January 2016
The Ministry of Interior today released an update on the August 6 terrorist attack on worshipers in a mosque at Special Emergency Forces Command in Asir Province. The attack resulted in the death of 11 security personnel and 4 Bangladeshi workers, wounded 33 others.
The suicide bomber was identified as Yousef Suleiman Abdullah Al-Suleiman, Saudi national, who is linked with a terrorist group. The terrorist group includes the following Saudi nationals:
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The command of the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition to restore legitimacy to Yemen today announced the formation of a high-level independent committee to investigate the coalition’s actions in Yemen.
The committee of experts will be tasked with assessing the coalition’s rules of engagement involving citizens during this conflict. The committee will then provide the coalition with conclusions and recommendations to better respect international and humanitarian law.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met at his residence in Riyadh today with Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest and means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz received in Riyadh today Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed aspects of cooperation between the two brotherly countries. They also discussed the latest developments at regional and international arenas.
Following the meeting, King Salman hosted a luncheon in honor of the Prime Minister.
The Saudi National Campaign to Support Syrian Brothers distributed 42,272 school bags containing school supplies to Syrian students in Turkey and Syria. The campaign distributed approximately 8,454 school bags in Turkey’s Antakya region and 33,818 inside Syria.
The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works has dispatched the last batch of emergency relief supplies areas in Tajikistan affected by recent floods and earthquakes in Tajikistan. The relief campaign is coordinated with the Tajik Red Crescent, the ‘King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid’ sent its last batch of the first phase of emergency relief campaign, to those affected by recent floods and earthquakes in Tajikistan.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, arrived in Ahsa today to offer condolences to the families of those killed in yesterday’s attack at Al-Ridha Mosque.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu arrived today in Madinah to visit the Prophet's Mosque. During his arrival at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, he was received by Undersecretary of Al-Madinah Province Abdul Mohsen Al-Muneef.
The Ministry of Interior today identified the dead suicide bombers in the attack on the Ridha Mosque in Mahasin neighborhood in Ahsa, as 22 year old Saudi national Abdulrahman bin Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Tuwaijri. Al-Tuwaijri had previously been arrested for participation in demonstrations demanding the release of suspected terrorist detainees. The second would be suicide bomber was identified as Egyptian national Talha Hisham Mohammed Abdo. Abod was issued a Saudi visitor visa along with his family to visit his father, Hesham Mohammed Abdou Abdelhalim, Egyptian national.
The Ministry of Interior announced today that two suicide bombers had been prevented from entering Al-Imam Al-Reda Mosque in Al-Mahasen District of Al-Ahsa Governorate while worshipers were performing Friday Prayer.
Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saud this afternoon presented his credentials to U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House.
The Saudi Fund for Development deposited its share of support for the Palestinian Authority’s budget. Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Ahmed Abdulaziz Kattan announced today that the Kingdom transferred its payments for October, November and December 2015, totaling $60 million, to the Palestinian National Authority.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz received at Al-Yamamah Palace today Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu; Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Hussein and Deputy Minister of Defense of the Sultanate of Brunei Lieutenant General Dato Abdulaziz Mohammed Tameet. The meeting discussed the mutual cooperation in defense fields between the countries.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, received at Al-Yamamah Palace today the Commander of United States Central Command General Lloyd J. Austin. During the meeting, a number of issues of common interest were reviewed. The audience was also attended by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The Saudi Fund for Development transferred its share of support for the Palestinian Authority budget. The Kingdom transferred its payments for October, November and December 2015, totaling $60 million, to the Palestinian National Authority.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh this afternoon.
King Salman began by briefing the Cabinet on his consultations and results of talks with President Xi Jinping of China, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, US Secretary of State John Kerry, and NATO President Lord Jopling.
The Saudi National Campaign to Support Syrian Brothers distributed 6,686 pieces of winter clothes and related relief materials to 314 Syrian families in Mafraq Governorate as part of its 28th stage of its relief project “My Brother, Your Warmth, My Goal 3”
The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works has provided aid to more than 3,000 families in Al-Jawf Governorate in Yemen. The Center distributed over 6,000 food baskets and blankets and 500 tents.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir denounced Iran’s support for terrorism and said the U.S. is well aware of Iran’s mischief. Minister Al-Jubeir made the remarks today during a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry following the meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, which was held in Riyadh.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir denounced Iran’s support for terrorism and said the U.S. is well aware of Iran’s mischief. Minister Al-Jubeir made the remarks today during a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry following the meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, which was held in Riyadh.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said today that the attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad.
Saudi Foreign Minister: Iran Breaks Charter of Organization of Islamic Cooperation
OIC Condemns Iranian Aggressions against Saudi Arabia
(WASHINGTON, DC) – At an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held today in Jeddah, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad showcase Iran’s aggressive policies and continued incitement of sectarianism in the region.
Saudi Arabia traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula. Over the centuries, the peninsula has played an important role in history as an ancient trade center and as the birthplace of Islam, one of the world’s major monotheistic religions.
Saudi Arabia’s education system has gone through an astonishing transformation. When the modern Kingdom was established in 1932, education was available to very few people, mostly the children of wealthy families living in the major cities.
Saudi Arabia’s free market economy has undergone remarkable changes in a relatively short period of time. It has evolved from a basic agricultural society into a regional and global economic power with a modern infrastructure.
The culture of Saudi Arabia is a rich one that has been shaped by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade center, and its Bedouin traditions. Saudi society has experienced tremendous development over the past several decades.
The Foreign Ministry to day condemned the terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed the Kingdom's strong denunciation of today’s terrorist attack on Bacha Khan University in northwest Pakistan and the attack in Kabul, Afghanistan which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Riyadh today. Minister Wang is in the Kingdom as part of President Xi Jinping delegation. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of bilateral relations between the Kingdom and China, and ways of enhancing them in addition to a number of issues of mutual concern at the regional and international arenas. In a statement following the meeting, Minister Al-Jubeir welcomed Foreign Minister Wang to the Kingdom.
President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China left Riyadh today after a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At King Khalid International airport, he was seen off by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense.
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is working to complete preparation of the components of the Saudi-built satellite (Saudi SAT 5B) in preparation for its launch, via the Chinese space rocket Long March 2D to support remote sensing services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This came in the framework of the cooperation between the Kingdom and China in various fields, including scientific field, which also includes the establishment of a project on genetics studies.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China inaugurated today the project of Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (YASREF). Addressing the gathering, Minister of Health and Director of the Board of Saudi Aramco, Khalid Al-Faleh, described the inaugural ceremony a historical and unique as it would add a new edifice to the partnership between the Kingdom and China and expressed pride that Saudi Aramco is China's first supplier of oil.
The Jeddah-based International Islamic Relief Organization of Muslim World League has launched an agricultural training program for displaced people in Darfur to help farmers with various training and qualification opportunities. The Secretary-General of the Organization Ihsan Tayyip stated that these training program will benefit 1360 farmers in Alsriv Camp affiliated IIRO and 360 farmers in the village of Tmesku in Darfur.
Relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States are based upon mutual respect and common interests – economic, political, technological and social. Begun nearly a century ago, the Saudi-US friendship has weathered many storms, including numerous regional and global conflicts and crises, and gone from strength to strength.
The Information Office of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia offers educational Outreach and Visitation Programs for government staff and civic organizations as well as universities and schools.
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 342-3800
Information Office:
info@saudiembassy.net (202) 337-4076/4134
Fax: 944-5983
Commercial Office:
saco@saudiembassy.net (202) 337-4088
Fax: (202) 342-0271
Saudi Press Agency: (202) 944-3890
Saudi Health Mission
shm@shm-us.org (202) 342-7393
Fax: (202) 337-9251
Welcome to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia's website. Launched more than two decades ago, saudiembassy.net provides news and information about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people.
You can find information about Saudi Arabia's international policies, domestic programs, government, economy, laws, history, culture, social services and infrastructure, as well our religion, Islam. Or, visit the site to catch up on recent news about the Kingdom.
سفارة المملكة العربية السعودية بواشنطن
قسم شؤون السعوديين
"أهلا وسهلا بكم في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية"
عزيزي المواطن عزيزتي المواطنة:
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the businesses listed below
Request to register your company with Enjaz, please fill out an Enjaz application and mail it to:
Consulate Section
Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20037
California
A Briggs Passport and Visa
11601 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: 310-363-8996
www.abriggs.com
NOTICE
Include a PRE-PAID RETURN label and envelope (from FedEx, UPS or USPS only) with the return address label filled out completely. A proper prepaid return envelop must include a “PRE-PAID” label. Return envelops showing only account numbers are no longer accepted as proof of pre-payment. Credit cards, checks, money orders or cash will not be accepted for return mailing. Any package without a proper pre-paid return envelope and label will be put on hold until a proper return envelope is received.
Saudi Arabia has a comprehensive road network that comprises some 100,000 miles of roads, facilitating civilian travel and commerce.
Particularly spectacular are the highways, which boast impressively engineered tunnels and bridges that are a monument to modern road-building techniques. For example, the road through Al-Hada Mountain has cut the distance from Taif to Makkah by about 30 miles.
And the first highway tunnel in the world to use solar photovoltaic technology – converting solar energy into electricity – was built in the hilly Abha region of Asir Province.
The Saudi bus network provides affordable transport both within and between the Kingdom’s cities.
Operated by the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO), the fleet consists of over 2,000 buses. It carries annually more than 3 million passengers within large urban centers such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah and Makkah, and to cities and towns across the country. There are also 10 international routes that are used by nearly half a million travelers each year.
Saudi Arabia has 21 large, modern ports that facilitate industrial development.
Saudi ports move some two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. Around 12,000 ships visit Saudi ports each year, totaling one ship every 30 minutes. There are close to 200 berths at Saudi ports.
The Kingdom’s ports are operated by the Saudi Ports Authority, which supplies equipment and building piers. Maintenance is provided mostly by private companies.
Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications sector is growing at a remarkable rate. Facilities and services are constantly being expanded to accommodate the Kingdom’s growing market.
The Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology oversees all modern communications technologies in the Kingdom.
The major provider in Saudi Arabia is the partially privatized Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC), one of the largest telecom services operators in the world. A second company, Mobily, also provides mobile phone service.
The Kingdom has three international airports: King Khalid International in Riyadh, King Fahd International in Dhahran and the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Plans are underway to convert the Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah into an international airport. There are also 24 regional and local airports.
Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAA), started out in 1945 with the gift of a single twin-engine DC-3 Dakota from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Some of the world's most beautiful living coral reefs are located beneath both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
A paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers, these coastal areas offer endless hours of underwater exploration.
Wind surfing, sailing and water skiing are also popular pastimes in the Gulf and Red Sea waters along the Saudi coast.
Also, some of the world's best deep-sea fishing can be found in the Red Sea. The Coastal Sports Cities in Jeddah and Al-Khobar and other clubs offer opportunities for a variety of water sports and recreational activities.
Horse racing was, and remains today, one of the most popular sporting events in Saudi Arabia. There are modern racetracks in the Kingdom, although betting is prohibited.
Locals have for centuries bred horses for racing and transportation. The famous Arabian horse has a bloodline that dates back thousands of years, and is one of the world’s most sought-after breeds.
Saudi Arabia offers both natural and historical wonders, from the mountain resorts of Taif and the majesty of ancient Nabatean tombs to the multicolored coral reefs of the Red Sea.
While Saudi Arabia has been a travel destination for centuries, with millions of people visiting the Kingdom each year from around the world, most visitors have historically been Muslims undertaking pilgrimages.
Today there is a new emphasis on tourism in Saudi Arabia, and in 2000, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage was established to promote tourism in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia's extensive sports program has brought about not only a quantitative growth of sports, but also a dramatic qualitative improvement. The performance of Saudi athletes has improved steadily since the Kingdom joined the International Olympic Committee in 1965.
Since the early 1980s, Saudi athletes have proudly represented the Kingdom in an increasing number of regional and international competitions. The Saudi soccer team qualified for its first appearance in 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Saudis enjoy a wide range of leisure activities. Families can relax at hundreds of parks, campsites, picnic grounds and other facilities throughout the country.
Long stretches of coast and spectacular coral reefs make water sports such as snorkeling and wind surfing easily accessible. In addition, the Kingdom has established a network of national parks and preserves so that visitors can observe protected wildlife and ecosystems.
The introduction of a national education system in the 1950s was the first step in the development of modern sports in Saudi Arabia. An integral part of the education system, sports spread throughout the country as new schools were built in large cities and small towns alike.
Understanding Islam and the Muslims
In the Name of God, Most Gracious,
Most Merciful
Summoned by its call, the faithful spread Islam across the Arabian Peninsula. Within a century, Islam had swept across the Middle East and North Africa. At its apogee, Islam held sway as far as Spain in the west and India and China in the east. Islam introduced a comprehensive faith and a political-legal system that established order and justice.
Islam has five primary obligations, or pillars of faith, that each Muslim must fulfill in his or her lifetime. They are as follows:
Shahadah, profession of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This simple yet profound statement expresses a Muslim's complete acceptance of and total commitment to Islam.
Islam is at once a religion and a total way of life. It prescribes order for individuals, societies and governments and codifies law, family relationships, matters of business, etiquette, dress, food, hygiene and much more. The ummah, or community of believers, is unified across national boundaries by its conscious acceptance of the oneness of God and its dedication to the teachings of Islam. There is no human hierarchy that intervenes between the individual and God; in the eyes of Islam, all people are equal.
Around the year 570 AD, Muhammad was born into a family of the ruling tribe of Makkah. Makkah, a caravan city in the western region of Arabia, grew around the Ka'abah (the House of God), a shrine of ancient origins built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Pre-Islamic Arabia was polytheistic and idols used to be housed in and around the Ka'abah. In the 6th century, Makkah was one of Arabia's thriving commercial centers.
Islam has profoundly affected the history and development of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular.
In the 18th century, a religious scholar of the central Najd, Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, joined forces with Muhammad bin Saud, the ruler of the town of Diriyah, to bring the Najd and the rest of Arabia back to the original and undefiled form of Islam.
What is Islam?
Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.
Saudi Arabia is the home of two of Islam's holy sanctuaries: Makkah the Blessed and Madinah the Radiant. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, enclosing the place from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven, completes the trio of venerated shrines in the Islamic world.
Another aspect of Saudi Arabia’s social services network is providing housing for the country’s fast-growing, young population. The government has been active in both financing and constructing housing for low-income Saudis, public employees and students.
Saudi Arabia’s social services system aims to ensure every citizen a decent standard of living. This commitment to the well-being of the community underlies the Kingdom’s social stability and is in line with Islamic principles.
Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of social welfare programs. Administered by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), key programs support workers or their families in cases of disability, retirement and death. A plan to cover employees who suffer occupational hazards was instituted in 1982 and has since helped millions of workers.
Saudi Arabia’s health service plan consists of two tiers that together meet all its citizens’ needs from preventive care through advanced surgery.
The first tier consists of a network of primary health care centers and clinics throughout the country that provide preventive, prenatal, emergency and basic services. In addition, a fleet of mobile clinics provides remote rural areas with services such as vaccinations and basic medical care.
[1999]
Royal Decree No. M/15, 12 Sha'ban 1420 [20 November 1999]
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Article 1 :
Every merchant must have a trade name to be recorded in the Commercial Register. This name shall consist of his name as recorded in the Civil Register, a novel appellation or both. It may include data relating to the type of commercial activity. In all cases the name must be suitable, not misleading, nor inconsistent with Islamic Shari ‘ah or public interest.
[2002]
Royal Decree No.M/21, 28 Jumada I 1423 [7 August 2002]
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Part One: General Provisions
[2002]
Royal Decree M/964 dated 01/11/1422 H. (January 14, 2002)
[2002]
Royal Decree M/4, 8/2/1423 H [April 20, 2002]
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Article One
The following words and expressions shall have the meanings explained opposite to them:
[2003]
Ministerial Decision No.307, 21/2/1424 [21 April, 2003]
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Terms
Article One
The following terms whenever used in the Regulations shall have the meaning opposite to them:
[2002]
Royal Decree No.M/3, 8 Safar 1423 [21 April, 2002]
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Article 1:
The following terms, wherever they occur within this Law, shall have the meanings given below:
[2002]
Royal Decree No.M/15, 14 Rabi' II 1423 [25 June 2002]
[2004]
Ministerial decision, 15 Muharram 1425 (March 6, 2004)
Effective 13 Jumah II 1425 (July 30, 2004)
[2003]
Royal Decree No. M/39, 25 Jumada II 1424 [23 August 2003]
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Article One :
The following terms and phrases, wherever mentioned in this Law, shall have the meanings following them, unless the context requires otherwise.
[1989]
Royal Decree No. M/56, 24 Shawwal 1409 (29 May 1989)
Umm al-Qura No. 3264, 20 Dhu al-Qadah 1409H.
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Part One
Establishment, Composition and Jurisdiction of the Bureau
[1989]
Council of Ministers Resolution No. 190,
16 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1409 [19 June 1989]
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Section One
Administrative Cases
[1982]
Royal Decree No. M/51, 17 Rajab 1402 [10 May 1982]
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Part One
Formation and Jurisdiction of the Board
Article 1:
The Board of Grievances is an independent administrative judicial commission responsible directly to His Majesty the King. Its seat shall be the City of Riyadh . When needed, branches may be established by a decision of the President of the Board.
Royal Decree No. M/46, 12 Rajab 1403 (25 April 1983)
The English version of this document is for guidance only.
The Arabic version is the governing text.
Article 1:
It may be agreed to resort to arbitration with regard to a specific, existing dispute. It may also be agreed beforehand to resort to arbitration in any dispute that may arise as a result of the execution of a specific contract.
Since the Iranian revolution in 1979, Iran has established a record of spreading sedition, unrest and chaos in the region in an effort to undermine the region’s security and stability, and in complete disregard for international law, agreements, treaties, and moral principles. During the same period, the Kingdom has maintained a policy of restraint in spite of having suffered — as have neighboring countries — the consequences of Iran’s continued aggressive policies.
Both traditional and modern sports are popular in Saudi Arabia. The people of the Arabian Peninsula have enjoyed sports for thousands of years, including horse and camel racing, falconry and hunting with hounds. Today, modern sports are also popular – especially soccer.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz held official talks at Al-Yamamah Palace today with visiting President Xi Jinping of China.
For centuries the people of the Arabian Peninsula have possessed a strong identity based upon the tenets of Islam. Saudi Arabia is a modern nation that adheres to Islam, honors its Arab heritage and tradition, and presses vigorously forward in the service of Islam while securing the welfare of its people.
Saudi Arabia traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula. Over the centuries, the peninsula has played an important role in history as an ancient trade center and as the birthplace of Islam, one of the world’s major monotheistic religions.
Since King Abdulaziz Al-Saud established the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, its transformation has been astonishing.
Asked if the Kingdom was prepared to seek a nuclear option, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer that Iran’s foreign minister was spreading disinformation when he suggested that Saudi Arabia was against the nuclear accord.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir met today with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius at the Foreign Ministry in Riyadh.
The Ministry of Interior today announced the arrest of Haitham Ibrahim Hassan Al-Mukhtar who is wanted for the killing of two security officers in Sihat on Nov. 18, 2015 and shooting at a security patrol in Qatif, on Nov. 9, 2015, which resulted in the wounding of a security officer and two passers-by wounded.
Al-Mukhtar is also accused of being part of a terrorist cell in Qatif linked to wanted terrorist, manufacturing of petrol bombs and throwing petrol bombs at a government building on Jan. 9, 2016 in an attempt to set it on fire.
Since the Iranian revolution in 1979, Iran has established a record of spreading sedition, unrest and chaos in the region in an effort to undermine the region’s security and stability, and in complete disregard for international law, agreements, treaties, and moral principles. During the same period, the Kingdom has maintained a policy of restraint in spite of having suffered — as have neighboring countries — the consequences of Iran’s continued aggressive policies.
The establishment of a modern health care and social services system has been one of Saudi Arabia’s most stunning successes.
The Saudi health care network provides free care to the general public and some of the most sophisticated specialized care available anywhere in the world.
The government also sponsors a wide range of social services programs aimed at ensuring that every citizen has a decent standard of living.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz met today in Riyadh with Pakistan's Prime Minister Mohammed Nawaz Sharif. During the meeting, aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two sisterly countries and the developments at the regional and international arenas were discussed.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh this afternoon.
King Salman began by briefing the Cabinet on the telephone calls and messages with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Yemeni President Abd Rabbou Mansour Hadi, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the outcome of his talks with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, and the Speaker of the parliament of Kyrgyzstan Asylbek Jeenbekov.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz held talk at Al-Yamamah Palace today with Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto.
At the outset of the session, King Salman decorated President Nieto with King Abdulaziz Medal. For his part, President Nieto decorated the King Salman with the Order of the Aztec Eagle.
The talks addressed bilateral relations, aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries and the developments on the international arena.
King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works donated yesterday 60 thousand food baskets to the victims of the drought areas in Mauritania
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, issued a Royal Decree embodying the Majlis Ash-Shura Law. The following is the text of the Decree:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
No. A/91.
Dated 27/08/1412 H
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 provinces. Each province has a governor, a deputy governor, and a provincial council.
Since Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state, its judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari’ah) for both criminal and civil cases. At the top of the legal system is the King, who acts as the final court of appeal and as a source of pardon.
The Saudi court system consists of three main parts. The largest is the Shari’ah Courts, which hear most cases in the Saudi legal system. The Shari’ah courts are organized into several categories: Courts of the First Instance (Summary and General Courts), Courts of Cassation and the Supreme Judicial Council.
Cabinet, advises the King and facilitates the country’s development. It represents 22 different government ministries and is presided over each week by the King or his deputy.
The Cabinet is responsible for drafting and overseeing implementation of the internal, external, financial, economic, education and defense policies as well as the general affairs of the State.
The Basic System of Government identifies the nature of the state, its goals and responsibilities, as well as the relationship between the ruler and citizens. It defines the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an Arab and Islamic sovereign state; its religion is Islam and its constitution is the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah.
Saudi Arabia is a monarchy based on Islam. The government is headed by the King, who is also the commander in chief of the military.
The King appoints a Crown Prince to help him with his duties. The Crown Prince is second in line to the throne.
The King governs with the help of the Council of Ministers, also called the Cabinet. There are 22 government ministries that are part of the Cabinet. Each ministry specializes in a different part of the government, such as foreign affairs, education and finance.
Saudi Arabia is also looking at alternative energy sources, including solar energy. The Kingdom receives some of the most intense sunlight in the world – 105 trillion kilowatt hours a day, which is roughly the equivalent of 10 billion barrels of crude oil in energy terms.
Saudi Arabia has nine refining complexes that produce gasoline, fuel and diesel oil, liquefied petroleum gas, jet fuel, kerosene and other petroleum products for the domestic market and for export.
Considered among the most technologically advanced in the world, these refineries have an output of eight million barrels per day of petroleum products, most for export.
Saudi Arabia’s oil production varies according the state of the market and guidelines set by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Created in 1960, OPEC unifies petroleum policies among its member countries and ensures stability in international oil markets by eliminating fluctuations in prices.
As a founding member of OPEC and its largest producer, Saudi Arabia has a leading role in guiding the organization to promote cooperation in energy issues, often acting as OPEC’s principal moderating force.
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of oil, and has one quarter of the world’s known oil reserves – more than 260 billion barrels. Most are located in the Eastern Province, including the largest onshore field in Ghawar and the largest offshore field at Safaniya in the Arabian Gulf.
Saudi refineries produce around 8 million barrels of oil per day, and there are plans to increase production to around 12 million barrels per day.
Saudi Arabia possesses valuable resources other than oil and gas. As early as 1000 BC, gold, silver and copper were being extracted from the famous Mahd Al-Dhahab mine some 180 miles northeast of Jeddah.
The introduction of modern mining and extraction methods has once again made the mine a major producer of precious metals.
Saudi Arabia possesses vast reserves of natural gas – dissolved, associated and non-associated – which it uses as an environmentally friendly energy source for urban and industrial use.
Major industrial facilities also use gas as feedstock to produce petrochemicals, fertilizers, steel and other products that in turn feed a thriving industrial sector.
Exploration of the Kingdom’s natural gas resources remains ongoing. Major deposits have been discovered in the Eastern Province near Abqaiq and southwest of the Ghawar oil field.
Saudi Arabia has a massive electricity distribution network that extends to cities, towns and villages across the country. Its network consists of 8,750 miles of transmission lines, 52,000 miles of distribution lines and over 53,000 miles of service connections.
Technical and administrative training is an essential part of education in the Kingdom.
There are numerous public and private training institutions that produce thousands of graduates in the technical and mechanical sciences, health care, agriculture, teaching and other areas every year.
The Special Education Department of the Ministry of Education operates schools for the blind, deaf and the physically and mentally disabled. There are other institutes that care for elderly disabled people.
These special schools are part of the Kingdom’s effort to encourage every individual to reach his or her full potential.
The Kingdom has established a number of educational institutions throughout the world for Saudi students living abroad. The three largest such institutions are located in the United States, Britain and Germany. These schools accommodate students from kindergarten through the 12th grade, and provide instruction in Islam, and the Arabic language as well as the arts and sciences. In an effort to maintain a consistent standard, directors of these overseas schools meet regularly to discuss curriculums and other shared issues.
Saudi Arabia began focusing on higher education when the country entered a new era of rapid development in the early 1970s.
In 1975, a separate Ministry of Higher Education was established. The Ministry launched a long-term plan to make sure that the Saudi educational system provided the highly skilled manpower the Kingdom needed to run its increasingly sophisticated economy.
The Saudi educational system aims to ensure that students are prepared for life and work in the modern world, while meeting the country’s religious, social and economic needs.
Eliminating adult illiteracy is another major goal.
General education in the Kingdom consists of kindergarten, six years of primary school and three years each of intermediate and high school.
Saudi Arabia is the 19th largest exporter and the 20th largest import market in the world. Exports now represent all economic sectors. Topping the list of exports to some 90 countries are petrochemicals, plastics, metal goods, construction materials, and electrical appliances.
Saudi Arabia’s commercial sector is growing rapidly. This is mainly due to generous government incentives such as the provision of long-term interest-free loans and support services and facilities. In addition, chambers of commerce and industry in the major cities and regions promote commercial ventures.
Saudi Arabia has a modern banking industry with 13 commercial banks. Saudi banks provide retail and corporate banking, investment services, brokerage facilities, and derivative transactions in addition to credit cards, ATMs and point-of-sale transactions.
There are also banks in the Kingdom that provide Islamic banking services. Islamic banking is a system of banking that is consistent with the principles of Islamic law (Shari’ah). It prohibits usury, the collection and payment of interest and trading in financial risk.
The government plays an essential role in industrial and economic development.
The Ministry of Economy and Planning assists in formulating the five-year development plans that set long-term economic goals.
The Ministry of Finance supervises implementation of the nation's economic policies. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), the nation's central bank, oversees the country's fiscal policy.
By the 1960s, Saudi Arabia had made major advances in many areas. Roads were established, a modern educational system introduced, health care improved, agriculture expanded and factories built.
Although the economy largely depended on oil revenues, Saudi leaders resolved to bring about basic improvements in the country's economic structure. The objective was to diversify the economy away from oil into other fields.
While Saudi Arabia’s economic base continues to be dominated by oil, the Kingdom has taken steps to diversify the economy.
Today, industrial products make up more than 90 percent of the Kingdom’s non-oil exports. Saudi Arabia exports petrochemicals, plastics, metal goods, construction materials and electrical appliances to some 90 countries.
The most famous cultural event in Saudi Arabia is the Jenadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival, organized each year by the National Guard. For two weeks a year, the festival gives over a million Saudis a glimpse into the past.
First held in 1985, the festival highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to keeping the traditional culture and crafts of Saudi Arabia alive.
Saudis prefer traditional clothes to Western styles of dress, and generally wear modern adaptations of age-old designs. The loose, flowing traditional garments are practical for the Kingdom’s hot, windswept climate, and in keeping with the Islamic ideal of modesty.
A living piece of the country’s history, Saudi folk music has been shaped by the nomadic Bedouins and the pilgrims who brought musical influences from around the world.
The music varies from region to region – for example, in the Hijaz, the music of al-sihba combines poetry and songs of Arab Andalusia, while the folk music of Makkah and Madinah reflects these two cities’ influences from throughout the Islamic world.
A variety of institutions have been established throughout the Kingdom to preserve Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
One of the largest is the Department of Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Information, which sponsors a wide range of cultural programs, including literary and drama clubs, folklore classes, library events, arts and crafts as well as science projects.
Dating back 1,400 years to the first century of Islam, calligraphy is a revered art in Saudi Arabia.
Because its primary subject matter has historically been the Holy Qur’an, calligraphy is considered to be the quintessential Islamic art form.
Saudi museums collect and display rare manuscripts. Other organizations commission works of calligraphy, provide training in the art form, and hold competitions to encourage new generations of young artists.
Saudi Arabia has a unique architectural heritage that has developed over the centuries.
Historically, building designs and materials in Saudi Arabia were dictated by the climate, geography and resources available. For example, builders in the central areas preferred adobe for its malleability, availability and insulating qualities. In western Saudi Arabia, stone and red brick were common, while Jeddah’s builders used coral from the Red Sea.
Historic preservation is extremely important to Saudi Arabia. Numerous restoration projects have been undertaken to safeguard the Kingdom’s architectural heritage, including restoring historic buildings and neighborhoods.
These projects are undertaken by the Department of Museums and Antiquities, which excavates, catalogues and preserves pre-historic and historic sites. In 2003, the department was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT), which was established in 2000.
Saudi Arabia is a desert country with no permanent rivers or lakes and very little rainfall. Water is scarce and extremely valuable, and with the country’s rapid growth, the demand for water is increasing.
The Kingdom, therefore, has turned to innovative ways to provide enough water to support its development. All water matters are handled by the Ministry of Water and Electricity.
The progress made by the Saudi Arabian agricultural sector in recent years has been largely due to an array of government programs, including the provision of soft, interest-free loans and technical and support services.
The agriculture sector has also benefited from low-cost water, fuel and electricity, and duty-free imports of raw materials and machinery. Foreign joint-venture partners of Saudi individuals or companies are exempt from paying taxes for a period of up to 10 years, and the investment regulations in effect since April 2000 offer further incentives.
The 1970s marked the beginning of serious agricultural development in the Kingdom.
The government launched an extensive program to promote modern farming technology; to establish rural roads, irrigation networks and storage and export facilities; and to encourage agricultural research and training institutions.
The result has been a phenomenal growth in the production of all basic foods. With substantial amounts of meat, milk, and eggs, Saudi Arabia is now completely self-sufficient in a number of foodstuffs.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz was proclaimed the seventh King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 3 Rabi’ al Thani 1436H (January 23, 2015), upon the death of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
King Salman is also Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers.
The following webcasts were produced by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC.
Press Conference
August 1, 2005
A statement was read on the death earlier that morning of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.
Press Conference
June 2, 2004
Covering developments in the war on terrorism (requires Real Player)
The following are video clips about various aspects of Saudi Arabia.
National Day 2010 Coverage_(avi)
Saudi Arabia Video Spot
Archived Videos
Culture & Heritage and Janadria" by Supreme Commisstion for Tourism
King Abdulaziz
King Abdulaziz (for download only)
Building For The Future
Real Player Format
MP3 Format
Building For The Future (for download only)
Jubail & Yanbu
Jubail & Yanbu (for download only)
Sports
Sports (for download only)
Desert Life
The following link is a live feed of Saudi Television. If you experience problems viewing it, please try again later.
Start Saudi TV
(requires Real Player) Download Real Player
If you would like to request the rights to use these photos, please contact the Information Office of the Embassy in Washington, DC at info@saudiembassy.net or by calling 202-342-3800.
Image Categories:
Agriculture & Water Resources
Culture & The Arts
Economy
Education & Human Resources
Energy & Minerals
Facts & Figures
Government
Health & Human Services
History
Islam
Sports & Recreation
Transportation & Communication
Saudi Arabia occasionally produces radio and broadcast public service announcements to improve understanding and communicate important messages.
TV Spots
Different (March 2005)
Apple QuickTime format (.mov)
Shared Values (June 2003)
Real Media format (Streaming)
Windows Media format (.mwv)
Apple QuickTime format (.mov)
30 Years (June 2003)
Windows Mediaformat (.mwv)
QuickTime format (.mov)
Bush Quotes (May 2002)
Powell Quotes (May 2002)
Allies (May 2002)
Flags (May 2002)
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC has produced a number of radio news releases aimed at improving understanding about Saudi Arabia within the United States.
Call to Prayer
(real media format)
National Anthem - Instrumental version
(.mp3 format)
National Anthem - Instrumental version
(real media format)
National Anthem - Vocal
(real media format)
Below are archived prayers from Makkah during 2007 that are available in audio/video format.
2007 Taraweeh
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 provinces, each with a capital city.
Each province elects a Governor who holds four-year, renewable terms.
Province Capital Governor
Riyadh Riyadh HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz
(appointed 01/29/2015)
Makkah Makkah HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
(appointed 01/29/2015)
Madinah Madinah HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
(appointed 01/14/2013)
Eastern Dammam HRH Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz
(appointed 01/14/2013)
Saudi Arabia traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula. Over the centuries, the peninsula has played an important role in history as an ancient trade center and as the birthplace of Islam, one of the world’s major monotheistic religions.
Since King Abdulaziz Al-Saud established the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, its transformation has been astonishing.
In a few short decades, the Kingdom has turned itself from a desert nation to a modern, sophisticated state and a major player on the international stage.
When calling Saudi Arabia from the U.S., dial 011 (international access), then 966 (country code), then a one-digit city code, and finally the seven-digit number.
Telephone codes for major cities: Riyadh (11); Jeddah, Makkah, Taif (12); Dammam, Dhahran, Jubail, Hofuf (13); Yanbu, Tabuk, Madinah (14); Hail, Qasim (16); Abha, Najran (17).
Prime Minister
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Riyadh, Royal Court: 11-488-2222
Jeddah: 12-665-4233
Taif: 12-736-5200
Makkah: 12-823-4111
Madinah: 14-857-2500
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. It occupies an area about the size of the United States east of the Mississippi River. Saudi Arabia’s population is 27 million, including 8.4 million foreign residents (2010 census), and its capital city is Riyadh.
Several multimedia programs are available that may help you better understand the country of Saudi Arabia, our culture and our people. We offer these programs in the groupings listed on the left side of this page.
Archived Prayers
Audio
Audio Releases
Public Service Announcements
Images
Saudi Television
Videos
Webcast
Unless noted, all files in the Multimedia section require RealPlayer. Download Real Player
Any visa related questions or to receive confirmation that passport or other visa related documents have been received by the Consulate section, you may contact the Consulate Section at fax (202) 337-4084.
Visa instruction are also listed on the embassy website at www.saudiembassy.net/services. Visa fees must be paid online through Enjaz website www.enjazit.com.sa or through any of the Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz.
| # | Name | Address | Phone | |
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President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China will arrive in Riyadh next Tuesday on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the visit, the Chinese President will meet the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them in various fields as well as regional and international issues of common interest.
The English version of the following documents is for guidance only. In each case, the Arabic version is the governing text. Full text of laws of government:
Full Text of Laws of Government:
Basic Law of Governance [1992]
Law of the Council of Ministers [1993]
Law of the Consultative Council (Majlis Al-Shura) [1992]
Law of the Provinces [1992]
This page provides a brief introduction to various aspects of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
Flag
Green background, with in white letters the Muslim creed in Arabic: "There is no god but God: Muhammad is the Messenger of God."
Emblem
A date palm, representing vitality and growth, and two crossed swords, symbolizing justice and strength rooted in faith.
Council of Ministers: Membership
The energy sector is the backbone of the Saudi economy. The Kingdom possesses a quarter of the world’s proven oil reserves, and is the world’s largest producer and exporter of oil.
Saudi Arabia is also developing its additional energy resources – natural gas that once flared off oil wells is collected and used, and the Kingdom has become a producer of refined oil products and petrochemicals such as kerosene, diesel oil and gasoline.
The culture of Saudi Arabia is a rich one that has been shaped by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade center, and its Bedouin traditions.
Saudi society has experienced tremendous development over the past several decades. The Saudi people have taken their values and traditions – their customs, hospitality and even their style of dress – and adapted them to the modern world.
Saudi Arabia’s education system has gone through an astonishing transformation. When the Kingdom was established in 1932, education was available to very few people, mostly the children of wealthy families living in the major cities.
Saudi Arabia’s free market economy has undergone remarkable changes in a relatively short period of time. It has evolved from a basic agricultural society into a regional and global economic power with a modern infrastructure.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud was appointed Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on April 29, 2015 and Minister of the Interior by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on Nov. 5, 2012.
The Majlis al-Shura, or Consultative Council, is a legislative body that advises the King on issues that are important to Saudi Arabia.
It is a modern version of a traditional Islamic concept – an accessible leader consulting with learned and experienced citizens – which has always been practiced by Saudi rulers.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques made today a telephone call to Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The King expressed sincere condolences on the victims of the terrorist attacks witnessed by Jakarta city yesterday and left several people dead and scores injured.
Labayk Allahuma Labayk Labayk. La shareeka laka Labayk. Innal hamda wannimata laka wal mulk. La shareeka Lak
(Here I am at your service, oh Lord, here I am - here I am. No partner do you have. Here I am. Truly, the praise and the favor are yours, and the dominion. No partner do you have.)
"In dealing with various matters and practices, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia adheres to well-known inviolate principles from which it has never swerved, and will never swerve, God willing. The positions it takes, whether they have to do with foreign relations or any other matter, are built on the rules and principles of religion. Such an approach, being derived from heavenly teachings as its source of inspiration, admits of no falsehood."
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah Address from Mina on Eid Al-Adha 1423 (February 10, 2003)
When the modern Kingdom was established in 1932, the Arabian Peninsula was an agricultural society that depended on farming and commerce – especially date exports and trade generated by pilgrims coming to Makkah and Madinah. It lacked the infrastructure needed to support the kind of economic and social development envisioned by its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud.
Over recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been confronted with what many consider its greatest challenge: achieving modernity without surrendering its heritage, faith, or culture. Examining the metrics of the Kingdom, from GDP to literacy rates, one finds ever-present success. Seventy-five years ago, Saudi Arabia did not exist; today, it is a nation marked by sophisticated political, legal, and financial systems, with a culture rich in history and deep in faith.
The Saudi Fund for Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed in Riyadh today a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which the Kingdom will provide a contribution of more than $1 million to relief Rohingya refugees in Thailand.
Iraq's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jaafari received at his office in Baghdad today Saudi Ambassador-designate to Iraq Thamer bin Sabhan Al-Sabhan during which the Ambassador presented a copy of his credentials as Saudi Ambassador to Iraq.
The meeting also addressed means of enhancing relations between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir met in London today with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as issues of common interest at regional and international levels.
In a joint press conference, Al-Jubeir condemned the terrorist bombings in Indonesia and Pakistan, stressing the importance of working effectively in order to confront these terrorist acts.
Saudi Arabia today strongly condemned the recent terrorist acts in Pakistan, Indonesia, and Cameroon.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that these “terrorist acts, which target security and stability in all parts of the world, contradict with the principles of Islam and all human values and international laws.”
The ministry offered its condolences to the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre provided 40 tons of relief materials to the people in Taiz whom suffered siege and lack of requirements of basic life. The coalition command planes dropped forty tons of medicines for children, antibiotics, medical materials and dry food to break the siege imposed on parts of Taiz province.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques made a telephone call today to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressing his condolences on the victims of the terrorist bombing that took place on Tuesday in Istanbul, also wishing the injured a quick recovery.
The Turkish President thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his noble feelings.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh this afternoon.
King Salman began by briefing the Cabinet on the outcomes of his talks with the presidents of Tunisia, Turkey, Palestine Tajikistan and former Lebanese President NAME. King Salman also briefed the cabinet on his telephone conversations the former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, and King Abdullah II of Jordan
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Arab League foreign ministers meeting in emergency session in Cairo today expressed their full support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and condemned the recent attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashad.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir thanked the Arab League Council for its rapid response to Saudi Arabia’s request to hold the meeting. “It is no secret to the council that these attacks came after aggressive statements against the Kingdom,” Minister Al-Jubeir said.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers fully backed Saudi Arabia’s actions to fight terrorism and bringing to justice those who commit or sponsor acts of terrorism in a statement issued today after an extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council.
The meeting was held in Riyadh under the chairmanship of Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said today that Saudi Arabia may take further measures against Iran. Minister Al-Jubeir’s comments came in a press conference following the extraordinary meeting of the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which he chaired in Riyadh.
“We are looking at additional measures to be taken against Iran if it continues with its current policies,” said Minister Al-Jubeir.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir and GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani Joint Press Conference following the 42nd extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council
TRANSCRIPT
HE Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir:
In the name of God,
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said today that the Kingdom may take further measures against Iran.
Speaking at a press conference following the extraordinary meeting of the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh, the foreign minister said that the Kingdom is "looking at additional measures to be taken against Iran if it continues with its current policies."
The Royal Court announced today that in response to an invitation by the Pakistani government and based on directives by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, will visit Pakistan, Sunday, January 10. During the visit, he will meet a number of officials in Pakistan to discuss relations and aspects of cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
The 3rd phase of assistance program rendered by King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works to the needy in Tajikistan was launched today from in Dushanbe to quake-and-flood-hit areas. The relief program was launched on the instructions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The Arab League Ministerial Council at the level of foreign ministers is set to hold an extraordinary meeting in Cairo tomorrow at the request of Saudi Arabia. The meeting is to discussed the attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad. The meeting is expected to denounce the Iranian violations of the sanctity of the Saudi diplomatic missions well as Iran's repeated intervention in domestic affairs of Arab countries.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Saudi-led coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen today rejected allegations by Iran that coalition warplanes had launched airstrikes on its embassy in Yemen, calling those charges false and baseless. The coalition stressed that it does not carry out any operations near the Iranian embassy and that the embassy had not been damaged.
The Saudi-led coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen today rejected allegations by Tehran that coalition warplanes had launched airstrikes on its embassy in Yemen, calling those charges false and baseless. The coalition stressed that it does not carry out any operations near the Iranian embassy and that the embassy had not been damaged.
According to news outlets, an Associated Press reporter who reached the site just after the announcement saw no damage to the building and witnesses contradicted the Iranian allegations that the embassy was damaged.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, met with the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Zhang Ming in Riyadh on today.
The meeting reviewed aspects of bilateral relations between the Kingdom and China, and ways of boosting them. They also discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest.
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Washington DC
Consular Section
601 New Hampshire Ave, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 342-3800
e-mail: Uscon@mofa.gov.sa
Drop-off: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Pick-up: 10:00am - 12:00pm
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America have been strong allies for more than 80 years. Ours is a relationship built on trust and mutual interests, including stability and peace, counterterrorism, trade and shared prosperity.
This section is provided as a resource for information that will help the public understand the government, economy, security interests and culture of Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. It occupies an area about the size of the United States east of the Mississippi River. Saudi Arabia’s population is 27 million, including 8.4 million foreign residents (2010 census), and its capital city is Riyadh.
In an interview with CNBC yesterday, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to confronting terrorism in all its forms and urged Iran to end its destabilizing activities throughout the region. Minister Al-Jubeir said that Nimr Al-Nimr was a terrorist and that he received a fair trial.
The Saudi National Campaign to Support Syrian Brothers distributed 7,290 pieces of winter clothes and related relief materials to Syrian families in Mafraq Governorate as part of its 20th station of its relief project “My Brother, Your Warmth, My Goal 3”.
The Regional Director Dr. Badr bin Abdulrahman Al-Samhan confirmed that the campaign made a quantum leap through providing multiple relief projects to support Syrians by distributing 269,567 pieces of various winter clothes so far to refugees in Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and others displaced areas inside Syria.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir met in Riyadh today UN envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura.
Minister Al-Jubeir said that the UN envoy's visit to the Kingdom is an opportunity to push forward the Syrian peaceful process on the basis of the principles of Geneva 1, as well as the Vienna and New York's recent meetings, stressing the Kingdom's position in finding a solution to this crisis to form a transitional authority to rule, a new constitution and elections as well as no role for Bashar Al-Assad in Syria's future.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir charged that Iran’s aggression against the Kingdom goes back over three decades.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – In an interview with CNBC, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir today reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to confronting terrorism in all its forms and urged Iran to end its destabilizing activities throughout the region. Minister Al-Jubeir said that Nimr Al-Nimr was a terrorist and that he received a fair trial.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned all acts of violence against its diplomatic missions and the failure of the Iranian authorities to respect the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and the obligations of host governments in this regard.
Press Conference on the attack on the Saudi mission in Iran
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Amb. Osama Nugali
Spokesperson
In the name of God,
I would first like to welcome you, and present to you in detail the developments of the aggressive events at the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and general consulate in Mashhad. The minister will join the conference later, to talk about developments and updates of the issue.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir announced that Saudi Arabia is severing ties with Iran after the embassy attack in Tehran. During a press conference this evening in Riyadh, the foreign minister said that Iranian diplomats and staff have been given 48 hours to leave the Kingdom.
Minister Al-Jubeir said that Iran has a history of violating diplomatic missions in its country. “The continued attacks on diplomatic missions is a flagrant violation of all international treaties,” said the foreign minister.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir today announced Saudi Arabia's decision to break off diplomatic relations with Iran and requesting all personnel of its diplomatic mission to leave the country within 48 hours.
His Excellency Adel Al-Jubeir opening remarks:
The Minister of Justice Sheikh Dr. Waleed bin Mohammed Al-Samaani said that those convicted to death in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today have enjoyed all judicial warrants guaranteeing fair justice for them.
The minister said in a statement that the judiciary in the Kingdom is constitutional and objective having its rulings and systems based on the Islamic Sharia, a matter always confirmed by the Kingdom's observed systems and its rulers' instructions.
The Ministry of Interior announced today the execution forty-seven convicted criminals. The sentences were carried out following their convictions by the judiciary, and after the affirmation of the sentences by the Appeal Court, the Supreme Court, and the issuance of a Royal Order to implement the sentences.
The executions were carried out in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, the Eastern Province, Qassim, Hail, Northern Border, Asir, Jouf, Najran, Baha and Tabuk.
The Ministry of Interior said in a statement announcing the executions, the ministry said:
(RIYADH) - An official source at the Foreign Ministry expressed Saudi Arabia's deep disapproval, strong condemnation and categorical rejection of all hostile statements issued by Iranian regime against the Islamic rulings carried out on terrorists in the Kingdom.