Saudi King Salman issues royal orders relieving three senior officials of their posts

Assistant Defence Minister, Military Industries chief among those stripped of posts

Last updated:
1 MIN READ
190531 Salman
King Salman ordered that Talal bin Abdullah bin Turki Al Otaibi be relieved of his post as assistant Minister of Defence.
AP file

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz has issued royal orders relieving three top officials of their posts, including the assistant Minister of Defence, Saudi Press Agency Spa announced on Sunday.

King Salman ordered that Talal bin Abdullah bin Turki Al Otaibi be relieved of his post as assistant Minister of Defence.

In its first statement, the Royal Court said: “In accordance with the Kingdom’s basic law of governance and regulations governing ministers, deputy ministers, and senior officials, Talal bin Abdullah bin Turki Al Otaibi has been relieved of his duties as assistant minister of defence.

 In separate announcement, the Royal Court said that Mohammed bin Hamad Al Madhi has been removed from his post as head of the General Authority for Military Industries.

In a third statement, the Royal Court announced that Ghassan bin Abdul Rahman Al Shibl, an adviser in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, was also relieved of his position.

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox