Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information about drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Updated 07 December 2024
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Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Border Guard patrols in Jazan intercepted 270 kg of qat in Al-Aridah and 126 kg in Al-Dayer. They also arrested a citizen in Al-Dayer with qat in his vehicle.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested four Nigerians in Jeddah with 39 kg of cocaine.

The directorate also arrested a Pakistani in the Eastern Province for selling methamphetamine, also known as shabu.

In Qassim, a citizen was arrested for selling shabu, hashish, amphetamine, and regulated tablets.

In Asir’s Al-Raboah sector, Border Guard patrols apprehended five Yemenis and Ethiopians smuggling 110 kg of qat.

In Riyadh, two citizens were arrested with hashish, amphetamines, and regulated tablets, while two others were caught with hashish and 15,735 regulated tablets.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and all seized items have been handed to the relevant authorities.

Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information about drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.

Individuals can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected].

All information will be treated as strictly confidential.


Experts call for urgent fire-safety measures at historic Saudi sites

Updated 41 min ago
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Experts call for urgent fire-safety measures at historic Saudi sites

  • AlUla symposium outlines steps to protect Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage
  • Case studies presented at the event included the 2019 Notre Dame fire

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla and its strategic partner, the Saudi International Council on Monuments and Sites, have issued recommendations for protecting people and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage sites. 

These recommendations were made during the AlUla Symposium on Fire Risk Management at Historic and Heritage Sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

Recently hosted in AlUla, the symposium had 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation participating. It provided a platform for discussions on fire prevention, mitigation, and response strategies for historic and cultural sites.

These discussions will help guide the development of policies and procedures for AlUla’s cultural landmarks, the SPA reported.

The experts shared best practices, case studies, and technologies, emphasizing an approach that prioritizes the safety of occupants, visitors, surrounding communities, and the sites.

Discussions covered the implementation of fire codes, such as the Saudi Historical Building Code, while respecting the unique character of old buildings and maintaining their structural integrity. 

Case studies presented at the event included the 2019 Notre Dame fire, which emphasized the need for comprehensive safety planning and collaboration. 

Experts shared practical strategies, including fire risk assessments, community training, and tailored roadmaps for specific locations.

Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahad, president of the Saudi International Council on Monuments and Sites, emphasized the need for preventative measures. 

“Fires pose a serious threat to priceless historical and heritage sites, endangering their authenticity, integrity and the values they represent. The negative effects of fires on these sites remind us of the need to prevent such disasters.” 

The recommendations from the symposium will guide the commission’s ongoing efforts to improve fire safety at AlUla’s heritage sites. This supports the broader goals of Vision 2030, and establishing AlUla as a global leader in heritage conservation, the SPA reported.


UN chief opens Riyadh tech conference with virtual speech

Updated 16 December 2024
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UN chief opens Riyadh tech conference with virtual speech

  • 19th IGF tackles cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI
  • More than 10,000 expected to attend

RIYADH: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered the opening remarks in a virtual speech at the 19th edition of the organization’s Internet Governance Forum, held in Riyadh on Sunday.

Over 10,000 people from 160 countries are expected to attend the conference, which runs from Dec. 15 to 19, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The forum covers a range of topics from cybersecurity and data privacy to artificial intelligence in more than 300 sessions and workshops.

Other notable speakers included Saudi Communication Minister Abdullah Alswaha and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua.

Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, moderator of the forum, told Arab News: “Definitely, IGF 2024 came at a very critical time in the global digital world.”

He went on to say: “This year is the first year that we dedicate a full track for businesses. So, IGF has a history of being developed in different countries with tracks for government, academia, and parliaments, but for business; it was missing.

The forum covers a range of topics from cybersecurity and data privacy to artificial intelligence in more than 300 sessions and workshops.
(AN/Jaafar Alsaleh)

“We know now that the private sector and technology play a major role in the governance of IT and AI. This is the first time that we invite many private sector players to IGF, and we hope this plan will continue in the upcoming IGFs.”

Discussing the different offerings at the forum, Al-Mutairi said: “For this year, we expanded IGF Village to provide a lot of exhibitions and active workshops.

“Many organizations are presenting their work in IGF, allowing the community to collaborate and interact. This is a tradition of IGF, but this year it has expanded, making it more interactive for all participants in Riyadh.”

One of the participating organizations is the Digital Cooperation Organization, which offered a session on the ethical uses of AI as part of a series of roundtables.

The forum covers a range of topics from cybersecurity and data privacy to artificial intelligence in more than 300 sessions and workshops.
(AN/Jaafar Alsaleh)

Alaa Abdulaal, chief of digital economy foresight at DCO, told Arab News: “We have something we call the digital space accelerator. It is a working group we created to focus on specific topics, one of which is the ethical use of AI.

“We have conducted many roundtables globally, including one in Singapore and another during GAIN (Global AI Summit). Today, during IGF, the aim is to gather perspectives from different AI experts on the policy tools we are creating regarding the ethical use of AI.”

The forum also saw awards distributed to prominent individuals, celebrating their achievements in the field. Arwa Al-Duwaish, winner of the IGF award for the Most Promising Employee at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, told Arab News that she received an award recognizing her contributions to digital transformation in the Kingdom.

The conference is being held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh until Thursday.


5 arrested for smuggling drugs using beehives

Updated 16 December 2024
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5 arrested for smuggling drugs using beehives

RIYADH: Authorities have arrested members of criminal drug network who posed as a local bee import business.

A Ministry of Interior source said that five people from the network were arrested: Four Egyptian expatriates and one Saudi citizen, according to the Saudi Press Agency report on Monday.

The network’s activities included smuggling drugs by importing beehives through a beekeeping business, concealing amphetamine tablets in the hives, shipping them to the Kingdom, and transporting them in a refrigerated vehicle to Al-Darb governorate in the Jazan region, where the drugs were distributed and sold.

Legal action has been taken against the suspects, who were referred to the Public Prosecution, the SPA reported.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to counter all attempts to disrupt the security and stability of the Kingdom, or endanger its citizens and residents, highlighting its vigilance against criminal schemes targeting the nation with drugs.


Jeddah Book Fair explores the power of music 

Updated 16 December 2024
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Jeddah Book Fair explores the power of music 

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Book Fair buzzed with energy recently as Iraqi musician and renowned oud player Naseer Shamma captivated attendees with a lecture on echoic memory. 

The discussion titled “Music Stylistically” was led by moderator Bader Al-Hamoud. 

Shamma explored how climate and environment influence musical expression, noting differences between coastal and mountainous music.

He explained how geography, architecture, and economic factors shape a community’s musical identity and heritage. 

Shamma said: “Just as our senses possess memory and require care to maintain their function, music demands a period of maturation, much like the cycle of life.” 

Some of his compositions have taken years to perfect before being shared. He believes music that resonates for two decades achieves a lasting impact.

Shamma also announced a project to train instructors to teach at schools.

The seminar highlighted the therapeutic power of music. Shamma said that music can accelerate wound healing by up to 30 percent. 

Music therapy has become a recognized academic field, he added.

Focusing on children, Shamma emphasized music’s role in intellectual growth and counteracting the effects of excessive screen time. 

He said music has become a cornerstone of early childhood education in many parts of the world.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the fair runs until Dec. 21 and features over 450 pavilions, with the participation of over 1,000 publishing houses and agencies from 22 countries. 

Entry to the fair is free daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, except on Fridays when it opens from 2 p.m. until midnight.


How Saudi Arabia’s World Cup will reverberate across Asian football

Updated 16 December 2024
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How Saudi Arabia’s World Cup will reverberate across Asian football

  • Saudi Arabia last week won bid to host FIFA World Cup 2034
  • This will be third time football’s global showpiece will be held on Asian shores

AUSTRALIA: As the party continues across Saudi Arabia after last week’s historic awarding of the FIFA World Cup 2034 to the Kingdom, the win is also being felt across the wider Asian Football Confederation.

The event in 2034 will mark just the third time football’s global showpiece will be held on Asian shores, after Japan-Korea 2002 and Qatar 2022, and will again focus the world’s attention on the best that Asian football has to offer.

The AFC’s president, Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, was the first to congratulate the new hosts. “This is a momentous occasion for Saudi Arabia, the AFC, and the whole of Asia,” he said.

“Saudi Arabia’s successful bid is a testament to the Kingdom’s vision, commitment, and passion for football. We have full confidence in their ability to host an extraordinary FIFA World Cup that will leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Asia and beyond.

“The AFC is committed to working closely with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and FIFA to ensure the successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2034. Together, we will create an unforgettable experience for football fans around the globe.

“This historic achievement marks a new chapter for Asian football. With Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034, we are confident that Asia will continue to play a leading role on the global stage.”

Rhysh Roshan Rai, a former Singapore footballer and now commentator, having covered some of Asian football’s biggest moments, including the AFC Asian Cup, AFC Champions League and Asian Qualifiers, is excited about the possible developmental benefits for the region.

“Asia is huge and diverse, so it’s hard to speak for everyone, but I’m sure it’s exciting for fans in that part of the continent,” he told Arab News.

“Being given the opportunity to host a massive event like that. They’re big football fans in Saudi Arabia and very passionate about the game.

“Speaking for myself, as a fan of Asian football, I’m looking forward to it and hopefully it’ll be something that can benefit the game in Asia.”

These comments are echoed by Dejan Damjanovic, the all-time leading scorer in the AFC Champions League.

The 43-year-old, who retired from football last year after a glittering 25-year career, is best known for his time in Korea with FC Seoul.

He holds the record for the most goals in the AFC Champions League with 42, five more than Korea’s Lee Dong-gook and 10 more than Saudi Arabia’s Nasser Al-Shamrani.

“I think it’s going to be amazing,” said Damjanovic, who enjoyed a six-month loan spell with Al-Ahli in 2006.

“Everyone knows how much Saudi invested in the last couple of years and how much they will invest in the coming years. I am sure they will make it an unbelievable World Cup.

“I think this is going to be (an) amazing promotion of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in general.”

It may only have been six months that Damjanovic spent in Saudi Arabia, at a different time in the Kingdom’s football development, but it clearly left an impact on him and the fans.

“I was just on loan there, and now when I look back I am really sorry that I didn’t stay longer,” he said.

“When I came back in 2013 (for the AFC Champions League quarterfinal) after six or seven years, still the fans welcomed me really nicely and the game was unbelievable.

“It’s really nice memories, and when I am with friends I am always speaking about (it). It’s really nice to have so many nice memories from ACL.”

Meanwhile, Roshan Rai was in the Kingdom in October to commentate on Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw with Bahrain, in what proved to be the last game of the Roberto Mancini era.

Having experienced firsthand the passion of the Saudi fans, not to mention the hospitality of the locals, the 39-year-old was left in no doubt about Saudi Arabia’s capacity to host the world’s biggest sporting event.

“They will be great hosts,” he said. “They’ve already been moving towards opening up the country for a while now and hosting big sporting and other events.

“They have the infrastructure in place and certainly have the resources to build on and improve on anything required to ensure that they can be the best host possible.

“From my own experiences there, the people have been warm, friendly and welcoming. I believe that will be the case as well once the World Cup comes around.”

He also spoke about the impact of hosting the World Cup. “Obviously in a football sense there are benefits … businesswise and so on there will be benefits.

“But from a human perspective there will also be a benefit to this. People might sometimes perceive things about certain places around the world. Stereotypes help us make sense of our world so it’s normal but it helps to challenge those stereotypes at times.

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel across the continent and world and have met with people from different cultures and backgrounds. There are many things in common that we have and also differences to celebrate, respect, discuss.

“There will be analysis and coverage of this event for a long time to come and that will put things under the spotlight and on the table for discussion, to work on things that need to be worked on by all parties.

“There is no perfect place on this planet, but an open mind and a willingness to learn about each other will go a long way towards our development as a species.”