Latest news with #MohammedbinSalman
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
China's visa-free trial for GCC nationals hailed as major boost to bilateral ties, cooperation
FILE PHOTO: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman poses during his visit to the Great Wall in Beijing, China Feb 21, 2019. China's visa-free trial for GCC nationals has been welcomed. - Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS DOHA: China is launching a trial policy granting ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain visa-free entry for stays from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026 of up to 30 days, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. "With the United Arab Emirates and Qatar that have implemented reciprocal visa-free policies with China since 2018, China now grants visa-free treatment to all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to embark on an impromptu trip to China," said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the ministry. The announcement has been warmly welcomed across various sectors in the four countries, with many expressing optimism about the policy's potential to enhance bilateral exchanges, strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties, and inject new momentum into cooperation between China and the GCC nations. "The impromptu 'China Tour' has finally become simple!" said Ayidh Al Yami, international office director of the Saudi Ministry of Investment. "I'm really glad to see that the relations between China and Saudi Arabia are getting closer and closer, and cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections have become more convenient," he added. A Saudi businessman with his company in Shanghai, Tariq Abdullah Buqnah, CEO of Buqnah Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., welcomed the announcement. "This step is not merely a simplification of travel procedures - it is, in my view, a true reflection of the growing strength in relations between Saudi Arabia and China," he noted. Omani political analyst Ahmed Al-Shezawi said: "Visa exemption will contribute to facilitating the movement of business people, investors and tourists." Echoing Al-Shezawi's view, Hamed Abdulqader Altwallah, general manager of the Saudi Employee Department at China Railway 18th Bureau Group (Saudi Arabia), said "it will greatly facilitate Saudi suppliers' visits to China for inspection and procurement, broaden our company's procurement channels, and introduce more high-quality and suitable resources for project construction." Hailing the move as "highly significant," Omani columnist Khalfan Al-Touqi said the trial policy serves the citizens of these countries by making travel to China easier, and benefits China by attracting more tourists from these countries. It also demonstrates and aligns with China's opening-up, he added. Hebah Abbas, chief engineer and technical adviser of the Ministry of Education in Kuwait, chairwoman of the Sustainability Committee at the Kuwait Water Association and member of AmCham Kuwait, said this policy greatly facilitates her visit to China to explore renewable energy projects, attend environmental conferences and engage in technical exchanges with Chinese companies, adding that the access lays a foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships. Ahmed Al-Salloom, businessman and chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee at the Bahraini Council of Representatives, said the policy "marks a qualitative leap in the trajectory of economic and trade relations" and "will lead to a notable increase in trade volume." Noting its direct impact on enhancing trade exchange between Bahrain and China, as well as the GCC countries more broadly, he said, "Such facilitation measures will significantly ease mobility, broaden opportunities for direct engagement, and allow closer inspection of markets and products." Abdul Majeed Ali Haji, General Manager of Bahrain's Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper, said the important and timely step underscores China's will to "strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties with Bahrain and the wider GCC region." "It will open new horizons for media professionals and experts from both sides, fostering greater cooperation in media and culture," said Abdul Majeed. - Xinhua
Saudi Gazette
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Al Ittihad end six-year wait to reclaim King's Cup crown
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ittihad brought the King's Cup back to their trophy cabinet for the first time since 2018 with a 3-1 win over Al Qadsiah on Friday night at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, in front of a packed stadium led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who presented the cup to team captain Karim Benzema. The victory secured Ittihad's 10th title in the competition's history, reaffirming their legacy in one of Saudi football's most prestigious tournaments. It marked a triumphant return to form for the Jeddah-based club, which had endured a six-year drought marked by managerial instability and fluctuating form. Founded in 1927, Ittihad has been intertwined with the history of the King's Cup, winning its first title in 1958. Through eras of dominance and reinvention, the club has consistently remained a powerhouse, from its golden run in the 1990s to this current resurgence under head coach Laurent year's campaign culminated in a powerful final performance, with the squad — featuring global stars like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Moussa Diaby — showing cohesion, composure, and who took over at the start of the season, crafted a balanced squad that blended veteran leadership with youthful atmosphere in Jeddah was electric as tens of thousands filled the stands, with Al Ittihad fans providing deafening support chants echoed as the team lifted the cup in a sea of black and yellow, marking a night to remember for the Tigers title follows Ittihad's Saudi Pro League triumph earlier in the season and sets the stage for another ambitious campaign — both domestically and on the continental stage — with the club eyeing further silverware and a return to its dominant best.
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Crown Prince awards King's Cup to Al Ittihad after 3-1 victory over Al Qadsiah
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman presented Al Ittihad with the King's Cup trophy on Friday night following their 3-1 win over Al Qadsiah in the final at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. In front of a packed crowd of 60,000, Al Ittihad secured their second trophy of the season with a dominant performance, led by French captain Karim Benzema, who scored twice on the night. Benzema opened the scoring in the 34th minute before midfielder Houssem Aouar added a second just nine minutes later. Benzema struck again in stoppage time to put the match beyond doubt. Al Qadsiah managed a consolation goal through a penalty converted by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in first-half added time. Al Qadsiah's hopes of a comeback faded late in the match when Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The victory marks Al Ittihad's 10th King's Cup title overall and their sixth under the updated official count of domestic competitions. It also caps a remarkable season for the Jeddah-based club, who earlier clinched the Saudi Pro League title ahead of rivals Al Hilal. The win cements Al Ittihad's dominance in domestic football this season, with Benzema's leadership and goalscoring proving pivotal in both title runs.
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Crown Prince, Canadian PM discuss bilateral ties in phone call
RIYADH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call on Thursday with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss aspects of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The two leaders reviewed current ties and explored opportunities to further enhance and develop cooperation across various fields. The conversation emphasized the shared commitment to strengthening collaboration and advancing mutual interests between Saudi Arabia and Canada. — SG
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
King Salman and Crown Prince receive letters from Egypt's President El-Sisi
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received two written messages from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi concerning bilateral relations between the two countries. The letters were delivered to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed Al-Khuraiji during his meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with Egypt's Ambassador to the Kingdom, Ihab Abu Seree'. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the deep-rooted brotherly ties and ongoing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. They also discussed issues of mutual interest.
