Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 160kg of qat/node/2521151/saudi-arabia
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 160kg of qat
The government has urged citizens and residents to report any information they have regarding drug smuggling or sales to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. (File/Shutterstock)
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 160kg of qat
The suspects have been arrested and the items were seized
Updated 01 June 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle 160kg of qat on the borders of Jazan region, state news agency SPA reported.
The suspects have been arrested, and the items seized and handed over to the relevant authority, SPA said on Friday.
The government has urged citizens and residents to report any information they have about drug smuggling or sales to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Reports can be made by calling 911 for Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 for other regions. Alternatively, information can be emailed to [email protected]. All reports are treated confidentially.
Ramadan nights: A tapestry of tradition, community, modern elegance
Ramadan transforms nights into vibrant spectacles of commerce and community
You can immerse yourself in the bustling night markets and seasonal stalls that come alive throughout the month
Updated 22 sec ago
Ghadi Joudah & Nada Hameed
RIYADH/JEDDAH: As the sun dips below the horizon, signaling the end of a day of fasting and reflection, cities across the Muslim world awaken to a nocturnal pulse.
The holy month of Ramadan transforms nights into vibrant spectacles of commerce and community, with bazaars and night markets emerging as electrifying hubs of activity.
You can immerse yourself in the bustling night markets and seasonal stalls that come alive throughout the month, in which Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and traditions take center stage.
Visitors weave through vibrant hubs adorned with handcrafted souvenirs, traditional attire, and unique local goods, pausing to savor flavorful iftar and sahoor specialties served at the stalls.
The air hums with laughter, the clatter of coffee cups, and the warmth of shared stories, embodying the essence of Ramadan in the city.
Among Riyadh’s after-dark attractions, the Ramadan Caravan by Harvey Nichols stands out as a beacon of cultural celebration and modern luxury.
Ramadan Caravan by Harvey Nichols will run from February 13 to April 4 at Al-Faisaliah Center in Olaya. (SUPPLIED)
Returning this year for its 10th anniversary, this annual pop-up event runs until April 4 at Al-Faisaliah Center in Olaya, with extended hours tailored to Ramadan rhythms.
Inspired by Najdi architecture, the caravan’s design pays homage to Saudi heritage, blending earthy geometric patterns and arched motifs with sleek, contemporary aesthetics.
“Ramadan Reflections with HN,” which is this year’s theme, invites visitors to embrace and celebrate the season.
(SUPPLIED)
A Harvey Nichols spokesperson told Arab News: “By curating such a diverse collection, Harvey Nichols Riyadh ensures that customers can find items that resonate with their cultural backgrounds and traditions.”
To honor Ramadan’s spirit, the caravan introduces immersive experiences, and the spokesperson added: “We focus on activities that foster connection — like scent workshops with local artisans and bespoke gifting corners.”
These elements, and collections spanning abayas, kaftans, and home decor, reflect the rituals of gathering and generosity that are central to the month.
Adding to Riyadh’s after-dark allure, Beast House has announced its Ramadan 2025 experience: a vibrant fusion of tradition, artistry, and family-centric celebration.
(SUPPLIED)
Guests can explore hands-on activities such as floral arrangement and candle-making, or unwind in the elegant Ramadan Majlis — a luxuriously appointed space with plush seating and soft lighting, ideal for sahoor gatherings.
Culinary excellence takes center stage with a bespoke sahoor menu crafted by chef Rawan Al-Muslimani, blending timeless Ramadan flavors with contemporary flair.
The JAX Ramadan Market is also poised to join Riyadh’s roster of seasonal highlights.
As Ramadan is a time of togetherness, reflection, and celebration, and one of the most cherished traditions is visiting bazaars and night events, Ramadan Season is taking place in Al-Balad, the historic district of Jeddah.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Ramadan Season is being celebrated across cities nationwide, highlighting Saudi traditions through cultural and community events.
Under the slogan “Our Nights Have Returned,” the streets and public spaces have been adorned with decorative lights and installations, creating a magical atmosphere.
(SUPPLIED)
In key locations such as Al-Ghadeer Walkway, Olaya Street, and Jeddah Corniche, areas shine with Ramadan-themed displays throughout the holy month.
In Jeddah’s historic district, visitors can experience traditional Ramadan nights, enjoy iftar and sahoor at restaurants and cafes, and explore the “Balad stalls,” at which food vendors and seating areas offer a warm and welcoming space.
For a grand Ramadan experience, the Ramadaniyat Promenade is open until the end of Ramadan and entry is free.
Fawanees Nights at the Galleria Hotel on Tahlia Street runs throughout the month and offers a luxurious setting.
Beast House Ramadan 2025 experience: a vibrant fusion of tradition, artistry, and family-centric celebration. (SUPPLIED)
The Jibna Al-Eid Bazaar features a variety of local brands and delicious food, while the Balqees Exhibition is a key destination at Ana Ghair Mall.
For those looking for a lively Ramadan carnival, the Lammat Ramadan Festival will be held at the Hilton Hotel from March 13-17.
Another must-visit is the Samra Bazaar which is being held until March 15 at Emaar Square. This features a Ramadan tent, traditional folklore, a gaming championship, physical and electronic games, a children’s area, and an array of arts, culture, and food stalls.
Hajar Bin Rafe’a, the founder of Rafe’a Abayas and Rafe’a Concept Store, told Arab News about her deep appreciation of Ramadan bazaars, particularly Jibna Al-Eid and Qamra, which are known for their high attendance, excellent organization, and exceptional shopping experience.
Beast House Ramadan 2025 experience: a vibrant fusion of tradition, artistry, and family-centric celebration. (SUPPLIED)
Rafe’a said: “These two events receive an overwhelming turnout and stand out for their organization, revenue, and unmatched customer engagement. They have become an integral part of Jeddah’s identity during Ramadan.”
Rafe’a stressed that her participation in the bazaars is not solely for financial reasons but also to remind customers of the presence and evolution of local Saudi brands.
In addition, the Ahl Awal Exhibition, which runs until March 26 at Basateen Center, welcomes visitors daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Meanwhile, Ramadan with MC Bazaar, which was organized by Monochrome Community, was a two-day event on March 6-7 at Diwan Al-Hijaz on the Corniche. The event provided an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Saudi culture at Ramadan and enjoy the company of loved ones in an unforgettable setting.
Saudi Arabia’s Masam project clears 1,058 bombs from Yemen
Updated 25 min 18 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project for Landmine Clearance, or Masam, removed 1,058 explosive devices from several parts of Yemen during the first week of March.
The KSrelief-led project cleared 1,034 unexploded ordnances and 24 anti-tank mines, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Since its launch, the Masam project has removed 484,401 explosive devices across the country.
The aid is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Etaam Ramadan food distribution project
Updated 52 min 29 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief recently distributed more than 1,900 food aid parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
In Mauritania’s Tiaret district of Nouakchott, 3,390 people benefitted from 565 food parcels.
Also, 751 packages were handed out in the Karaan district of Somalia’s Banadir governorate, benefiting 4,506 people.
In addition, 590 parcels were distributed in the Romania cities of Bucharest and Constanta, benefiting 2,950 people.
The aid is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Etaam Ramadan food distribution project.
Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s Gaza electricity cut
Updated 11 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s move to cut electricity to the Gaza Strip in what the Kingdom described as a practice of “collective punishment” against Palestinians in Gaza.
The Kingdom stressed its categorical rejection of Israeli violations of international humanitarian law, a foreign ministry statement said.
It reiterated its call on the international community to take urgent measures to restore electricity and the flow of aid to the Gaza Strip immediately without conditions or restrictions.
The Kingdom “renewed its call to activate international accountability mechanisms for these serious violations,” the statement concluded.
Israel cut off the electricity supply to Gaza, officials said Sunday, affecting a desalination plant producing drinking water for part of the arid territory.
It also suspended last week supplies of goods to the territory of more than 2 million Palestinians, an echo of the siege it imposed in the earliest days of the war.
Saudi Arabia welcomes Syrian agreement in northeast
Updated 11 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed an agreement between the interim Syrian government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces that controls the country’s northeast.
The Kingdom praised the measures taken by the Syrian leadership to safeguard domestic peace in Syria and efforts made to complete the path of building state institutions, a Saudi foreign ministry statement said on Monday.
The deal includes a ceasefire and the merging of the main US-backed force there into the Syrian army.
The deal was signed by interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
The deal to be implemented by the end of the year would bring all border crossings with Iraq and Turkiye, airports and oil fields in the northeast under the central government’s control. Prisons where about 9,000 suspected members of the Daesh group are also expected to come under government control.
