MAKKAH: The Interior Ministry has announced that Hajj Security Forces have apprehended eight suspects at Makkah’s entrances for transporting 28 people who did not have Hajj permits, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The suspects — three non-Saudis and five from the Kingdom — were stopped for breaching Hajj rules and regulations after transporting violators who had failed to obtain permits required to perform Hajj.
The General Directorate of Passports’ seasonal administrative committees issued administrative decisions against the offenders, who will each serve 15 days in prison and pay a fine of SR10,000 ($2,666) for each violator transported.
The offenders will also be named and shamed and the non-Saudis will be deported after serving their prison terms.
Authorities have also impounded three vehicles which were used to transport the violators.
The ministry has called on all citizens and expatriates to abide by Hajj rules, regulations and instructions so that all pilgrims enjoy a safe, secure and comfortable time performing Hajj rituals.
Authorities detain 8 suspects for transporting 28 people not permitted to perform Hajj
https://arab.news/pehqr
Authorities detain 8 suspects for transporting 28 people not permitted to perform Hajj
- Offenders stopped for breaching rules and regulations
- Suspects will spend 15 days in detention, pay fine for each violator transported
Saudi FM discusses Lebanon with French counterpart
- The two ministers discussed efforts exerted to achieve ceasefire in Lebanon
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed developments in Lebanon with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot.
The french minister was on an official visit to Riyadh, state news agency SPA reported on Saturday.
The two ministers discussed efforts exerted to achieve ceasefire in Lebanon.
They reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh brings interactive experiences to life
- Business Hub to serve as a center for signing agreements, forging partnerships
RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has announced the activities accompanying the second Saudi Film Confex, which is set to take place from Oct. 9-12 in Riyadh.
These activities will include interactive experiences, with the Business Hub as a key highlight. The space will serve as a center for signing agreements and forging partnerships among companies in the film industry.
In addition, Consultation Platforms will offer specialized advice on various aspects of filmmaking, from financing to production, and provide an area for freelancers to register and connect with companies needing their expertise.
An interactive activation will also be available, giving visitors hands-on experience in roles such as actors, photographers, directors, and other key positions within a film crew at the On-Set Challenge.
The Film Talk segment will bring together prominent figures in the film industry to share their success stories, insights, and experiences. Alongside this, an exhibition will showcase cutting-edge equipment used in aerial cinematography.
The Junior Filmmaker zone will provide children with an engaging introduction to filmmaking through interactive and simplified activities, while the Cinematic Arts zone offers insights into the art of makeup and costume design, demonstrating the process of transforming a character from concept to screen.
The Saudi Film Confex also features an exhibition representing key locations across the filmmaking value chain. It will showcase a specialized conference with 30 panel discussions and 15 workshops covering various aspects of the industry.
The activities are expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience, offering a deeper understanding of the film industry’s diverse aspects and shedding light on the untapped potential within this burgeoning sector.
Kingdom arrests 22,094 illegals in one week
- The report showed that among the 1,337 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 22,094 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 13,731 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,873 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,490 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,337 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 53 percent were Ethiopian, 44 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 37 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 23 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
KSrelief launches food aid project in Kyrgyzstan
- In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 370 shelter kits and 100 tents in the Taiz governorate in one day
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief launched a food distribution project on Saturday to assist vulnerable families in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital.
The event was attended by Saad bin Abdullah Al-Duwayan, acting charge d’affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, senior Kyrgyz officials, and a KSrelief team.
The initiative will see 8,100 food baskets distributed, benefiting over 35,000 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Duwayan spoke on Saudi Arabia’s ongoing global humanitarian efforts, emphasizing King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to ensuring food security.
Kyrgyz officials praised the project’s impact and the Kingdom’s humanitarian work.
In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 370 shelter kits and 100 tents in the Taiz governorate in one day, helping 2,220 people.
In the Abyan governorate, 735 food baskets benefited 5,145 people, and in the Aden governorate, 400 baskets aided 2,800 people.
In Pakistan, KSrelief provided 750 shelter kits in flood-hit areas of Balochistan and Punjab, aiding 5,250 people.
In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 1,000 food baskets to displaced families in River Nile State, helping 5,850 people.
Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan
- The event, hosted at Mushaf Air Base, brings together air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye in a comprehensive training scenario
- Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, commander of the RSAF, saw off departure of Saudi contingent from King Abdulaziz Air Base in Eastern Sector
RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Air Force has deployed to Pakistan for the multinational Shield of Sindh 2024 exercise.
The event, hosted at Mushaf Air Base, brings together air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye in a comprehensive training scenario.
Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, commander of the RSAF, saw off the departure of the Saudi contingent from King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector.
Before takeoff, he conducted a thorough inspection of equipment and received detailed briefings on the operational readiness of flight crews, technical teams and support personnel. The Saudi contribution to the exercise is substantial, featuring a squadron of six Tornado aircraft.
Speaking about the exercise, he said: “Our participation in Shield of Sindh 2024 serves multiple objectives. It strengthens our bonds with Pakistan and other participating nations, while also providing a platform to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities and professionalism of the Royal Saudi Air Force, and allowing air and support crews to gain more combat experience in unconventional and electronic warfare environments.”
