Saudi Arabia issues clear message on World Anti-Drug Day

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Jazan Governor Prince Mohammed bin Nasser on Wednesday inaugurated the activities of World Anti-Drug Day at the Prince Sultan Cultural Center. (SPA)
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Updated 26 June 2024
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Saudi Arabia issues clear message on World Anti-Drug Day

  • Kingdom must protect society, young people from illicit trade, security chief says
  • This year’s event focuses on investing in prevention

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has doubled down on its campaign to combat drug use and those who engage in the trafficking and financing of illicit substances.

National Center for Security Operations Commander Colonel Omar bin Aida Al-Talhi said the goal of the initiative was to “eliminate” drugs and “protect society and its youth from their effects.”

His announcement coincided with International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was set up by the UN in 1987 and falls annually on June 26.

World Anti-Drug Day, as the event is commonly known, was “an important day that emphasizes the harm of drugs and their impact on nations, societies and individuals, which requires fighting them in various ways and taking the initiative to report smugglers and dealers,” Al-Talhi said.

“Thanks to society’s awareness, high sense of responsibility and integration with the security authorities, this has resulted in cooperation in reporting drug cases to neutralize their danger.”

He said the NCSO, represented by the Unified Security Operations Centers (911) in Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Sharqiyah, received reports about drug smugglers and dealers and passed them on to the relevant authorities.

Jazan Governor Prince Mohammed bin Nasser on Wednesday inaugurated the activities of World Anti-Drug Day, whose slogan this year is “The Evidence is Clear … Let’s Invest in Prevention,” at the Prince Sultan Cultural Center.

The venue is staging an exhibition to spread awareness of the health, social and cultural impact of drugs and the efforts being made to prevent their spread and use.

Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Bassami said the drugs trade was a cross-border issue that created challenges for countries around the world.

In Saudi Arabia, the government prioritized the protection of its citizens and tackling any threats to national security, he said.

The Kingdom’s war on drugs, directed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and overseen by Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, has yielded positive results.

Al-Bassami said the nation’s security forces were committed to protecting society, and especially young people, from the scourge of the drugs trade and urged all citizens to remain vigilant to the ongoing threat.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Security Regiment Affairs, Maj. Gen. Awad bin Mashouh Al-Enezi said World Anti-Drug Day was an occasion to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and reiterated the efforts being made by his ministry to tackle and punish those who engaged in it.

Director General of the Border Guard Maj. Gen. Shayea bin Salem Al-Wadaani said the Kingdom had made great efforts in combating drugs and protecting society.


Saudi defense minister holds talks with UK security, defense officials

Updated 29 May 2025
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Saudi defense minister holds talks with UK security, defense officials

  • Prince Khalid bin Salman and UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell discussed strategic partnership between the two countries

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with the UK’s National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell in London on Wednesday.

The two sides “reviewed the strong friendship and strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UK,” the Saudi Press Agency reported. “They also reviewed areas of cooperation and discussed regional and global developments, as well as ongoing efforts to support security and stability.”

The talks followed a meeting on Tuesday between Prince Khalid and British Defense Secretary John Healey during which they discussed strategic defense cooperation.


Saudi Embassy coordinating with Turkiye to find boy who fell into a creek

Updated 28 May 2025
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Saudi Embassy coordinating with Turkiye to find boy who fell into a creek

  • The embassy coordinated with child’s family after he reportedly went missing in a river in Trabzon province
  • Turkish authorities are investigating the incident

ANKARA: The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Turkiye confirmed on Wednesday that it is coordinating with Turkish authorities to search for a Saudi child who reportedly fell into Haldizen Creek in Uzungol region.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the embassy issued a statement clarifying the reports circulating in media outlets and across social media platforms regarding the incident in Trabzon province.

“From the first moments of the incident, the embassy coordinated with the child’s family and contacted the relevant Turkish authorities to investigate the incident,” the statement said.

“The authorities have responded and are gratefully conducting extensive searches in the area and its surrounding to locate the child. We ask God Almighty to crown these efforts with success and to protect everyone from all harm,” it added.


Founding nations sign Global Water Organization charter in Riyadh

Updated 28 May 2025
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Founding nations sign Global Water Organization charter in Riyadh

  • Ceremony was attended by Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who highlighted the importance of the GWO in tackling water issues worldwide
  • Prince Faisal said that Saudi Arabia would provide financial and logistical support to the GWO for the next five years

RIYADH: The Global Water Organization officially launched operations from its headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday, with founding member states signing the organization’s charter.

The ceremony was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who highlighted the importance of the GWO in tackling water issues worldwide through a holistic approach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The launch of the Global Water Organization affirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening international initiatives and addressing global challenges through partnerships based on cooperation between countries and governments,” Prince Faisal said.

“The Kingdom looks forward to the organization becoming an international platform that drives sustainable solutions and supports developing nations in enhancing their water capabilities,” he said.

Prince Faisal said that Saudi Arabia would provide financial and logistical support to the GWO for the next five years, emphasizing that collective action was essential to achieving shared objectives. Prince Faisal invited all countries and private-sector entities to join the organization.

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley took part in the ceremony and emphasized that the signing of the Global Water Organization’s charter and the launch of its operations from Riyadh reinforced shared international responsibility to preserve water resources.

Al-Fadley added that the importance of the organization stemmed from water being not just a resource, but a source of economic and social development and stability worldwide.

He described the organization as “not just a platform that brings countries together, but a collective global mind working to develop and integrate the efforts of countries and organizations to address water challenges comprehensively.”

“The Global Water Organization will lead international efforts to address water-related challenges and transform traditional water management approaches. These challenges go beyond water scarcity to ensure its availability at the right time and place and recognize its impact on the economy, public health, food security and supply chains, especially in the face of climate change,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of having an integrated system that covered all stages of the water cycle, adopting innovative economic models based on cost-benefit analysis, introducing new financing mechanisms, reducing reliance on government subsidies, and actively involving the private sector.

The GWO’s charter was signed by representatives from founding countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Senegal, Pakistan, Greece and Mauritania.

The organization aims to strengthen the efforts of countries and organizations to address water challenges.


Saudi FM receives US envoy to Syria in Riyadh

Updated 28 May 2025
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Saudi FM receives US envoy to Syria in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received US envoy to the Syrian Arab Republic Thomas Barrack in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed steps to provide economic, humanitarian and other support to the Syrian people, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom Carlo Balducci in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.


The smart pilgrim’s suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj

Updated 28 May 2025
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The smart pilgrim’s suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj

  • Tech gadgets find their way to the holy cities alongside traditional garments
  • Modern pilgrims pack for comfort as well as reverence and spiritual intent 

RIYADH: As Hajj season approaches, pilgrims throughout Saudi Arabia are making lists, checking supplies, and organizing their thoughts for what many consider the most significant journey of their lives.

Alongside the spiritual preparations, pilgrims are packing Hajj suitcases with the traditional white garments and hygiene essentials as well as more personalized, thoughtful and even high-tech items.

From prayer lists and handwritten dua cards to smartwatches, earbuds, and journal notebooks, the modern pilgrim approaches Hajj not only with reverence but with intent, structure, and a little comfort.

For many, this approach reflects how deeply Hajj is embedded into the personal identity and emotional world of the pilgrim.

Arab News spoke with a few people who have previously completed Hajj to get an idea of what it is like to prepare for the pilgrimage.

“I packed my journal because I felt this experience deserved to be documented in detail,” Shatha Al-Jadaan, 25, told Arab News. “I also included my daily skincare products, easy-access snacks, and drip coffee sachets — lifesaver,” she added.

The contents of Al-Jadaan’s suitcase told the story of a young woman approaching Hajj with equal parts practicality and reflection.

Her essentials included headphones, a smartwatch and a hair dryer — items she considered necessary after each of the physically demanding rituals.

For her, the process of preparation brought a deep sense of meaning.

“What struck me the most was the realization that this journey is unlike any other,” she said. “The version of me leaving home is not the same one returning.

“That thought hit me hardest when I was writing prayer lists for loved ones. People sent very specific prayers, personal hopes and goals. I even made a separate list so I wouldn’t forget anyone, including myself.”

Some pilgrims take a simpler approach. For Ethar Abdulrahman, 22, the focus was on utility and peace of mind.

“My essentials were a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, underclothes, outerwear, hair ties and wet wipes,” she said. “And I only brought my personal phone — just to stay in touch with my family.”

What made her preparation emotional was the fact that it was her first Hajj — and at a young age.

“The idea that I was going on Hajj for the first time and at such a young age was emotional on its own. Packing my personal items and bringing prayer books made it even more special.”

She also relied heavily on advice from seasoned pilgrims: “Bring Panadol, fever reducers, painkillers, and muscle relief cream. That advice helped me a lot.”

Her words reflect the layered purpose of each item: some for health, some for spiritual focus, and some simply for emotional safety.

Al-Jadaan echoed the sentiment. “A lot of people told me to only wear cotton and make sure my shoes were extremely comfortable. And it was the best advice I received.”

The overlap between generational wisdom and modern convenience shows how today’s pilgrims are combining tradition with adaptation.

For Mariam Al-Osaimi, 27, essential oils were a must. “I brought lavender and peppermint oil. Lavender helped me sleep, and peppermint was great for energy. They became part of my daily Hajj routine — almost like a spiritual ritual.”

Others took folding prayer mats, lightweight Qur’an readers, and portable chargers — recognizing the role technology can play in navigating crowds, locating tents, or staying connected to family.

One of the more discreet but powerful changes to the modern Hajj experience is the seamless integration of digital tools. Most pilgrims now use digital Qur’an apps, prayer reminder apps, or even step counters to track their movement during the rites.

Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, 29, said his smartwatch was more than just a gadget. “I set reminders for prayer times, prayers for each ritual, and even tracked my heart rate on the way to Jamarat,” he said.

“It helped me stay focused, grounded, and aware of how my body was responding, in case of potential panic attack due to my medical condition.”

While some may frown at these modern additions, many people see them as useful companions in the demanding spiritual and physical journey.