha's former rivals normalise ties under a landmark agreement.

Saudi Arabia and its allies the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt in June 2017 slapped a blockade on Qatar that included closing airspace to the country over claims it backed Islamist groups and was too close to Iran.

Qatar always denied the charges.

The quartet agreed to lift the restrictions at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit last week in the Saudi desert city of Al-Ula, after energetic diplomacy by outgoing US President Donald Trump's administration.

The first commercial flight between Qatar and Saudi in three and a half years, a Qatar Airways service to Riyadh, will take off from Doha at 1045 GMT and touch down at 1210 GMT, according to the airline's timetable.

Saudi Airlines will fly from Riyadh to Doha, departing the kingdom at 1340 GMT according to its online schedule, with services from Jeddah expected to start at a later date.

The New York Times had reported that Qatar has been paying in excess of $100 million annually to use Iran's airspace to bypass Saudi Arabia.

Air travel between Qatar and Saudi Arabia will resume on Monday, according to the countries' airlines, a major landmark as Doha's former rivals normalise ties under a landmark agreement.

Air travel between Qatar and Saudi Arabia will resume on Monday, according to the countries' airlines, a major landmark as Doha's former rivals normalise ties under a landmark agreement. Saudi Arabia and its allies the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt in June 2017 slapped a blockade on Qatar that included closing airspace to the country over claims it backed Islamist groups and was too close to Iran. Qatar always denied the charges. The quartet agreed to lift the restrictions at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit last week in the Saudi desert city of Al-Ula, after energetic diplomacy by outgoing US President Donald Trump's administration. The first commercial flight between Qatar and Saudi in three and a half years, a Qatar Airways service to Riyadh, will take off from Doha at 1045 GMT and touch down at 1210 GMT, according to the airline's timetable. Saudi Airlines will fly from Riyadh to Doha, departing the kingdom at 1340 GMT according to its online schedule, with services from Jeddah expected to start at a later date. The New York Times had reported that Qatar has been paying in excess of $100 million annually to use Iran's airspace to bypass Saudi Arabia.

First Qatar to Saudi flight to take off after thaw

As they restore ties through a landmark deal, Qatar and Saudi Arabia opened their borders on Saturday. Saudi Arabia had shut its border with Qatar in June 2017 as part of sanctions. Saudi had said the sanctions were part of response to Qatar backing radical Islamist groups and closeness to Iran. Qatar has always denied the charges.

A Qatari source told AFP that traffic at the Abu Samrah crossing, 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Doha, resumed around 0700 GMT.

Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, all of which also imposed an embargo on travel and trade, agreed to lift the restrictions at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in the kingdom on Tuesday.

The day before the summit, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Ahmad Nasser Al-Sabah had announced on state television that a deal had been agreed to "open the airspace and land and sea borders between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar".

Only a trickle of cars arrived at the palm tree-lined, whitewashed border post to make the short crossing to the Saudi side after news broke that the frontier had reopened.

A smaller number made the journey from Saudi Arabia to Qatar, where strict measures to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus have been imposed.

"I'm very happy the border is open again," said Qatari Jaber al-Marri, as he approached a checkpoint in his Land Cruiser SUV, adding that he had relatives in the neighbouring kingdom.&nbsp;

"A lot of Qataris have relatives in Saudi Arabia," he said.

"The coming days will be better," added the man, holding a negative coronavirus test result in his hand.

(With AFP inputs)

As they restore ties through a landmark deal, Qatar and Saudi Arabia opened their borders on Saturday. Saudi Arabia had shut its border with Qatar in June 2017 as part of sanctions.

As they restore ties through a landmark deal, Qatar and Saudi Arabia opened their borders on Saturday. Saudi Arabia had shut its border with Qatar in June 2017 as part of sanctions. Saudi had said the sanctions were part of response to Qatar backing radical Islamist groups and closeness to Iran. Qatar has always denied the charges. A Qatari source told AFP that traffic at the Abu Samrah crossing, 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Doha, resumed around 0700 GMT. Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, all of which also imposed an embargo on travel and trade, agreed to lift the restrictions at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in the kingdom on Tuesday. The day before the summit, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Ahmad Nasser Al-Sabah had announced on state television that a deal had been agreed to "open the airspace and land and sea borders between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar". Only a trickle of cars arrived at the palm tree-lined, whitewashed border post to make the short crossing to the Saudi side after news broke that the frontier had reopened. A smaller number made the journey from Saudi Arabia to Qatar, where strict measures to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus have been imposed. "I'm very happy the border is open again," said Qatari Jaber al-Marri, as he approached a checkpoint in his Land Cruiser SUV, adding that he had relatives in the neighbouring kingdom. "A lot of Qataris have relatives in Saudi Arabia," he said. "The coming days will be better," added the man, holding a negative coronavirus test result in his hand. (With AFP inputs)

Saudi Arabia-Qatar border reopens after thaw in relations

Saudi Arabia's King Salman received COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday. The king received the jab three weeks after Saudi Arabia launched a three-phase vaccination programme. Saudi press agency said that the king received "the first dose of coronavirus vaccine" in Neom, the futuristic city on the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on December 17 after receiving the first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The health ministry said the programme would roll out in three phases, starting with people over 65 and those with chronic ailments or at high risk of infection.

People over 50 would be vaccinated next, with everyone else included in the third stage, the ministry said, adding that the vaccine would be free for citizens and residents.

Saudi Arabia has recorded more than 363,000 novel coronavirus cases, including more than 6,000 deaths -- the highest among the Gulf Arab states.&nbsp;

But the kingdom has also reported a high recovery rate.

Saudi Arabia has a population of more than 34 million, according to official figures.

(With AFP inputs)

Saudi Arabia's King Salman received COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday. The king received the jab three weeks after Saudi Arabia launched a three-phase vaccination programme.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman received COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday. The king received the jab three weeks after Saudi Arabia launched a three-phase vaccination programme. Saudi press agency said that the king received "the first dose of coronavirus vaccine" in Neom, the futuristic city on the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on December 17 after receiving the first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The health ministry said the programme would roll out in three phases, starting with people over 65 and those with chronic ailments or at high risk of infection. People over 50 would be vaccinated next, with everyone else included in the third stage, the ministry said, adding that the vaccine would be free for citizens and residents. Saudi Arabia has recorded more than 363,000 novel coronavirus cases, including more than 6,000 deaths -- the highest among the Gulf Arab states. But the kingdom has also reported a high recovery rate. Saudi Arabia has a population of more than 34 million, according to official figures. (With AFP inputs)

Saudi Arabia King Salman receives COVID-19 vaccine

Saudi Arabia and allies have decided to end the blockade of Qatar. In a summit, they signed an agreement on 'solidarity and stability'.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia and allies open their doors for Qatar

In 2017, 7 countries severed ties with Qatar in a matter of hours. Saudi Arabia led blockade was called the biggest diplomatic crisis in the region since the Gulf war of 1991

Gravitas: Explained: The Rift between Qatar and its Neighbours

Will the truce between Saudi Arabia & the Gulf unite West Asia? What does the United States stand to gain from the agreement? Will India benefit from the truce in the Gulf?

Gravitas: The Gulf Truce: How India could benefit

Just hours after the historic embrace between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-historic-turn-saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-embraces-qatar-emir-354655">Saudi</a> Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Saudi Arabia said it had reestablished full ties with Qatar.

"What happened today is... the turning of the page on all points of difference and a full return of diplomatic relations," Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC) summit at al-Ula in Saudi Arabia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-saudi-arabia-cut-diplomatic-ties-with-qatar-in-2017-354675">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in 2017</a>

Leaders of the six-member GCC signed two documents and a final communique as it sought to restore ties with Qatar.

The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt had taken part in a three and a half year blockade of Qatar accusing it of siding with radical forces in the region, an allegation it vehemently denied. Qatar's closeness with Iran also angered GCC.

However on Tuesday, the Gulf leaders signed the "solidarity and stability" deal bringing Qatar back into its economic fold.

"The Al-Ula Declaration "affirms our Gulf, Arab and Islamic solidarity and stability," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.

US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-senior-aide-kushner-and-team-meets-saudi-arabias-mbs-emit-of-qatar-347783">Kushner</a> attended the signing in Al-Ula signifying the influence of the US government in latest peace moves. Amid the new friendship wave, Kuwait said an agreement had been reached to open all borders between Saudi and Qatar with immediate effect.&nbsp;

GCC countries along with Egypt had blocked its airspace to Qatari planes and sealed their borders and port. Qatari citizens were also expelled from various GCC countries.

The GCC countries had put forward a list of 13 demands to Qatar to fulfil at the start of the standoff including the closure of the famous Al Jazeera television and shutting of Turkish military base, however, Qatar has not publicly bowed to any of the demands.

Just hours after the historic embrace between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Saudi Arabia said it had reestablished full ties with Qatar.

Just hours after the historic embrace between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Saudi Arabia said it had reestablished full ties with Qatar. "What happened today is... the turning of the page on all points of difference and a full return of diplomatic relations," Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC) summit at al-Ula in Saudi Arabia. Also Read: Why Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in 2017 Leaders of the six-member GCC signed two documents and a final communique as it sought to restore ties with Qatar. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt had taken part in a three and a half year blockade of Qatar accusing it of siding with radical forces in the region, an allegation it vehemently denied. Qatar's closeness with Iran also angered GCC. However on Tuesday, the Gulf leaders signed the "solidarity and stability" deal bringing Qatar back into its economic fold. "The Al-Ula Declaration "affirms our Gulf, Arab and Islamic solidarity and stability," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said. US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner attended the signing in Al-Ula signifying the influence of the US government in latest peace moves. Amid the new friendship wave, Kuwait said an agreement had been reached to open all borders between Saudi and Qatar with immediate effect. GCC countries along with Egypt had blocked its airspace to Qatari planes and sealed their borders and port. Qatari citizens were also expelled from various GCC countries. The GCC countries had put forward a list of 13 demands to Qatar to fulfil at the start of the standoff including the closure of the famous Al Jazeera television and shutting of Turkish military base, however, Qatar has not publicly bowed to any of the demands.

After royal embrace, Saudi Arabia restores full ties with Qatar

The Gulf crisis which has pitted regional players against Qatar could be moving closer to resolution as the key countries prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

Riyadh led a coalition of countries in the Gulf and beyond in 2017 to cut ties with Doha over charges it was too close to Tehran and backed radical Islamist groups. Qatar denies the claims.

Washington has intensified pressure on the nations imposing what Qatar calls a "blockade" to resolve the crisis, insisting Gulf unity is necessary to isolate US rival Iran as the curtain falls on Donald Trump's presidency.

The row will top the agenda at Tuesday's meeting of leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the northwestern Saudi city of Al-Ula.

While Gulf sources say an agreement on further talks and limited confidence building measures is ready, not all of the boycotting countries have yet signed up.

The GCC is a bloc that includes boycotting countries Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, neutral Kuwait and Oman, and Qatar.

After severing ties in June 2017, the Saudi-led alliance subsequently forced out Qatari expatriate residents, closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft and sealed their borders and ports, separating some mixed-nationality families.

The boycott countries later issued a list of 13 demands for Doha, including the closure of pan-Arab satellite television channel Al Jazeera, undertakings on terror financing, and the shuttering of a Turkish military base in Qatar.

Doha has not publicly bowed to any of the demands.

- Resolution in sight? -

The White House has ramped up its rhetoric against Tehran, having walked out of an international deal to rein in Iran's nuclear programme in 2018.

US national security adviser Robert O'Brien said in November that allowing Qatari planes to fly over Saudi Arabia via an "air bridge" was a priority for the Trump administration.

In return, analysts have suggested Qatar could agree to tone down the coverage of Saudi Arabia by its media, including the Al Jazeera broadcaster.

"They will announce the interim deal with the emir most likely in attendance," said King's College London assistant professor Andreas Krieg.

"Bahrain has still not signed but all of the other blockading states have."

The country has repeatedly clashed with Qatar over the enforcement of maritime boundaries with several incidents in recent months which have seen the Qatari coastguard intercept Bahraini vessels.

It then flew four of its fighter jets over Qatar's territorial waters on December 9, Doha alleged in a letter to the United Nations Security Council.

Bahrain is acting as "a proxy," said Krieg. "While the UAE and Saudi feel pressure to fall in line of US pressure, they can use Bahrain as a disruptor to continuously show their discontent with Qatar."

Experts had warned that the UAE could be the spoiler for any regional reconciliation attempt, having heaped criticism on Qatar and its leadership since the spat erupted.

- Waiting for the emir -

Abu Dhabi's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted on December 22 that "political and social atmospheres in the Gulf are looking to end the Qatar crisis" but complained about Qatari media -- a longstanding grievance in the boycotting countries.

It also remains unclear if Qatar's ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, will attend the summit in person, having skipped the gatherings since 2017.

Earlier this month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said a resolution of the Gulf diplomatic crisis was in sight, with all governments involved "on board" and a final agreement expected soon.

Egypt and the UAE have since given their public support to the negotiations although diplomatic sources say the UAE has been reluctant to compromise.

The potential thaw comes as Gulf states prepare for the incoming US administration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, whose country is leading mediation efforts, said all sides had expressed keenness for a "final agreement" during recent "fruitful discussions", which have included the United States.

Past mediation efforts to broker reconciliation between key US ally Qatar and its rivals have proved fruitless after apparent progress.

The Gulf crisis which has pitted regional players against Qatar could be moving closer to resolution as the key countries prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The Gulf crisis which has pitted regional players against Qatar could be moving closer to resolution as the key countries prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Riyadh led a coalition of countries in the Gulf and beyond in 2017 to cut ties with Doha over charges it was too close to Tehran and backed radical Islamist groups. Qatar denies the claims. Washington has intensified pressure on the nations imposing what Qatar calls a "blockade" to resolve the crisis, insisting Gulf unity is necessary to isolate US rival Iran as the curtain falls on Donald Trump's presidency. The row will top the agenda at Tuesday's meeting of leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the northwestern Saudi city of Al-Ula. While Gulf sources say an agreement on further talks and limited confidence building measures is ready, not all of the boycotting countries have yet signed up. The GCC is a bloc that includes boycotting countries Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, neutral Kuwait and Oman, and Qatar. After severing ties in June 2017, the Saudi-led alliance subsequently forced out Qatari expatriate residents, closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft and sealed their borders and ports, separating some mixed-nationality families. The boycott countries later issued a list of 13 demands for Doha, including the closure of pan-Arab satellite television channel Al Jazeera, undertakings on terror financing, and the shuttering of a Turkish military base in Qatar. Doha has not publicly bowed to any of the demands. - Resolution in sight? - The White House has ramped up its rhetoric against Tehran, having walked out of an international deal to rein in Iran's nuclear programme in 2018. US national security adviser Robert O'Brien said in November that allowing Qatari planes to fly over Saudi Arabia via an "air bridge" was a priority for the Trump administration. In return, analysts have suggested Qatar could agree to tone down the coverage of Saudi Arabia by its media, including the Al Jazeera broadcaster. "They will announce the interim deal with the emir most likely in attendance," said King's College London assistant professor Andreas Krieg. "Bahrain has still not signed but all of the other blockading states have." The country has repeatedly clashed with Qatar over the enforcement of maritime boundaries with several incidents in recent months which have seen the Qatari coastguard intercept Bahraini vessels. It then flew four of its fighter jets over Qatar's territorial waters on December 9, Doha alleged in a letter to the United Nations Security Council. Bahrain is acting as "a proxy," said Krieg. "While the UAE and Saudi feel pressure to fall in line of US pressure, they can use Bahrain as a disruptor to continuously show their discontent with Qatar." Experts had warned that the UAE could be the spoiler for any regional reconciliation attempt, having heaped criticism on Qatar and its leadership since the spat erupted. - Waiting for the emir - Abu Dhabi's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted on December 22 that "political and social atmospheres in the Gulf are looking to end the Qatar crisis" but complained about Qatari media -- a longstanding grievance in the boycotting countries. It also remains unclear if Qatar's ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, will attend the summit in person, having skipped the gatherings since 2017. Earlier this month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said a resolution of the Gulf diplomatic crisis was in sight, with all governments involved "on board" and a final agreement expected soon. Egypt and the UAE have since given their public support to the negotiations although diplomatic sources say the UAE has been reluctant to compromise. The potential thaw comes as Gulf states prepare for the incoming US administration of President-elect Joe Biden. Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, whose country is leading mediation efforts, said all sides had expressed keenness for a "final agreement" during recent "fruitful discussions", which have included the United States. Past mediation efforts to broker reconciliation between key US ally Qatar and its rivals have proved fruitless after apparent progress.

Gulf crisis resolution in balance ahead of summit

Gulf Cooperation Council summit: Will Gulf crisis come to an end?

The United States has approved another $290 million precision-guided bomb sale to Saudi Arabia, according to a notice to Congress released Tuesday.

The Trump administration approved selling Saudi Arabia 3,000 Boeing-made GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) munitions and related equipment, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice.

The sale comes in the final days of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s term. President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s biggest buyer of American weapons, in a bid to pressure Riyadh to end a war in Yemen that has caused the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

"The [State Department's] Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today," the statement said on Tuesday.

The State Department said that Saudi Arabia requested to buy GBU-39 SDB I munitions with containers, support equipment and services, spare and repair parts.

The State Department said the proposed sale will help to improve "the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has approved another $290 million precision-guided bomb sale to Saudi Arabia, according to a notice to Congress released Tuesday. The Trump administration approved selling Saudi Arabia 3,000 Boeing-made GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) munitions and related equipment, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice.

The United States has approved another $290 million precision-guided bomb sale to Saudi Arabia, according to a notice to Congress released Tuesday. The Trump administration approved selling Saudi Arabia 3,000 Boeing-made GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) munitions and related equipment, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice. The sale comes in the final days of US President Donald Trump’s term. President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s biggest buyer of American weapons, in a bid to pressure Riyadh to end a war in Yemen that has caused the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. "The [State Department's] Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today," the statement said on Tuesday. The State Department said that Saudi Arabia requested to buy GBU-39 SDB I munitions with containers, support equipment and services, spare and repair parts. The State Department said the proposed sale will help to improve "the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump approves sale of 3,000 smart bombs worth $290 million to Saudi Arabia

A Saudi-origin women's rights activist, Loujain al-Hathloul, has been jailed for five years and eight months for participating in terrorism-related activities and crimes after she was arrested in May 2018.

The prominent&nbsp;activist was convicted of "various activities prohibited by the anti-terrorism law", the local media, including the pro-government media outlet&nbsp;Sabq, reported on Monday.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-gets-coronavirus-vaccine-352517">&nbsp;Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman gets coronavirus vaccine</a>

Hathloul's jail time was ordered by a Saudi court on Monday in presence of a few selected local media outlets. The activist can have her sentence reduced by two years and ten months "if she does not commit any crime" within the next three years. However, it is not yet clear of the ruling was decided for the time she will be serving or&nbsp;when she may be released from custody.

The activist also has the option of file a&nbsp;motion to appeal within the next 30 days.

Hathloul was detained by the local authorities in May 2018 with several other women activists while she was campaigning for women's rights. Her arrest was made a few days before the Saudi court made a historic ruling of allowing Saudi women to drive.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-considering-legal-immunity-for-saudi-crown-prince-salman-in-assassination-plot-khashoggi-killing-report-351639">Trump considering legal immunity for Saudi Crown Prince Salman in assassination plot, Khashoggi killing: Report</a>

The 31-year-old was being tried&nbsp;Riyadh's criminal court. Her case was then transferred to the anti-terrorism court (Specialised Criminal Court). The supporters of&nbsp;Hathloul feel this move was a deliberate effort of the government to make sure the activist gets a confirmed jail time, and they alleged the SCC is used by the government to silence all anti-government voices.

The government, however, alleged that&nbsp;Hathloul was guilty of contacting "unfriendly" states and providing classified information to them. However, these accusations have been denied by&nbsp;Hathloul's&nbsp;family who have instead accused the government of making statements without providing any evidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Her sentence comes almost a year after&nbsp;Hathloul started a hunger strike in the prison with the demand of being provided regular contact with her family. Her family claims she had to end the strike within two weeks due to the torture she was facing from the prison guards. "She was being woken up by the guards every two hours, day and night, as a brutal tactic to break her," her siblings said. "Yet, she is far from broken."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-activist-loujain-al-hathloul-jailed-for-five-years-352955">WATCH|</a>

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A Saudi-origin women's rights activist, Loujain al-Hathloul, has been jailed for five years and eight months for participating in terrorism-related activities and crimes after she was arrested in May 2018.

A Saudi-origin women's rights activist, Loujain al-Hathloul, has been jailed for five years and eight months for participating in terrorism-related activities and crimes after she was arrested in May 2018. The prominent activist was convicted of "various activities prohibited by the anti-terrorism law", the local media, including the pro-government media outlet Sabq, reported on Monday. Also read| Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman gets coronavirus vaccine Hathloul's jail time was ordered by a Saudi court on Monday in presence of a few selected local media outlets. The activist can have her sentence reduced by two years and ten months "if she does not commit any crime" within the next three years. However, it is not yet clear of the ruling was decided for the time she will be serving or when she may be released from custody. The activist also has the option of file a motion to appeal within the next 30 days. Hathloul was detained by the local authorities in May 2018 with several other women activists while she was campaigning for women's rights. Her arrest was made a few days before the Saudi court made a historic ruling of allowing Saudi women to drive. Also read| Trump considering legal immunity for Saudi Crown Prince Salman in assassination plot, Khashoggi killing: Report The 31-year-old was being tried Riyadh's criminal court. Her case was then transferred to the anti-terrorism court (Specialised Criminal Court). The supporters of Hathloul feel this move was a deliberate effort of the government to make sure the activist gets a confirmed jail time, and they alleged the SCC is used by the government to silence all anti-government voices. The government, however, alleged that Hathloul was guilty of contacting "unfriendly" states and providing classified information to them. However, these accusations have been denied by Hathloul's family who have instead accused the government of making statements without providing any evidence. Her sentence comes almost a year after Hathloul started a hunger strike in the prison with the demand of being provided regular contact with her family. Her family claims she had to end the strike within two weeks due to the torture she was facing from the prison guards. "She was being woken up by the guards every two hours, day and night, as a brutal tactic to break her," her siblings said. "Yet, she is far from broken." WATCH| ×

Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul jailed for five years

Christmas has finally arrived in Saudi Arabia as glittery ornaments are being sold at streets of Riyadh.&nbsp;

This is happening in a country which has long been notorious for enforcing Islamic traditions and prohibiting western practices.&nbsp;

But now, the kingdom is embracing inter-religious exchange.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-begins-coronavirus-vaccination-campaign-350684">Saudi Arabia begins coronavirus vaccination campaign</a>

So, what's driving this transformation and what do ex-pats living in Saudi have to say about it? This report attempts to answer.&nbsp;

"I didn't ever imagine to see Christmas trees or decorations in Saudi. When I came and saw the Christmas tree which had an affordable price in comparison to its size, I was surprised," a Saudi woman said.&nbsp;

For decades, Christmas sales have largely been underground in Saudi Arabia and ex-pats from across the world had to celebrate the festival behind closed doors.&nbsp;

This is because the Arab kingdom has long considered all western practices as a deviation from Islam. Staunch conservatives have prohibited the public celebration of any foreign festival.&nbsp;

But things look slightly different this year as Christmas items are for sale at gifts across Riyadh.&nbsp;

And people from different nationalities are delighted to see the loosening of social restrictions.&nbsp;

"Before I didn't expect that, but now yes I expect that. When I first came here, it was very difficult to find some, many of my friends used to buy them from outside the country, from Lebanon or Syria, and they even used to bring it by land shipping and not by airplane because it wasn't easy to make it enter the country, Mary, Lebanese expat living in Riyadh, said.&nbsp;

"For now it's is good because now it's open to everybody, we can check, we can decorate, before we didn't used to do that. For now it's good, it's better for us and for everything," a Filipino ex-pat living in Riyadh said.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has slowly been pushing for inter-religious exchange and in recent years it has hosted officials from the Vatican as well as Jewish figures.&nbsp;

Even textbooks that were once notorious for denouncing non-Muslims are undergoing revisions.&nbsp;

Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, is striving to steer the conservative kingdom towards an open and moderate Islam.&nbsp;

He is trying to curb the influence of the once-powerful religious police and opening up of Christmas shops is yet another step in the right direction.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Christmas has finally arrived in Saudi Arabia as glittery ornaments are being sold at streets of Riyadh. This is happening in a country which has long been notorious for enforcing Islamic traditions and prohibiting western practices.

Christmas has finally arrived in Saudi Arabia as glittery ornaments are being sold at streets of Riyadh. This is happening in a country which has long been notorious for enforcing Islamic traditions and prohibiting western practices. But now, the kingdom is embracing inter-religious exchange. Also read | Saudi Arabia begins coronavirus vaccination campaign So, what's driving this transformation and what do ex-pats living in Saudi have to say about it? This report attempts to answer. "I didn't ever imagine to see Christmas trees or decorations in Saudi. When I came and saw the Christmas tree which had an affordable price in comparison to its size, I was surprised," a Saudi woman said. For decades, Christmas sales have largely been underground in Saudi Arabia and ex-pats from across the world had to celebrate the festival behind closed doors. This is because the Arab kingdom has long considered all western practices as a deviation from Islam. Staunch conservatives have prohibited the public celebration of any foreign festival. But things look slightly different this year as Christmas items are for sale at gifts across Riyadh. And people from different nationalities are delighted to see the loosening of social restrictions. "Before I didn't expect that, but now yes I expect that. When I first came here, it was very difficult to find some, many of my friends used to buy them from outside the country, from Lebanon or Syria, and they even used to bring it by land shipping and not by airplane because it wasn't easy to make it enter the country, Mary, Lebanese expat living in Riyadh, said. "For now it's is good because now it's open to everybody, we can check, we can decorate, before we didn't used to do that. For now it's good, it's better for us and for everything," a Filipino ex-pat living in Riyadh said. Saudi Arabia has slowly been pushing for inter-religious exchange and in recent years it has hosted officials from the Vatican as well as Jewish figures. Even textbooks that were once notorious for denouncing non-Muslims are undergoing revisions. Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, is striving to steer the conservative kingdom towards an open and moderate Islam. He is trying to curb the influence of the once-powerful religious police and opening up of Christmas shops is yet another step in the right direction.

As Christmas shopping begins in Saudi Arabia, is the Kingdom heading towards a change?

Christmas celebrations - once an unthinkable sight in Saudi Arabia has now become a reality. The festive sale has crept into Riyadh, much to the delight of expats. What's driving this change? Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Christmas season arrives in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia kicked-off its three-phase coronavirus vaccination programme on Thursday. The country's health minister was among those inoculated after first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived in the kingdom.

Along with Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah, a woman in a wheelchair and another man were among the first to be administered the vaccine at a centre in Riyadh, an AFP photographer reported.

"This is the beginning of the end of the crisis," Rabiah told reporters.&nbsp;

In the first stage, people aged over 65 and those with chronic ailment or high risk of infection will receive the vaccine. In second stage, those aged over 50 will be given the vaccine.

Everyone else will be vaccinated in the third phase.

The phases have been decided by the health ministry. It has not specified the dates for each phase or how long the mass vaccination would take. The ministry has said that the vaccine would be "free for all citizens and residents"

Last week, the kingdom approved the use of the vaccine developed by US pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, becoming the second Gulf country to do so after Bahrain.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-advisory-panel-endorses-moderna-coronavirus-vaccine-350590">US FDA advisory panel endorses Moderna coronavirus vaccine</a>

Britain, Canada and the United States have also approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and have already launched mass inoculation campaigns. Neighbouring Jordan green-lighted the drug on Monday.

Saudi Arabia has so far recorded more than 360,000 novel coronavirus cases, including more than 6,000 deaths –- the highest among the Gulf Arab states. But the kingdom has also reported a high recovery rate.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Saudi Arabia kicked-off its three-phase coronavirus vaccination programme on Thursday. The country's health minister was among those inoculated after first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia kicked-off its three-phase coronavirus vaccination programme on Thursday. The country's health minister was among those inoculated after first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived in the kingdom. Along with Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah, a woman in a wheelchair and another man were among the first to be administered the vaccine at a centre in Riyadh, an AFP photographer reported. "This is the beginning of the end of the crisis," Rabiah told reporters. In the first stage, people aged over 65 and those with chronic ailment or high risk of infection will receive the vaccine. In second stage, those aged over 50 will be given the vaccine. Everyone else will be vaccinated in the third phase. The phases have been decided by the health ministry. It has not specified the dates for each phase or how long the mass vaccination would take. The ministry has said that the vaccine would be "free for all citizens and residents" Last week, the kingdom approved the use of the vaccine developed by US pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, becoming the second Gulf country to do so after Bahrain. Also Read | US FDA advisory panel endorses Moderna coronavirus vaccine Britain, Canada and the United States have also approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and have already launched mass inoculation campaigns. Neighbouring Jordan green-lighted the drug on Monday. Saudi Arabia has so far recorded more than 360,000 novel coronavirus cases, including more than 6,000 deaths –- the highest among the Gulf Arab states. But the kingdom has also reported a high recovery rate. (With AFP inputs)

Saudi Arabia begins coronavirus vaccination campaign

From a new oil order to a changing geopolitical landscape, the biggest challenge facing Saudi Arabia is how it adapts to the new normal. Can Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman continue to push for reform in the face of a pandemic, terrorism and declining economy?

Gravitas: The biggest challenge facing Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is facing turbulent times. Oil revenues have declined. Oil tankers have been attacked. And now, another royal purge is underway. WION's Palki tells you more about Saudi Arabia's growing challenges.

Gravitas: Turbulent times in Saudi Arabia: Shrinking Budget, Terror Attacks, Royal Purges

Saudi Arabia is going through a crisis this year. The Kingdom is witnessing shrinking economy, budgets have been cut, their oil tankers are being targeted, and has suffered four terror attacks in the past month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-pandemic-crown-prince-mohammad-bin-salman-challenges-saudi-arabias-old-order-350277" hreflang="en">Amid pandemic, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman challenges Saudi Arabia's old order</a>

Despite all this, the game of thrones in the country continues. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is carrying out another royal purge.&nbsp;

It's being called the mini Ritz, a smaller version of the major crackdown that took place in 2017 when scores of royals were detained in the Ritz Carlton hotel in Riyadh. &nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's churn is not unique. All oil economies have been forced into a hard reset this year. But given Saudi Arabia's stature in the region, it's challenges appear more pronounced and has a bearing on others.

The economic crisis in the country is driven by a sole factor, oil. It hit rock bottom this year as&nbsp;oil prices fell below zero. However, it has&nbsp;recovered since, but the rates remain at an all-time low.&nbsp;

Demand has plummeted and producers are leaving more supplies in the ground, due to this, Riyadh is making unprecedented cuts to its budget. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wants to cut spending by 7.3 per cent.

Riyadh is running a budget deficit because of coronavirus pandemic. The Kingdom expects to be short of close to $80 billion this year which is around 12 per cent of Saudi Arabia's GDP.&nbsp;

With a deficit so huge, Riyadh has no options but to cut spending. It wants to slash spending to $264 billion this year. This is expected to bring the deficit down to less than five per cent of the GDP.

The pandemic has hit demand in oil&nbsp;due to which prices have dropped. Riyadh is no longer earning what&nbsp;it used to from oil.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia hasn't given a breakdown for oil and non-oil revenue in its budget. Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure is under attack by two means. First, the pandemic, and second, extremists are attacking Saudi oil tankers.

This is the second time that an oil tanker was targeted in recent weeks. Two days ago, a fuel transport ship was attacked. A boat laden with explosives rammed into it. It happened when the tanker was anchored at the port of Jeddah. It's an important port because of its unique location.

It is right in the middle of the international shipping route between the west and the east. No one was hurt but some oil may have leaked.

Saudi Arabia is calling this a terrorist attack. This explosion is the latest in a series of attacks against the Kingdom. Earlier, a mine exploded and damaged a ship off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh had blamed Yemen's Houthi rebels for this. Another attack targeted a cargo ship in Yemen's far east.

However, the crisis is not limited to the economy. Saudi Arabia is suffering a setback on the diplomatic front too. Germany has extended its ban on arms sales to Riyadh for another year. It was first imposed in 2018 after the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;

It couldn't have come at a worse time for Saudi Arabia because France and Canada are also facing calls to revisit arms deals with Riyadh. US President-elect Joe Biden is facing similar demands. The German ban sets a difficult precedent for Riyadh.

Despite the crisis, the Kingdom is going through a royal purge.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is going through a crisis this year. The Kingdom is witnessing shrinking economy, budgets have been cut, their oil tankers are being targeted, and has suffered four terror attacks in the past month.

Saudi Arabia is going through a crisis this year. The Kingdom is witnessing shrinking economy, budgets have been cut, their oil tankers are being targeted, and has suffered four terror attacks in the past month. Also read: Amid pandemic, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman challenges Saudi Arabia's old order Despite all this, the game of thrones in the country continues. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is carrying out another royal purge. It's being called the mini Ritz, a smaller version of the major crackdown that took place in 2017 when scores of royals were detained in the Ritz Carlton hotel in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's churn is not unique. All oil economies have been forced into a hard reset this year. But given Saudi Arabia's stature in the region, it's challenges appear more pronounced and has a bearing on others. The economic crisis in the country is driven by a sole factor, oil. It hit rock bottom this year as oil prices fell below zero. However, it has recovered since, but the rates remain at an all-time low. Demand has plummeted and producers are leaving more supplies in the ground, due to this, Riyadh is making unprecedented cuts to its budget. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wants to cut spending by 7.3 per cent. Riyadh is running a budget deficit because of coronavirus pandemic. The Kingdom expects to be short of close to $80 billion this year which is around 12 per cent of Saudi Arabia's GDP. With a deficit so huge, Riyadh has no options but to cut spending. It wants to slash spending to $264 billion this year. This is expected to bring the deficit down to less than five per cent of the GDP. The pandemic has hit demand in oil due to which prices have dropped. Riyadh is no longer earning what it used to from oil. Saudi Arabia hasn't given a breakdown for oil and non-oil revenue in its budget. Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure is under attack by two means. First, the pandemic, and second, extremists are attacking Saudi oil tankers. This is the second time that an oil tanker was targeted in recent weeks. Two days ago, a fuel transport ship was attacked. A boat laden with explosives rammed into it. It happened when the tanker was anchored at the port of Jeddah. It's an important port because of its unique location. It is right in the middle of the international shipping route between the west and the east. No one was hurt but some oil may have leaked. Saudi Arabia is calling this a terrorist attack. This explosion is the latest in a series of attacks against the Kingdom. Earlier, a mine exploded and damaged a ship off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh had blamed Yemen's Houthi rebels for this. Another attack targeted a cargo ship in Yemen's far east. However, the crisis is not limited to the economy. Saudi Arabia is suffering a setback on the diplomatic front too. Germany has extended its ban on arms sales to Riyadh for another year. It was first imposed in 2018 after the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It couldn't have come at a worse time for Saudi Arabia because France and Canada are also facing calls to revisit arms deals with Riyadh. US President-elect Joe Biden is facing similar demands. The German ban sets a difficult precedent for Riyadh. Despite the crisis, the Kingdom is going through a royal purge.

Saudi Arabia carries out royal purge despite economic crisis, pandemic

Pakistan has been slowly slipping from the good books of the Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Islamic world. This can be proved through the dissection of two high-profile and very similar visits that stand as proof of the Saudi-Pakistan breakup that also reaffirm how Saudi Arabia along with the UAE &nbsp;is increasingly leaning towards India.

In August, the Pakistan army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa travelled to Riyadh. The visit followed weeks of posturing by Islamabad on Kashmir. Bajwa went there expecting the sheikhdom to take a firmer line against India's policies in Kashmir. In fact, the Saudi crown prince was expected to give the Pak army chief an audience, a loan concession and a medal. However, all he received was a royal snub as the Saudis changed their mind and he didn't get to meet Mohammed Bin Salman. This also meant there was no loan concession and obviously no medal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-army-chief-naravane-meets-top-saudi-generals-349638">WATCH|</a>

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General Bajwa, much to his dismay, had to settle for customary meetings with the Saudi officials and he returned to Islamabad empty-handed.&nbsp;

Now, four months later, the Indian army chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane has embarked on a six-day long tour of West Asi, making it his third foreign tour this year and the first visit by an Indian army chief to this part of the world. The purpose of the visit was to create a military alliance with the two gulf powers.&nbsp;

On Friday, General Naravane received a guard of honour at the headquarters of UAE's land forces. During his trip, he also held talks with the commander of land forces, Major General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri and discussed defence cooperation between India and UAE. The army chief also visited the land forces institute and its infantry and armour schools.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-saudi-arabia-defence-partnership-349798">WATCH|</a>

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On Sunday, he arrived in Saudi Arabia and visited the ministry of defence in Riyadh where he received a guard of honour by the royal Saudi land forces and met top Saudi generals such as Saudi Arabia's chief of staff General Fayyad Bin Hamid Ruwaili and the commander of Saudi Arabia's joint forces General Mutlaq Bin Salim Bin Al-Azima. The discussions largely revolved around ramping up defence cooperation in strategic areas.

&nbsp; 
The stark contrast between these two visits of India and Pakistan is clearly visible where Pakistan's General receives a royal snub and a red carpet is rolled out for the Indian General. This contrast proves that New Delhi has not only managed to delink Islamabad from the Arab world but is set to become a major security partner of the Gulf powers.

Reports around General Naravane's visit to the gulf have highlighted a potential sale of the Brahmos missile. Both, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have reportedly shown interest in buying the Indo-Russian missile system. A number of other proposals are also on the table such as joint military exercises.

In recent years, the Indian navy has held drills with UAE and Saudi Arabia. In March 2018, India and the UAE conducted their maiden naval exercise "Gulf star 1" and in 2019, India and Saudi Arabia announced their first joint naval drills — which were delayed to the coronavirus pandemic. General Naravane's visit could lead to a rescheduling of these drills.

Reports also indicate that Indian contingents could soon be sent to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the protection of the house of Saud. Over the years, thousands of Pakistani troops have been sent to the royal kingdom. Elite Pakistani commandoes have been tasked with guarding the royal family in Riyadh but Islamabad has refused to allow Pakistani troops to join Saudi and Emirati troops in Yemen.

Reports say the Gulf powers now want India to be on board in Yemen. Indian contingents could be sent to join troops in Yemen as Islamabad is made to pay back its loans.

Pakistan's Geo news carried out a report on Monday titled, "china bails out Pakistan to replay $1 billion Saudi debt". Pakistan has been forced to pay another tranche of a $3 billion loan it borrowed from the sheikhdom, and much like last time, China has again come to Pakistan's rescue.

Pakistan has been slowly slipping from the good books of the Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Islamic world. This can be proved through the dissection of two high-profile and very similar visits that stand as proof of the Saudi-Pakistan breakup that also reaffirm how Saudi Arabia along with the UAE is increasingly leaning towards India.

Pakistan has been slowly slipping from the good books of the Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Islamic world. This can be proved through the dissection of two high-profile and very similar visits that stand as proof of the Saudi-Pakistan breakup that also reaffirm how Saudi Arabia along with the UAE is increasingly leaning towards India. In August, the Pakistan army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa travelled to Riyadh. The visit followed weeks of posturing by Islamabad on Kashmir. Bajwa went there expecting the sheikhdom to take a firmer line against India's policies in Kashmir. In fact, the Saudi crown prince was expected to give the Pak army chief an audience, a loan concession and a medal. However, all he received was a royal snub as the Saudis changed their mind and he didn't get to meet Mohammed Bin Salman. This also meant there was no loan concession and obviously no medal. WATCH| × General Bajwa, much to his dismay, had to settle for customary meetings with the Saudi officials and he returned to Islamabad empty-handed. Now, four months later, the Indian army chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane has embarked on a six-day long tour of West Asi, making it his third foreign tour this year and the first visit by an Indian army chief to this part of the world. The purpose of the visit was to create a military alliance with the two gulf powers. On Friday, General Naravane received a guard of honour at the headquarters of UAE's land forces. During his trip, he also held talks with the commander of land forces, Major General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri and discussed defence cooperation between India and UAE. The army chief also visited the land forces institute and its infantry and armour schools. WATCH| × On Sunday, he arrived in Saudi Arabia and visited the ministry of defence in Riyadh where he received a guard of honour by the royal Saudi land forces and met top Saudi generals such as Saudi Arabia's chief of staff General Fayyad Bin Hamid Ruwaili and the commander of Saudi Arabia's joint forces General Mutlaq Bin Salim Bin Al-Azima. The discussions largely revolved around ramping up defence cooperation in strategic areas. The stark contrast between these two visits of India and Pakistan is clearly visible where Pakistan's General receives a royal snub and a red carpet is rolled out for the Indian General. This contrast proves that New Delhi has not only managed to delink Islamabad from the Arab world but is set to become a major security partner of the Gulf powers. Reports around General Naravane's visit to the gulf have highlighted a potential sale of the Brahmos missile. Both, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have reportedly shown interest in buying the Indo-Russian missile system. A number of other proposals are also on the table such as joint military exercises. In recent years, the Indian navy has held drills with UAE and Saudi Arabia. In March 2018, India and the UAE conducted their maiden naval exercise "Gulf star 1" and in 2019, India and Saudi Arabia announced their first joint naval drills — which were delayed to the coronavirus pandemic. General Naravane's visit could lead to a rescheduling of these drills. Reports also indicate that Indian contingents could soon be sent to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the protection of the house of Saud. Over the years, thousands of Pakistani troops have been sent to the royal kingdom. Elite Pakistani commandoes have been tasked with guarding the royal family in Riyadh but Islamabad has refused to allow Pakistani troops to join Saudi and Emirati troops in Yemen. Reports say the Gulf powers now want India to be on board in Yemen. Indian contingents could be sent to join troops in Yemen as Islamabad is made to pay back its loans. Pakistan's Geo news carried out a report on Monday titled, "china bails out Pakistan to replay $1 billion Saudi debt". Pakistan has been forced to pay another tranche of a $3 billion loan it borrowed from the sheikhdom, and much like last time, China has again come to Pakistan's rescue.

Indian Army General Naravane's Saudi visit sheds light on Pak's break-up with Arab world

As part of his second leg of the two-nation visit, Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane on Sunday met top Saudi Generals and discussed issues of mutual interest and defence cooperation.

Indian Army Chief Naravane meets top Saudi Generals

For the first time, India's Army Chief is undertaking a visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. What does India hope to accomplish with this visit?

Gravitas: Why India's Army Chief is visiting Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Is coronavirus being used by governments around the world to stifle civil liberties? A global study reveals so.

Given the ongoing pandemic, the state of civil liberties in the world has worsened. The study claims that 87 per cent of the world population is currently in countries that qualify as “repressed”, “obstructed”, or “closed”.

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Last year, the same figure for the world stood at 83 per cent. It found that almost all countries have witnessed a dip in civil rights in the last year. Civicus Monitor, an alliance of civil society groups which takes into account 196 countries also found that governments around the globe are using the pandemic to curtail liberties of citizens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-issues-allergy-warning-over-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-after-two-reported-cases-348594" hreflang="en">UK issues 'allergy warning' over Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine after two reported cases</a>

Techniques used by governments include use of force, detention of protesters, attacks on journalists, harassment and intimidation of human rights workers. The report adds that COVID-19 was used by governments to introduce and uphold additional restrictions on civic liberties.&nbsp;

They categorised countries as the following - closed, repressed, obstructed, narrowed, and open. Over a quarter of the world’s population lives in closed countries - which are the worst rated. This category includes Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkmenistan.

Civicus Monitor’s lead Belalba Barreto told The Guardian that the use of detention to restrict protests showing how COVID-19 is used to crack down on protests. Out of the 196 countries that were included in the study, only two showed improvement in ratings - from closed to repressed. These were the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/as-western-countries-hoard-vaccines-9-out-of-10-in-low-income-countries-to-miss-out-348585" hreflang="en">As western countries hoard vaccines, 9 out of 10 in low-income countries to miss out</a>

Eleven countries suffered a tumble. These are the US, Costa Rica, Ivory Coast, Iraq, the Philippines, and Slovenia.

Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Chile also suffered a tumble in the study.&nbsp;In European countries, governments have used “authoritarian” moves to restrict civil rights in regions like Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Four African countries also fell from obstructed to repressed. These include Ivory Coast, Guinea, Niger, and Togo. Additionally, Civicus monitor noted that the governments were especially targeting marginalised groups like immigrants, people belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, and refugees.

Is coronavirus being used by governments around the world to stifle civil liberties? A global study reveals so. Given the ongoing pandemic, the state of civil liberties in the world has worsened.

Is coronavirus being used by governments around the world to stifle civil liberties? A global study reveals so. Given the ongoing pandemic, the state of civil liberties in the world has worsened. The study claims that 87 per cent of the world population is currently in countries that qualify as “repressed”, “obstructed”, or “closed”. Last year, the same figure for the world stood at 83 per cent. It found that almost all countries have witnessed a dip in civil rights in the last year. Civicus Monitor, an alliance of civil society groups which takes into account 196 countries also found that governments around the globe are using the pandemic to curtail liberties of citizens. Also read: UK issues 'allergy warning' over Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine after two reported cases Techniques used by governments include use of force, detention of protesters, attacks on journalists, harassment and intimidation of human rights workers. The report adds that COVID-19 was used by governments to introduce and uphold additional restrictions on civic liberties. They categorised countries as the following - closed, repressed, obstructed, narrowed, and open. Over a quarter of the world’s population lives in closed countries - which are the worst rated. This category includes Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkmenistan. Civicus Monitor’s lead Belalba Barreto told The Guardian that the use of detention to restrict protests showing how COVID-19 is used to crack down on protests. Out of the 196 countries that were included in the study, only two showed improvement in ratings - from closed to repressed. These were the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan. Also read: As western countries hoard vaccines, 9 out of 10 in low-income countries to miss out Eleven countries suffered a tumble. These are the US, Costa Rica, Ivory Coast, Iraq, the Philippines, and Slovenia. Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Chile also suffered a tumble in the study. In European countries, governments have used “authoritarian” moves to restrict civil rights in regions like Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Slovenia. Four African countries also fell from obstructed to repressed. These include Ivory Coast, Guinea, Niger, and Togo. Additionally, Civicus monitor noted that the governments were especially targeting marginalised groups like immigrants, people belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, and refugees.

Countries like China and Saudi Arabia used COVID-19 to curtail civil liberties, finds study

Iran flatly dismissed a call by Saudi Arabia for Gulf states to be consulted on any potential negotiations with the Islamic republic on its nuclear programme.

Iran dismisses Saudi's call for inclusion in nuclear talks

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