Jeddah: The Little Explorer event, which was organized by the Heritage Commission in Jeddah and ran from May 6-10, offered an interactive and engaging educational experience for children.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of archeological excavation and strengthen the connection between younger generations and the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Blending entertainment with education, the event sought to foster a generation that values antiquities and their role in strengthening national identity.

Held in Bab Jadeed, the event was part of the commission’s efforts to engage young people in heritage preservation through educational and hands-on activities, which introduced archeological principles and promoted the protection of historic sites.

The event featured five main pavilions, each designed as an educational and interactive station, according to the SPA.

The Little Explorer’s Tale took place in an interactive cinema screening an educational animation that simulated an exploratory journey to the Al-Faw archeological site, offering an engaging introduction to cultural heritage.

Children at the Explorer’s Academy viewed authentic artifacts from various civilizations and learned about excavation tools and archeological processes.

The Excavation Simulation offered a hands-on experience, allowing participants to search for artifacts using real tools in a realistic sand-filled setting.

The Archeological Workshop provided a space for creative drawing with children learning about historic monuments with the help of iPads.

The Play and Learn area combined recreational games with archeological themes, making heritage exploration both fun and educational for children.

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 15,928 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 10,179 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,912 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,837 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,248 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 35 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 45 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 26 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

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.