RIYADH: Maj. Gen. Ahmed bin Saadi Al-Zahrani, general-director of the General Directorate for Drug Control, said the directorate, in cooperation with the National Drug Prevention Project (Nebras) distributed drug awareness pamphlets at the recently concluded King Abdulaziz Camel Festival to alert festival-goers of the dangers of drugs.
Awareness packs were distributed to the festival visitors and presents were given to children, who also enjoyed an art corner where they could draw images highlighting human values.
Al-Zahrani said the directorate will make sure it secures a presence at all occasions and activities, particularly those involving families, to spread awareness about the dangers of narcotics and their negative effect on individuals, society and the nation as a whole.
Abdullilah bin Mohammed Al-Sharif, secretary-general of Nebras and chairman of the National Commission for Narcotics Control, said that the festival was a cultural and sports venue that highlights Saudi Arabia’s heritage and civilization.
As such, he said, Nebras makes sure it takes part in such gatherings as part of its effort to increase people’s awareness to the danger of drugs.
He added that the directorate works hard to increase the level of awareness and create an integrated social and health environment free from disease and epidemics, as well as from drugs and psychotropic substances.
Al-Sharif said that the country is exerting efforts to address the phenomenon of drug addiction, and eventually eliminate it.
These efforts are in line with the Nebras project, which strives to unite all efforts in the fight against drugs in the Kingdom by “developing preventive plans and programs to prevent the spread of these drugs in our homes, and organizing awareness-raising activities that disseminate knowledge about the deleterious effects of drugs and give those taking them the power to refuse using them.”
Exhibition supervisor Col. Sami bin Khaled Al-Hmoud, director of the Directorate of Guidance at the General Directorate for Drug Control, said that the exhibition consisted of five sections where security experts talked about the devastating results of drugs on society and the psychology of the persons taking them.
He also detailed the symptoms of those abusing drugs and the methods used to push drugs, as well as drug labels, to help parents become aware and exercise control over their children.
Various services were also provided by concerned authorities to addicts, at the exhibition.
Al-Hmoud said that during the exhibition, several awareness films were screened, explaining to visitors the dangers involved in drug abuse.
Saudi Arabia's drug prevention agencies raise awareness of narcotics
Saudi Arabia's drug prevention agencies raise awareness of narcotics
Saudi permanent representative presents credentials to UNESCO chief
- Abdulelah Altokhais is seeking to strengthen Kingdom’s cooperation with UN agency
- Paris talks focus on collaboration to promote coexistence among peoples and cultures
RIYADH: Abdulelah Altokhais, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to UNESCO, presented his credentials to Audrey Azoulay, the organization’s director-general, at its headquarters in Paris on Sunday.
The Kingdom’s mission to the UN-affiliated agency wrote on the X platform that Altokhias is “continuing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen joint cooperation with UNESCO and member states toward a better-shared future.”
During his meeting with Azoulay, Altokhais reviewed Saudi Arabia’s contributions to numerous UNESCO projects through its role in the organization’s Executive Council and membership of the World Heritage Committee.
He emphasized the need to enhance collaboration with UNESCO to promote peace and coexistence among peoples and cultures.
Altokhais studied philosophy at the University of Florida, and has worked in the cultural heritage, planning, and tourism fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Arabia to promote rural development at global trade fair
- Program’s assistant secretary-general for media and communication said participation aims to attract foreign investment and strengthen international cooperation
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will showcase its advances in agriculture and promote a range of local products at one of the world's leading horticulture trade fairs in Germany.
More than 1,600 global exhibitors will take part in IPM Essen from Jan. 28-31, with the Kingdom participating through its Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program.
The goal is to highlight the Kingdom’s efforts in advancing agriculture, supporting farmers, and promoting local rural products globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program will showcase its rural community development initiatives and support for small farmers, while emphasizing partnerships and collaboration with experts.
Majed Al-Buraikan, the program’s assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said that participation aims to attract foreign investment, strengthen international cooperation, and align with Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, improve food security, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s global agricultural standing.
The event offers an opportunity to explore innovations and solutions that could benefit small farmers in Saudi Arabia, Al-Buraikan added.
The Saudi pavilion will present its support programs, and distribute informational materials on subsidized sectors, including Saudi coffee, honey, and aromatic plants.
The fair will feature sustainable agricultural solutions, along with conferences and workshops addressing sector challenges and opportunities.
Saudi crown prince receives Italian PM in AlUla
- Two leaders discussed relations between their countries and ways to support and enhance them in various fields
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the winter camp in AlUla on Sunday.
The two leaders discussed relations between their countries and ways to support and enhance them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also discussed regional and international developments and issues of common interest during the meeting.
Later on Sunday, Prince Mohammed and Meloni signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership council between their governments.
Meloni arrived in the Kingdom on Saturday.
Islamic leaders call for unity against extremism at Bangkok conference
RIYADH: Participants in Bangkok on Sunday at the third Khair Ummah conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations stressed Islam’s foundation in worshipping Allah and following the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, urging Muslims to promote moderation while contributing to progress.
In a final communique of the two-day event, which was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Thailand, participants called on scholars to uphold Islam’s tolerant values and address misinterpretations of religious discourse.
They highlighted the importance of following the path of the Prophet’s companions, combating extremism, and rejecting groups that misused religion for personal gain, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Participants stressed the need to leverage modern media and technology to promote Islam, counter misinformation through research, and develop programs instilling Islamic values and tolerance in young people.
The conference focused on research papers by various scholars and aimed to strengthen communication among Islamic leaders and institutions to advance civilization.
Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh on Saturday emphasized that the conference aimed to strengthen Islamic unity and uphold Islamic identity through solidarity and adherence to the truth.
He said that scholars had a significant responsibility in light of global challenges and the intellectual, political, social, and security issues facing the world.
Al-Asheikh added: “This situation calls for a real response from scholars and researchers to clarify the right religious stance against sedition and to reinforce the core principles of the Islamic faith.”
Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah
RIYADH: The third group of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Umrah and Visit toured several historical and religious sites in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
As part of a cultural program by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the visit aimed to enrich the cultural experience of visitors and Umrah performers in the holy city.
The group, consisting of 250 pilgrims from 18 African countries, visited the Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, and the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, learning about this historic turning point in Islam.
At Quba Mosque, the guests performed prayers and were briefed on its facilities and the ongoing expansion projects designed to increase capacity and enhance services for worshippers.
The guests also learned about the mosque’s historical and religious significance as the first mosque built after the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Madinah.
Additionally, they toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah, where they explored the technical and administrative departments and learned about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an and its translation into multiple languages.
The visit also showcased the complex’s efforts in recording Qur’anic recitations, interpreting its meanings, advancing Qur’anic sciences, and supporting Islamic research and studies.
The guests were introduced to the complex’s written and audio publications, which aim to spread Islamic teachings worldwide. At the end of the tour, representatives of the complex presented copies of the Holy Qur’an to the guests.
This third group is part of a larger initiative to host 1,000 male and female pilgrims from 66 countries this year. After their visit to Madinah, the guests will travel to Makkah to perform Umrah rituals.
