JEDDAH: A new amendment to the law regulating commercial papers allows for imposing harsh punishments to individuals issuing bad checks.
The revised Article 2 of the Fourth Section stipulates: “The competent authority responsible for commercial papers disputes shall work on maximizing sanctions on perpetrators of check crimes, particularly the sanction of imprisonment and public naming in daily newspapers issued in the perpetrators’ area, and if there is no newspaper in the area, then the perpetrator shall be named in a newspaper in the nearest area, at the expense of the perpetrator,” reported Al-Eqtisadiah on Monday.
The Cabinet in 2010 authorized the minister of interior to deem issuing bad checks a crime that entails incarceration. It also allows police detectives to investigate reports and complaints of bounced checks and apply Penal Act procedures. The Cabinet decision also obliges the Board of Investigation and General Prosecution to serve as the entity investigating bad check crimes. It also obliges the investigating agency to issue a decision in a given case in no more than 30 days.
However, the decision authorizes the investigating agency not to impose imprisonment, or to halt it, in case the writer of the bad check paid its value, or in case reconciliation takes place.
Imprisonment for bad check issuance reiterated
Imprisonment for bad check issuance reiterated
KAUST researchers join Africa marine research expedition
RIYADH: Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology joined the Saudi non-profit foundation OceanQuest on its first marine expedition around Africa aboard the research vessel OceanXplorer.
The mission began in Moroni, Comoros, with the team sailing south through the Indian Ocean to Cape Town, South Africa.
Researchers focused on assessing biodiversity at several seamounts — underwater mountain formations.
A second phase, designed for early-career oceanographers, proceeded north to Walvis Bay in Namibia before concluding scientific operations in Mindelo, Cabo Verde.
The KAUST research team, comprising two PhD candidates from the Marine Microbiome Lab and one from Earth Science and Engineering, conducted research in biodiversity assessment, seamount studies and chemical analysis.
The team compared seamount formation in the Indian Ocean with similar geological phenomena in Saudi waters.
Ministry of Tourism inspects hospitality facilities ahead of Hajj
- Al-Mazyad is assessing whether preparations and procedures of multiple hospitality establishments are following the tourism law and its executive regulations
RIYADH: Deputy Minister of Licensing and Classification at the Ministry of Tourism Abdulmuhsen Al-Mazyad has been conducting field tours of hospitality facilities in Makkah to ensure readiness for receiving pilgrims during the Hajj season.
Al-Mazyad is assessing whether preparations and procedures of multiple hospitality establishments are following the tourism law and its executive regulations.
The deputy minister is especially concerned about whether these establishments have obtained the proper operational licensing from the Ministry of Tourism.
As part of its efforts to grow sustainable partnerships with the tourism sector, the ministry’s delegation has also sat with hospitality investors and operators at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce.
Enhancing the quality of service in Makkah and the rest of the Kingdom, managing hardships faced by investors and operators, and the ministry’s commitment to combating those hardships, have all been discussed during the meetings.
Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday
- Makkah province is expected to see moderate to heavy rainfall with potential flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring winds
- Riyadh province will also experience light to moderate rainfall, flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring winds
RIYADH: Thunderstorms are expected across most of Saudi Arabia throughout the weekend until Sunday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense.
Makkah province is expected to see moderate to heavy rainfall with potential flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring winds, affecting areas like Taif, Maysan, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Al-Khurmah and Ranyah.
Riyadh province will also experience light to moderate rainfall, flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring winds, affecting areas including Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quwayiyah, and Shaqra.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and Madinah regions, with moderate rain in Hail and light to moderate rain in Najran and Qassim.
The directorate advised caution, avoiding flood-prone areas such as valleys, and refraining from swimming in them.
It also encouraged staying informed about the latest weather updates through official media channels and social media platforms.
Saudi crown prince meets Palestinian vice president
- The meeting focused on the latest developments in Palestine
The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, received on Thursday Vice President of Palestine, Hussein al-Sheikh, at his office in al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.
The meeting focused on the latest developments in Palestine and explored ways to strengthen joint efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people.
The reception was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
From the Palestinian side, attendees included Diplomatic Advisor to the Palestinian President Majdi al-Khalidi, President of the General Authority of Civil Affairs Mr. Ayman Qandil, and Head of the Vice President's Office Ms. Aya Muhaisen.
Jeddah public transport network expands with new buses and routes
- New fleet includes fully electric models and improved accessibility
- Six new routes expand network reach
JEDDAH: In a major stride toward transforming urban mobility, Jeddah has officially launched the new phase of its public transport system.
The expansion includes 91 new buses with three fully electric models, and six new bus routes. All the vehicles feature improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
The new fleet was unveiled in a ceremony on Wednesday under the supervision of the Jeddah Transport Company in partnership with the Saudi Public Transport Company.
Reflecting on the upgrade, Youssef bin Nasser Al-Sayegh, CEO of JTC, said: “Our focus is not just on movement, but on intelligent movement. We plan to leverage data and analytics from the new GPS and dashboard systems to continually improve long-term operational efficiency and deliver a more seamless passenger experience.
“This includes improving route synchronization, adjusting timetables, and reducing unnecessary stops to enhance efficiency and increase the punctuality of bus arrivals.”
The new technology is being used to analyze trip durations, delays and passenger counts in real time.
By collecting and studying long-term data on passenger movement, peak hours, and high-demand areas, JTC hopes to improve services by refining routes.
The network expansion has increased the number of routes from six to 14, providing better access to the city.
There now more than 80 stops and 117 air-conditioned stations, with buses operating daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Tickets are priced at SAR 3.45 per trip (including VAT), with daily, weekly, and monthly subscription options available.
“This launch is not just about numbers, it’s about building confidence in public transportation,” said Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, managing director and CEO of SAPTCO.
Passengers can now use the official Jeddah Buses mobile application to buy tickets and plan journeys.
Looking to the future, Al-Sayegh shared a broader vision beyond 2028.
He said: “We’re actively designing a public transport system that not only includes comprehensive bus routes but also introduces new modes, like the marine taxi, to enhance connectivity and make the most of Jeddah’s coastal geography.
“As part of our five-year roadmap, we plan to expand coverage further into Jeddah’s suburbs and northern areas, connecting key neighborhoods and alleviating pressure on high-traffic corridors.
“These developments will ensure that every resident, no matter where they live, has convenient access to sustainable transport,” he added.
The marine taxi initiative, which recently began a pilot phase, presents a novel approach to alleviating road congestion by using the Red Sea as an alternative transit route.
The sea taxi service is already up and running, connecting major locations like the Jeddah Yacht Club, Historic Jeddah district, and will soon begin operations in the Sharm Obhur district.
“This project is just the beginning; our goal is to expand the routes and enhance the city’s connectivity along the waterfront,” he said.
Al-Sayegh emphasized the project’s long-term impact: “In the future, we plan to develop 20 state-of-the-art water taxi stations that will handle up to 29,000 passengers daily, further reducing congestion and promoting maritime tourism.
“This project is not just about improving transport; it’s also about enhancing the overall experience for residents, visitors, and tourists, aligning with the Kingdom’s vision to modernize infrastructure and provide modern transportation solutions.
“Our integrated approach looks at how buses, future rail solutions, and maritime options can all work in sync. This is a foundation for a forward-thinking urban transport system, one that evolves with the city and its people.”
Ceremony attendees were given a tour of the control room at the event, where they watched live feeds from bus stations and marine taxis, showing how the system is operated and monitored in real time.
