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The United Arab Emirates has expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia after a Saudi Aramco helicopter crashed in Ras Tanura on Sunday, killing all 14 people on board.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed condolences to the victims' families and to the Saudi government and people.
What happened in the Saudi Aramco helicopter crash in Ras Tanura?
A helicopter operated by Saudi state oil giant Aramco crashed Sunday in Ras Tanura, on Saudi Arabia's eastern coast.
All 14 passengers aboard were Saudi citizens. Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry confirmed the crash and said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause, with no indication of a hostile attack.
What did the UAE say about the Aramco helicopter crash?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement carried by state-run WAM news agency expressing the country's solidarity with "the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
The ministry conveyed its "sincere condolences and sympathy" to the families of the victims. No further diplomatic statements were immediately released.
Where is Ras Tanura and why does it matter?
Ras Tanura, on Saudi Arabia's eastern coast, is home to one of the Middle East's largest oil refineries, with a production capacity of about 550,000 barrels per day. The facility is a central part of Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia produces slightly more than 10 million barrels of crude oil per day and is the world's leading crude exporter.
Has Ras Tanura been targeted before?
The Ras Tanura refinery was previously struck by an Iranian drone attack that caused a fire and forced a partial shutdown. Iranian attacks also hit facilities in Jubail, Yanbu and Riyadh during the recent Middle East conflict.
Saudi Arabia said in April those attacks disrupted production at several key facilities.
What is Aramco's aviation operation?
Aramco operates more than 60 aircraft, including helicopters that serve more than 300 heliports across Saudi Arabia, making it one of the region's largest corporate aviation fleets.
The crash comes as Gulf oil-producing nations work to restore energy output following Iranian attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities have not indicated any connection between the helicopter crash and regional hostilities.
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