A Saudi man in a speeding car crashed the vehicle&nbsp;into the outer gates of Mecca's Grand Mosque, a state-run news agency reported. The incident happened on Friday night with few people in the mosque.

A video being circulated on social media shows a light-coloured car speeding into the outer courtyard and crashing into one of the doors of the Grand Mosque around 10:25 pm on Friday.&nbsp;The driver rammed through a barrier but kept on going till his car hit the front gate of the Grand Mosque’s southern side, the Saudi Press Agency reported.&nbsp;

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A car has just broken into Mecca's outer courtyards and crashed into one of the doors. <a href="https://t.co/reK98kHGRz">pic.twitter.com/reK98kHGRz</a>
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As per the local reports, the man was arrested on the basis of the video circulating on the social media platforms. The state agency also reported that the driver of the vehicle was in "abnormal" condition. However, no further details about the driver have been released yet, and he has not been identified yet. His case has been forwarded to prosecutors for possible charges, the state agency reported.

The grand mosque houses the cube-shaped Kaaba which is one of the most important religious places for the Muslim community. This year, in July,&nbsp;the pilgrimage was downsized due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

An investigation will take place into the background and the motive of the driver, the local media reported.

A Saudi man in a speeding car crashed the vehicle into the outer gates of Mecca's Grand Mosque, a state-run news agency reported. The incident happened on Friday night with few people in the mosque.

A Saudi man in a speeding car crashed the vehicle into the outer gates of Mecca's Grand Mosque, a state-run news agency reported. The incident happened on Friday night with few people in the mosque. A video being circulated on social media shows a light-coloured car speeding into the outer courtyard and crashing into one of the doors of the Grand Mosque around 10:25 pm on Friday. The driver rammed through a barrier but kept on going till his car hit the front gate of the Grand Mosque’s southern side, the Saudi Press Agency reported. A car has just broken into Mecca's outer courtyards and crashed into one of the doors. pic.twitter.com/reK98kHGRz — Anonymous (@YourAnonOne) October 30, 2020 × As per the local reports, the man was arrested on the basis of the video circulating on the social media platforms. The state agency also reported that the driver of the vehicle was in "abnormal" condition. However, no further details about the driver have been released yet, and he has not been identified yet. His case has been forwarded to prosecutors for possible charges, the state agency reported. The grand mosque houses the cube-shaped Kaaba which is one of the most important religious places for the Muslim community. This year, in July, the pilgrimage was downsized due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. An investigation will take place into the background and the motive of the driver, the local media reported.

WATCH| Saudi man crashes car into Mecca's grand mosque

A Saudi Arabian man in a speeding car crashed into the outer gates of Mecca’s Grand Mosque late Friday night, the country’s state-run news agency reported.

Saudi Arabian man crashes car into gates of Mecca’s Grand Mosque

India has issued a warning for Saudi Arabia's "gross misinterpretation" of the country's&nbsp;territorial boundaries on a banknote and has urged the Arab nation to rectify the error on priority.

The Saudi banknote had depicted Jammu and Kashmir as a separate entity between India and Pakistan. The depiction also showed the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to be out of control of Pakistan,&nbsp;as reported by an Indian newspaper The Hindu.&nbsp;

This banknote was issued on October 24&nbsp;by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, to mark the occasion of Saudi presidency of the G20.

India has now criticised Saudi for such a move and has said that for India&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the democratic country.&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava held a press briefing to pen out the details.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/man-lynched-for-desecration-of-quran-in-bangladesh-338918">Also read|&nbsp;Man lynched for desecration of Quran in Bangladesh</a>

“We have seen the banknote referred by you [Saudi Arabia] which gives an incorrect depiction of India’s external territorial boundaries,” Srivastava said. “We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia, both through their Ambassador in New Delhi as well as in Riyadh, for this gross misrepresentation of India’s external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia and asked the Saudi side to take urgent corrective steps in this regard.”

The issue gained criticism especially as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are seen as close allies. However, the banknote debacle is being assumed and portrayed as a snub to the country.

This error happened days after Twitter had shown&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir as a part of China during a live broadcast of an Indian journalist&nbsp;Nitin Gokhale on October 18. India had asked Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey to rectify that issue and the social media platform had issued an apology with a rectification.&nbsp;The government had asked Twitter to respect “sensitivities of Indian citizens”

India has issued a warning for Saudi Arabia's "gross misinterpretation" of the country's territorial boundaries on a banknote and has urged the Arab nation to rectify the error on priority.

India has issued a warning for Saudi Arabia's "gross misinterpretation" of the country's territorial boundaries on a banknote and has urged the Arab nation to rectify the error on priority. The Saudi banknote had depicted Jammu and Kashmir as a separate entity between India and Pakistan. The depiction also showed the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to be out of control of Pakistan, as reported by an Indian newspaper The Hindu. This banknote was issued on October 24 by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, to mark the occasion of Saudi presidency of the G20. India has now criticised Saudi for such a move and has said that for India Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the democratic country. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava held a press briefing to pen out the details. Also read| Man lynched for desecration of Quran in Bangladesh “We have seen the banknote referred by you [Saudi Arabia] which gives an incorrect depiction of India’s external territorial boundaries,” Srivastava said. “We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia, both through their Ambassador in New Delhi as well as in Riyadh, for this gross misrepresentation of India’s external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia and asked the Saudi side to take urgent corrective steps in this regard.” The issue gained criticism especially as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are seen as close allies. However, the banknote debacle is being assumed and portrayed as a snub to the country. This error happened days after Twitter had shown Jammu and Kashmir as a part of China during a live broadcast of an Indian journalist Nitin Gokhale on October 18. India had asked Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey to rectify that issue and the social media platform had issued an apology with a rectification. The government had asked Twitter to respect “sensitivities of Indian citizens”

Rectify 'gross misinterpretation': India warns Saudi Arabia on banknote

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and&nbsp;Aksai Chin part of China.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava during his weekly virtually presser said, "We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia....for this gross misrepresentation of India's external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia" and have "asked the Saudi side for taking urgent corrective steps in this regard."

"I would like to further reiterate that entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India," he said.

India conveyed its strong concern via Saudi Ambassador in New Delhi as well as at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Monetary Authority had issued the new note on October 24.

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and Aksai Chin part of China.

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and Aksai Chin part of China. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava during his weekly virtually presser said, "We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia....for this gross misrepresentation of India's external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia" and have "asked the Saudi side for taking urgent corrective steps in this regard." "I would like to further reiterate that entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India," he said. India conveyed its strong concern via Saudi Ambassador in New Delhi as well as at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Monetary Authority had issued the new note on October 24.

India asks Riyadh to take 'corrective steps' on currency showing Jammu and Kashmir separate

In an attack that has come just hours after the knife attack in French city of Nice, a Saudi man attacked guard of French consulate in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with a &nbsp;"sharp tool". The attacker has been arrested. French Embassy has said that the consulate was at the receiving end of an ""attack by knife which targeted a guard". The guard has been taken to hospital &nbsp;and his life was not in danger

"The French embassy strongly condemns this attack against a diplomatic outpost which nothing could justify," an embassy statement said.

This attack has come on the same day of knife attack in Nice that left three dead. The attacker in Nice beheaded a woman. This knife attack is being treated as a terrorist act. The attacker was heard shouting "Allahu Akbar"

Mayor Christian Estrosi said on Twitter the knife attack had happened in or near the city's Notre Dame church and that police had detained the attacker.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-french-prosecutors-say-terror-probe-opened-into-the-nice-attack-338763">France knife attack: French prosecutors say terror probe opened into the Nice attack</a>

France is still reeling from the beheading earlier this month of a school teacher by a man of Chechen origin. The attacker had said he wanted to punish the teacher for showing pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a civics lesson.

Since Paty's killing, French officials have re-asserted the right to display the cartoons, and the images have been widely displayed at marches in solidarity with the killed teacher.

That has prompted anger in parts of the Muslim world, with some governments accusing Macron of pursuing an anti-Islam agenda.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned cartoons offending the Prophet Mohammad, but held back from echoing calls by other Muslim states for action against images being displayed in France of the Prophet.

(With Reuters inputs)

In an attack that has come just hours after the knife attack in French city of Nice, a Saudi man attacked guard of French consulate in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with a "sharp tool".

In an attack that has come just hours after the knife attack in French city of Nice, a Saudi man attacked guard of French consulate in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with a "sharp tool". The attacker has been arrested. French Embassy has said that the consulate was at the receiving end of an ""attack by knife which targeted a guard". The guard has been taken to hospital and his life was not in danger "The French embassy strongly condemns this attack against a diplomatic outpost which nothing could justify," an embassy statement said. This attack has come on the same day of knife attack in Nice that left three dead. The attacker in Nice beheaded a woman. This knife attack is being treated as a terrorist act. The attacker was heard shouting "Allahu Akbar" Mayor Christian Estrosi said on Twitter the knife attack had happened in or near the city's Notre Dame church and that police had detained the attacker. Also Read | France knife attack: French prosecutors say terror probe opened into the Nice attack France is still reeling from the beheading earlier this month of a school teacher by a man of Chechen origin. The attacker had said he wanted to punish the teacher for showing pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a civics lesson. Since Paty's killing, French officials have re-asserted the right to display the cartoons, and the images have been widely displayed at marches in solidarity with the killed teacher. That has prompted anger in parts of the Muslim world, with some governments accusing Macron of pursuing an anti-Islam agenda. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned cartoons offending the Prophet Mohammad, but held back from echoing calls by other Muslim states for action against images being displayed in France of the Prophet. (With Reuters inputs)

Saudi man arrested in Jeddah after attacking French consulate guard

Conflict-ravaged Yemen has become a "living hell" for children with thousands dying every year from malnutrition and easily preventable diseases. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-reveal-real-covid-19-death-toll-in-yemen-338476">Also read: Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen</a>

The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children's agency UNICEF had said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-war-torn-yemen-how-donkeys-became-a-prized-commodity-328395">Also read: In war-torn Yemen, how donkeys became a prized commodity</a>

According to UN data, Yemen’s crisis has reached unprecedented levels. Six years after the start of the war, hunger, even famine, is increasingly likely. Donor countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have failed to fulfil their aid commitments. Out the US$ 3.2 billion dollars needed, only US$ 1.43 have been raised so far. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-is-a-threat-to-warn-torn-yemen-un-refugee-agency-299595">Also read | COVID-19 is a threat to warn-torn Yemen: UN Refugee Agency</a>

Signs of hunger, or even worse, famine, are increasingly visible. In some parts of the country, experts warn, levels of acute child malnutrition are alarming. "Nearly 100,000 children are at risk of death,” a UN official said.

Drivers of malnutrition in Yemen worsened in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic, economic decline, floods, escalating conflict and significant underfunding of this year’s aid response have compounded an already bleak hunger situation after nearly six years of war.

Millions have no access to food, healthcare, clean water or sanitation. It's a festering pool of coronavirus infections.

The UN is not able to do much due to lack of funds. It has warned that most of its relief programs will be suspended in the coming weeks.

In early June, the UN raised the alarm and received 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Yemen, which is just half of what it got last year.

For Yemen, which entirely depends on aid to survive, this is detrimental as 80 per cent of the population relies on handouts.

The civil war has left millions unemployed. Now, 80 per cent of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance but the two warring sides are blocking vital food and medical aid.

The war in Yemen began in 2014 pitting the pro-Saudi government and Shia Houthi rebels close to Iran.&nbsp;

Yemen is a failed state without a central government in charge.

(With inputs from agencies)

Conflict-ravaged Yemen has become a "living hell" for children with thousands dying every year from malnutrition and easily preventable diseases. Also read: Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.

Conflict-ravaged Yemen has become a "living hell" for children with thousands dying every year from malnutrition and easily preventable diseases. Also read: Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children's agency UNICEF had said. Also read: In war-torn Yemen, how donkeys became a prized commodity According to UN data, Yemen’s crisis has reached unprecedented levels. Six years after the start of the war, hunger, even famine, is increasingly likely. Donor countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have failed to fulfil their aid commitments. Out the US$ 3.2 billion dollars needed, only US$ 1.43 have been raised so far. Also read | COVID-19 is a threat to warn-torn Yemen: UN Refugee Agency Signs of hunger, or even worse, famine, are increasingly visible. In some parts of the country, experts warn, levels of acute child malnutrition are alarming. "Nearly 100,000 children are at risk of death,” a UN official said. Drivers of malnutrition in Yemen worsened in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic, economic decline, floods, escalating conflict and significant underfunding of this year’s aid response have compounded an already bleak hunger situation after nearly six years of war. Millions have no access to food, healthcare, clean water or sanitation. It's a festering pool of coronavirus infections. The UN is not able to do much due to lack of funds. It has warned that most of its relief programs will be suspended in the coming weeks. In early June, the UN raised the alarm and received 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Yemen, which is just half of what it got last year. For Yemen, which entirely depends on aid to survive, this is detrimental as 80 per cent of the population relies on handouts. The civil war has left millions unemployed. Now, 80 per cent of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance but the two warring sides are blocking vital food and medical aid. The war in Yemen began in 2014 pitting the pro-Saudi government and Shia Houthi rebels close to Iran. Yemen is a failed state without a central government in charge. (With inputs from agencies)

War-torn Yemen on brink of losing an entire generation of children to hunger: UN

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, on Tuesday condemned cartoons offending the Prophet Mohammad and any attempts to link Islam with terrorism.

A foreign ministry official also said in a statement that the Gulf state condemns all acts of terrorism, in an apparent reference to the beheading of a teacher in Paris this month by an Islamist radical avenging the use of cartoons of the Prophet in a class on freedom of expression.

"Freedom of expression and culture should be a beacon of respect, tolerance, and peace that rejects practices and acts which generate hatred, violence, and extremism and are contrary to coexistence," said the statement carried by state media.

The images of the Prophet have sparked anger in the Muslim world with Turkey's leader calling for a boycott of French goods and Pakistan's parliament passing a resolution urging the government to recall its envoy from Paris.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwaits-retail-co-ops-boycott-french-products-over-prophet-mohammads-cartoons-337958">Kuwait's retail co-ops boycott French products over Prophet Mohammad's cartoons</a>

Speaking after teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded for showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed to pupils in a lesson on free speech earlier this month, Macron vowed France would "not give up cartoons" and said Paty "was killed because Islamists want our future".

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We will not give in, ever. 
We respect all differences in a spirit of peace. We do not accept hate speech and defend reasonable debate. We will always be on the side of human dignity and universal values.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1320419059016617985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Boycotts of French goods are underway in supermarkets in Qatar and Kuwait, with further calls to spurn French products in Jordan and other states.

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Kuwait started who’s next <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A5%D9%84%D8%A7_%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%84_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#إلا_رسول_الله</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Koweit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Koweit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kuwait?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kuwait</a> <a href="https://t.co/0t7wEE5DRq">pic.twitter.com/0t7wEE5DRq</a>
— عـبداللـه العويهان (@a_alowaihan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/a_alowaihan1/status/1319837101135900672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the Arab world, boycotting French supermarket retailer Carrefour was the second most trending hashtag on Sunday.&nbsp;

In an October 23 circular, the non-governmental Union of Consumer Co-operative Societies, which comprises over 70 establishments, issued the boycott directive.&nbsp;

Several co-ops emptied the shelves of items such as hair and beauty products manufactured by French companies.

France's foreign ministry confirmed that several Middle Eastern nations are calling for a boycott of French products, especially related to food, and demonstrating against France over Prophet's cartoons, as reported by news agency Reuters. &nbsp;

"These calls for boycott are baseless and should stop immediately, as well as all attacks against our country, which are being pushed by a radical minority," the French foreign ministry said.

The backlash against President Emmanuel Macron's comments on Islam intensified Sunday, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan again urging him to have "mental checks" and protests in Muslim-majority nations.

Erdogan said that the French president had&nbsp;"lost his way",&nbsp;in his second sharp criticism of the French leader in two days over the treatment of Muslims.

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, on Tuesday condemned cartoons offending the Prophet Mohammad and any attempts to link Islam with terrorism. A foreign ministry official also said in a statement that the Gulf state condemns all acts of terrorism, in an apparent reference to the beheading of a teacher in Paris this month by an Islamist radical avenging the use of cartoons of the Prophet in a class on freedom of expression.

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, on Tuesday condemned cartoons offending the Prophet Mohammad and any attempts to link Islam with terrorism. A foreign ministry official also said in a statement that the Gulf state condemns all acts of terrorism, in an apparent reference to the beheading of a teacher in Paris this month by an Islamist radical avenging the use of cartoons of the Prophet in a class on freedom of expression. "Freedom of expression and culture should be a beacon of respect, tolerance, and peace that rejects practices and acts which generate hatred, violence, and extremism and are contrary to coexistence," said the statement carried by state media. The images of the Prophet have sparked anger in the Muslim world with Turkey's leader calling for a boycott of French goods and Pakistan's parliament passing a resolution urging the government to recall its envoy from Paris. Also read: Kuwait's retail co-ops boycott French products over Prophet Mohammad's cartoons Speaking after teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded for showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed to pupils in a lesson on free speech earlier this month, Macron vowed France would "not give up cartoons" and said Paty "was killed because Islamists want our future". We will not give in, ever. We respect all differences in a spirit of peace. We do not accept hate speech and defend reasonable debate. We will always be on the side of human dignity and universal values. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 25, 2020 × Boycotts of French goods are underway in supermarkets in Qatar and Kuwait, with further calls to spurn French products in Jordan and other states. Kuwait started who’s next #إلا_رسول_الله#Koweit #kuwait pic.twitter.com/0t7wEE5DRq — عـبداللـه العويهان (@a_alowaihan1) October 24, 2020 × In Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the Arab world, boycotting French supermarket retailer Carrefour was the second most trending hashtag on Sunday. In an October 23 circular, the non-governmental Union of Consumer Co-operative Societies, which comprises over 70 establishments, issued the boycott directive. Several co-ops emptied the shelves of items such as hair and beauty products manufactured by French companies. France's foreign ministry confirmed that several Middle Eastern nations are calling for a boycott of French products, especially related to food, and demonstrating against France over Prophet's cartoons, as reported by news agency Reuters. "These calls for boycott are baseless and should stop immediately, as well as all attacks against our country, which are being pushed by a radical minority," the French foreign ministry said. The backlash against President Emmanuel Macron's comments on Islam intensified Sunday, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan again urging him to have "mental checks" and protests in Muslim-majority nations. Erdogan said that the French president had "lost his way", in his second sharp criticism of the French leader in two days over the treatment of Muslims.

Saudi Arabia condemns cartoons offending Prophet Mohammad

Why Saudi citizens are boycotting Turkish Goods. Saudi supermarkets are taking Turkish products off their shelves. Riyadh's allies could follow suit. Will the boycott hurt Turkey's struggling economy? WION's Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: Saudis boycott Turkish goods

From pickled vine leaves to coffee and cheese,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;supermarkets are taking Turkish products off the shelves after calls for a boycott, as the rivalry between Riyadh and Ankara heats up.

The two countries have long competed for supremacy in the Muslim world, but their geopolitical rivalry intensified after&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;agents murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate in 2018.

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The wealthy Gulf petro-state has sought to pressure Turkey's already struggling economy, with high-rolling&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;tourists facing calls from nationalists last year to boycott the tourism magnet and stop purchasing property there.

Now, Turkish exporters of textiles and other goods are complaining of inordinate delays at&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;customs and warning that Riyadh's attempts to block the imports could disrupt global supply chains.

This week, after an earlier call from the head of the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;chamber of commerce to "boycott everything Turkish", multiple supermarket chains announced they were stopping the import and sale of Turkish products.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-business-leader-urges-boycott-of-goods-from-turkey-332772">Saudi business leader urges boycott of goods from Turkey</a>

"This decision has come in solidarity with the popular boycott campaign," one of them, Abdullah AlOthaim Markets, said on Twitter.

'Negative perception'

While the exact trigger for the new boycott remains unclear, the campaign targets Turkey's coronavirus-hit economy as it grapples with a currency in free fall.

The two countries are at loggerheads over a range of regional issues, from Libya and Syria to Qatar, a key Turkish ally that faces a three-year&nbsp;Saudi-led economic blockade.

Wary of rattling foreign investors and amid suspicion that Turkey could lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organization, the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;government has sought to distance itself from the boycott.

Authorities have denied placing restrictions on Turkish products and maintain that citizens have led the campaign.

But a joint statement from eight leading Turkish business groups this month claimed that many&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;companies had been "forced to sign a letter of commitment not to import goods from Turkey".

The Ankara-based Turkish Contractors Association meanwhile cited "various obstacles" at ongoing&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;projects, such as not being invited to tenders, difficulty in obtaining visas for Turkish personnel, and payment delays.

"It is estimated that the negative perception of Turkey resulted in business (losses) worth $3 billion in the Middle East for our contractors last year," the association said.

"Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, which was in second place in a list of countries with the most business in 2016-2018, has fallen to the lower tiers."

Meanwhile, on social media, accounts belonging to&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;nationalists have been whipping up a frenzy.

In one cartoon that circulated widely on Twitter, a hand wrapped in the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;flag is pictured twisting the ears of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a gesture seen culturally as a punishment for children.

"Stop buying Turkish products. (Erdogan) is fighting our country with our money," read one demand in Arabic on a popular messaging app. &nbsp;

'Political showmanship'&nbsp;

"It's a kind of political showmanship," said Karen Young, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, referring to the campaign.

"It's a tactic for&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;domestic consumption, a signal by the state to citizens on how to perceive and construct an external adversary."

Observers say Ankara is unlikely to cave into the pressure.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia is only Turkey's 15th biggest export market, with textiles, chemicals, furniture, and steel among the main items purchased.

But&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;nationalists have warned the boycott could spread to the kingdom's regional allies.

Observers have drawn parallels with how&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia has flexed its financial muscle in diplomatic disputes with Canada, Germany, and in particular Qatar, which hosts a Turkish military base, much to Riyadh's annoyance.

In June, the WTO rapped Riyadh for failing to protect the intellectual property rights of a Qatari-owned broadcaster by not cracking down on a bootlegging network.

"Saudi-Turkish bilateral trade flows are not significant enough to make or break the economies of either country," said Robert Mogielnicki, a resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.

"Turkey stands to lose more in the short term from disruptions to bilateral trade relations," he added.

"However,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia must tread carefully to minimise any reputation-related costs associated with global perceptions of its trade policy."

From pickled vine leaves to coffee and cheese, Saudi supermarkets are taking Turkish products off the shelves after calls for a boycott, as the rivalry between Riyadh and Ankara heats up.

From pickled vine leaves to coffee and cheese, Saudi supermarkets are taking Turkish products off the shelves after calls for a boycott, as the rivalry between Riyadh and Ankara heats up. The two countries have long competed for supremacy in the Muslim world, but their geopolitical rivalry intensified after Saudi agents murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate in 2018. The wealthy Gulf petro-state has sought to pressure Turkey's already struggling economy, with high-rolling Saudi tourists facing calls from nationalists last year to boycott the tourism magnet and stop purchasing property there. Now, Turkish exporters of textiles and other goods are complaining of inordinate delays at Saudi customs and warning that Riyadh's attempts to block the imports could disrupt global supply chains. This week, after an earlier call from the head of the Saudi chamber of commerce to "boycott everything Turkish", multiple supermarket chains announced they were stopping the import and sale of Turkish products. Also read: Saudi business leader urges boycott of goods from Turkey "This decision has come in solidarity with the popular boycott campaign," one of them, Abdullah AlOthaim Markets, said on Twitter. 'Negative perception' While the exact trigger for the new boycott remains unclear, the campaign targets Turkey's coronavirus-hit economy as it grapples with a currency in free fall. The two countries are at loggerheads over a range of regional issues, from Libya and Syria to Qatar, a key Turkish ally that faces a three-year Saudi-led economic blockade. Wary of rattling foreign investors and amid suspicion that Turkey could lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organization, the Saudi government has sought to distance itself from the boycott. Authorities have denied placing restrictions on Turkish products and maintain that citizens have led the campaign. But a joint statement from eight leading Turkish business groups this month claimed that many Saudi companies had been "forced to sign a letter of commitment not to import goods from Turkey". The Ankara-based Turkish Contractors Association meanwhile cited "various obstacles" at ongoing Saudi projects, such as not being invited to tenders, difficulty in obtaining visas for Turkish personnel, and payment delays. "It is estimated that the negative perception of Turkey resulted in business (losses) worth $3 billion in the Middle East for our contractors last year," the association said. "Saudi Arabia, which was in second place in a list of countries with the most business in 2016-2018, has fallen to the lower tiers." Meanwhile, on social media, accounts belonging to Saudi nationalists have been whipping up a frenzy. In one cartoon that circulated widely on Twitter, a hand wrapped in the Saudi flag is pictured twisting the ears of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a gesture seen culturally as a punishment for children. "Stop buying Turkish products. (Erdogan) is fighting our country with our money," read one demand in Arabic on a popular messaging app. 'Political showmanship' "It's a kind of political showmanship," said Karen Young, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, referring to the campaign. "It's a tactic for Saudi domestic consumption, a signal by the state to citizens on how to perceive and construct an external adversary." Observers say Ankara is unlikely to cave into the pressure. Saudi Arabia is only Turkey's 15th biggest export market, with textiles, chemicals, furniture, and steel among the main items purchased. But Saudi nationalists have warned the boycott could spread to the kingdom's regional allies. Observers have drawn parallels with how Saudi Arabia has flexed its financial muscle in diplomatic disputes with Canada, Germany, and in particular Qatar, which hosts a Turkish military base, much to Riyadh's annoyance. In June, the WTO rapped Riyadh for failing to protect the intellectual property rights of a Qatari-owned broadcaster by not cracking down on a bootlegging network. "Saudi-Turkish bilateral trade flows are not significant enough to make or break the economies of either country," said Robert Mogielnicki, a resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. "Turkey stands to lose more in the short term from disruptions to bilateral trade relations," he added. "However, Saudi Arabia must tread carefully to minimise any reputation-related costs associated with global perceptions of its trade policy."

As rivalry for Muslim supremacy heats up, Saudi boycotts 'made in Turkey'

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has ordered the restructuring of key religious and administrative bodies. Will this set him on a collision course with the kingdom's powerful clergy? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Saudi King orders key religious reforms

Reforms have always been controversial in Saudi Arabia. Every time the king enacts a reform, he risks losing the support of conservatives. But in the last decade, Saudi Arabia has tried to break free from this constraint. The country has expanded voting rights, opened cinemas, and permitted its women to drive.

Even though institutional reforms remain missing, King Salman is looking to address this problem. He has ordered reforms in three key institutions of the kingdom.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/issue-passports-to-rohingya-or-face-consequences-says-saudi-arabia-to-bangladesh-335750" hreflang="en">Issue passports to Rohingya or face 'consequences', says Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh</a>

Saudi Arabia's king issued a series of orders on Sunday, with reformation planned in three Saudi institutions: The Shura council, the Supreme Court, and the council of senior scholars.

The Shura council functions like a parliament. But, the members are appointed, not elected. And all final decisions are taken by the king. The new appointees include a speaker and two deputies. One of them - a woman.

Women were first allowed to join the shura council in 2013. By October 2017 - they made up 20% of the council. 150 members are part of the new Shura council, which begins its four-year term later this week.

The king also ordered reformation of Saudi Arabia's top religious body - the council of senior scholars, which is headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh.

The council advises the king on religious matters, and the Grand Mufti looks at the new reforms with apprehension. He is opposed to concerts, cinemas, and even chess tournaments.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-announces-new-regulations-for-muslims-visiting-saudi-arabia-for-haj-334759" hreflang="en">China announces new regulations for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for Haj</a>

The council was long overdue for reforms, but the order does not reveal what changes will be made.

With this restructuring, King Salman is hoping to placate the kingdom's conservatives. But it also puts him on a collision course with the clergy.

The Wahhabi-Saudi pact is the source of the kingdom's stability. And the crown prince's reforms have already alienated the clerics. People want systemic change that starts at the top. For this - Saudi Arabia's archaic governing bodies need to be reformed, and King Salman has taken the first step.

Reforms have always been controversial in Saudi Arabia. Every time the king enacts a reform, he risks losing the support of conservatives. But in the last decade, Saudi Arabia has tried to break free from this constraint.

Reforms have always been controversial in Saudi Arabia. Every time the king enacts a reform, he risks losing the support of conservatives. But in the last decade, Saudi Arabia has tried to break free from this constraint. The country has expanded voting rights, opened cinemas, and permitted its women to drive. Even though institutional reforms remain missing, King Salman is looking to address this problem. He has ordered reforms in three key institutions of the kingdom. Also read: Issue passports to Rohingya or face 'consequences', says Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Saudi Arabia's king issued a series of orders on Sunday, with reformation planned in three Saudi institutions: The Shura council, the Supreme Court, and the council of senior scholars. The Shura council functions like a parliament. But, the members are appointed, not elected. And all final decisions are taken by the king. The new appointees include a speaker and two deputies. One of them - a woman. Women were first allowed to join the shura council in 2013. By October 2017 - they made up 20% of the council. 150 members are part of the new Shura council, which begins its four-year term later this week. The king also ordered reformation of Saudi Arabia's top religious body - the council of senior scholars, which is headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh. The council advises the king on religious matters, and the Grand Mufti looks at the new reforms with apprehension. He is opposed to concerts, cinemas, and even chess tournaments. Also read: China announces new regulations for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for Haj The council was long overdue for reforms, but the order does not reveal what changes will be made. With this restructuring, King Salman is hoping to placate the kingdom's conservatives. But it also puts him on a collision course with the clergy. The Wahhabi-Saudi pact is the source of the kingdom's stability. And the crown prince's reforms have already alienated the clerics. People want systemic change that starts at the top. For this - Saudi Arabia's archaic governing bodies need to be reformed, and King Salman has taken the first step.

Saudi Arabia: King Salman's efforts to usher in systemic change may irk his supporters

A woman from Saudi Arabia has created world's&nbsp;largest coffee painting, winning the title in&nbsp;the Guinness World Records.

Ohud Abdullah Almalki became the first woman and first person from Saudi to win this title. She made the piece in Jeddah.

She used expired coffee to make a painting of two&nbsp;renowned leaders,&nbsp;the founding fathers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE — the late King Abdul Aziz bin Saud and the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, respectively. In total&nbsp;4.5 kilogrammes of expired coffee granules were used.

The title was announced by Guinness World Records on Sunday. The artwork is titled&nbsp;"Naseej 1" (meaning "Woven Together") and is a&nbsp;220 square metre (around 2,370 square feet) piece.

"It took me 45 days of continuous work to complete, under the watchful eyes of two witnesses, video recording and drone footage," Almalki said, according to a Guinness World Records statement.

Below the portrait of the two artists are&nbsp;smaller portraits of other leaders from the two Gulf countries, and the borders have the traditional "Al-Sadu" style of Bedouin decoration.

"My aim is to remind the world of the centuries-old entente between the two nations," Almalki said.

She expressed hope that her accomplishment "will contribute to empowering the women in Saudi Arabia and beyond."

A woman from Saudi Arabia has created world's largest coffee painting, winning the title in the Guinness World Records. Ohud Abdullah Almalki became the first woman and first person from Saudi to win this title.

A woman from Saudi Arabia has created world's largest coffee painting, winning the title in the Guinness World Records. Ohud Abdullah Almalki became the first woman and first person from Saudi to win this title. She made the piece in Jeddah. She used expired coffee to make a painting of two renowned leaders, the founding fathers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE — the late King Abdul Aziz bin Saud and the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, respectively. In total 4.5 kilogrammes of expired coffee granules were used. The title was announced by Guinness World Records on Sunday. The artwork is titled "Naseej 1" (meaning "Woven Together") and is a 220 square metre (around 2,370 square feet) piece. "It took me 45 days of continuous work to complete, under the watchful eyes of two witnesses, video recording and drone footage," Almalki said, according to a Guinness World Records statement. Below the portrait of the two artists are smaller portraits of other leaders from the two Gulf countries, and the borders have the traditional "Al-Sadu" style of Bedouin decoration. "My aim is to remind the world of the centuries-old entente between the two nations," Almalki said. She expressed hope that her accomplishment "will contribute to empowering the women in Saudi Arabia and beyond."

Saudi woman makes world's 'largest coffee painting' in 45 days

In a recent interview, Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Sultan accused the Palestinian leaders of failing its people. The scathing remarks signalled a first for Saudi Arabia and raised an important question. Is Saudi Arabia's support for the Palestinian cause slowly eroding? 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: Is Saudi Arabia's support for Palestine eroding?

Bangladesh is under renewed pressure from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to issue Bangladeshi passports to 54,000 Rohingyas living in that country for decades.

Rohingya in Saudi fear deportation: Dhaka and Riyadh in dispute over Rohingya

Warring parties in Yemen carried out a prisoner exchange in an attempt to build trust and take steps to end a devastating war. Planes carrying prisoners took off from three airports in an operation that involved about 1000 prisoners.

Saudi Arabia-led military coalition and Yemen's Houthi rebels had agreed last month in Switzerland to exchange 1081 prisoners. This is a largest swap of its kind in five-year-old conflict. The prisoner exchange was managed by International Committee of the Red Cross.

"This operation that means so much to so many families is under way," Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Middle East, told Reuters from Sanaa airport.

One of the planes was carrying Saudi and Sudanese detainees and flew to Saudi Arabia. The other two flew to Sayoun airport in the government-held Hadramout region.

Two planes carrying Houthis released by the coalition departed Sayoun, and a second arrived from Abha airport in Saudi Arabia, another Reuters witness and sources said.

ICRC spokeswoman Ruth Hetherington said more than 700 prisoners had been exchanged on Thursday on a total of seven flights from Sayoun, Sanaa and Abha. More flights are scheduled over the next two days, the aid agency said.

Under the deal, the Iran-aligned Houthi group is to release around 400 people while the coalition would free 681 Houthi fighters.

Trust-Building

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said the swap "brings hope for peace-building".

A coalition statement, which confirmed that the plane carrying 15 Saudis and four Sudanese had landed in Riyadh, stressed the "political and military leaderships’ keenness for the return of all POWs and detainees". 
The warring sides had agreed in 2018 to swap 15,000 detainees split between both sides to pave the way for political negotiations to end the conflict, but progress has been slow.

Meanwhile, In an apparent prisoner swap, two captive Americans were freed on Wednesday as 240 supporters of the Huthi rebels in Yemen were allowed to go home. The swap involved Saudi Arabia and Oman. Announcement to this effect was made by the White House. Humanitarian worker Sandra Loli and businessman Mikael Gidada were freed by the Huthi rebels. The rebels control much of Yemen including its capital Sanaa. 
&nbsp; 
The rebels also sent back the remains of a third American, Bilal Fateen, the White House said. Secretary of&nbsp; 
State Mike Pompeo said Fateen died in captivity, without providing details.

The exchange of prisoners was not officially called a swap as US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien stopped short of calling it a swap. He thanked Saudi King Salman and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al-Said "for their efforts to secure the release of our citizens."

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Warring parties in Yemen carried out a prisoner exchange in an attempt to build trust and take steps to end a devastating war. Planes carrying prisoners took off from three airports in an operation that involved about 1000 prisoners.

Warring parties in Yemen carried out a prisoner exchange in an attempt to build trust and take steps to end a devastating war. Planes carrying prisoners took off from three airports in an operation that involved about 1000 prisoners. Saudi Arabia-led military coalition and Yemen's Houthi rebels had agreed last month in Switzerland to exchange 1081 prisoners. This is a largest swap of its kind in five-year-old conflict. The prisoner exchange was managed by International Committee of the Red Cross. "This operation that means so much to so many families is under way," Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Middle East, told Reuters from Sanaa airport. One of the planes was carrying Saudi and Sudanese detainees and flew to Saudi Arabia. The other two flew to Sayoun airport in the government-held Hadramout region. Two planes carrying Houthis released by the coalition departed Sayoun, and a second arrived from Abha airport in Saudi Arabia, another Reuters witness and sources said. ICRC spokeswoman Ruth Hetherington said more than 700 prisoners had been exchanged on Thursday on a total of seven flights from Sayoun, Sanaa and Abha. More flights are scheduled over the next two days, the aid agency said. Under the deal, the Iran-aligned Houthi group is to release around 400 people while the coalition would free 681 Houthi fighters. Trust-Building Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said the swap "brings hope for peace-building". A coalition statement, which confirmed that the plane carrying 15 Saudis and four Sudanese had landed in Riyadh, stressed the "political and military leaderships’ keenness for the return of all POWs and detainees". The warring sides had agreed in 2018 to swap 15,000 detainees split between both sides to pave the way for political negotiations to end the conflict, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, In an apparent prisoner swap, two captive Americans were freed on Wednesday as 240 supporters of the Huthi rebels in Yemen were allowed to go home. The swap involved Saudi Arabia and Oman. Announcement to this effect was made by the White House. Humanitarian worker Sandra Loli and businessman Mikael Gidada were freed by the Huthi rebels. The rebels control much of Yemen including its capital Sanaa. The rebels also sent back the remains of a third American, Bilal Fateen, the White House said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Fateen died in captivity, without providing details. The exchange of prisoners was not officially called a swap as US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien stopped short of calling it a swap. He thanked Saudi King Salman and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al-Said "for their efforts to secure the release of our citizens." (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Yemen: Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels carry out huge prisoner exchange

The world's largest producer of desalinated water, Saudi Arabia also makes the most amount of waste from this energy intensive industry; but local researchers are trying to change that.

WION Dispatch: Inside the world's biggest water desalination facility

China and Russia were elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday (Oct. 13), but support for Beijing dropped by more than 20% compared with a 2016 vote and Saudi Arabia failed in its bid to win a seat on the Geneva-based body.

UNHRC Elections 2020: China, Russia elected to U.N. rights council; Saudi Arabia fails

China on Tuesday announced new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to oppose the regulations.

China announces new regulations for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj

OPEC has said that the world oil demand will rebound more slowly in 2021 than previously thought as coronavirus cases rise.

OPEC cuts 2021 oil demand forecast: Oil demand to dip on rising coronavirus cases

China on Tuesday announced&nbsp;new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Haj pilgrimmage to&nbsp;Saudi Arabia.

Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to&nbsp;oppose the regulations.

China has a Muslim population of around&nbsp;20 million which includes&nbsp;Uyghur Turks who hails from East Turkestan and&nbsp;Hui Muslims, who are of Chinese ethnic origin.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-formally-admits-death-of-uyghur-man-held-in-xinjiang-camp-332505">China formally admits death of Uyghur man held in Xinjiang camp</a>

&nbsp;

This year, about 11,500 Chinese Muslims are expected&nbsp;to head to Saudi Arabia for Hajj,&nbsp;a slow decline from 14,500 in 2016 and 12,800 last year.

The new regulation issued for Haj pilgrimage has a total of 42 articles, including one that stipulates that Chinese Muslims' pilgrimage should be organised in accordance with laws, and the Chinese Islamic Association is the only organisation that is authorised to arrange for Chinese Muslims to go to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/silence-pak-turkey-chinese-repression-uyghur-muslims-outrageous-us-lawmakers-168352">Silence of Pak, Turkey on Chinese repression of Uyghur Muslims outrageous: US lawmakers</a>

No other organisation or individual should organise the trips, and Chinese citizens should meet basic requirements when applying for the Haj, the regulation, which would be implemented from December 1, stipulates, state-run Global Times reported.

People who go overseas to perform Haj should abide by China's and the destination country's laws and regulations, and oppose religious extremism, according to the regulations.

The related government departments are requested to fulfil their responsibilities and ban illegal Haj activities, the report said.

The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam which every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so.

China since last year faced severe international criticism, including from the UN and western countries, over allegations that it is holding over a million people, mostly ethnic Uyghurs, in internment camps in Muslim-majority Xinjiang province in a bid to wean them away from religious extremism.

Resource-rich Xinjiang province is home to over 10 million Turkic speaking Uighur Muslims. The province is restive for several years over settlements of Han Chinese in the region.

China defends the camps, describing the facilities as re-education centres aimed at de-radicalising sections of the Uyghur Muslim population from extremism and separatism.

China on Tuesday announced new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Haj pilgrimmage to Saudi Arabia. Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to oppose the regulations.

China on Tuesday announced new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Haj pilgrimmage to Saudi Arabia. Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to oppose the regulations. China has a Muslim population of around 20 million which includes Uyghur Turks who hails from East Turkestan and Hui Muslims, who are of Chinese ethnic origin. Also read: China formally admits death of Uyghur man held in Xinjiang camp This year, about 11,500 Chinese Muslims are expected to head to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, a slow decline from 14,500 in 2016 and 12,800 last year. The new regulation issued for Haj pilgrimage has a total of 42 articles, including one that stipulates that Chinese Muslims' pilgrimage should be organised in accordance with laws, and the Chinese Islamic Association is the only organisation that is authorised to arrange for Chinese Muslims to go to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj. Also read: Silence of Pak, Turkey on Chinese repression of Uyghur Muslims outrageous: US lawmakers No other organisation or individual should organise the trips, and Chinese citizens should meet basic requirements when applying for the Haj, the regulation, which would be implemented from December 1, stipulates, state-run Global Times reported. People who go overseas to perform Haj should abide by China's and the destination country's laws and regulations, and oppose religious extremism, according to the regulations. The related government departments are requested to fulfil their responsibilities and ban illegal Haj activities, the report said. The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam which every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so. China since last year faced severe international criticism, including from the UN and western countries, over allegations that it is holding over a million people, mostly ethnic Uyghurs, in internment camps in Muslim-majority Xinjiang province in a bid to wean them away from religious extremism. Resource-rich Xinjiang province is home to over 10 million Turkic speaking Uighur Muslims. The province is restive for several years over settlements of Han Chinese in the region. China defends the camps, describing the facilities as re-education centres aimed at de-radicalising sections of the Uyghur Muslim population from extremism and separatism.

China announces new regulations for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for Haj

Political tensions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia are spilling over into trade with Saudi business leaders calling for a boycott of Turkish goods. On this week's The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis talks about how this boycott could mean trouble for president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION.

The West Asia Post: 'Boycott Turkey' campaign in Saudi Arabia

Hundreds of workers unable to fly back to Saudi Arabia for work. Now, they have stranded in Bangladesh. Workers earlier returned to their home, Bangladesh, due to the COVID-19 impact.

Hundreds of workers unable to fly back to Saudi Arabia, stranded in Bangladesh

The head of Saudi Arabia’s Chambers of Commerce has called for a boycott of Turkish products.

This is happening amid merchants’ reports that animosity between Ankara and Riyadh is hindering the flow of goods between the two regional powers.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey have been at odds for some years over foreign policy and attitudes towards Islamist political groups. The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi’s Istanbul consulate in 2018 escalated tensions sharply.

This year the two countries blocked some of each other’s news websites.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-saudis-are-boycotting-turkish-goods-332782/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Businessman Ajlan al-Ajlan said on Twitter on Saturday: “A boycott of everything Turkish, be it imports, investment or tourism, is the responsibility of every Saudi ‘trader and consumer’, in response to the continued hostility of the Turkish government against our leadership, country and citizens."

The Saudi Chambers of Commerce is a non-government group of private sector business officials.

For more than a year, some Saudi and Turkish traders have speculated that Saudi Arabia was enforcing an informal boycott of imports from Turkey.

Last week, Turkish opposition lawmaker Mehmet Güzelmansur said goods, particularly perishable fruit and vegetables, exported from his region of Hatay were held at the Saudi border for longer than necessary on arrival.

On Thursday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan took a swipe at the Gulf states in a speech to parliament.

“It should not be forgotten that the countries in question did not exist yesterday, and probably will not exist tomorrow,” Erdogan said. “But we will continue to fly our flag in this geography forever, with the permission of Allah.”

Neither Turkish nor Saudi trade data shows an unusually large drop in two-way trade this year, factoring in the strains on global commerce from the coronavirus pandemic.

In the second quarter, Turkey was Saudi Arabia’s 12th trade partner by total import value. The latest data shows Saudi imports from Turkey were worth about $185 million in July, up from roughly $180 million in June.

The head of Saudi Arabia’s Chambers of Commerce has called for a boycott of Turkish products. This is happening amid merchants’ reports that animosity between Ankara and Riyadh is hindering the flow of goods between the two regional powers.

The head of Saudi Arabia’s Chambers of Commerce has called for a boycott of Turkish products. This is happening amid merchants’ reports that animosity between Ankara and Riyadh is hindering the flow of goods between the two regional powers. Saudi Arabia and Turkey have been at odds for some years over foreign policy and attitudes towards Islamist political groups. The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi’s Istanbul consulate in 2018 escalated tensions sharply. This year the two countries blocked some of each other’s news websites. Businessman Ajlan al-Ajlan said on Twitter on Saturday: “A boycott of everything Turkish, be it imports, investment or tourism, is the responsibility of every Saudi ‘trader and consumer’, in response to the continued hostility of the Turkish government against our leadership, country and citizens." The Saudi Chambers of Commerce is a non-government group of private sector business officials. For more than a year, some Saudi and Turkish traders have speculated that Saudi Arabia was enforcing an informal boycott of imports from Turkey. Last week, Turkish opposition lawmaker Mehmet Güzelmansur said goods, particularly perishable fruit and vegetables, exported from his region of Hatay were held at the Saudi border for longer than necessary on arrival. On Thursday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan took a swipe at the Gulf states in a speech to parliament. “It should not be forgotten that the countries in question did not exist yesterday, and probably will not exist tomorrow,” Erdogan said. “But we will continue to fly our flag in this geography forever, with the permission of Allah.” Neither Turkish nor Saudi trade data shows an unusually large drop in two-way trade this year, factoring in the strains on global commerce from the coronavirus pandemic. In the second quarter, Turkey was Saudi Arabia’s 12th trade partner by total import value. The latest data shows Saudi imports from Turkey were worth about $185 million in July, up from roughly $180 million in June.

Saudi business leader urges boycott of goods from Turkey

Turkey and Saudi Arabia are caught in a bitter fight over the leadership of the Islamic world. The tensions have now spilled on to the trading relationship - with Saudi business leaders calling for a boycott of Turkish goods.

Gravitas: Why Saudis are boycotting Turkish goods

Former intelligence chief of Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has&nbsp;slammed the Palestinian leadership for criticising the decision of some Gulf states to normalise ties with Israel.

In an interview&nbsp;on Monday,&nbsp;Bandar, who was also an ambassador to the United States till 2005, labelled the Palestinian authorities' criticism a "transgression" and "reprehensible discourse".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-scraps-israel-economic-boycott-after-us-brokered-deal-323997">UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal</a>

"The Palestinian cause is a just cause but its advocates are failures, and the Israeli cause is unjust but its advocates have proven to be successful. That sums up the events of the last 70 or 75 years," he said.

"There is something that successive Palestinian leadership historically share in common: they always bet on the losing side, and that comes at a price."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-world-reacted-to-the-israel-uae-peace-agreement-320602">How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement</a>

The United Arab Emirates agreed a historic deal to normalise relations with Israel in August, and the Gulf state of Bahrain, a close Saudi ally, followed suit in September.

Palestinians fear the moves will weaken a long-standing pan-Arab position, known as the Arab Peace Initiative, that calls for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory and acceptance of Palestinian statehood in return for normal relations with Arab states.

President Mahmoud Abbas said the Palestinian leadership regarded the UAE’s move as "a betrayal". Veteran Palestinian negotiator Hanan Ashrawi said the deal was "a complete sell-out".

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has not directly commented on the normalisation deals, but has said it remains committed to peace on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative.

Prince Bandar noted the decades-long support of successive Saudi kings to the Palestinian cause and said the Palestinian people should remember that the kingdom has always been there for them to offer help and advice.

"This low level of discourse is not what we expect from officials who seek to gain global support for their cause," he said.

While Saudi Arabia is not expected to follow the example of its Gulf allies any time soon, experts and diplomats believe the kingdom has started shifting the public discourse on Israel.

Prince Bandar's daughter, Princess Reema, is the current Saudi ambassador to the United States.

Former intelligence chief of Saudi Arabia Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has slammed the Palestinian leadership for criticising the decision of some Gulf states to normalise ties with Israel.

Former intelligence chief of Saudi Arabia Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has slammed the Palestinian leadership for criticising the decision of some Gulf states to normalise ties with Israel. In an interview on Monday, Bandar, who was also an ambassador to the United States till 2005, labelled the Palestinian authorities' criticism a "transgression" and "reprehensible discourse". Also read: UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal "The Palestinian cause is a just cause but its advocates are failures, and the Israeli cause is unjust but its advocates have proven to be successful. That sums up the events of the last 70 or 75 years," he said. "There is something that successive Palestinian leadership historically share in common: they always bet on the losing side, and that comes at a price." Also read: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement The United Arab Emirates agreed a historic deal to normalise relations with Israel in August, and the Gulf state of Bahrain, a close Saudi ally, followed suit in September. Palestinians fear the moves will weaken a long-standing pan-Arab position, known as the Arab Peace Initiative, that calls for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory and acceptance of Palestinian statehood in return for normal relations with Arab states. President Mahmoud Abbas said the Palestinian leadership regarded the UAE’s move as "a betrayal". Veteran Palestinian negotiator Hanan Ashrawi said the deal was "a complete sell-out". Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has not directly commented on the normalisation deals, but has said it remains committed to peace on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative. Prince Bandar noted the decades-long support of successive Saudi kings to the Palestinian cause and said the Palestinian people should remember that the kingdom has always been there for them to offer help and advice. "This low level of discourse is not what we expect from officials who seek to gain global support for their cause," he said. While Saudi Arabia is not expected to follow the example of its Gulf allies any time soon, experts and diplomats believe the kingdom has started shifting the public discourse on Israel. Prince Bandar's daughter, Princess Reema, is the current Saudi ambassador to the United States.

Former intelligence chief of Saudi slams Palestinian leadership's criticism of UAE-Israel deal

The Saudi Arabia government has partially resumed Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year, with strict health precautions.

Saudi Arabia resumes Umrah pilgrimage

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Saudi Arabia will reopen the Muslim holy places for the year-round umrah pilgrimage on Sunday, scaled back and with extensive health precautions, seven months after coronavirus prompted its suspension.

The umrah, the pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year.

It will be revived in three stages, with the initial phase seeing just 6,000 citizens and residents already within the kingdom allowed to take part each day.

"In the first stage, the umrah will be performed meticulously and within a specified period of time," Hajj Minister Mohammad Benten told state television last week.

He said pilgrims will be divided into groups to ensure social distancing within the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Worshippers will on Sunday be able to perform the ritual of circling the sacred Kaaba -- a cubic structure inside the Grand Mosque towards which Muslims around the world pray -- along socially distanced paths.

On October 18, the number of pilgrims will be increased to 15,000 per day, with a maximum of 40,000 people allowed to perform prayers at the mosque.

Visitors from abroad will be permitted from November 1, when capacity will be raised to 20,000 pilgrims, with 60,000 people allowed into the mosque.

The decision to resume the pilgrimage was in response to the "aspirations of Muslims home and abroad" to perform the ritual and visit the holy sites, the interior ministry said last month.

It added that the umrah would be allowed to return to full capacity once the threat of the pandemic has abated.

Until then, the health ministry will vet countries from which pilgrims are allowed to enter based on the health risks.

Those wishing to perform the umrah must apply through two mobile applications: one to register they are free from the virus, and another from which they can obtain a permit.&nbsp;

- Logistical challenge -

Saudi Arabia suspended the umrah in March and scaled back the annual hajj over fears that the coronavirus could spread to Islam's holiest cities.

The hajj went ahead in late July, on the smallest scale in modern history, with only up to 10,000 Muslims allowed to take part -- a far cry from the 2.5 million who participated last year.

State media have said that a raft of precautions have been adopted to ward off any outbreaks during the umrah.&nbsp;

The revered Black Stone in the eastern corner of the Kaaba -- which it is customary but not mandatory to touch during the pilgrimage -- will be out of reach, while the Grand Mosque will be regularly sterilised before and after each group of worshippers. &nbsp;

Each group will be accompanied by a health worker and medical teams will be on the ground in case of an emergency.

The pilgrimages are a massive logistical challenge, with colossal crowds cramming into relatively small holy sites, making them vulnerable to contagion.

Saudi Arabia's custodianship of Mecca and Medina -- Islam's two holiest sites -- is seen as its most powerful source of political legitimacy. &nbsp;

The holy sites are also a key revenue earner for the kingdom, whose economy has been badly hit by a coronavirus-driven collapse in world demand for oil.

Saudi Arabia will reopen the Muslim holy places for the year-round umrah pilgrimage on Sunday, scaled back and with extensive health precautions, seven months after coronavirus prompted its suspension.

Saudi Arabia will reopen the Muslim holy places for the year-round umrah pilgrimage on Sunday, scaled back and with extensive health precautions, seven months after coronavirus prompted its suspension. The umrah, the pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year. It will be revived in three stages, with the initial phase seeing just 6,000 citizens and residents already within the kingdom allowed to take part each day. "In the first stage, the umrah will be performed meticulously and within a specified period of time," Hajj Minister Mohammad Benten told state television last week. He said pilgrims will be divided into groups to ensure social distancing within the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Worshippers will on Sunday be able to perform the ritual of circling the sacred Kaaba -- a cubic structure inside the Grand Mosque towards which Muslims around the world pray -- along socially distanced paths. On October 18, the number of pilgrims will be increased to 15,000 per day, with a maximum of 40,000 people allowed to perform prayers at the mosque. Visitors from abroad will be permitted from November 1, when capacity will be raised to 20,000 pilgrims, with 60,000 people allowed into the mosque. The decision to resume the pilgrimage was in response to the "aspirations of Muslims home and abroad" to perform the ritual and visit the holy sites, the interior ministry said last month. It added that the umrah would be allowed to return to full capacity once the threat of the pandemic has abated. Until then, the health ministry will vet countries from which pilgrims are allowed to enter based on the health risks. Those wishing to perform the umrah must apply through two mobile applications: one to register they are free from the virus, and another from which they can obtain a permit. - Logistical challenge - Saudi Arabia suspended the umrah in March and scaled back the annual hajj over fears that the coronavirus could spread to Islam's holiest cities. The hajj went ahead in late July, on the smallest scale in modern history, with only up to 10,000 Muslims allowed to take part -- a far cry from the 2.5 million who participated last year. State media have said that a raft of precautions have been adopted to ward off any outbreaks during the umrah. The revered Black Stone in the eastern corner of the Kaaba -- which it is customary but not mandatory to touch during the pilgrimage -- will be out of reach, while the Grand Mosque will be regularly sterilised before and after each group of worshippers. Each group will be accompanied by a health worker and medical teams will be on the ground in case of an emergency. The pilgrimages are a massive logistical challenge, with colossal crowds cramming into relatively small holy sites, making them vulnerable to contagion. Saudi Arabia's custodianship of Mecca and Medina -- Islam's two holiest sites -- is seen as its most powerful source of political legitimacy. The holy sites are also a key revenue earner for the kingdom, whose economy has been badly hit by a coronavirus-driven collapse in world demand for oil.

Mecca to reopen for limited pilgrimages after seven-month pause for coronavirus

Al-Ahsa which is one of the largest province in Saudi Arabia has the biggest&nbsp;number of horses with each horse supplemented with all the luxuries one can imagine.

The beautiful Saudi horses are blue like a pigeon in the shadow with a black mane and tail galloping as they prepare for a treacherous obstacle course, but&nbsp;in their own swimming pools.

These horses have their own veterinarian doctors, their own house box and even a swimming pool to build muscles.&nbsp;

There are over 400 horse stables in Al-Ahsa with each stable housing over twenty&nbsp;horses.&nbsp;

The annual horse production in Saudi reaches 3,000. This year onwards Saudi Arabia embarked on a new sporting era, a stellar line-up for the horsing race, however, some still turn a blind eye to the cruelty to horses during grand events in which riders are required to carry a whip.

Nearly every year&nbsp;race horses sustain injuries and many have paid with their lives.

Al-Ahsa which is one of the largest province in Saudi Arabia has the biggest number of horses with each horse supplemented with all the luxuries one can imagine.

Al-Ahsa which is one of the largest province in Saudi Arabia has the biggest number of horses with each horse supplemented with all the luxuries one can imagine. The beautiful Saudi horses are blue like a pigeon in the shadow with a black mane and tail galloping as they prepare for a treacherous obstacle course, but in their own swimming pools. These horses have their own veterinarian doctors, their own house box and even a swimming pool to build muscles. There are over 400 horse stables in Al-Ahsa with each stable housing over twenty horses. The annual horse production in Saudi reaches 3,000. This year onwards Saudi Arabia embarked on a new sporting era, a stellar line-up for the horsing race, however, some still turn a blind eye to the cruelty to horses during grand events in which riders are required to carry a whip. Nearly every year race horses sustain injuries and many have paid with their lives.

Saudi horses in Al-Ahsa have their own swimming pools

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