For the first time, an Israeli delegation attended a UNESCO conference in Riyadh, sparking speculation about potential improvements in ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Due to the lack of direct flights between the two nations, the five-person team traveled to Riyadh via Dubai on Sunday. UNESCO, the United Nations organization responsible for science, culture, and education, facilitated their visa arrangements. During the meeting, a prominently featured desk bearing the word “Israel” caught the attention of numerous Saudis present, sparking their curiosity. A Saudi employee remarked, ‘This is God’s command.’
When questioned about the presence of the Israelis, they responded, ‘The matter is bigger than us, and we cannot object to it.’ Despite the absence of any overtly political undertones, rumors have circulated that both nations may be looking to improve their bilateral ties. Reportedly, a Palestinian delegation visited Riyadh last week to assess the potential implications of Saudi Arabia and Israel establishing diplomatic relations. Despite having two significant Islamic sites in Israel, Saudi Arabia currently does not maintain diplomatic ties with the country.
However, recent diplomatic efforts by the Saudi government indicate a shift in their approach. They are striving to diversify their economy, which has long been dependent on oil, and position themselves as a major hub for global trade and tourism. Analyst Aziz Alghashian suggests that this change may make them more open to interactions with Israel. He also pointed out that while Israelis might perceive this as a diplomatic success, it was actually UNESCO that orchestrated the visit, much like how an Israeli eSports team was able to participate in the Gamers8 festival thanks to the efforts of international event organizers.
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