JEDDAH: The chief of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques launched an initiative to plant trees in the courtyards surrounding the Grand Mosque on Sunday.
The initiative aims to improve the general environment in the Grand Mosque and its courtyards by planting trees in empty spaces and corridors.
The initiative also aims to treat and recycle water used for ablution and use it to irrigate the plants and trees.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said the initiative is in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 which seeks to enhance vegetation cover because of its positive impact on improving the environment.
He added that this initiative would also help alleviate the effects of global warming, reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
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Tree planting initiative launched in areas surrounding Makkah’s Grand Mosque
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Tree planting initiative launched in areas surrounding Makkah’s Grand Mosque
- Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said the initiative is in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
- The initiative also aims to treat and recycle water used for ablution and use it to irrigate plants and trees
Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid
- The Etaam project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's aid agency KSrelief recently launched its Etaam Ramadan project in Djibouti to deliver 6,640 food parcels for the benefit of 9,840 people, state news agency SPA reported on Friday.
The announcement comes as KSrelief continues to deliver food to some of the world’s most needy during the holy month.
In Nigeria’s Kebbi state there were 433 parcels delivered, benefiting 2,598 people. And in Bucharest and Constanta in Romania, a further 299 packages to aid 1,495 people were distributed.
Also, 172 packages were sent to Syrian and Palestinian refugees and vulnerable families in the Lebanese governorate of Mount Lebanon.
And in Bangladesh’s Naogaon town, 250 were sent for 1,250 people.
In the Teyarett district of the Mauritanian capital, 220 parcels were sent for the benefit of 1,320 people.
The Etaam project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million), the SPA added.
Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined
- Saudi attorney general decision effective March 1
- Addicted individuals will be given choice of rehab
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib has outlined the list of criminal offences related to the drug methamphetamine.
Sheikh Saud’s decision, dated March 1, 2025, is a part of efforts to combat the use and distribution of drugs in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The criminal offences that warrant arrest include possession, smuggling, obtaining, purchasing, transporting and manufacture. In addition, personal use and consumption are also criminal offences.
Methamphetamine — also known as shabu, crystal meth, or the poor man’s cocaine — causes serious psychological and behavioral disorders, and contributes to the rise in crime and violence.
As such, the scourge has to be dealt with firmly in accordance with deterrent legislation and decisions, the report stated.
While the law against drug trafficking and abuse is harsh, it also allows for individuals to seek reform and rehabilitation.
Article 42 of the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law stipulates that the user “shall be granted the opportunity to receive treatment.”
The legislation further states that this can be done without “legal accountability, by not filing a lawsuit against the user or addict, if he or one of his relatives comes forward intending to receive treatment.”
In addition, the law requires that the person “hands over the narcotic or psychotropic substances” and provide “information about their location.”
Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Yazeed Al Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.
After winning the title in the cars category, Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to accomplish the feat in the rally, one of the world's most prestigious motorsports championship.
The Crown Prince congratulated Al-Rajhi on winning a tough competition, featuring a number of prominent international competitors. He emphasized that the achievement should serve as motivation for Saudi athletes to continue developing their skills for future success.
Al-Rajhi thanked the Crown Prince for the gesture.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, attended the reception.
Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.
Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf King Salman, received newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors to a number of countries.
The ambassadors took oath of office before the crown prince at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, attended the ceremony.
Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency said early Friday.
The crown prince affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting all efforts to facilitate dialogue and achieve a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.
President Putin renewed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom for its constructive efforts and endeavors.
The two leaders also reviewed ways to boost bilateral cooperation.
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