Saudi Civil Defense announces that the danger has passed in several cities, and the UAE Central Bank imposes sanctions on Bank Melli Iran

On Thursday, the Saudi Civil Defense announced that the danger had passed from Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk, shortly after sounding the early warning sirens in emergency situations, as part of the procedures followed to warn of danger.

The Saudi Civil Defense, through its account on the “X” platform, called on the families and residents to continue to follow instructions, avoid gatherings and photography altogether, and contact the emergency number “998” when needed.

Civil Defense had previously announced the launch of an alert from the National Early Warning Platform in emergency situations in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk, to warn of danger, calling on residents to remain calm and follow official instructions.

According to the instructions he published, he called on residents to immediately go to the nearest safe place, whether inside a building or in an interior room away from windows, and to remain there until the danger passes, and not to leave homes or buildings during the warning period.

He stressed the need to stay away from open spaces, windows and glass, and not to stand on balconies or on the roofs of buildings, explaining that if a person is outside the home, he must enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a solid curtain.

He also warned against gathering, photographing, and approaching dangerous sites, calling on vehicle drivers, when receiving a warning message while driving, to stop on the side of the road, away from bridges, tunnels, and high-rise buildings.

The Civil Defense stressed the importance of obtaining information from its official sources, warning against the circulation of rumors and clips of unknown origin, and stressing the necessity of following instructions issued by the competent authorities through official channels.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was held in New York on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting discussed the path of the partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council and ASEAN, in light of the development witnessed by relations between the two sides over the past years, and ways to move existing cooperation into practical projects and initiatives that enhance common interests.

The ministers also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in a number of priority sectors, including economic, trade, investment and development fields, in addition to the importance of continuing coordination and consultation on regional and international issues of common interest.

The Central Bank of the Emirates imposed enforcement measures against the branches of Bank Melli Iran operating in the country, which included prohibiting any financial transactions to and from Iran, including trade financing and money transfers, against the backdrop of violations detected by supervisory inspections.

The Central Bank said, on Tuesday, that the measures were taken in accordance with Article (168-1-C) of Federal Decree Law No. (6) of 2025 regarding the Central Bank and the regulation of financial establishments, activities, and insurance businesses.

He explained that the violations relate to non-compliance with the regulations, legislation and regulatory decisions in force in the Emirates, including the requirements and obligations stipulated in the legislation related to combating money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and financing the proliferation of arms.

Based on the results of inspections and the powers granted to the Governor of the Central Bank; It was decided to prevent all branches of “Bank Melli Iran” operating in the Emirates from carrying out financial transactions to and from Iran, in a step that includes in particular financial transfers and trade financing operations.

The decision comes within the framework of the UAE authorities tightening supervision over financial institutions and their commitment to compliance requirements. The Central Bank affirmed the continuation of taking the necessary measures to maintain the safety and integrity of the financial system, and to ensure that the entities subject to its supervision adhere to the applicable standards, regulations, and relevant international practices.