ADMA: Lebanon-based businessmen who lost enterprises through dealings with members of Saudi Arabia’s business community are closely watching a new campaign led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman targeting officials, princes and tycoons in the Kingdom, hoping it will help them win back what they lost over the years.
Many in the Kingdom welcome efforts to fight rampant corruption and abuse of power, and many outside it hope the move will encourage people to invest in the Kingdom without fear.
Since the first week of November, some 201 people have been taken into custody by Saudi authorities in a sweep that investigators say has uncovered at least $100 billion in corruption.
The crackdown that began on Nov. 4 initially targeted 11 princes, 38 officials, military officers as well as business leaders. An estimated 1,700 individual bank accounts have been frozen.
Pierre Daher, who founded the first private TV station in Lebanon in 1985 and turned it into one of the top media outlets in the Arab world, has been locked in court cases with detained Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the world’s richest men, since 2011. The prince, whose maternal grandfather Riad Solh was once Lebanon’s prime minister and also holds Lebanese citizenship, has investments that include Twitter, Apple, Citigroup and the Four Seasons hotel chain and was once a significant shareholder in Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, but sold much of those shares in 2015.
Their court battles are over Lebanon’s leading LBC and the affiliated Production and Acquisition Co., widely known as PAC, which filed for liquidation in 2012. Some 400 PAC employees lost their jobs and are still waiting for Prince Alwaleed to compensate them.
Prince Alwaleed and Daher, now chairman and CEO of LBC, were once allies when the prince pumped money into LBC TV before the two split over several issues and Daher was removed from his job as head of PAC. Prince Alwaleed ended up taking over the LBC SAT and PAC while Daher took LBC.
Lebanese media outlets reported this month that two Beirut hotels owned by Prince Alwaleed’s Kingdom Holding are for sale. The Four Seasons and Movenpick Hotel are among Beirut’s most luxurious hotels and are located in two of the capital’s most posh neighborhoods.
“If the hotels are not in the person’s name, not in the name of the defendant himself in person, you cannot garnish them since they belong to a company,” said Paul Morcos, legal expert and founder and owner of Justicia Consulting Law firm in Beirut.
Attempts to reach a representative of Prince Alwaleed at Kingdom Holding were not immediately successful.
Another person who lost millions of dollars in the Kingdom as a result of alleged corruption is Lebanon-based US citizen Yahya Lotfi Khader who for more than 20 years ran petrochemical businesses along with his two partners in eastern Saudi Arabia.
The Syria-born, 57-year-old businessman said he left the Kingdom two years ago after he became the victim of interference by officials who worked in the office of a once powerful prince. Khader put forward documents that proves they have lost tens of millions of dollars in cases that he says were manipulated by powerful people in the Kingdom.
Khader said the first step by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is to fight corruption and people in the Kingdom have been waiting for an “awakening against corruption.” Khader said “Saudi Arabia has all the capabilities to become one of the most important countries in the world if we can fight corruption and it will not be an easy mission but we are very optimistic about what happened.”
Khader has sent documents listing all the injustice they were subjected to in the Kingdom to the office of King Salman and crown prince hoping that it could help them return to the Kingdom and get back their money that are worth tens of millions of dollars.
“Today there is a new Saudi Arabia that is totally different from what it used to be but it is still early to judge it,” said Daher of LBC.
Anti-corruption campaign in Saudi Arabia brings hope to businessmen
Anti-corruption campaign in Saudi Arabia brings hope to businessmen
Saudi ministries unite for safe Hajj
- Nusuk cards, anti-fraud operations, tourism regulations aim to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun distributing Nusuk cards for the Hajj season, with more than 150,000 cards issued and a daily production capacity of 70,000, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Printed domestically in state-of-the-art facilities under strict quality and security standards, Nusuk cards feature anti-duplication security measures to help personnel verify pilgrims’ identities and legal status.
Each card includes comprehensive pilgrim information, such as accommodation details in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, along with contact information for their service provider.
The cards aim to streamline pilgrim guidance and reduce cases of lost pilgrims, while also granting access to enrichment services, the SPA reported.
Printing will continue until all Hajj permits and visas are issued. International pilgrims will receive their cards on arrival through their service companies.
Domestic pilgrims can collect their Nusuk cards from service companies at designated gathering points before the Hajj season, the SPA added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Public Security, apprehended individuals engaged in fraudulent activities by posting fake and misleading Hajj campaign ads on social media.
The ads falsely offered pilgrim housing and transportation within the holy sites, Hajj on behalf of others, sacrificial animal services, and Hajj bracelet sales.
The ministry said that the perpetrators were arrested, legal proceedings initiated, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.
It clarified that domestic pilgrims must obtain Hajj permits through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Nusuk platform, while international pilgrims must use authorized entities via the Tasreeh unified digital platform.
Regarding sacrificial animal (hady, adahi, fidyah, sadaqah) bonds, the ministry confirmed that the Saudi Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (adahi.org, unified number 920020193) is the sole authorized provider.
The Ministry of Interior urged citizens and residents to comply with all regulations and report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that from April 29 until the end of the Hajj season, all travel agencies, tourist facilities and accommodation providers in Makkah must not complete bookings or check-ins for incoming or resident visa holders, except those with a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency during the season.
This measure aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s arrangements requiring all other visa holders to leave Makkah starting April 29 to ensure pilgrim safety.
All tourist facilities and online booking platforms must fully comply with this mandate to support a safe and organized Hajj, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Tourism also stressed that hospitality providers and online platforms must cooperate with authorities, warning that non-compliance would result in legal penalties for establishments and individuals.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced its readiness for the Hajj season, launching initiatives and services to enhance the pilgrim experience in line with leadership directives.
Key efforts include streamlining temporary work permits through the Ajeer portal and issuing Hajj work visas to support businesses hiring seasonal workers.
The ministry will also increase inspection visits to ensure compliance with the Labor Law and its regulations, the SPA reported.
Social services at the holy sites will offer family counseling, social support and well-supervised children’s hospitality centers staffed by qualified personnel.
Additionally, the ministry is promoting volunteer work such as welcoming pilgrims at border crossings, assisting at the holy sites and the Grand Mosque, helping the elderly and disabled, and distributing meals and water.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a new digital Hajj guide available in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Malayalam and Turkish.
It will be distributed through electronic libraries at miqats and mosques, as well as on Saudia flights, to educate and guide pilgrims on Hajj rituals and regulations.
Jazan municipality plants seedlings for green goals
RIYADH: Jazan municipality in Samtah governorate planted 100 diverse seedlings in Hittin Garden during Environment Week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held annually from April 20-26, the week promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The 2025 theme, “Our Environment is a Treasure,” highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to conserve natural resources.
Nasser bin Ahmed Atif, mayor of Samtah governorate, said the event aimed to raise community awareness about protecting the environment and enhancing environmental education.
The regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the Technical College, and volunteer teams participated.
Atif added that over the past two months, the municipality planted 1,270 seedlings of Moroccan jasmine, Indian jasmine, Bougainvillea, Vinca rosea, and Jacaranda across several locations in the governorate.
The initiative is part of the Green Saudi Initiative, which seeks to preserve the environment, improve quality of life, promote environmental awareness, strengthen partnerships, and involve all segments of society in building a sustainable future.
MWL chief receives Pakistani National Assembly speaker
- Sadiq praised the Islamic and international efforts of the league
MAKKAH: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, received Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
During the recent meeting at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, the two sides discussed a number of issues of mutual interest.
Sadiq praised the Islamic and international efforts of the league, including its endeavors to promote Islamic unity, serve Muslim minorities, combat Islamophobia, address the issue of girls’ education in Muslim communities and represent the Islamic world commendably in international forums.
During his tour of the Kingdom, the Pakistani speaker held meetings with Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan, Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh and Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh.
Hollywood pioneer to inspire filmmakers in Jeddah
- Red Sea Labs Directors’ Program to mark ‘bold step’ with Spike Lee at its helm
JEDDAH: A new Directors’ Program by Red Sea Labs led by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee will begin in Jeddah on Tuesday.
Held until May 3, the program will bring together 15 emerging filmmakers from the Kingdom, the Arab world, Asia and Africa.
Lee is known for his bold vision and storytelling that tackles critical social issues with artistic depth. Under his mentorship, the filmmakers will dive deep into the art of directing through masterclasses, workshops and personalized sessions.
The program will also connect them directly with world-renowned figures in the industry and equip them with the skills to elevate their careers.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra, managing director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Welcoming Spike Lee back to Jeddah to lead the first edition of our Directors’ Program is a groundbreaking moment.
“It’s an extraordinary opportunity for emerging filmmakers and writers to be inspired, challenged and guided by one of the greatest cinematic minds of our time.”
Ryan Ashore, head of Red Sea Labs, added: “The Directors’ Program marks a bold step in our mission to nurture regional talent and link them to the global filmmaking community.
“Having Spike Lee lead this program sets a powerful precedent — offering participants direct access to the craft, passion and conviction that define great cinema.”
Red Sea Labs also runs three other programs such as the Lodge, an intensive training initiative in partnership with Torino Film Lab and sponsored by Film AlUla, guiding Saudi, Arab, Asian and African filmmakers from ideas to finished projects.
The Music and Sound Program offers hands-on training in film scoring and sound design with guidance from world-renowned experts.
SeriesLab, in partnership with Film Independent, supports 14 emerging creators in developing and pitching TV series pilots, including a two-week residency in Los Angeles. The program concludes at the Red Sea Souk, offering creators a chance to pitch to top international buyers, studios and producers.
Previous initiatives have included programs like the Short Film Klinik, the Middle East Media Initiative and the Music for Film workshop, all part of Red Sea Labs’ mission “to shape the next generation of global storytellers in Saudi Arabia and the world.”
Sydney to host Saudi orchestra concert
- The concert marks the seventh stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission will host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert on May 12 at the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia.
It will be held under the patronage of Culture Minister and Music Commission Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
The concert marks the seventh stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It will showcase works highlighting the rich musical heritage and artistic diversity of Saudi Arabia.
Australia’s Metropolitan Orchestra will join the performance with Australian compositions, while a special collaborative piece will blend elements from both nations’ musical traditions.
The Theater and Performing Arts Commission will also contribute several performance pieces to the program.
Previous performances have taken place at prestigious venues in Paris, Mexico City, New York, London, Tokyo, and Riyadh. These concerts have received critical acclaim worldwide, demonstrating Saudi music’s growing influence on the international stage.
The “Saudi Orchestra Masterpieces” series aims to deliver extraordinary musical experiences that celebrate Saudi cultural heritage while exploring new creative territories.
Each performance takes audiences on a journey through traditional Saudi musical expressions, presenting the Kingdom’s diverse artistic landscape through harmonious musical narratives.
This Sydney performance continues the commission’s broader initiative to elevate Saudi musical compositions in global cultural conversations and celebrate the authentic melodies that define the Kingdom's musical identity.
