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.


From COP16 to FIFA 2034, a new era of events begins in Saudi Arabia

Updated 18 min 12 sec ago
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From COP16 to FIFA 2034, a new era of events begins in Saudi Arabia

  • Events sector boosts tourism, economy beyond seasonal peaks, Riyadh summit hears
  • Richard Attias: When you have an amazing policy on e-visas, on making business friendly and easy, attractive transport, and easy hospitality, you become a great destination

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has not just stepped onto the world stage; it is commanding it, securing the rights to host monumental global events like COP16, the Future Investment Initiative and the Misk Global Forum, and most recent crowning achievements of winning the bids for the FIFA World Cup 2034 and the World Expo 2030.

Fresh off these triumphs, the three-day International Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Summit, held until Dec. 17 in Riyadh, is seeing global experts and tourism leaders converge to delve into the implications of the fast-growing events sector on Saudi Arabia’s evolving landscape.

Anita Mendiratta, special adviser to the secretary general of UN Tourism, told Arab News: “The importance of this event, and any event, is that it’s not only about the event being hosted and destination, IMS being hosted in Riyadh; it’s the fact that the world is interested to be here.”

She added: “They want to be a part of it. They want to understand what is happening in the Kingdom that’s creating so much excitement. So, to be part of this community is special … it’s a privilege to see how we can build business together from the Kingdom to the world and from the world to the Kingdom itself.”

Under the ambitious Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is not just enhancing its entertainment and tourism sectors, but is also aggressively transforming into a global nexus for international events.

This shift is being fueled by substantial investments in infrastructure, a welcoming stance toward global tourism and an evolving changing cultural landscape that positions the Kingdom as a magnet for diverse events.

The events sector stands out for its contribution to the tourism industry, as it is the only sector that ensures a steady stream of visitors throughout the year, encouraging repeat visits, extended stays and spreading economic benefits across various regions.

Mendiratta highlighted this advantage, saying: “So, for an economy, especially a developing economy, trying to build through tourism, which is a fantastic way of building economies, societies, cultures and protecting the environment, MICE is fantastic because it allows for year-round visitation, not only during traditional tourism seasons.”

According to the adviser, Riyadh is at the forefront as being a global entry point for events and tourism due to mobility, allowing for destination connectivity domestically, regionally and internationally, while also offering accessible visa acquisition.

“It is a magnificent front door because it amplifies the invitation of the Kingdom to the world,” she said. “Through Vision 2030, you have outstanding projects being put in place to make sure that you have the rail connectivity, the sea connectivity and the roads, and then you add on the mega events on top of that, and it absolutely amplifies the ability for the destination to really blossom.”

While the events taking place, including the summit, create tangible change on a smaller scale, they all sit within a greater, ambitious master plan to position Saudi Arabia as a leader globally in innovation, environment, tourism, economy and entertainment.

“The beauty about the Kingdom is that you not only have leadership coming behind Vision 2030, but every single mega-project, city, and person in Saudi understands the role that they have to play. That’s where longevity comes from and, importantly, legacy, so that we’re building Saudi for Saudis for generations to come,” Mendiratta added.

This ambitious vision includes the execution of numerous giga-projects that promise to not only enhance the job opportunities and quality of life for Saudi residents, but also cement the Kingdom’s position as a top tourist destination.

Qiddiya has recently made headlines for its plans to propel Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector through partnerships with local and international entities that will bring groundbreaking ventures into the country like Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks and Speed Park Track, which comes as the popularity of Formula 1 in the region grows.

Turki Al-Rasheed, representative of Qiddiya Investment Co., told Arab News that Qiddiya City will be located in the heart of Tuwaiq Mountains, which is 1400 km long and will immerse visitors in the heritage and the identity of Qiddiya.

“The city is the first city built on the Power of Play philosophy,” he said, adding that the company conducted multiple research studies that proved play was not only meant for leisure entertainment, but has a significant effect on lifestyle, well-being and health.

“That’s why we’re not only going to live life, we’re going to play life. Qiddiya will be the capital of sports, entertainment and our culture,” he added, “Qiddiya City will be built in phases. So, phase one consists of the Speed Park, Aquarabia, and Six Flags, these three assets that were announced.”

Al-Rasheed said that 8 percent of the Six Flags theme park has already been built, with the promise of announcing the progress of the rest of the assets soon.

The summit may very well be the perfect example of how the engineering of events has changed; normally there would be an event hosted by a company or destination, and the event’s organizers are brought on. In this unique case, it was pulled together, from concept to vision, by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority.

“In a time marked by profound transformation, the MICE industry has emerged as an essential catalyst of progress. As the premier global leader in the industry, the International MICE Summit is expanding the horizons of what can be done when people meet, connect and are entertained,” Fahd Al-Rasheed, chairman of the authority, told the Saudi Press Agency.

Richard Attias & Associates — a top partner in the Kingdom for events like the Future Investment Initiative and Hegra Noble Summit, was then brought in to bring the summit to life.

Attias, a veteran of the events industry and founder, chairman and CEO of FII Institute, told Arab News: “When you look at all these portfolio of conferences, we are not events just to be an event. We are events who had, all of them, an impact on our humanity — by doing what? By attracting investors.

“When you do an investment conference and change the landscape of the host city as a host country and also the global conversation … you transform cities, you create amazing infrastructure and you create jobs.”

He added that the GCC region, specifically the Kingdom, has become a top destination for the events industry for several reasons, including the quality of infrastructure, such as travel and digitization, and vibrant and full economic ecosystem.

As Mendiratta said, location is a significant aspect as well.

Attias highlighted the role of policy in destination appeal, saying: “On top of that, when you have an amazing policy on e-visas, on making business friendly and easy, attractive transport, and easy hospitality, you become a great destination.”

The seasoned expert in events and conferences also underscored the pivotal role of technology in advancing the industry. He shared a stark warning to peers and staff alike: “The message I give to my colleagues and to the staff in this industry is that you are still underestimating the impact that technology would create in our industry.”

Even though the MICE sector has traditionally been about face-to-face interactions, Attias foresees a seismic shift: “I see technologies, not just AI, that will very soon will disrupt our industry like a tsunami,” he said. “Now we see another revolution, which would totally change our day-to-day life, which would change the way we travel, the way we attend conferences, the way we visit exhibitions, the way we meet, the way we even incentivize people.

“So, the whole MICE industry and far beyond will be totally transformed with technology.”


Saudi minister of interior meets Pakistani counterpart in Riyadh

The Saudi minister of interior meets his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.
Updated 33 min 49 sec ago
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Saudi minister of interior meets Pakistani counterpart in Riyadh

  • Prince Abdulaziz, Naqvi discuss security cooperation between Kingdom, Pakistan
  • Naqvi congratulates Saudi leadership on hosting 2034 World Cup

RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi minister of interior, met his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.

Prince Abdulaziz and Naqvi discussed security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, focusing on efforts to combat drug trafficking and other matters of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Naqvi congratulated the Saudi leadership on Sunday for the Kingdom becoming the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and expressed his best wishes for the country.

The two countries signed several memorandums of understanding in October, worth $2.8 billion, which Islamabad believes will bring much-needed foreign investment into the financially struggling nation.

The Kingdom’s Deputy Minister of Interior Nasser Al-Daoud, the Undersecretary of Interior Khalid Al-Battal, and the Director General of Drug Control Mohammed Al-Qarni were among the officials who attended the meeting on Monday.

Ahmed Farouk, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was also present.


Saudi Heritage Commission registers 13,040 new sites of historical importance

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has registered 13,040 new urban sites. (@MOCHeritage)
Updated 16 December 2024
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Saudi Heritage Commission registers 13,040 new sites of historical importance

  • Sites manifest a lasting testament to the Kingdom's historical narratives for future generations
  • The number of heritage sites increased to 17,495 in various regions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission has registered 13,040 new urban sites, increasing the total number of documented sites with cultural and historical importance to 17,495 in various regions.

The commission's National Urban Heritage Register includes a list of urban sites that manifest a "lasting testament to the Kingdom's historical narratives for future generations," the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to SPA, the most recent registered sites are 1,950 in Riyadh, 3,273 in Madinah, 1,531 in Al-Baha, 1,525 in Hail, 1,400 in Qassim, 972 in Aseer, 571 in Makkah, 363 in Al-Jouf, 351 in Jazan, 200 in Najran, 107 in Tabuk, 35 in the Northern Borders, and 762 in the Eastern Region.

The Heritage Commission is dedicated to preserving and managing Saudi Arabia's urban heritage for future generations and raising public awareness about its cultural importance, SPA added.

The commission conducts research to identify new heritage sites using technologies and modern practices to preserve, document, and create a comprehensive database of these sites.

The commission said the community is vital in preserving heritage sites. It encourages Saudi citizens to report any sites and buildings of cultural or historical importance for documentation on its online service portal, https://contactcenter.moc.gov.sa.


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

Updated 16 December 2024
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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.