Saudi interior minister praises success of security, military plans

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif wished employees of his ministry a happy Eid Al-Fitr on behalf of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
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Updated 30 March 2025
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Saudi interior minister praises success of security, military plans

  • The minister expressed the leadership’s appreciation for all security sectors for their exceptional efforts and dedication

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to employees of the ministry on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

The minister expressed the leadership’s appreciation for all security sectors for their exceptional efforts and dedication, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

In a meeting with senior ministry officials and security sector commanders in Makkah, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized that the support and continuous guidance from the leadership played a major role in the successful execution of security and military plans, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for Umrah performers and worshippers.

 


GCC, Kuwaiti officials discuss regional ties

Updated 07 April 2025
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GCC, Kuwaiti officials discuss regional ties

  • Sheikh Sabah presented Jasem Albudaiwi with a letter from Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya
  • Officials discussed strategies to strengthen joint efforts to advance Gulf cooperation

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi has received in Riyadh Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the ambassador of Kuwait to Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sheikh Sabah presented Albudaiwi with a letter from Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya which extended an invitation to participate in the third ministerial meeting between the GCC and Central Asian countries, scheduled to take place in Kuwait on April 16.

Albudaiwi commended Kuwait’s efforts in supporting the council’s progress, emphasizing that its initiatives and constructive positions reflected a strong commitment to enhancing joint Gulf cooperation and fulfilling the aspirations of the citizens of the GCC countries for greater integration and solidarity.

The two officials discussed strategies to strengthen joint efforts to advance Gulf cooperation, in alignment with the visions of the GCC leaders, and exchanged perspectives on the latest regional and international developments.


Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays

Updated 07 April 2025
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Hajj, Umrah firms face penalties for failing to report overstays

  • MOI said that financial penalties will be imposed on any company or establishment that delays reporting individuals who remain in the Kingdom beyond their authorized stay
  • Penalties can reach SR100,000 and will be multiplied based on the number of individuals who violate their departure deadlines

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior has emphasized that Hajj and Umrah service companies and establishments must strictly adhere to all relevant regulations and instructions in Saudi Arabia.

The ministry said that financial penalties will be imposed on any company or establishment serving pilgrims and Umrah performers that delays reporting individuals who remain in the Kingdom beyond their authorized stay to the relevant authorities.

Penalties can reach SR100,000 ($26,600) and will be multiplied based on the number of individuals who violate their departure deadlines, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

On Monday, Matarat Holding Co. announced that more than 6.8 million passengers and Umrah performers passed through four Saudi airports from the first of Ramadan until the seventh of Shawwal.

These included King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, and Taif International Airport.

Passenger traffic was split between international flights, with over 4.6 million passengers, including arrivals and departures, and 2.1 million passengers on domestic flights.


Drug smuggling operations foiled across Kingdom

Updated 07 April 2025
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Drug smuggling operations foiled across Kingdom

  • Patrols in the Asir region led to the arrest of four Ethiopians for smuggling 122,550 tablets regulated for medical circulation
  • Border Guard authorities in Al-Raboah, Asir, arrested six Ethiopians for smuggling 225 kg of qat plants

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

Border Guard patrols in the Al-Dayer sector of the Jazan region resulted in the arrest of 11 Ethiopians for smuggling 288 kg of qat. In another operation, the smuggling of 504 kg of qat was thwarted.

Patrols in the Asir region led to the arrest of four Ethiopians for smuggling 122,550 tablets regulated for medical circulation. A firearm was seized.

Border Guard authorities in Al-Raboah, Asir, arrested six Ethiopians for smuggling 225 kg of qat plants. Another attempt to smuggle 175 kg of qat was also thwarted.

The General Administration of Mujahideen in the Eastern Province arrested a citizen for selling hashish, while, in Makkah, two citizens were arrested with 2,475 tablets regulated for medical circulation.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and all seized items handed to the relevant authorities.

The public is urged to report drug smuggling or sales by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

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


Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah

Updated 07 April 2025
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Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah

  • ‘Your Passport to the World’ celebrates traditions from Sudan, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh

Riyadh: A cultural festival hosted by Saudi Arabia will bring the rich traditions of Sudan, India, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to Alkhobar and Jeddah.

Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the “Your Passport to the World” event will celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of expatriate communities in the Kingdom.

The month-long festival will offer an immersive experience that reconnects participants with their roots, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through a series of performances, culinary showcases, traditional crafts, and hands-on workshops, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate global traditions.

The festival will debut in Alkhobar, with each community featured for four days throughout April, according to the SPA.

The Sudanese pavilion will kick off the event from Wednesday to Saturday, followed by India from April 16-19, the Philippines from April 23-26, and Bangladesh from April 30 to May 3. Afterward, the festival will move to Jeddah.

Each cultural showcase will offer a holistic experience, incorporating folkloric patterns, textiles, natural elements, and architectural heritage unique to each nation, the SPA reported.

Specialized zones will highlight heritage clothing, dance performances, authentic cuisine, crafts, open-air markets, performance theaters, and interactive installations.

The initiative aims to celebrate cultural diversity, foster connections, provide an engaging family experience, and highlight cultural heritage through art and cuisine.

With its festive atmosphere and vibrant showcases, the event is expected to attract large crowds, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance entertainment and improve quality of life for residents.


Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners

Updated 07 April 2025
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Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners

  • Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University to celebrate contributions in science, arts, economic, humanities

RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh will host a ceremony on Wednesday to honor the winners of the seventh Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, will be hosted at the university’s Conference and Convention Center and will be attended by Princess Fahda bint Falah Al-Hathleen, the spouse of the king.

This year’s award will recognize outstanding contributions in six categories: Natural sciences, health sciences, social initiatives, artistic works, economic projects and humanities.

The categories, covering both theoretical and practical fields, were opened for nominations last October, according to the SPA.

This year’s award marks a milestone, receiving a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom, highlighting the increasing recognition and impact of the initiative.

Last year, the award introduced refined evaluation and selection processes, adopting more precise and objective criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.

The award framework was also updated to reflect national priorities and global developments, further enhancing credibility and reach.

The Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence aims to highlight the accomplishments of Saudi women and recognize distinguished and creative people.

It also seeks to support outstanding women-led efforts and inspire future generations of women to contribute to comprehensive national development.