Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 160kg of qat

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)
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Updated 01 June 2024
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 160kg of qat

Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 160kg of qat
  • The suspects have been arrested and the items were seized

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.


Tunisian president discusses security cooperation with Saudi interior minister

Tunisian president discusses security cooperation with Saudi interior minister
Updated 23 sec ago
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Tunisian president discusses security cooperation with Saudi interior minister

Tunisian president discusses security cooperation with Saudi interior minister
  • Discussions focused on strengthening security ties between Tunisia and the Kingdom

TUNIS: Tunisian President Kais Saied met with Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz at the Carthage Presidential Palace on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations and security cooperation between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Saied, along with their wishes for Tunisia’s continued progress and prosperity.

The discussions focused on strengthening security ties between Tunisia and the Kingdom, with high-level officials from both countries in attendance, including the Saudi ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr. Representing Tunisia was Interior Minister Khaled Al-Nouri alongside senior officials.

The visit coincided with the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, where Prince Abdulaziz, in his capacity as honorary president of the council, joined other Arab interior ministers in discussing regional security strategies.

President Saied commended the council’s efforts in fostering security integration across Arab nations and expressed his hopes that the ministerial meeting would yield results aligning with the aspirations of Arab leaders and their citizens, SPA reported.


700 tons of Saudi dates to be distributed to over 100 countries during Ramadan

700 tons of Saudi dates will be distributed in 102 countries during Ramadan. (Visit Saudi)
700 tons of Saudi dates will be distributed in 102 countries during Ramadan. (Visit Saudi)
Updated 32 min 31 sec ago
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700 tons of Saudi dates to be distributed to over 100 countries during Ramadan

700 tons of Saudi dates will be distributed in 102 countries during Ramadan. (Visit Saudi)
  • The dates will be distributed through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance’s attaches at the Kingdom’s embassies
  • Last year, 500 tons of dates were distributed during Ramadan as part of the program

RIYADH: 700 tons of Saudi dates will be distributed in 102 countries during Ramadan as part of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques’ Gift Program for Providing Dates, it was reported on Sunday.

The dates will be distributed through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance’s attaches at the Kingdom’s embassies, and marks an increase of 200 tons from last year.

The Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh thanked the Saudi leadership for their generous care for Muslims in various countries of the world, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The minister highlighted the continuous support that the ministry receives from the leadership to carry out its duty and achieve its mission to serve Islam and Muslims, spread the values ​​and principles of Islam, and confront hatred, extremism, and fanaticism.

The ministry has completed all preparations to ship the dates to beneficiary countries so that they can be distributed during Ramadan 2025.


Saudi Arabia launches Ramadan project in 27 countries

Saudi Arabia launches Ramadan project in 27 countries
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia launches Ramadan project in 27 countries

Saudi Arabia launches Ramadan project in 27 countries
  • Saudi aid agency to distribute 390,109 food baskets, benefiting more than 2.3m people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, through its aid agency KSrelief, is supporting global food security during the holy month of Ramadan at a cost of more than SR67.6 million ($18 million).

KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah launched the Etaam project in Riyadh on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Under the initiative, 390,109 food baskets will be distributed across 27 countries during Ramadan, providing essential support to over 2.3 million people.

Al-Rabeeah said that the project reflects the humanitarian commitment of the Kingdom’s leadership to support nations and communities in need.

He highlighted its goal of alleviating food insecurity and improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable during the holy month.

Al-Rabeeah also noted that this initiative is among numerous humanitarian programs led by KSrelief, reflecting the generosity and community spirit of donors in the Kingdom toward those in need.

He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to supporting nations and communities in need, the SPA reported.

Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,309 projects across 105 countries, with a total value of almost $7.3 billion, spanning various critical sectors, Al-Rabeeah said.

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian and relief efforts, led by KSrelief, to assist vulnerable nations and strengthen global food security.


King Salman academy launches third Arabic program for non-native speakers

The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15.
The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15.
Updated 16 February 2025
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King Salman academy launches third Arabic program for non-native speakers

The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15.
  • Initiative aims to provide students with strong foundations in reading, writing, listening and spoken Arabic

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language has begun accepting applications for its third study program for non-native speakers at the Abjad Center in Riyadh.

The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15, with in-person study starting on Sept. 1, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The center offers a comprehensive educational experience aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The program has four levels, each lasting two months, for a total of eight months and 160 instructional hours per level, averaging 20 hours per week, the SPA reported.

It focuses on core language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — while incorporating cultural activities to enhance learning and immerse students in the Arabic-speaking environment.

The first edition attracted more than 16,140 applicants from 162 nationalities, with more than 130 students from 34 nationalities accepted.

The second edition received even more interest, with 16,472 applications from 126 nationalities and more than 150 students from about 40 nationalities admitted.


Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative

Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative

Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative
  • Field visit highlights wildlife conservation and deepens connection with nature

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority organized a field visit for school pupils to the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting.

This initiative is part of the authority’s drive to promote ecological awareness and foster community development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Shamal reserve, located within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, covers 2,000 sq. km. It offers comprehensive services and a unique hunting experience, attracting enthusiasts from the Kingdom and Gulf states.

The visit aimed to introduce students to the reserve’s wildlife, enhancing their ecological awareness and connection with nature, the SPA added.

It also highlighted the authority’s environmental protection efforts, sustainability initiatives, and tourism programs.

During the tour, experts emphasized the importance of ecosystem preservation and biodiversity in supporting sustainability and promoting ecotourism.

This initiative is part of a series of awareness programs designed to engage the local community in environmental conservation. These programs align with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainability and natural area development.

Covering 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve, home to 138 wildlife species and 179 plant species. It is known for its rich ecology, stunning landscapes and heritage sites.

Initiatives over the past four years have significantly increased populations of endangered species such as Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich, while also fostering a resurgence of reptiles and insects.