Politics
The Ministry of Housing: Drawing on building walls is prohibited without approval and a permit
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has released a draft guide, regulations, and procedures for writing and drawing on walls, which aims to establish controls and procedures
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has released a draft guide, regulations, and procedures for writing and drawing on walls, which aims to establish controls and procedures for drawing and writing on walls in order to reduce visual distortions resulting from random and unregulated writings and drawings, in cooperation with relevant authorities, after their random spread in irregular and unauthorized ways by the concerned authorities.
The regulations included allowing temporary writing and drawing in event venues, according to the license issued by the event organizer and the Secretariat, provided that the organizer is committed to coordinating with the Secretariat regarding removal and maintenance after the Secretariat’s approval.
The beneficiary is obligated to maintain the mural if it is damaged and worn out, in coordination with the Secretariat, whether by removal or maintenance. The artist is also obligated in authorized individual works to maintain or remove the mural if it is damaged and worn out, in coordination with the Secretariat.
Drawing on government or private buildings by the same entity is prohibited under any circumstances without obtaining approval and authorization from the Secretariat, for example but not limited to: (hospitals - schools - nurseries...).
The guide explained that drawing by owners on the walls and fences of commercial buildings without obtaining approval and permission from the Secretariat is prohibited, for example but not limited to: (football fields, padel courts, public markets, shops).
The regulations included prohibiting owners from painting on walls, fences, or residential buildings in any form, including but not limited to: (house fences, private fences) without obtaining approval and permission from the Secretariat.
General rules and procedures
The guide defined the art of writing and drawing on walls as murals that aim to promote and beautify society, or even to express something specific, and may take the form of creative drawing or one of the forms of writing in an artistic way on the walls.
Graffiti is defined as unwanted drawings, letters, or marks on public and private property without the consent of the usufruct owner and causing visual pollution.
The guide specified general controls and procedures for the project, which are applied by the responsible authorities and their staff as a tool of control to reduce and mitigate risks that affect the achievement of its goals, with each secretariat committing to establishing a mechanism for organizing and supervising the work, monitoring and following up, receiving requests from entities and individuals, and submitting periodic reports to the Committee for Improving City Entrances and Squares.
The Secretariat must submit all requests (for writing or drawing on walls), and they must be presented, reviewed, and approved using the project approval form for members of the Committee for Improving City Entrances and Squares.
Commitment to remove the violation
Drawing by individuals or entities on public property (public parks, public toilets, street furniture, bridges and tunnels) in any form is prohibited without obtaining a license.
Approval must be obtained from the Secretariat for writing or drawing on walls in public or private places visible to the public. The violating party or individual is obligated to remove the drawings or writing on walls that were done without obtaining a permit from the Secretariat.
The Secretariat is also committed to removing the violation if it is not removed by the individual or entity without obtaining a license after the deadline specified after imposing and paying the financial penalty after monitoring the violation.
The municipality is committed to removing the violation in public places if the perpetrator of the violation is not identified, whether an individual or an entity, while reserving the municipality’s right to pursue the perpetrator once identified.
Politics
US-Iranian talks in Geneva under Omani auspices
Switzerland announces that Geneva will host US-Iranian talks next week, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, amid Swiss support for efforts to facilitate dialogue and reduce escalation.
Swiss authorities officially announced on Saturday that Geneva will host a new and crucial round of negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, scheduled for next week. This significant diplomatic step is being hosted and organized by the Sultanate of Oman, which continues its pivotal role in bridging the gap between the two sides, following up on the first round hosted by Muscat earlier this month.
In a statement reflecting Switzerland's longstanding commitment to neutrality, a spokesperson for the Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed that the country welcomes and fully supports these talks, emphasizing that Switzerland stands ready at any time to exert every diplomatic and logistical effort to facilitate constructive dialogue between Washington and Tehran. The spokesperson clarified that the talks will be hosted by Oman on Swiss soil, reflecting the high level of coordination among international mediators to ensure a conducive negotiating environment.
The Omani and Swiss roles: Mediation diplomacy
These talks are of particular importance given the parties involved in facilitating them. On the one hand, the Sultanate of Oman plays a historic role as a trusted "post office" and impartial mediator between the West and Iran, where quiet Omani diplomacy has previously succeeded in defusing numerous crises and paving the way for major agreements, including the 2015 nuclear deal. Moving the talks to Geneva, hosted by Oman, underscores Muscat's continued leadership in regional de-escalation efforts.
On the other hand, Switzerland has a long history of representing US interests in Iran since the two countries severed diplomatic relations in 1980. Geneva is a global center for multilateral diplomacy, lending an air of seriousness and impartiality to this round of negotiations. Combining Omani expertise in mediation with Switzerland's neutral umbrella provides a solid foundation for attempting to break the deadlock on the outstanding issues.
The context of tensions and the importance of dialogue
These talks come at a sensitive time, as the Middle East and the world face complex geopolitical challenges. While the precise agenda has not been disclosed, observers anticipate that the discussions will address thorny issues related to de-escalation in the region, the fate of economic sanctions, and the long-standing nuclear issue, which has been a major point of contention. The resumption of dialogue, even indirectly or through intermediaries, is a positive sign of both sides' desire to avoid open confrontation and to seek diplomatic solutions to the accumulated crises.
Politics
Faisal bin Farhan engages in dialogue with leaders of Munich Youth 2026 regarding international crises
The Saudi Foreign Minister participated in a dialogue session with Munich Youth Leaders as part of the Munich Security Conference 2026, reviewing the Kingdom’s positions on crises and the importance of constructive dialogue.
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s active diplomatic efforts on the international stage, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated today (Saturday) in a strategic dialogue session with the “Munich Young Leaders” group, jointly organized by the Körber Foundation and the Munich Security Conference, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026.
The Kingdom's vision towards global challenges
The dialogue session highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm stances on various current regional and international crises. During the discussion, His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs reviewed the Saudi vision, which prioritizes dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, emphasizing the importance of intensifying "sincere and constructive dialogue" as the only way to overcome the common challenges facing the international community, from geopolitical tensions to issues of global security and stability.
The importance of the Munich Security Conference and the Kingdom's leading role
The Kingdom's participation in the Munich Security Conference is of paramount strategic importance, as this conference is the world's foremost platform for discussing international security policies. Prince Faisal bin Farhan's participation underscores Riyadh's pivotal role as a peacemaker and a reliable partner in maintaining regional and international security and stability. Through its ambitious Vision 2030, the Kingdom is working to build bridges of communication with all stakeholders, affirming that economic development and prosperity cannot be achieved in isolation from security and political stability.
Investing in future leaders
The dialogue with the “Munich Youth Leaders” is a significant forward-looking step, as this program brings together a select group of young minds and future decision-makers from around the world. The Foreign Minister’s keenness to meet with this group reflects the Kingdom’s belief in the importance of engaging rising generations in formulating innovative solutions to complex crises and conveying the Saudi perspective transparently to future leaders in global political and security circles.
High-level diplomatic presence
The session witnessed a notable Saudi diplomatic presence, with the participation of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid bin Saud Al Kabeer, Director General of the General Directorate of Policy Planning, reflecting the depth of the political discourse presented. Also present was Mr. Nawaf bin Khalid Al-Issa, a member of the Munich Youth Leaders 2026, highlighting the active Saudi presence not only at the leadership level but also among qualified young professionals in international forums.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its balanced diplomatic approach, seeking through these international platforms to enhance multilateral cooperation and advance efforts to de-escalate tensions in various hotspots around the world.
Politics
The Foreign Minister highlights the Kingdom's positions at the Munich Conference 2026
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in a session with the leaders of Munich Youth 2026, reviewing the Kingdom's positions on crises and the importance of constructive dialogue to enhance international security.
His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated today (Saturday) in a strategic dialogue session with the “Munich Young Leaders” group, which was organized by the Körber Foundation in cooperation with the Munich Security Conference, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in its 2026 edition.
The session featured extensive and in-depth discussions on the most prominent challenges facing the international system today. His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs reviewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm and unwavering positions on various regional and international crises. During his remarks, His Highness emphasized the Saudi vision, which prioritizes sincere, transparent, and constructive dialogue as a cornerstone for overcoming the complex geopolitical obstacles facing the world, stressing that diplomatic solutions remain the optimal choice for ensuring global security and stability.
This participation is of particular importance given the Munich Security Conference's status as the world's leading forum for security policy, where decision-makers, heads of state, and ministers convene to discuss current and future threats. The Kingdom's active participation in this international forum reflects its pivotal and growing role as a regional and international force for peace, consistently striving to bridge divides and support efforts to defuse crises in the Middle East and the world.
In a related context, the Kingdom's engagement with the "Munich Youth Leaders" underscores Saudi diplomacy's belief in the importance of investing in future generations of global decision-makers. This platform provides a unique opportunity to explain the Saudi perspective on complex issues and to highlight the Kingdom's initiatives based on the principles of good neighborliness, respect for national sovereignty, and collective action to address shared challenges such as climate change, energy security, and combating terrorism.
This important meeting was attended by His Highness the Minister, the Director General of the General Administration for Policy Planning, His Highness Prince Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid bin Saud Al Kabeer, and a member of the Munich Youth Leaders for 2026, Professor Nawaf bin Khalid Al-Issa, reflecting the intensive and qualitative Saudi presence in all the conference activities to ensure that the Kingdom’s voice and its ambitious vision for the future are conveyed.
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