Saudi authorities thwart drug smuggling across KSA

In recent operations throughout the Kingdom, Saudi authorities have made several drug-related arrests and confiscations. (SPA)
In recent operations throughout the Kingdom, Saudi authorities have made several drug-related arrests and confiscations. (SPA)
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Updated 19 June 2024
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Saudi authorities thwart drug smuggling across KSA

Saudi authorities thwart drug smuggling across KSA
  • Saudi security authorities urged people to report any activities related to drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 in the rest of Saudi Arabia’s regions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s drug control authority arrested several people involved in smuggling, and seized large quantities of narcotics after operations across Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.

Border Guard land patrols in Rabwa, Asir province, arrested 15 violators, Ethiopians and Yemenis, for smuggling 300 kg of khat.

Additionally, security patrols in Jazan region have arrested two Yemenis and four Saudis after finding them in possession of 196 kg of hashish and 7,227 amphetamine tablets.

Another raid by Border Guards in Al-Dair, Jazan province, thwarted smuggling of 450 kg of khat.

Saudi security authorities urged people to report any activities related to drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 in the rest of Saudi Arabia’s regions.

Alternatively, information can be emailed to 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All reports are treated confidentially.

 


Riyadh turns green for Founding Day

Riyadh turns green for Founding Day
Updated 10 sec ago
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Riyadh turns green for Founding Day

Riyadh turns green for Founding Day
  • Citizens and residents will take to the streets in their thousands tomorrow
  • The Riyadh Municipality has arranged for the streets to be adorned with more than 8,000 national flags

RIYADH: It is one of two occasions — the other is National Day — when the Kingdom is adorned with national flags.
Citizens and residents will take to the streets in their thousands tomorrow, Feb. 22, to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s fourth Founding Day.
The Riyadh Municipality has arranged for the streets to be adorned with more than 8,000 national flags, turning the capital green. The flags, representing both the First Saudi State and the modern Kingdom, have been hung strategically on main road masts, squares, bridges, intersections and lampposts, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
The positioning was carefully planned to ensure aesthetic harmony with the city’s landscape and were safely installed by mechanical means. The range of sizes means the flags can also be clearly seen.
Specialized field teams followed a strict timetable to carry out the installations efficiently, prioritizing safety, sustainability and regular maintenance throughout the celebrations.
The efforts reflect the Riyadh Municipality’s commitment to highlighting national identity and improving the urban landscape, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance the capital’s visual appeal and emphasize the Kingdom’s heritage.
Landmarks including ministry buildings were decorated with green lights on Friday, the eve of Founding Day, while special events across the region will include firework displays and traditional folk acts.
“We invite you to attend the Riyadh Municipality events in 47 municipalities within the governorates and centers of the region in more than 47 locations; to enjoy lively events, quality activities, diverse areas and participations,” Riyadh Municipality wrote on X.
Abdullah Ahmed, a resident of the capital, praised the authority for its efforts to make Founding Day such a special occasion.
He told Arab News: “I am thankful to the Almighty Allah for bestowing safety and security on us as we live in complete solidarity and peace. We are fortunate that we have good leadership in King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and we are fortunate to have Imam Mohammed bin Saud as the founder of the First Saudi State in 1727.”
The modern Kingdom took its first steps on the road to nationhood in 1727, when Imam Mohammed bin Saud succeeded his cousin, Zaid bin Markhan, as ruler of the city state of Diriyah. It is this pivotal moment, recognized as the date when the First Saudi State came into being, that is celebrated as Founding Day each year.


KSGAAL launches report on global status of Arabic language education

KSGAAL launches report on global status of Arabic language education
Updated 5 min 51 sec ago
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KSGAAL launches report on global status of Arabic language education

KSGAAL launches report on global status of Arabic language education
  • Report came during two-day international symposium on status of Arabic language education on Feb. 18 and 19 at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) have published a report titled “The Status of Arabic Language Education in the World.”

The launch of the report came during a two-day international symposium on the status of Arabic language education on Feb. 18 and 19 at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of KSGAAL, said in a press release that the report is part of the academy’s ongoing efforts to promote Arabic language education around the world, and “to drive a transformative shift in Arabic language education as a second language globally.” 

It “focuses on shaping policies and strategies that elevate teaching standards while conducting an in-depth assessment of Arabic learning institutions” and “aims to broaden the language’s reach, overcome key challenges, and foster stronger partnerships with regional and international organizations dedicated to Arabic language education,” Al-Washmi added.

The report “represents a significant step toward establishing a comprehensive knowledge base on Arabic language education, serving as a key reference for policymakers and academic institutions in developing curricula and educational programs,” he continued.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, director-general of ICESCO, commended Saudi Arabia’s “pioneering vision in advancing the Arabic language and its mission to preserve and promote its status.”

He said in the press release: “Strengthening the Arabic language within its Islamic context and on the global stage is a shared duty and a historic responsibility—one that calls for unified efforts and sustained collaboration.”

According to the press release, the report is the first to assess “the realities of Arabic language education in non-Arabic-speaking countries. It provides “in-depth analysis” of more than 300 educational institutions across 30 countries, includes an analysis of graduates’ employment prospects, and “identifies key challenges facing Arabic language education and proposes practical solutions to enhance educational policies and strengthen coordination among relevant stakeholders.”

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mahmoud, head of the Planning and Language Policy Sector at KSGAAL, told Arab News that the report aims to “drive a paradigm shift in the Arabic language education as a second language,” adding that it will provide “educational institutions, researchers, and relevant stakeholders with the opportunity to strengthen areas in need of development.” 

Dr. Khaled Al-Qousi, director of the Language Policy Department at KSGAAL, said the report includes research about the employment prospects and hiring rates for graduates of Arabic language programs in various countries, and assesses the “accessibility of employment opportunities for graduates of Arabic language programs within the global job market.” 

The findings, the press release stated, “underscore the necessity of fostering strategic partnerships between Arabic language programs and key sectors, including education, diplomacy, commerce, and media, to ensure that graduates can fully leverage these opportunities.”


Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday

Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday
Updated 21 February 2025
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Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday

Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday
  • Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attends celebration
  • Ties continue to deepen between 2 nations, says envoy Yasunari Morino

RIYADH: The Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino hosted a reception on Thursday to celebrate the 65th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.

Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, mayor of Riyadh region, attended the reception, which included several representatives of diplomatic missions and dignitaries.

In a speech, Morino highlighted the development of relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

He said several Japanese officials have visited Saudi Arabia this year including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto, and Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto.

In February, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Japan and signed a pact with his counterpart to establish a Strategic Partnership Council.

Morino emphasized the expansion of cooperation between the two nations in several sectors including clean energy, mineral resources, technology, health, food, entertainment and sports — in line with the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 plan.

He also spoke about Japan’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment.

Morino underscored the continued growth of people-to-people exchanges, noting that Japanese culture continues to captivate Saudi Arabia’s citizens, particularly young people.

He also mentioned the upcoming Kansai-Osaka Expo, set to begin in April, and expressed hope the event would attract many visitors from Saudi Arabia and other nations.

He said the expo would showcase the importance of the planet’s ecosystem, human diversity and the collective wisdom of humankind.

Morino reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Japan-Saudi Arabia strategic partnerships to help promote international peace, stability, and human development.

A version of this article appeared on Arab News Japan 


Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly

Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly
Updated 21 February 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly

Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly
  • Vice Speaker Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, emphasizes boosting ties with Kingdom, GCC at opening of 2-day session in Romeopening of the two-day session in Rome

ROME: A delegation of the Kingdom’s Shoura Council attended the 19th plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean on Thursday as an observer, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Vice Speaker Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, head of the council’s delegation, spoke at the opening of PAM’s two-day session in Rome, emphasizing the opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Mediterranean countries in various fields.

Al-Sulami said there was also potential for collaboration between the Mediterranean basin and the six-nation GCC, of which Saudi Arabia is a member.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s initiatives promoting global security, peace, stability, and development including the Arab Peace Initiative, Yemen ceasefire, Sudanese peace talks, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and Middle East Green Initiative.

Al-Sulami also spoke about Saudi Arabia’s critical role in this week’s US-Russia talks, which was held in Riyadh, and the humanitarian aid provided to countries affected by wars and disasters.

Over 300 delegates from national parliaments, international organizations, academia, and diplomatic missions participated in the event, which was hosted by the speakers of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

Morocco’s Enaam Mayara, the president of PAM, convened the session.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a video message urging the participants to “keep working for peace, sustainable development and human rights for the people of the Mediterranean region and our world.”


Saudi FM meets with counterparts on sidelines of G20 meeting in Johannesburg

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg on Thursday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg on Thursday. (SPA)
Updated 21 February 2025
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Saudi FM meets with counterparts on sidelines of G20 meeting in Johannesburg

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg on Thursday. (SPA)
  • Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is attending a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his counterparts from the UK, China, Australia, and France separately in Johannesburg on Thursday.

On the sidelines of a meeting of G20 foreign ministers held for the first time in Africa, Prince Faisal discussed regional and international developments with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

With Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Prince Faisal discussed intensifying coordination on issues of common interest.

Ways to enhance and develop joint relations were reviewed by Prince Faisal and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong.

Prince Faisal also discussed regional developments and efforts made to achieve stability and peace in the region with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot.