Al-Issa’s visit highlights Australia’s multifaith future

The meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Dr Al-Issa reflects a wider recognition that effective diversity management relies on social trust as much as policy frameworks.

Khodr Saleh , SA Newes:

The recent visit of the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, to Australia was not simply another diplomatic engagement. It was, in effect, a reminder that social cohesion in a society as diverse as Australia cannot rely on legislation alone. It requires sustained effort, credible partnerships, and a willingness to engage with institutions capable of influencing communities beyond the reach of government.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Dr Al-Issa signalled as much. His acknowledgement of the League’s work in promoting cross-cultural understanding reflects a broader shift: that managing diversity is no longer just a matter of policy design, but of social trust.

Australia’s demographic reality makes this unavoidable. More than 30 per cent of Australians were born overseas, and nearly half have at least one parent born abroad. Hundreds of languages are spoken across the country. Diversity is not an abstract concept it is the lived condition of Australian society.

“Social cohesion cannot be sustained by policy alone — it must be built through dialogue, trust and meaningful engagement.”

The challenge, then, is not whether diversity exists, but whether it is being effectively managed. In that context, Dr Al-Issa’s visit has been viewed as a timely and constructive opportunity. Not because it introduces a new model, but because it reinforces an existing one: that dialogue between cultures and faiths must be practical, continuous and embedded within communities.

Dr Al-Issa emphasised that dialogue between religions and cultures is fundamental to stability, and that diversity should foster connection rather than division. This message aligns closely with Australia’s multicultural framework — but alignment alone is not enough. The real test lies in implementation.

The Muslim World League’s expanding global role, including its engagement with United Nations platforms on interfaith dialogue and countering hate speech, reflects a broader evolution in how religious institutions contribute to social stability.

That evolution matters domestically. As global tensions intensify, their effects are increasingly felt within diverse societies such as Australia.

Governments provide the framework. But they cannot build cohesion alone.

Engagement with credible institutions is therefore not symbolic — it is practical. It strengthens trust, reinforces shared values and supports a more resilient social fabric.

At a time when identity-driven tensions are rising globally, the real question is not whether societies are diverse, but whether they are resilient — and whether diversity can be transformed into a source of strength rather than division.

Khodr Saleh is a Sydney-based journalist and commentator, and a former Australian politician and Deputy Mayor.

Saudi Ambassador to Australia Receives Muslim World League Secretary-General

The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Sultan Fahad Bin Khuzaim, received H.E. the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who is undertaking an official visit to Australia.

استقبل سعادة سفير خادم الحرمين الشريفين لدى كومنولث استراليا الأستاذ/ سلطان بن فهد بن خزيم، معالي الأمين العام لرابطة العالم الإسلامي، رئيس هيئة علماء المسلمين فضيلة الشيخ الدكتور/ محمد بن عبدالكريم العيسى، خلال زيارة معاليه الرسمية إلى أستراليا.

Australian Saudi Business Council and Forum hosts Ramadan iftar in Sydney

SA News: The Australian Saudi Business Council and Forum hosted a Ramadan iftar in Sydney under the patronage of His Excellency Meshare Ben Naheet, Consul-General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Sydney, with investors and representatives from several leading Australian companies in attendance.

The event was hosted by Sam Jamsheedi, President of the Australian Saudi Business Council and Forum. Council Ambassador the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon GAICD also addressed the gathering.

Mr Jamsheedi said the event reflected the importance of strengthening ties between Australia and Saudi Arabia not only through trade and investment, but also through shared cultural occasions that bring communities together.

“Events such as this reflect the importance of building relationships not only through business, but also through shared cultural moments that strengthen the foundations of the Australia-Saudi partnership,” Mr Jamsheedi said.

Saudi Heritage Shines at Canberra’s National Multicultural Festival 2026

SA News Canberra: The Saudi Arabia Embassy in Australia took part in the annual National Multicultural Festival, held in the Australian national capital, Canberra, from 6 to 8 February 2026.

The Saudi pavilion at the festival attracted many visitors and offered festival-goers an insight into the Kingdom’s historical and cultural identity, featuring curated photographic displays and documentary highlighting archaeological and heritage landmarks from across Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Australia, H.E Sultan Fahad bin Khuzaim, said the exhibition reflected the depth and richness of the Kingdom’s cultural and heritage identity, aiming to introduce audiences to Saudi Arabia’s history and long-standing cultural traditions.

The pavilion included a dedicated section on Saudi calligraphy and showcased scale models and visual displays highlighting the heritage of AlUla and Diriyah, alongside Saudi architectural concepts that blend traditional influences with contemporary design, reflecting the continuity of Saudi heritage through a modern lens.

Visitors to the Saudi pavilion were also welcomed with traditional Saudi hospitality, including the distribution of Saudi dates and Arabic coffee, offering an authentic cultural experience and enhancing engagement with the display.

The National Multicultural Festival, held annually in the heart of the national capital, brings together participants from more than 120 countries and is regarded as one of Australia’s largest celebrations of cultural diversity.

Saudi Embassy Celebrates 95th National Day in Canberra

23 September 2025 | Canberra | SA News The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Australia, H.E. Sultan bin Khuzaim, hosted a reception at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day.

The evening brought together senior Australian officials, diplomats, academics and business leaders, reflecting the strong and growing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Australia. Among the distinguished guests was Australia’s Chief of Protocol, Mr Jonathan Muir, who proposed a toast to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the people of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador bin Khuzaim reciprocated with a toast to His Majesty the King and the people of Australia.

The event showcased Saudi Arabia’s progress under Vision 2030, highlighting major reforms and achievements across technology, renewable energy, tourism and investment. Guests viewed exhibits and images illustrating the Kingdom’s transformation into a modern, knowledge-driven economy — now among the world’s fastest-growing and most digitally advanced nations.

As music, cultural displays and traditional Saudi hospitality filled the evening, the celebration served as both a tribute to history and a glimpse into a future shaped by innovation, sustainability and global partnership.

Saudi Health Minister seals new research deals in Sydney roundtable

Saudi Health Minister seals new health research deals in Sydney.

Sydney I SA NEWS : Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister, Fahad Al-Jalajel, has capped his official visit to Australia with a high-level roundtable in Sydney, hosted by the Saudi-Australian Business Forum and attended by leaders from the health and innovation sectors.

The event was also attended by Saudi Arabia’s Consul-General in Sydney, Mashari bin Ali bin Naheet, along with an accompanying delegation.

The gathering saw the signing of a series of memoranda of understanding between Saudi Health Holding Company, the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO) and major Australian firms in medical diagnostics and clinical research.

Mr Al-Jalajel said the agreements mark “a significant step” in building integrated healthcare solutions and advancing clinical research in genomics and biotechnology. He stressed that the partnerships would reinforce Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for advanced medical research, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 health sector transformation program.

The Sydney talks formed the final stage of the minister’s Australian tour, which also took him to Melbourne and Canberra for meetings with government officials, universities and research institutes aimed at deepening cooperation in health innovation and investment.

Saudi and Australian health ministers strengthen ties in Canberra

“Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel meets with Australian Health Minister Mark Butler in Canberra, accompanied by Saudi Ambassador Sultan Fahad A. Bin Khuzaim.“

Canberra, SA News   Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel met with his Australian counterpart, Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler, in the capital today to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare, digital innovation and investment in the pharmaceutical sector.

The meeting, attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Sultan Fahad Bin Khuzaim, underlined both governments’ commitment to closer health ties and to opening new avenues for collaboration.

Al-Jalajel said Saudi Arabia’s health sector is undergoing a major transformation as part of Vision 2030, with a focus on prevention, patient empowerment and value-based care. He noted that the Saudi pharmaceutical and biotechnology market, now valued at more than AUD 9 billion, presents “promising opportunities for strategic partnerships,” adding that health-related trade with Australia represented 14 per cent of the Kingdom’s imports from Australia in 2024.

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in digital health, the minister pointed to the launch of the world’s largest virtual hospital, which has already delivered more than 50 million consultations. He stressed that cooperation with Australia would help accelerate global adoption of virtual health technologies and build “a more efficient, high-quality and sustainable future for healthcare.”

Al-Jalajel also held talks with Blair Comley, Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care and chair of the World Health Organization’s Executive Board, focusing on digital health priorities and workforce sustainability. He said Saudi Arabia’s appointment as Vice-Chair of the WHO Executive Board for 2025–2028 reflects its commitment to global health, pandemic preparedness and equitable access to medical innovation.

The visit concluded with a roundtable involving officials from both countries’ health ministries, aimed at sharing expertise in digital health and building pathways toward more sustainable healthcare systems.

Saudi Health Minister begins official visit to Australia

Canberra SA News I 15 August 2025 – Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, has begun an official visit to Australia with stops in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in public health, digital health transformation and medical innovation, as well as explore investment opportunities and partnerships between health institutions in both countries.

In Melbourne, Al-Jalajel met Saudi scholarship students at Monash University, praising their role as ambassadors for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. He highlighted the Human Capability Development Program, which equips students with skills and knowledge for global competitiveness.

The minister will also meet senior Australian officials and visit leading healthcare facilities and research centres to exchange expertise in biotechnology, health technologies and ambulatory services.

The Saudi Orchestra Graces the Opera House

SA NEWS Sydney, 12 May 2025 — Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Music Commission, the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir made a powerful and unforgettable debut at the Sydney Opera House.

The evening was further distinguished by the presence of His Excellency Mr Sultan Fahad A. bin Khuzaim, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Australia, whose attendance underscored the significance of this cultural milestone.

The one-night-only performance captivated a full house, seamlessly blending traditional Saudi melodies with contemporary orchestral arrangements. Organised by Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission, the concert marked the ensemble’s seventh global stop, following acclaimed performances in Paris, New York, Tokyo, and other major cities.

Ninety-five musicians from the Kingdom joined forces with Sydney’s Metropolitan Orchestra in a vibrant display of musical diplomacy, offering a rich and evolving portrait of Saudi Arabia’s artistic identity.

The evening also featured renowned Australian artists — didgeridoo master William Barton, The Cat Empire frontman Felix Riebl, and saxophonist Nicholas Russoniello — in a compelling fusion of Arabian, Aboriginal, and Western musical traditions. Theatrical elements curated by the Saudi Theatre and Performing Arts Commission added visual depth and cultural texture to the experience.

Among the distinguished audience were diplomats, cultural leaders, and members of Australia’s Arab and broader communities. Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, described the concert as “a harmonious blend of heritage, innovation, and shared humanity.”

“This performance was not just a concert,” he said. “It was a dialogue — a celebration of connection and creativity that transcends borders.”

Saudi Embassy Celebrates Culture at Australia’s 2025 Multicultural Festival

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Australia has proudly participated in the 2025 National Multicultural Festival, which commenced in the nation’s capital, Canberra. The three-day event, renowned for its vibrant showcase of cultural diversity, features contributions from more than 120 countries, both Arab and international, attracting a significant official and public presence.

His Excellency Sultan bin Fahd bin Khuzaym, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Australia, warmly welcomed a host of officials, dignitaries, and ambassadors from various Arab and foreign nations who visited the Saudi cultural pavilion. The pavilion offered an immersive experience into the Kingdom’s rich heritage, displaying a collection of documentary photographs and artwork that highlighted Saudi Arabia’s historical and archaeological landmarks.

A key feature of the pavilion was a dedicated section for the “2025 Year of Handicrafts” initiative, an effort to promote and preserve traditional Saudi craftsmanship. This initiative aims to elevate the global profile of Saudi artisanal traditions while ensuring their legacy is safeguarded for future generations.

The Saudi Embassy’s participation in the festival underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural exchange and international engagement. Visitors to the pavilion had the opportunity to learn about Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted traditions, with displays covering various aspects of the nation’s cultural, artistic, and historical identity.

The National Multicultural Festival, one of Australia’s premier cultural events, continues to be a platform for fostering cross-cultural understanding, with Saudi Arabia’s presence further strengthening ties between the Kingdom and Australia through shared appreciation of heritage and tradition.