JEDDAH: The general court in Riyadh sentenced three African gang members to 10 years in jail and 1,000 lashes each for theft crimes they committed. Police arrested the gang members recently for their role in robbing a series of commercial shops in Riyadh. Police arrested them after a short chase when police discovered their robberies. They confessed to taking advantage of prayer times to rob vacant shops.

Municipality ready for Haj in Makkah

MAKKAH: The Makkah municipality finished making the final preparations for Haj this year. All labor forces, field teams and machinery used is now ready to deal with all issues related to environmental health, shop monitoring and food inspecting. The holy sites have been divided into 27 service sectors and supplied with field teams and equipment needed to carry out their operations.

Saudi executed for killing sister

AL-KHARJ: The Interior Ministry issued a statement on Thursday announcing the execution of a Saudi man who was accused of killing his sister in Al-Kharj city, 80 km southeast of Riyadh. Police arrested the man and sent him to court. The man confessed to his crime and the execution was carried out on Thursday in Al-Kharj city.

Jeddah’s dangerous buildings identified

JEDDAH: The Jeddah municipality estimated the number of old buildings ready to collapse at 2,500. The coordinator of the committee specialized in making the list, Khaled Zainy, said that large areas of Jeddah were surveyed to list these dangerous buildings and then a decision would be taken either to repair or demolish these buildings. Zainy said that the municipality placed warning signs on these buildings. Owners of these buildings will be called to review the reports to decide whether they will be forced to demolish or fix them.

EP prepared to receive visitors

DAMMAM: The Dammam municipality has finished putting the final touches on preparations to receive visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom. The municipality has revamped all tourist locations and has given face-lifts to all gardens and amusement parks. The municipality will conduct surprise inspections at shops and restaurants to make sure they are up to standards.

Donate blood to help pilgrims

RIYADH: A call has gone out for people to donate blood that could help save the lives of Haj pilgrims in an emergency. King Fahd Medical City is hosting a center in the capital on Friday for potential blood donors to visit. The Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath in Riyadh is organizing the event. Last year a record 300 volunteers donated blood. A spokesman told Arab News that the event is open to all nationals. He added a significant number of pilgrims who suddenly fall ill or have an accident often require blood. Elaborate arrangements have been made with the hospital to transport donations to the Blood Bank in Makkah.