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His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met Wednesday his office at the Amiri Diwan with Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of his visit to the country. At the outset of the meeting, His Royal Highness conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al -Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, to His Highness the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and the Qatari people further progress and prosperity. In turn, His Highness the Amir entrusted Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz al-Saud with his greetings to  King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, and to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, wishing them good health and wellness, and for the Saudi people continued progress and prosperity. During the meeting, the two sides discussed fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to exchanging views on several topics and issues of mutual interest.

Saudi priorities include defense, technology, nuclear powerBin Salman welcomed with flyover, honor guardTrump to urge normalization of ties with IsraelUS-Saudi business deals expected to be struckPresident Donald Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House Tuesday, with the Saudi de facto ruler seeking to deepen ties with Washington. Making his first White House visit in more than seven years, the crown prince was greeted with a lavish display of pomp and ceremony presided over by Trump on the South Lawn, complete with a military honour guard, a cannon salute and a flyover by US warplanes.Talks between the two leaders are expected to advance security ties, civil nuclear co-operation and multibillion-dollar business deals with the kingdom. The meeting underscores a key relationship -- between the world’s biggest economy and the top oil exporter.Trump greeted bin Salman with a smile and a handshake on the red carpet, while dozens of military personnel lined the perimeter. The limousine was escorted up the South Drive by a US Army mounted honour guard. The two leaders then looked skyward as fighter jets roared overhead, before Trump led his guest inside. Before sitting down for talks, the two leaders chatted amiably as Trump gave bin Salman a tour of presidential portraits lining the wall outside the Oval Office.During a day of White House diplomacy, bin Salman will hold talks with Trump in the Oval Office, have lunch in the Cabinet Room and attend a formal black-tie dinner in the evening, giving it many of the trappings of a state visit. US and Saudi flags festooned lamp posts in front of the White House.Trump expects to build on a $600bn Saudi investment pledge made during his visit to the kingdom in May, which will include the announcement of dozens of targeted projects, a senior US administration official said. The US and Saudi Arabia were ready to strike deals for defence sales, enhanced co-operation on civil nuclear energy and a multibillion-dollar investment in US artificial intelligence infrastructure, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Chase Koepka is injury-free and ready to battle his way back to LIV Golf for the first time since being relegated in 2023.The 31-year-old American is setting his sights on LIV’s Promotions event in January to complete a comeback to the Saudi-backed league, two years after losing his spot with only four top-40 finishes in his second season.“For me, the nice thing about the Promotions event is that it’s in Florida, it’s a home event,” Koepka told Bunkered. “I haven’t been able to play it for the last two years because of injury, so it would be great to have that opportunity. Good golf takes care of itself.”Shortly after his 2023 relegation, Koepka suffered an offseason shoulder injury that required major surgery and kept him away from competition for more than a year.Koepka returned to the golf course in January, He enjoyed a solid stretch before more recent struggles landed him at 44th in the International Series Order of Merit, well off the top-two mark that would have secured a place in LIV next year.“It has been up and down,” Koepka said of his recent play, after finishing T43 at the Singapore Open last weekend. “I’ve played some solid weeks, but I haven’t quite put myself in contention to win. It’s not that I’m playing badly - just not well enough to be up there with a chance on Sunday. That’s the next step for me.”Koepka’s 8-under-par score at Singapore was matched by Anthony Kim, who is looking to continue a comeback of his own.Kim returned to professional golf early last year after a 12-year hiatus during which he struggled with addiction and suicidal ideation. Although he was relegated in August after almost two full seasons with LIV, he hopes the January Promotions event will be his ticket to return.Regardless, the former Ryder Cup winner said he plans to make most of his pro starts next year on the Asian Tour in International Series events.“It is a long way over here. So as much as I want to compete, you know, part of my comeback to golf is being with my family,” Kim said. “And it is a lot of trouble for the family, so we will pick some events to play.”The 40-year-old also shared his future commitment to the sport.“This is something I am looking forward to and yes, regardless, I am going to play for a few more years,” he said. “I do not know how long I want to play golf for, but this is something I am committed to. I am motivated to play as good as I can, work as hard as I can, and you know, the results will speak for themselves.”

The stage is set for a grand battle between Saudi Arabia and Iraq when they meet in their decisive AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Playoffs Group B tie Tuesday at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah.It’s a winners-take-all match with the victors booking their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 while the beaten side will advance to a playoff against the Group A runners-up, with the winners to bid for one final chance in the FIFA Playoff Tournament.Both achieved wins against Indonesia with Saudi Arabia’s 3-2 success giving them a slight advantage over Iraq - who picked up a 1-0 win - with the group hosts needing only a draw to take the automatic berth.Herve Renard’s side have had better recovery time, having played on Wednesday but the Frenchman will be without midfielder Mohamed Kanno who was sent off in stoppage time against Indonesia.Renard’s faith in the dynamic 23-year-old Saleh Alshamat - who only had three international caps prior to the Indonesia match - paid off handsomely with the Al Ahli Saudi FC forward netting the equaliser against Indonesia. Feras Albrikan is also in good form, having bagged a brace.It is the defence, however, that is a cause of concern for the French tactician with Indonesia registering 17 shots, 10 of which were on target with Renard urging his players to keep their concentration for this crucial encounter.“What we did before, it’s nothing up to now because if we don’t achieve our goal tomorrow you won’t remember the game against Indonesia, the game we played in Bahrain so the most important is tomorrow,” said Renard.“I’m lucky because I have some players with experience like Saleh Al Shehri, Salem Al Dawsari our captain, now Hassan Al Tambakti is getting more experience. I always tell them to stay focused, it’s not always easy with the Saudi players but the most important is when they are listening, so we prepare for this game very quietly. We are concentrated on our goal and we don’t have to do something else, just focus on us. This is the most important."Head coach Graham Arnold is charting an appearance on the global stage for just the second time for Iraq.Iraq only failed to score in three of the 16 matches since Round 2 of the Qualifiers but the availability of topscorer Aymen Hussein remains in doubt after the forward wasn’t in the matchday squad on Saturday.Like his counterpart Renard, Arnold will also have to contend with a suspension with centre-back Zaid Tahseen unavailable following his red card in the closing minutes of the tie against Indonesia but the Australian tactician believes that his Iraq side will be heading into the match under less pressure than their rivals."Everything is great," said Arnold. "It’s a very special game tomorrow night and it’s one I’m really excited about."I think the pressure’s more on Saudi. They have in their brain two ways to qualify, that is draw or win. We have one way and that’s win. So our full focus is going out and go for it."We’ve already captured the spot for the playoff in November and we go for it because Saudi will have 90 percent of the fans, the pressure from the media, pressure from FIFA so the pressure is on Saudi."

Saudi Arabia have been crowned champions of the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025, after claiming a 2-0 win against the UAE in the final match held at Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha.The tournament brought together young football talents from the region to compete for the coveted trophy. This was the first time that the competition was held under the auspices of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF).“Over the past two weeks, we witnessed the phenomenal talents of young players from the Arabian Gulf. The successful delivery of this tournament once again showcased Qatar’s commitment towards supporting emerging football talents from the region, while uniting fans to celebrate our shared passion for football. Congratulations to all the players who took part, and to Saudi Arabia for clinching the trophy,” said Jassim Sultan al-Rumaihi, AGCFF Secretary General.The AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup is a precursor to a spectacular line-up of tournaments scheduled for this winter. Hosts Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 that will take place from November 3-27 at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone. This will be followed by the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup from 1-18 December. Fans can purchase tickets for both tournaments at www.roadtoqatar.qa. In addition, Qatar is also set to host the AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 from December 4-16, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on December 10, 13 and 17.

Substitute Mohammed al-Khalaf scored a goal and made an assist as Saudi Arabia beat hosts Qatar 2-1 in the semi-finals of the U-17 Gulf Cup in Doha Tuesday.Despite an early goal from Qatar’s Adam Friakh in the 28th minute, Saudi Arabia, reduced to ten men after a red card, fought back. Al-Khalaf, coming as a sub in the 77th minute, scored and assisted, securing the win.

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an emergency session in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to examine the grave implications of the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.The session discussed the serious humanitarian and human rights consequences of the unlawful Israeli attack on Qatar on September 9, describing it as a blatant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law, and a threat to regional peace, safety, and stability.In a statement delivered on behalf of the Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha, by Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al Quds Affairs, the organisation strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Qatar, calling it a flagrant breach of international law, including the UN Charter and the fundamental principles governing peaceful relations between states.**media[361808]**He added that targeting a member state of the OIC that actively contributes to mediation and peace efforts sets a dangerous precedent and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Israel bears full responsibility for this unlawful and unjustified attack and must be held accountable.The OIC also denounced ongoing Israeli violations and crimes in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, including collective punishment, starvation, forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.The aggression against Qatar, he noted, marks a dangerous escalation in the regional context, not only an assault on Qatar's sovereignty but also on the collective international efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages and detainees.**media[361810]**He expressed the OIC's deep solidarity with Qatar and pledged unwavering support for any measures the country may take to safeguard its security, sovereignty, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents.HE the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and member of the IPHRC Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah stated that the Israeli aggression against Qatar has left deep wounds and humanitarian tragedies, most notably the martyrdom of six individuals, numerous injuries, and the terrorising of civilians.As a member of the IPHRC, HE Al Attiyah strongly condemned this attack, which targeted a civilian area and posed a serious threat to residents and diplomatic missions, adding that it resulted in severe violations, including worsening health conditions for people with chronic illnesses and the temporary deprivation of education for at least 1,000 students due to damage to schools and kindergartens, in addition to acute psychological trauma suffered by children and their families.HE Al Attiyah emphasised that the meeting represents a vital step toward justice for victims and their families, and toward bringing perpetrators of the most serious violations to international accountability.She stressed that the recurrence and expansion of grave violations reflect a deeply troubled international landscape, driven by complicity with aggressors and the failure of protection mechanisms to fulfill their roles. This, she said, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the global system to fulfill the objectives of the UN Charter, translate justice and equality into lived realities, end impunity, and restore hope to millions yearning for a world governed by the values of truth, justice, and peace.She reaffirmed the Commission's role in confronting the grave violations committed by Israeli occupation authorities and expressed confidence that the emergency session would yield conclusions and recommendations capable of shaping a unified and unequivocal international stance against the crimes of aggression, condemning all resulting violations, and ensuring accountability and non-repetition.HE Al Attiyah also highlighted the importance of supporting national human rights institutions and civil society organisations in documenting violations and encouraging their coordination and participation in all actions undertaken by the Commission.For his part, the Chairperson of the OIC's IPHRC Dr. Haci Ali Acikgul condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar, saying it is an unjustified and illegitimate aggression against a sovereign state, and constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the fundamental principles of international law, and international humanitarian law.He emphasised that the attack on the State of Qatar was not an isolated incident but rather part of a systematic pattern pursued by the Israeli occupation to target civilians, especially women and children in the Gaza Strip, through a policy of collective punishment, forced displacement, the use of starvation as a weapon, and deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure.He added that the Committee reaffirms its full solidarity with the State of Qatar, both government and people, adding that the attack on a state that acts as a mediator to end the conflict is, in essence, an attack on the principle of negotiation itself. The Committee also supports the unanimous condemnation issued by the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Doha on September 15, and supports the roadmap laid out by the Summit for coordinated diplomatic, political, and legal action, he said.He pointed to the importance of demanding that the United Nations Security Council, the Human Rights Council, and other relevant bodies take urgent and decisive action to condemn the Israeli aggression, prevent any future violations, and enforce binding obligations under international law. He called for the opening of independent and impartial investigations into the attack, holding Israel accountable at the international level, and supporting the referral of violations committed by Israel against the State of Qatar and in the occupied Palestinian territories to international judicial mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.Executive Director of the OIC's IPHRC Dr. Hadi bin Ali Alyami said that this emergency session reflects their deep awareness of the gravity of the situation and their shared commitment to their responsibilities as the OIC's IPHRC, which comes in response to the serious human rights repercussions resulting from the unlawful Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.Alyami added that this aggression was not a passing incident but rather represents a flagrant violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and a blatant breach of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which constitute the fundamental pillar of international peace and security. The world was shocked by the targeting of a country known for its active role in humanitarian and diplomatic mediation, its tireless efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to facilitate the release of detainees in Gaza.He pointed out that the IPHRC took the initiative from the outset to condemn the attack on the State of Qatar, calling on everyone to raise their voices in international forums to end impunity, protect civilians, and preserve human dignity in accordance with the principles of international peace and security.For her part, the President of the Human Rights Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Hala bint Mazyad Al Tuwaijri said this session comes amid a grave incident, namely the attack launched by the Israeli occupation authorities against the State of Qatar, which carries serious repercussions for human rights and international humanitarian law, and poses a direct threat to regional and international peace and security.Al Tuwaijri pointed out that the attack constitutes a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights law, violating the right to life and the right to security. It resulted in the killing and wounding of many people, as well as terrorising innocent civilians, especially women and children in the targeted civilian area.She added that they are fully aware that the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar at this time, while sponsoring mediation efforts to stop the war in Gaza and end the humanitarian crisis there, poses an obstacle to efforts to establish peace in the region through diplomatic means.She stressed that such actions cannot be justified under any pretext, but rather reflect a disregard for international standards and a determination to violate the rules agreed upon by the international community to protect humanity.

The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has outlined its key preparations for the upcoming Haj season of 1447 AH, following a series of meetings and initiatives held throughout the month of Rabi’ Al Awwal.These proactive efforts aim to enhance the pilgrimage experience and elevate the quality of services provided to the Guests of Allah.The ministry confirmed co-ordination with representatives from over 60 countries through their respective Haj offices in preparation for the next season.It also held more than 50 meetings with relevant authorities and Haj offices to launch the Saudi Buses initiative, designed to improve transportation efficiency for pilgrims.Additionally, the Nusuk Massar platform has approved more than 16 companies to serve international pilgrims. The platform has automated service directories for over 75 countries and activated more than 189 hospitality centres for pilgrims.Over 24 companies have also been qualified to provide services to international pilgrims, with readiness assessments completed. The ministry noted the launch of social responsibility initiatives and a new database to register volunteers for the Haj 1447 season.The Ministry of Haj and Umrah emphasised that these efforts are part of its comprehensive, year-round strategy to prepare for Haj, contributing to the continuous improvement of services and aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enrich the pilgrims’ spiritual journey and facilitate their experience.

On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have announced a joint initiative to support Syria.Together QFFD and SFD are providing $89mn funding through UNDP to ensure the continuity of essential public services across Syria over a three-month period.The joint funding will provide vital budgetary support enabling the payment of a portion of salaries for government employees responsible for core government functions related to the delivery of essential basic services. By maintaining these critical services, the effort aims to strengthen social protection, foster stability, and promote inclusive socio-economic recovery throughout the country.SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman al-Marshad, stated that the grant provided comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s wise leadership efforts to enhance development support for brotherly Syria. He emphasised that the Fund works hand in hand with its partners to foster growth and advance the development journey in Syria.QFFD director-general Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti stated: “This initiative reflects our shared vision to promote stability and build resilience for the brotherly Syrian people. We firmly believe that investing in essential public services is not only an urgent humanitarian necessity, but also a strategic long-term investment in achieving sustainable development, preserving human dignity, and laying the foundations for peace and prosperity.”Through this support, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirm their dedication to advancing development and promoting strategic partnerships with the international community. These recovery efforts are designed to contribute to resilient governance, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development throughout Syria.“The Government of Syria extends its sincere appreciation to both the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development for this joint initiative, contributing to financing a portion of the salaries of civil servants. This contribution conveys a message of support from the esteemed governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” said Mohamad Yisr Barnieh, Minister of Finance of Syria, “This initiative aligns with the Syrian Government’s efforts to advance financial and economic reforms, reinforcing the foundations of stability and economic and social recovery in the service of the Syrian people.”Implementation of this initiative will closely align with Syria’s national priorities, laying the foundation for long-term recovery and sustainable development. “We are grateful for the generous contributions of the Qatari and Saudi funds for development, which address the immediate needs of the Syrian population while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and development,” added, Haoliang Xu, UNDP acting administrator.

The Royal Court of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom. The late Grand Mufti also served as head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Royal Court said that the funeral prayer will be performed today at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh following the Asr prayer.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has described the International Conference on the Two-State Solution as a pivotal moment to advance peace and reinforce international commitment to a just resolution of the Palestinian issue.Delivering remarks on behalf of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al- Saud, Prince Faisal addressed the opening session of the high-level conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian conflict, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.In his speech, the Saudi Foreign Minister condemned what he called the brutal crimes of the Israeli occupation in Gaza, ongoing violations in the West Bank, and repeated infringements on the sovereignty of Arab and Islamic nations - citing most recently the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar.Prince Faisal welcomed France's recent recognition of the State of Palestine and commended the growing number of countries taking similar positions. He also pointed to the overwhelming support for the UN General Assembly's adoption of the New York Declaration, which calls for a peaceful resolution and the realization of the two-state solution. With 142 countries voting in favor, he said, the resolution reflects a strong international consensus in support of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, grounded in international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.The minister warned that Israel's continued hostile actions threaten regional and global stability and risk derailing peace efforts. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's longstanding position that the two-state solution remains the only credible path toward a comprehensive and lasting peace.Prince Faisal affirmed the Kingdom's readiness to work closely with France and other nations committed to peace in order to implement the outcomes of the conference. He stressed the urgent need to end the conflict in Gaza, stop all unilateral measures undermining Palestinian sovereignty, and advance a political solution to the crisis.He concluded by thanking the countries that have already recognized, or declared their intention to recognize, the State of Palestine, and called on others to follow suit and take what he described as a historic and necessary step toward justice and stability.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of his country's National Day.