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
Winners of Arabic language prize honored
- Final results were based on evaluations by judging committees, considering criteria such as creativity, innovation, performance excellence, impact, and achieved outcomes
RIYADH: The winners of the King Salman Global Academy Prize for Arabic Language were recently honored in Riyadh in individual and institutional categories.
The event, held under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, focused on four main areas: Arabic language teaching and learning, Arabic language computing and services through modern technologies, Arabic language research and studies, and promoting linguistic awareness and community initiatives.
The total value of the awards for both categories amounted to SR1.6 million ($426,000), with each winner receiving SR200,000, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The final results were based on evaluations by judging committees, considering criteria such as creativity, innovation, performance excellence, impact, and achieved outcomes.
The award honors those who excel in serving the Arabic language, recognizing their contributions to preserving linguistic identity, promoting Arab culture, fostering loyalty, and enhancing communication within the Arab community.
Formerly conjoined Filipino twins return to Riyadh 20 years after lifesaving surgery
- Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah
- Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah
RIYADH: Twenty years after they were separated in a complex surgery in Riyadh, two Filipino twins have returned to the Saudi capital to celebrate the medical expertise that saved their lives.
Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah.
They were separated at Riyadh’s National Guard Hospital.
“After our separation, I gained a new appreciation for individuality and independence,” Princess Mae told the International Conference for Conjoined Twins on Monday.
The event is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, a global leader in the field.
She was speaking during a panel discussion titled “Exploring the Multifaceted Impacts of Separation: Conjoined Twins and Families.”
The unique story of the Manzo twins proved the central focus of the discussion.
They are now thriving as third-year students in their native Philippines.
“While we still cherish the unique bond we share, it is a balance of gratitude for our shared paths and excitement for forging our path,” said Princess Mae.
The panel invited experts and family members to discuss the medical and psychological challenges of separating conjoined twins, as well as the broader social, educational and emotional implications.
Princess Anne said that the separation deeply impacted her and Mae’s emotional well-being.
“It has made us more self-aware individually, helping us understand our limits by living life separately with different groups of friends, different schools and different workplaces.”
Dr. Gopal Mitra, global lead on disability and development at UNICEF, highlighted stigmas surrounding conjoined twins, warning that an “obsession with normalcy” often leads to harmful stereotypes and social exclusion for those who are perceived as different.
“Stigma arises when we assign attributes and characteristics to groups of people based on our perceptions of difference — how they look, move, behave, or communicate.”
Mitra added that when a mother gives birth to conjoined twins, the family already faces stress and strain.
Strategies to combat negative perceptions include community engagement, the training of frontline workers and role modeling, he said, adding: “Princess Mae and Princess Ann are wonderful role models.”
Mitra said that inclusive education is a foundation for addressing stigma: “Inclusive education respects individuality and tailors learning experiences to the unique needs of each child.”
Dr. Ahmed Bawaneh, deputy country representative at IMC Jordan, highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by conjoined twins and their families throughout separation and recovery.
“The stigma doesn’t go away after the separation. It’s there before, during and after. It’s something the twins and their families have to grapple with for a long time,” he said.
“It is important that we don’t look at conjoined twins as just special cases.”
After separation, long-term rehabilitation poses another challenge, requiring sustained support from mental health professionals, Bawaneh added.
“We must focus on the stressors they face and provide holistic, integrated support that addresses their mental, emotional and physical well-being. The importance of integrated mental health services cannot be overstated.”
The panel discussion served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action.
“The support system that I had was very helpful during the separation and recovery was my family,” the Manzo twins’ mother said.
Her words served as a reminder that behind every medical milestone is a network of caregivers who provide emotional strength, practical assistance and unwavering love.
“Inclusive education and an inclusive society are not just ideals but necessities — because every child deserves the chance to flourish,” Mitra said.
Preparing professionals to address unique patients is crucial, said Bawaneh.
“We must remember that these children and their families are not defined by their circumstances — they are individuals with dreams, challenges and incredible resilience.”
Saudi Arabia hosts global cybersecurity conference Black Hat 24
- Black Hat 24 will host five national pavilions of the US, Canada, India, Egypt and Pakistan, alongside 43 exhibitors
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting Black Hat 24, a global three-day cybersecurity conference organized by the Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Black Hat 24 will be held from Nov. 26 to 28 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center in Malham district, north of the capital.
Mutab Al-Qunai, CEO of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, told SPA that the event aims to enhance innovation and cooperation in digital safety.
The current edition of Black Hat 24 is also organized by Tahaluf, one of the federation’s companies, and partners with company Informa and the Investment Events Fund.
It will bring together cybersecurity leaders, security researchers, and startup pioneers to exchange knowledge about technological challenges and the latest innovations in cybersecurity.
Some of the experts speaking at the Black Hat 24 event include Nikhil Shrivastava, a leading security researcher from India; Bianca Lewis, founder of the company Girls Who Hack, which supports women in cybersecurity; and Kiran, known by the codename “7h3h4ckv157,” who worked as a security researcher at NASA to discover vulnerabilities in their digital security.
Participants will showcase their expertise in dealing with major cyber threats in leading international organizations.
Black Hat 24 will also feature an interactive platform for Saudi students, technical workshops, and a competition to test the audience’s skills in finding solutions to complex cyber challenges.
The Saudi global event will host five national pavilions of the US, Canada, India, Egypt and Pakistan, alongside 43 exhibitors.
Saudi crown prince receives message from South African president
- Al-Rassi welcomed Gwen Ramakhoba, the Special Envoy of President Ramaphosa, who conveyed the message on behalf of the South African leader
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, which addressed relations between the two nations.
The message was delivered to Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, by Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Undersecretary for Multilateral International Affairs and Supervisor General of the Public Diplomacy Agency, during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Rassi welcomed Gwen Ramakhoba, the Special Envoy of President Ramaphosa, who conveyed the message on behalf of the South African leader.
Discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing and developing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and South Africa across various sectors, as well as exploring issues of mutual interest.
This exchange highlights the strengthening ties between the two countries as they seek to expand their collaboration in multiple fields.
Global leaders gather in Riyadh to shape future of non-terrestrial networks
- Event welcomed renowned researchers in technology and investment alongside regulatory authorities at both local and global levels
- With over 120 countries represented this year, the forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in technological innovation and collaboration
RIYADH: The international Connecting the World From the Skies forum kicked off on Monday, bringing together ministers, industry leaders, experts and CEOs from leading companies specializing in non-terrestrial networks.
Under the patronage of Abdullah Al-Swaha, minister of communications and information technology and chairman of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, the event welcomed renowned researchers in technology and investment alongside regulatory authorities at both local and global levels.
In his opening speech, CST Governor Mohammed Al-Tamimi emphasized the forum’s significance as a vital platform for advancing NTNs in alignment with sustainable development goals, particularly addressing the challenge of space debris.
He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment, in partnership with global stakeholders, to connecting the unconnected.
As part of these efforts the CST, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union, conducted a groundbreaking study aimed at harnessing communication services to reduce the global digital divide.
The Saudi Space Agency also announced the launch of the “Centre for Space Futures,” the first of its kind within the network of Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers affiliated with the World Economic Forum.
Al-Tamimi said Saudi Arabia took pride in being one of the first nations to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for NTNs, including the regulation of direct-to-device communications, spectrum allocation for high-altitude platforms and global space sustainability frameworks.
A key highlight of the forum was the announcement of the winners of the international Competition on Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G, launched by the CST in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
This year saw 17 countries take part with 114 research papers submitted, 77 percent of which came from researchers and academics.
The CST is also highlighting its recent technical experiments in NTNs, including the pioneering Seamless D2D Connectivity trial, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The forum is a key pillar of the NTN program, launched by the CST in 2021. The inaugural forum, held in 2022, attracted more than 3,000 participants.
With over 120 countries represented this year, the forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in technological innovation and collaboration.
