May 2012
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Republic of Yemen and pledged $3.25 billion in development aid as part of the more than $4 billion package from Western and Gulf states following the Friends of Yemen ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday. The conference addressed strategies to stabilize the country, ensure peace and resolve the worsening humanitarian situation.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Information and the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, the Consultative Commission for the National Museum has organized the a cultural exhibition entitled “From Washington to Riyadh” featuring the works of the late Arab American artist Wahbi Al-Hariri Al-Rufaee. The exhibit was opened in Riyadh yesterday evening by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Information for Cultural Affairs Dr. Nasser Al-Hujailan, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom James Smith and National Museum Director Dr. Abdullah Al-Saud.
President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz toured the Freer and Sackler Galleries, which make up part of the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C. today. He was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.
Riyadh Governor Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz received the President of the Discovery Channel, Lee Bartlett, in Riyadh today. During the meeting, which included the participation of President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the two sides discussed media-related issues of common concern. During his trip to Saudi Arabia, which was made upon the invitation of Prince Sultan, Bartlett will visit a number of tourist, historical, archaeological, and heritage sites in the Kingdom.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz began the Cabinet session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh today with a briefing on his latest contacts with foreign officials, including messages he sent to Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa; Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani; and UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
The Saudi Arabian Embassy will be opening its doors to the public this Saturday, May 5 as part of the annual Passport DC Around the World Embassy Tour. From 10 am until 4 pm, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Saudi culture through a variety of activities, exhibits and performances. A traditional lunch will be served from 12pm to 2pm, while Saudi coffee and dates will be available all day. All activities are free of charge.