Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 2.4m amphetamine pills through Jeddah port

Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 2.4m amphetamine pills through Jeddah port
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Authorities in Saudi Arabia have foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 2.5 million amphetamine pills through Jeddah Islamic Port. (X: @Mokafha_SA)
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 2.4m amphetamine pills through Jeddah port
2 / 3
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 2.5 million amphetamine pills through Jeddah Islamic Port. (X: @Mokafha_SA)
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 2.4m amphetamine pills through Jeddah port
3 / 3
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 2.5 million amphetamine pills through Jeddah Islamic Port. (X: @Mokafha_SA)
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Updated 20 March 2024
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 2.4m amphetamine pills through Jeddah port

Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 2.4m amphetamine pills through Jeddah port
  • Several people were arrested in connection with the case, including a Syrian national, two other expatriates and two Saudi citizens

RIYADH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 2.5 million amphetamine pills through Jeddah Islamic Port, the country’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Maj. Marwan Al-Hazmi said investigators found 2,465,000 pills hidden in a shipment of agricultural fertilizer, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Several people were arrested in connection with the case, in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and have been referred to the Public Prosecution, Al-Hazmi added. They included a Syrian national, two other expatriates and two Saudi citizens. The operation was carried out in coordination with officials from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

Security services urge the public to report any information they discover about drug smuggling or distribution, Al-Hazmi said. All reports are treated confidentially.


Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture

Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture
Updated 10 sec ago
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Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture

Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture
  • This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University

Jeddah: The Jeddah Historic District Program of the Ministry of Culture recently hosted a delegation of students from Harvard University, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The students were given a tour of the Jeddah Historic District, known as Al-Balad, highlighting its distinctive architectural, cultural and economic landmarks.

They also participated in activities commemorating World Arabic Language Day, which further enhanced their understanding of the area’s rich heritage.

This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and economic development to their peers, the SPA reported.

The Jeddah Historic District Program plays a crucial role in revitalizing the area through community engagement, economic development and sustainable urban planning.

By transforming historic Jeddah into a vibrant environment for living and working, the program aims to establish it as a global heritage and tourist destination.


Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 5 min 3 sec ago
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Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen

Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 570 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included two anti-personnel mines, 50 anti-tank mines, 508 unexploded ordnances and 10 explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 473,258 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.


Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth

Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth
Updated 24 min 13 sec ago
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Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth

Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth

RIYADH: The Reading Forum, organized by the Libraries Commission, recently concluded at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.

The forum featured dialogue sessions and workshops attracting reading and culture enthusiasts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Discussions covered novels as artistic expressions that reflect culture and history, foster critical thinking, and the role of narration in promoting cross-cultural dialogue.

Participants highlighted reading and research as tools for personal growth, lifelong learning, and effective content creation.

They emphasized the importance of translation in cultural exchange and global copyright, the SPA reported.

Sessions explored instilling a love for reading in youth through collaboration between families, schools and society, as well as leadership in literary trends and the impact of genres on critical thinking.

The event set out to position reading as a foundation of progress, celebrating Saudi, Arab and global literary talent while fostering a culture of knowledge and intellectual growth.


Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures

Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures
Updated 49 min 39 sec ago
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Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures

Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures

RIYADH: The Riyadh Theater Festival is hosting a series of cultural discussions and theatrical performances distinguished by intellectual depth and artistic excellence.

Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the festival is being held at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University until Dec. 26.

A seminar on contemporary theater in the Arab world explored the intersection of creativity and sustainability, bringing together an elite group of theater thinkers and creators.

One of the festival’s participants, Kamal Al-Alawi from Tunisia, reviewed the evolution of theater, tracing its journey from the Greek era through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the time of Emile Zola, which marked a qualitative shift and revolution in impressionism.

Among the intellectuals and theater experts, Lina Abiad from Lebanon discussed ways to improve theatrical production and modernize it using contemporary methodologies.

The commission’s CEO, Sultan Al-Bazie, described the festival as a cornerstone for advancing theatrical movement in the Kingdom and increasing public awareness of the performing arts.

This year’s event features 20 performances, selected by a committee of experts, reflecting the diversity of theatrical arts in the Kingdom and its intellectual and developmental programs.

The festival underscores the commission’s commitment to supporting the performing arts and Saudi talent, aiming for a strong presence on regional and international stages. It will conclude with a presentation of awards to distinguished performers.


Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold

Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold
Updated 55 min 59 sec ago
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Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold

Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold
  • The event hosted workshops, seminars, panel discussions and book signings led by experts in literature, arts and sports

Jeddah: The Jeddah Book Fair concluded on Saturday, attracting thousands of visitors with local and international booksellers.

Held from Dec. 12-21 under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair featured more than 450 pavilions and showcased works from 1,000 publishing houses across 22 countries.

Mohammed Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, said that the fair displayed nearly 400,000 titles, selling more than 450,000 books in various genres.

The event hosted workshops, seminars, panel discussions and book signings led by experts in literature, arts and sports.

A dedicated children’s section featured animation, educational books and advanced learning tools.

One pavilion highlighted the cultural significance of camels, using modern technology to explore their history, types, and related poetry.

Arabic manga publications targeting youth were also a key attraction, alongside interactive displays and models of famous characters, offering a blend of entertainment and education.