Saudi authorities thwart attempts to smuggle over 500kg of qat

Individuals chew qat leaves for its stimulant effects, which are less intense than those caused by abusing cocaine or methamphetamine. (File/AFP)
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Updated 22 March 2024
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Saudi authorities thwart attempts to smuggle over 500kg of qat

  • Seized narcotics were handed to the relevant authorities

RIYADH: Saudi border guards in the Jazan and Asir regions thwarted multiple attempts to smuggle qat into the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Authorities in Jazan’s governorate of Al-Daer foiled an attempt to smuggle 165kg of the narcotic plant, while in the nearby district of Al-Arda another 120kg was intercepted. 

Border guards in Asir’s Al-Rabwa area thwarted the smuggling of 270kg of qat.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed and the seized narcotics were handed to the relevant authorities.

The government has urged anyone with information related to suspected drug dealing or smuggling operations to call the confidential hotline 911 in Riyadh, Makkah and Eastern region, 999 across other regions in the Kingdom, or the General Directorate of Narcotic Control at 995 and 995@gdnc.gov.sa.
 


Crown prince donates SR1bn for Saudi housing projects

Updated 6 sec ago
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Crown prince donates SR1bn for Saudi housing projects

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged an SR1 billion ($266 million) donation on Monday to support housing projects for Saudi beneficiaries.

The donation at his own private expense to the National Development Housing Foundation aims to help beneficiaries achieve home ownership.

It reflects the prince’s “continuous attention and support for providing a decent life for citizens, by supporting the initiatives and projects aimed at providing housing for them in various regions of the Kingdom,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The crown prince’s directive states that the housing projects designated for donation be completed within a period not exceeding 12 months, and that they are implemented by national companies.

He also ordered authorities to submit monthly reports on the progress of home ownership, in order to ensure the handover of all housing units within one year.


Mangrove scheme to plant 3m trees in Jubail

Updated 28 April 2025
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Mangrove scheme to plant 3m trees in Jubail

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife and the Saudi Arabian Mining Co., known as Maaden, have launched an initiative to plant 3 million mangrove trees in the Jubail Marine Protected Area.

It supports the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 to enhance coastal vegetation and preserve biodiversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The project aims to rehabilitate degraded habitats and strengthen the role of mangrove trees in carbon sequestration, as they are among the most efficient plants in storing carbon dioxide.

This helps combat climate change, protect coastal areas from erosion and provide safe environments for marine species reproduction, the SPA reported.

Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, highlighted the organization’s commitment to protecting ecosystems and expanding vegetation cover.

These efforts align with the Saudi Green Initiative’s target of planting 10 billion trees, including more than 100 million mangroves along Saudi coasts, reinforcing the Kingdom’s global environmental leadership, he said.


Saudi FM discusses US-Iran talks with Iranian counterpart

Updated 28 April 2025
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Saudi FM discusses US-Iran talks with Iranian counterpart

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi the latest developments in US-Iran talks via a phone call, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said on X. 

Prince Faisal received a phone call Monday from Araghchi during which they discussed the third round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, which was held Saturday in the Omani capital Muscat.

The ministers also discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest, the ministry statement added. 

 


Thousands of refugees in Jordan’s Zaatari camp receive treatment from KSrelief in March

Updated 28 April 2025
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Thousands of refugees in Jordan’s Zaatari camp receive treatment from KSrelief in March

  • Thousands seen in Zaatari refugee camp for Syrians in Jordan by KSrelief healthcare volunteers

RIYADH: Thousands of people in the Zaatari refugee camp for Syrians in Jordan received healthcare services in March, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Of the 8,428 patients seen by KSrelief carers, general medicine clinics treated 2,657 patients, while the internal medicine clinic dealt with 454 patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.

The pediatric clinics received 668 patients, and the dental clinic attended to 542 patients.

Additionally, the two gynecology clinics welcomed 649 women, while the ear, nose and throat clinic treated 210 patients.

The ophthalmology clinic saw 242 patients and the cardiology clinic attended to 64 patients.

The diagnostic radiology clinic served 123 patients and the dermatology clinic treated 133 patients.

Moreover, the rehabilitation medicine clinic assisted 106 patients.
Throughout the month, 7,204 laboratory tests were conducted for 814 patients, and 701 imaging procedures, including X-rays and ultrasounds, were performed for 627 patients. The vaccination clinic administered 487 vaccines.

There were 241 health education sessions, both individual and group, and 411 physical therapy sessions were conducted.

The pharmacy handled 5,212 prescriptions during this period.

 


KSrelief team perform 11 cochlear implant procedures on children in Tunisia

The procedures, carried out by 10 medical volunteers, were part of the “Saudi Hearing” volunteer program. (SPA)
Updated 28 April 2025
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KSrelief team perform 11 cochlear implant procedures on children in Tunisia

  • Speech and language rehabilitation services were also provided for 11 children

RIYADH: A volunteer medical team from the Saudi aid agency KSrelief performed 11 cochlear implant operations on children in Tunisia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Speech and language rehabilitation services were also provided for 11 children, and 11 educational sessions were organized for the children’s families, benefiting 22 individuals, according to the report.

The procedures, carried out by 10 medical volunteers, were part of the “Saudi Hearing” volunteer program for cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation in Tunisia.