Saudi Crown prince discusses Gaza with leaders from Gulf, Jordan, Egypt

Leaders from Gulf countries, Jordan and Egypt were hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Friday. (X/@Badermasaker)
Leaders from Gulf countries, Jordan and Egypt were hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Friday. (X/@Badermasaker)
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Updated 22 February 2025
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Saudi Crown prince discusses Gaza with leaders from Gulf, Jordan, Egypt

Saudi Crown prince discusses Gaza with leaders from Gulf, Jordan, Egypt
  • Meeting discussed joint efforts in support of the Palestinian cause, and developments in Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted a meeting of leaders from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Egypt in Riyadh on Friday.

The meeting discussed joint efforts in support of the Palestinian cause, and developments in Gaza, along with other regional and international issues, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting was attended by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.

The leaders welcomed the holding of the emergency Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4.


Saudi drug busts lead to multiple arrests

Saudi drug busts lead to multiple arrests
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi drug busts lead to multiple arrests

Saudi drug busts lead to multiple arrests
  • General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested three citizens and a Yemeni resident in Najran for selling tablets regulated by medical circulation laws
  • Border Guard patrols in Al-Aridah, Jazan, thwarted the smuggling of 31 kg of hashish and arrested six Yemenis for smuggling 83 kg of qat

RIYADH: Saudi authorities carried out multiple drug-related arrests across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. 

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested three citizens and a Yemeni resident in Najran for selling tablets regulated by medical circulation laws.

In another operation, a Yemeni and a citizen were arrested with 56,119 tablets.

Authorities in Al-Dayer, Jazan, foiled an attempt to smuggle 33,450 tablets.

Border Guard patrols in Al-Aridah, Jazan, thwarted the smuggling of 31 kg of hashish and arrested six Yemenis for smuggling 83 kg of qat.

Two Pakistanis were arrested in Jeddah with 4 kg of methamphetamine, also known as shabu.

Border Guard patrols in Al-Raboah, Asir, arrested eight Yemenis and Ethiopians for smuggling 144 kg of qat.

Authorities also arrested four citizens in the Eastern Province for selling hashish and amphetamines.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed, and all seized items were transferred to the relevant bodies.

Authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be submitted, in strict confidence, to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.


Regions celebrate Eid with cultural diversity and community engagement

Regions celebrate Eid with cultural diversity and community engagement
Updated 16 min 39 sec ago
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Regions celebrate Eid with cultural diversity and community engagement

Regions celebrate Eid with cultural diversity and community engagement
  • Cities and towns across the Kingdom are hosting Eid Al-Fitr events that blend traditional cultural performances with modern entertainment

RIYADH: Municipalities across Saudi Arabia are hosting Eid Al-Fitr events that blend traditional cultural performances with modern entertainment.

In Hail, the celebrations have attracted visitors of all ages with activities including theatrical performances, the Ardah dance — inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015 — and popular folklore shows.

Baha Municipality has distributed 3,000 gifts as part of its celebrations and organized 55 community events, including traditional performances, fireworks, family festivals and children’s theater.

Asir Municipality prepared over 470 parks and squares in preparation for Eid, hosting diverse cultural and recreational events, while in Abha, Eid Al-Basta festivities at the Heritage Village have featured traditional performances, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses.

Qassim’s celebrations have included folk arts, with audiences enjoying traditional chants and performances, and Al-Aan Palace in Najran has attracted visitors with its stunning views and unique architecture, offering insights into the region’s history and culture.

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites organized programs at locations including the Hira Cultural District and Makkah Mall, drawing thousands of families.

Taif’s parks have also hosted a range of events, attracting over 200,000 attendees with cultural performances and spectacular fireworks.

Meanwhile, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s Eid celebrations included children’s games, calligraphy and more, bringing cheer to the historic district of At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace.


Saudi publishers connect globally at Bologna fair

Saudi Arabia inaugurated its pavilion at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Center in Bologna.
Saudi Arabia inaugurated its pavilion at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Center in Bologna.
Updated 01 April 2025
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Saudi publishers connect globally at Bologna fair

Saudi Arabia inaugurated its pavilion at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Center in Bologna.
  • CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission said that the Kingdom’s involvement aims to showcase a range of programs

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia inaugurated its pavilion at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, held from March 31 to April 3 at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Center in Bologna, Italy.

Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, said that the Kingdom’s involvement aims to showcase a range of programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He added that these efforts focus on developing the publishing industry, fostering cultural engagement, supporting Saudi publishers and literary agents globally, and highlighting the Kingdom’s rich intellectual heritage and literary output.

Al-Wasel added that the fair provides a valuable platform for Saudi publishers to connect and exchange knowledge with international counterparts.

The Kingdom’s pavilion includes participation from cultural entities such as the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahd National Library and the Publishing Association.

The King Salman academy is showcasing its efforts to enhance the global presence of the Arabic language and support Arabic content in cultural and academic fields, the SPA reported.

The academy is presenting its latest publications, highlighting its contributions to linguistic and knowledge-based content development, as well as its projects in language planning, policy, computational linguistics, education and cultural initiatives.


KSrelief supports thousands in Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon

KSrelief supports thousands in Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon
Updated 01 April 2025
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KSrelief supports thousands in Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon

KSrelief supports thousands in Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food, clothing and shelter packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 1,900 food baskets to vulnerable and displaced families in Ad-Damir, a city in River Nile State, benefiting 11,400 people.

In Somalia, the aid agency provided 500 clothing bags, 100 shelter kits and 70 tents in Hargeisa, aiding 4,020 people.

In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 1,048 food baskets in Beirut and Arsal, assisting 5,240 individuals.

The efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian initiatives to support affected communities worldwide.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,389 projects worth nearly $7.9 billion in 106 countries, working with 309 local, regional, and international partners.


Dean of the Diplomatic Corps applauds Saudi Arabia for successful Umrah season

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps applauds Saudi Arabia for successful Umrah season
Updated 01 April 2025
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Dean of the Diplomatic Corps applauds Saudi Arabia for successful Umrah season

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps applauds Saudi Arabia for successful Umrah season
  • More than 122 million visits to Islam’s holiest mosques during Ramadan

RIYADH: Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama on Tuesday praised Saudi Arabia for its hosting of the Umrah season amid elaborate arrangements and assistance provided to worshipers in the holy cities.

Bamakhrama told Arab News: “I congratulate the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the success of the Umrah season in the month of Ramadan, and the huge number visits to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

“More than 122 million people, pilgrims, visitors and worshipers paid a visit during the holy month of Ramadan to the Two Holy Mosques. All of them performed their rituals and worship with humility and tranquility, amid cleanliness and safety. The movement of the masses was organized smoothly and securely,” said the envoy.

“All of this would not have been achieved without the grace and mercy of Allah, and then the keenness and interest of the government of Saudi Arabia in serving the Two Holy Mosques and the holy lands in the most perfect manner,” he added.

“I pray to Allah to perpetuate these efforts and bless them and those who all were involved in making it a successful Umrah season,” he said.

More than 122 million people visited Islam’s two holiest mosques in Saudi Arabia during the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan that ended on Saturday, with the Eid Al-Fitr celebration beginning Sunday.

A total of 122,286,712 visitors were received at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during Ramadan, the CEO of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Ghazi Al-Shahrani, said.

Al-Shahrani added that the number of Umrah performers reached 16,558,241, while worshipers totaled 75,573,928 at the Grand Mosque and 30,154,543 at the Prophet’s Mosque.

He extended heartfelt congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support for the Umrah season and on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

Al-Shahrani also expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to serving the guests of Allah, praying that their efforts be rewarded.