All articles tagged with #crown prince mohammed bin salman
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman plans to present a regional initiative during his US visit, focusing on Middle East peace, including Palestinian recognition, reviving Iran-US negotiations, and promoting regional stability by fostering better relations with Iran and addressing conflicts in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Saudi Arabia is set to introduce new rules regulating alcohol quotas for non-Muslim diplomatic missions in an effort to counter the illicit trade of alcohol goods, ahead of the reported opening of the first-ever liquor store in Riyadh exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats. While alcohol sale and consumption in the country is strictly forbidden and punishable by lashes, deportations, fines, and imprisonment, the move is seen as part of the nation's efforts to diversify its economy and remodel its tourism industry, leading to speculation about potential future legalization of alcohol in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has opened its first liquor store in over 70 years, located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter and restricted to non-Muslim diplomats, as part of the kingdom's efforts to become a tourism and business destination. The store stocks liquor, wine, and two types of beer, with purchases made through a mobile app on an allotment system. While the move reflects social liberalization under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, challenges persist due to international reputation and conservative Islamic mores. The kingdom has banned alcohol since the 1950s, and drinking alcohol is considered forbidden in Islam.
Saudi Arabia has opened its first liquor store in over 70 years, located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter and restricted to non-Muslim diplomats, as part of the kingdom's efforts to liberalize socially and economically under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The store, resembling an upscale duty-free shop, stocks liquor, wine, and two types of beer, with purchases made through a mobile app on an allotment system. While alcohol remains forbidden in Islam and Saudi Arabia, the move reflects the country's ambitions to diversify its economy and attract tourism, despite ongoing challenges and conservative Islamic mores.
Saudi Arabia has opened its first alcohol shop in over 70 years, exclusively catering to non-Muslim diplomats in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to diversify the economy and transform the kingdom into a tourism and business hub. The store offers liquor, wine, and limited beer types, with purchases made through a mobile app and strict identification requirements. The move aligns with new regulations governing alcohol sales to diplomats, aiming to control imports within diplomatic consignments. Saudi Arabia has maintained a strict ban on alcohol since the early 1950s, in adherence to Islamic law.
Saudi Arabia has opened its first liquor store in over 70 years, located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter and restricted to non-Muslim diplomats. The store stocks liquor, wine, and two types of beer, with purchases made through a mobile app on an allotment system. This move is part of the kingdom's efforts to become a tourism and business destination, but challenges persist due to international reputation and conservative Islamic mores. The opening coincides with new rules governing alcohol sales to diplomats, aiming to curb uncontrolled importing. While Saudi Arabia remains one of the few nations with a ban on alcohol, reports suggest that alcohol could be served at the futuristic city project called Neom.
President Biden spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the situation in the Middle East, expressing full support for defending U.S. partners against terrorist threats. They discussed diplomatic and military efforts to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating and agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts for regional stability. They welcomed humanitarian assistance to Gaza and discussed financial contributions from the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Both leaders called for the release of hostages held by Hamas and emphasized the importance of working towards a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians. They agreed to maintain close coordination.
Hyundai has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund to establish a commercial joint venture for local production of up to 50,000 combustion engine and electric vehicles annually, with an estimated investment exceeding half a billion dollars. The move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil. This follows the recent opening of a luxury EV facility by Lucid, and the upcoming joint venture between PIF and Foxconn for the first Saudi EV brand. Developing a thriving auto industry is seen as a way to insulate the monarchy from domestic unrest and attract foreign investment.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman aims to lead the Middle East towards peace and prosperity, using his vast financial resources and diplomatic efforts. Recent developments, such as Israeli officials visiting Riyadh and the Saudi envoy referring to Israel as a normal nation, indicate a growing normalization of relations between the two countries. However, the Crown Prince's vision for a "New Middle East" faces significant challenges and skepticism.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has acknowledged accusations of "sportswashing" as the kingdom increases its investments in international sports like golf and soccer to improve its image. Despite criticism of the practice, the crown prince stated that if sportswashing can boost Saudi Arabia's GDP by 1% or more, he will continue to pursue it. Critics argue that the government is using sports investments to gain political influence and divert attention from human rights abuses. The Saudi Public Investment Fund, controlled by the crown prince, has backed Saudi soccer clubs and LIV Golf, which has recently merged with the PGA Tour. The merger has faced scrutiny, with concerns raised about national security and Saudi Arabia's alleged ties to the 9/11 attacks.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has stated that his country is moving closer to reaching a normalization deal with Israel, marking the first public acknowledgment of the process. Talks between the Biden administration and Saudi Arabia have been ongoing, and a deal would be a significant foreign policy victory for the US president and could enhance Israel's acceptance in the Muslim world. MBS expressed the importance of solving the Palestinian issue and seeing Israel as a player in the Middle East. He also discussed the kingdom's relationship with Iran and its potential pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Additionally, MBS hinted at seeking other security partners if the US does not meet its requirements in the Israeli normalization talks.
Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, stated in an interview with Fox News that the country is getting closer to normalizing relations with Israel. However, he emphasized that resolving the Palestinian issue remains crucial. Saudi Arabia is currently discussing a potential agreement with the US, which would involve normalizing relations with Israel in exchange for a defense pact and aid for its civilian nuclear program. The prince denied reports of suspended talks and expressed hope for progress that would improve the lives of Palestinians and involve Israel as a player in the Middle East. The interview took place after President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where concerns were raised about the treatment of Palestinians.
In his first interview with a major American news network since 2019, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addressed controversies surrounding his country, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia's ties to the 9/11 attacks. Bin Salman denied personal involvement in Khashoggi's killing and emphasized that those responsible are serving time in prison. He also expressed concern about Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and stated that Saudi Arabia would seek one for security reasons if Iran did. Bin Salman discussed efforts to normalize relations with Israel and highlighted the importance of a deal that addresses the needs of Palestinians. The crown prince also defended Saudi Arabia's investments in sports and dismissed accusations of "sports washing."
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in Jeddah, marking the highest-level talks between the two countries since their reconciliation in March. The meeting followed positive discussions between the foreign ministers of both nations, with Amirabdollahian stating that the Saudi crown prince had accepted an invitation to visit Tehran. The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which had destabilized the region for years, has been gradually thawing, driven by factors such as a desire for regional stability, a shift in Saudi foreign policy, and Iran's aim to end its political and economic isolation.
President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has been sent to Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the White House aims to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The discussions covered various initiatives to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, including efforts to resolve the conflict in Yemen and the hope for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, the kingdom has expressed hesitance due to the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict and concerns over the right-wing government in Israel. The visit comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to Saudi Arabia last month, where similar discussions took place.