Saudi authorities foil drug smuggling attempts in Jeddah, Hail, Jazan, Asir
Updated 25 May 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests in operations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested five individuals for violating border security regulations in Jeddah, among them an Ethiopian female on a visitor visa who had attempted to sell 27 kg of hashish and amphetamine.
Meanwhile, in Hail, the directorate arrested a Saudi national for selling 9.7 kg of hashish.
In another operation, Border Guard patrols in the Al-Harth governorate of the Jazan region thwarted an attempt to smuggle 27 kg of hashish.
Additionally, in the Al-Raboah sector of the Asir region, Border Guard patrols apprehended five border security violators of Ethiopian and Yemeni nationalities attempting to smuggle 352 kg of qat.
Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and the seized drugs have been handed over to the authorities. All those arrested have been referred to the Public Prosecution.
The Saudi government urges anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number +966114208417, or to email [email protected].
Tips relating to smuggling and breaches of common customs law are treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for valid tips.
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: 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
Updated 44 min 40 sec ago
Arab News
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.
The event hosted workshops, seminars, panel discussions and book signings led by experts in literature, arts and sports
Updated 51 min ago
SALEH FAREED
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.
Camels, kabsa, and kindness: a British influencer’s unexpected adventure in Saudi Arabia
Henry Moores walked to Riyadh from UAE ahead of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch
‘I hope to strengthen my relationship with my Saudi friends,’ says Moores
Updated 21 December 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: Henry Moores, a British influencer, has made an unusual journey to Riyadh for the high-profile boxing rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, having walked across Saudi Arabia from the UAE.
Describing the trip as an opportunity he “simply couldn’t afford to miss,” Moores told Arab News: “Riyadh has long been on my radar for many years, and when the opportunity presented itself through the Fury fight, everything aligned perfectly.”
On Saturday evening the two heavyweights compete for the WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles in a much-anticipated rematch from their bout last May. It is a fight of historic significance.
Henry Moores, British influencer
The response from Moores’ followers to his Saudi adventure has been “overwhelmingly positive,” he said.
“Initially, I wasn’t sure how they would react, especially as I was venturing to a place I had never visited before. However, everyone embraced the journey and truly loved the experience.”
Despite initial apprehension, Moores found reassurance through Visit Saudi, which provided him with resources and connections across the country. “I felt completely reassured about my safety.”
Saudi Arabia is stunning. I’ve met so many incredible people, and I’ve never felt safer in a country. This definitely won’t be my last time in the Kingdom.
Henry Moores, British influencer
His experiences with Saudi hospitality have been particularly memorable. “As soon as we arrived in Saudi Arabia, we were warmly welcomed by the locals with gifts, water, and offers of help and support. All my nerves were settled instantly,” he said.
“What surprised me the most was the incredible hospitality and generosity of the people,” he added. “I was actually given more bottles of water than I had purchased, and on several occasions, I was refused the chance to pay for my meals.”
One of Moores’ highlights was being welcomed into the home of the mayor of Haradh. “We shared tea, engaging conversation, and a delicious serving of kabsa,” he said.
His adventure also included a visit to a camel farm, an experience he recalled fondly. “We met a young man named Milfy, who was around my age, and he invited us to his camel farm. There, we had the unique experience of milking camels and drinking the milk right on the spot.”
Moores also addressed initial skepticism from some of his followers about his journey. “Those same individuals later apologized for their opinions and shared how much they’d love to visit Saudi Arabia now. I believe my content clearly showcased just how incredible Saudi Arabia is.”
His passion for hiking and walking, which he attributes to his mother’s influence during his childhood, was a significant part of his trip. “Reaching the heart of the Kingdom feels like a dream come true — something I never imagined I’d experience,” he said, adding that his first impressions were of a “beautiful, modern city” that captivated him.
Looking forward, Moores expressed eagerness to explore more of Saudi Arabia, particularly Diriyah, local cuisines, and Boulevard World.
He praised Visit Saudi for their support in logistics and translation. “Visit Saudi played a crucial role in connecting me, providing translation services, and facilitating the logistics of bringing a team, cameras, and a support car to make this trip possible,” he noted.
Moores also stated his desire to return. “Saudi Arabia is stunning. I’ve met so many incredible people, and I’ve never felt safer in a country. This definitely won’t be my last time in the Kingdom.
“I hope to strengthen my relationship with my Saudi friends and continue collaborating in the future, as I’m already looking forward to returning.”
