Jazan border guards foil attempts to smuggle more than 800 kg of qat

Jazan border guards foil attempts to smuggle more than 800 kg of qat
Qat leaves are usually chewed for their stimulant effect, which are less intense compared with cocaine or methamphetamine. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 05 August 2024
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Jazan border guards foil attempts to smuggle more than 800 kg of qat

Jazan border guards foil attempts to smuggle more than 800 kg of qat

RIYADH: Border guards in Jazan foiled attempts to smuggle more than 800 kilograms of qat into the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In Al-Aridah governorate, security patrols intercepted 500 kg of qat while in Ad-Dair governorate 90 kg were seized. A citizen was also arrested in Ad-Dair for trying to smuggle 226 kg of qat hidden in the vehicle he was driving.

Al-Aridah and Ad-Dair are on the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, a major producer and consumer of qat. Qat leaves are usually chewed for their stimulant effect, which are less intense compared with cocaine or methamphetamine.

Security authorities called on citizens and residents to report any information related to drug smuggling or selling to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control by calling 911 for Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Regions, or 999 for the rest of the regions, or by emailing 995@gdnc.gov.sa.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli military escalation targeting civilians in Gaza

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli military escalation targeting civilians in Gaza
Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli military escalation targeting civilians in Gaza

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli military escalation targeting civilians in Gaza
  • Kingdom renewed its ‘categorical rejection of the continuation of the Israeli crimes of genocide’ in Gaza
  • It called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasized support for Palestinians and urged international accountability

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s targeting of a major Palestinian hospital and the escalation of military actions against civilians in the Gaza Strip on Thursday.

The Gaza European Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, the only remaining facility providing medical follow-up for cancer patients in the enclave, announced it was out of service on Thursday after Israeli attacks damaged its facilities. Several Palestinians died and were injured due to the Israeli attacks, while roads leading to the hospital were destroyed.

The ministry said the Kingdom renews its “categorical rejection of the continuation of the Israeli crimes of genocide” against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

“(The) Kingdom holds the Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for their continued violation of all international and humanitarian norms and laws,” the statement added.

Saudi Arabia called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasized support for Palestinians and urged global accountability to end violations of international law by Israel, according to the Saudi Press Agency.


Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament
Updated 15 May 2025
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Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

RIYADH: The speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, received his counterpart from the Arab Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, during the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

During the meeting in Jakarta, the two reviewed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy carried out through active participation in regional and international conferences and forums.

They also discussed strengthening the mechanisms of joint Arab parliamentary action to serve Arab issues, as well as other topics of common interest.


King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates
Updated 15 May 2025
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King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language held a ceremony in Riyadh recently to celebrate the graduation of the second group of non-native speakers from the Abjad Center.

A total of 168 male and female students were honored after fulfilling all the program’s requirements, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said the Abjad Center offers a learning experience designed to equip non-native speakers with strong and effective communication skills.

Al-Washmi added that the program reflects the refinement of the academy’s educational model, reinforcing its role as a leading scientific authority on the Arabic language.

The initiative amplifies the academy’s educational and cultural impact in line with the objectives of the nation’s Human Capability Development Program, he said.


Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration
Updated 15 May 2025
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Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration
  • The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub

MADINAH: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and the Royal Commission for AlUla have formalized a collaboration agreement to enhance cultural exchange and establish a framework to broaden global understanding of northern Arabia’s ancient civilizations and cultural legacy.

The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub. Rooted in mutual dedication to cultural preservation and celebration, the collaboration will unlock new research opportunities and deepen insights into ancient Kingdom artistry, with special focus on the Dadanite civilization.

Experts will conduct joint initiatives in art conservation, historic research, archaeological exploration, and scientific analysis. The institutions will collaborate on exhibitions and artifact exchanges, bringing cultural treasures to international audiences.

Professional development programs covering exhibition curation, research methodologies, narrative development, and museum operations will enhance expertise among staff at AlUla’s museums and the Smithsonian.


Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting
Updated 15 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

RIYADH: The Kingdom, represented by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, took part in the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, held on Thursday via video conferencing.

Nazaha President Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous expressed his thanks to the association’s president and Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, Danny Woo, for organizing the meeting and for the association’s efforts to promote international cooperation in combating corruption.

He added that the Kingdom, represented by Nazaha, has paid significant attention to strengthening international partnerships in the fields of combating corruption and protecting integrity, and these efforts have resulted in a number of tangible achievements.

Al-Kahmous said that the Kingdom believes in the pivotal role played by the association in solidifying the principles of transparency and facilitating the exchange of expertise, knowledge and experiences.