Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh
Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh/node/2578790/saudi-arabia
Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh
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The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala Al-Tuwaijri, recently concluded the second phase of its “Train-the-Trainers” program. (SPA)
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The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala Al-Tuwaijri, recently concluded the second phase of its “Train-the-Trainers” program. (SPA)
Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh
The five-day program was delivered to 20 committee members in the field of combating human trafficking
Updated 10 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala Al-Tuwaijri, recently concluded the second phase of its “Train-the-Trainers” program.
The five-day program was delivered to 20 committee members in the field of combating human trafficking, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held at the commission’s headquarters in Riyadh, it was organized in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
It featured the participation of several experts and specialists from relevant government agencies and covered key topics including communication strategies with trainees, the role and responsibilities of the trainer, and speech skills.
It also addressed building trust, time management, and effective leadership.
The program is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen national capacity in the field.
It aligns with the implementation of the second phase of the memorandum of understanding between the commission and the UN for technical cooperation in combating human trafficking.
Soul searching: How astrology and crystals are captivating younger generations
Younger generations are more open to exploring unconventional topics, says astrology enthusiast
Updated 2 min 17 sec ago
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: In recent years, young Saudis have been increasingly drawn to astrology and crystals.
Arab News spoke to several Saudis who explained how this trend reflects a deeper desire for self-exploration and healing, particularly among the younger generation, who are navigating an era of rapid change and seeking guidance beyond traditional frameworks.
Young Saudis say that astrology — a system linking the position of planets to personality traits — as well as crystals, which some believe aid in personal healing, have provided avenues for them to explore their identities, face their anxieties and find meaning.
Wedad Bughararah says her whimsical workspace decor creates a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. (Supplied)
Mawadda Al-Surehi, owner of AGAPE & Co., a store in Saudi Arabia, described her journey as a response to a society that she believes often overlooks the well-being of the soul.
“We’re in an era where people are becoming more materialistic, focusing on possessions and forgetting their souls,” she said.
Al-Surehi’s products purportedly support meditation, inner peace and calmness. “Crystals are often underrated and seen only as pretty or aesthetic, but they actually carry a lot of energy and frequency,” she said. “I believe they’re part of our spiritual journey and have been for centuries.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• In a time of rapid change, uncertainty and global challenges, astrology and crystals promise young Saudis a sense of control, comfort and connection.
• Mawadda Al-Surehi predicts that crystals will become a staple in the lives of many Saudis, and are not just a passing trend.
“Crystals work like lemon and honey for the flu,” Al-Surehi said. “They’re for healing the spiritual side of you.”
Kyanite. (Supplied)
She predicted that crystals will become a staple in the lives of many Saudis, and are not just a passing trend.
Salsabil Al-Shajiri spoke about how her initial interest in astrology stemmed from curiosity. “I was interested in learning how these practices had captivated so many people,” she said. While she does not view astrology as an absolute truth, Salsabil appreciates its potential to help people reflect on their characteristics and tendencies, providing insight into relationships and behaviors.
She believes that the popularity of astrology among young Saudis is largely due to a desire for self-exploration. “They seek a way to discover their true selves,” she said, explaining how studying astrology has improved her mental health and perspective on life, helping her progress through personal development with a more positive outlook.
We’re in an era where people are becoming more materialistic, focusing on possessions and forgetting their souls.
Mawadda Al-Surehi, AGAPE & Co. owner
Abeer Ahmed shares a similar sentiment. “At the age of 27, astrology fits naturally and intuitively into my life,” she said. For Ahmed, astrology provides insight into daily life, although she approaches it with a balanced perspective. “I’ve learned through the years to take everything with a grain of salt,” she added, highlighting how she views astrology as a supportive tool rather than a definitive guide.
Labradorite. (Supplied)
Ahmed believes that young Saudis are drawn to astrology because of its fun and mysterious nature. “The idea that we each have a birth chart, unique to us, and can gain insight through studying constellations — that’s so fun,” she said. Younger generations, Abeer said, are more open to exploring unconventional topics. At various points in her life, astrology has provided her with confidence and a sense of direction. However, she cautioned against allowing it to dominate one’s life, highlighting that nothing should replace one’s own inner compass.
For Jomanah Nawaf, an interest in astrology and crystals began in 2018 when she discovered her placement — an aspect of astrology that attributes personality characteristics related to the time of a person’s birth.
Her particular placement of Sagittarius and Jupiter is said to represent a drive for personal freedom, truth and understanding — qualities that Jomanah found “ironically fitting.”
Lapis lazuli. (Supplied)
What started as a casual interest on social media quickly became a daily ritual. “Not a day goes by where I don’t use my astrology knowledge for personal reasons,” Nawaf said, adding that she incorporates astrology into everything from salon appointments to medical decisions.
Nawaf said that social media played a significant role in spreading these practices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when people spent more time online. She likens astrology to a personality test that offers labels to help people understand their experiences. “Astrology helps you understand what’s going on in your life and brings some relief,” she said. For Jomanah, astrology provides a sense of clarity and control in an unpredictable world, helping her navigate challenges with a calm perspective.
Wedad Bughararah was initially drawn to crystals because of their beauty, not necessarily because she believed they held energy. “Just having them around brought a sense of calm,” she said. This sense of peace led her to explore spirituality more deeply, discovering a world that felt both comforting and enlightening.
Bughararah commented on the generational draw to age-old practices. “Most of generation Z is struggling with depression because we don’t see a lot of hope for the future,” she said, adding that these practices provide a beacon of hope in an otherwise unpredictable life.
For some, like Al-Surehi, spirituality is a holistic journey that encompasses mind, body and soul. For others, like Ahmed and Nawaf, astrology serves as a tool for navigating life’s complexities.
In a time of rapid change, uncertainty and global challenges, astrology and crystals promise young Saudis a sense of control, comfort and connection. As Al-Surehi, eloquently puts it: “At the end of the day, you’re a soul inside a body.”
For this generation, spirituality presents itself as both a medicine for the soul and a guide to navigating the complexities of modern life.
A highlight of the exhibition is an immersive recreation of the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation
Updated 2 min 30 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Hira Cultural District in Makkah is currently hosting the Revelation Exhibition, drawing visitors from all walks of life.
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to delve into the stories of the prophets, from Adam to Muhammad.
A highlight of the exhibition is an immersive recreation of the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation.
Visitors can go back in time to experience the historic moment through state-of-the-art technology and interactive displays.
The exhibition also features a range of artifacts, including a photographed copy of the Qur’an that belonged to the esteemed companion Uthman ibn Affan, and ancient stone inscriptions bearing verses from the Qur’an.
The Hira Cultural District is a cultural and tourism destination which is committed to enriching the visitor experience.
Its Autumn Vacation series of events offers a diverse range of experiences, including equestrian skills demonstrations, a display of traditional caravans, and engaging challenges.
Tunisian president hosts Saudi investment minister for talks
The meeting, also attended by Saudi ambassador to Tunisia, Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the investment sector
Updated 27 min 3 sec ago
Arab News
TUNIS: Tunisian President Kais Saied received Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and his delegation on Saturday at the Carthage Presidential Palace in Tunis.
The minister passed on greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Saied, along with their well wishes for Tunisia’s ongoing progress, stability, and growth, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saied thanked Saudi Arabia for its leadership in the Arab and Islamic world, underscoring the Kingdom's vital role in fostering regional unity and development, SPA added.
The meeting, also attended by Saudi ambassador to Tunisia, Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the investment sector.
Both parties discussed enhancing economic collaboration and exploring potential opportunities to align the aspirations of their nations in various investment sectors.
An agreement to formalize a memorandum of understanding aimed at encouraging and expanding mutual investments was also discussed.
Saied lauded this move and emphasized that the agreement represented a significant step forward in cementing economic ties and fostering shared development initiatives between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Royal Saudi Air Force commander meets US Air Force official
The parties reviewed current and future programs and projects of the Royal Saudi Air Force
Updated 34 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, met the Deputy Undersecretary of the US Air Force for International Affairs Kelli Seybolt, the Defense Ministry wrote on X on Saturday.
The parties reviewed current and future programs and projects of the Royal Saudi Air Force, in the presence of program directors and the accompanying Saudi delegation.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih recently met the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, in Paris.
Barrot hosted a reception for Saudi and French companies, the Saudi minister wrote on X on Saturday.
Al-Falih also held a meeting with CEOs from a number of French companies to help stimulate and develop joint investments.
The report showed that among the 1,401 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 60 percent were Ethiopian, 39 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities
Updated 57 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 20,124 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 11,607 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,285 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,232 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,401 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 60 percent were Ethiopian, 39 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 98 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and six were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
