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
Updated 09 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 20,778 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 11,523 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,711 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,544 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,569 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 73 percent were Ethiopian, 24 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 63 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 15 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.
Saudi Green Building Forum to convene in Riyadh this October
It will feature the participation of national and international leaders, and representatives from major development projects in Saudi Arabia.
Updated 23 April 2025
SPA
Riyadh: The15th edition of the Saudi Green Building Forum will take place in Riyadh from October 1-3, 2025, state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday.Under the patronage of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the forum will focus on challenges, green and comprehensive solutions, and best practices supporting Saudi Vision 2030.
This year's edition serves as a strategic platform to review progress at the midpoint of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Kingdom's development. It will feature the participation of national and international leaders, and representatives from major development projects in Saudi Arabia.
This edition reinforces the forum's pivotal role in supporting national and international sustainability initiatives and enhancing the Kingdom's leadership in ecological and architectural transformation regionally and globally.
Saudi Arabia, India agree to cooperate in several fields, including energy
Updated 23 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and India have agreed to cooperate in several fields, including defense industries, and exploring joint projects in refineries and petrochemicals, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday.
The two countries agreed to boost cooperation in the energy sector, including in the supplies of crude and liquefied petroleum gas, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The statement, which was released after a short visit to the Kingdom by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizes their shared stances on several issues.
They agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in international organizations and forums, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to support efforts to address the challenges facing the global economy.
They also welcomed the expansion of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council to four ministerial committees.
The statement also said the Saudi and Indian leaders shared their views on several regional issues, including Yemen.
The two sides affirmed their full support for international and regional efforts at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen. The Indian side appreciated the Kingdom’s efforts and initiatives to encourage dialogue and reconciliation among the Yemeni parties.
The Indian side also expressed its appreciation to the Kingdom for its continued care of 2.7 million Indian citizens living in the Kingdom, which reflects the strong ties between the two peoples.
How Modi’s landmark visit to Jeddah added ‘further momentum’ to historic Saudi-India ties
Modi’s visit to Jeddah was the first by an Indian premier in over four decades, underlining a deepening partnership
The PM’s itinerary included the second India-Saudi SPC meeting to enhance defense cooperation
Updated 23 April 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets ahead of his touchdown in Jeddah on Tuesday, where he was greeted by a 21-gun salute in a ceremonial welcome that highlighted the growing defense ties between the two countries.
The visit marked Modi’s first to the Red Sea port city and the first by an Indian premier in more than 40 years. It was also his third visit to Saudi Arabia in a decade, highlighting deepening diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation between Riyadh and New Delhi.
“This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia,” Modi posted on the social media platform X ahead of his arrival, expressing his eagerness to advance bilateral agreements and programs.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, wrote on X that the visit would “give further momentum” to “longstanding and historic ties” between Saudi Arabia and India.
Referring to the Royal Saudi Air Force escort, Jaiswal posted: “India-Saudi Arabia friendship flying high!”
Modi was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets ahead of his touchdown in Jeddah on Tuesday. (Social Media)
Modi’s arrival was met with vibrant celebrations among the Indian diaspora — the Kingdom’s largest expatriate group. Traditional dances were performed in his honor, and Saudi singer Hashim Abbas paid tribute by singing the Hindi patriotic anthem “Ae Watan.”
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered at a hotel in Jeddah and sang “Saare Jahan Se Achha” as they awaited Modi’s arrival. One of the members of the Indian diaspora told ANI: “I am very excited to see PM Modi here. We are so grateful that we got this opportunity.”
A key part of the visit was the second meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Established in 2019, the SPC has become a vital platform for cooperation in politics, security, trade and culture.
Modi’s arrival was met with vibrant celebrations among the Indian diaspora. Traditional dances were performed in his honor, and Saudi singer Hashim Abbas paid tribute by singing the Hindi patriotic anthem “Ae Watan.” (Supplied)
In an interview ahead of the visit with Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News, Modi emphasized that the bond between India and Saudi Arabia “is not new.” Rather, “it is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries.
“From ideas to trade, there has been a constant flow between our two great nations,” he said. “Our relations have been on an upward trajectory since 2014.”
One of the most significant areas of growing cooperation has been defense. In recent years, India and Saudi Arabia have held joint military exercises, finalized India’s first artillery shell exports to the Kingdom and signed advanced weapons systems deals.
Officials said this week’s discussions would include expanding naval exercises and strengthening security partnerships — particularly in maritime and cybersecurity domains.
“This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia,” Modi posted on the social media platform X ahead of his arrival, expressing his eagerness to advance bilateral agreements and programs. (SPA)
The visit came at a time when both countries are pursuing bold domestic agendas. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and India rises as a global economic force, the leaders are keen to transform longstanding cultural and economic ties into a comprehensive 21st-century partnership.
“There is much to celebrate in the remarkable transformation of bilateral ties,” journalist and foreign policy analyst C. Raja Mohan said in a recent op-ed for The Indian Express.
“The PM’s visit to Jeddah is not only about expanding bilateral relations; it also reflects Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a significant geopolitical actor under its crown prince and prime minister, Mohammed bin Salman.”
He added: “(Riyadh’s) interest-driven, rather than ideologically rigid, approach marks a fundamental shift in the evolution of the Saudi Kingdom — one that echoes the pragmatism of India’s own Middle East policy under Modi.”
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and India rises as a global economic force, the leaders are keen to transform longstanding cultural and economic ties into a comprehensive 21st-century partnership. (SPA)
Bilateral trade has continued to grow despite global economic turbulence, with energy, agriculture and fertilizers remaining key pillars. Both sides are now eying new areas of cooperation, including green hydrogen, emerging technologies and infrastructure.
Indeed, trade between the two countries surged to $52 billion in 2023-24, and officials said several memorandums of understanding would be signed during the visit to bolster both economic and political collaboration.
India’s economy is seen as being relatively less vulnerable to global headwinds, and calibrated policy support could help the country turn current volatility into an opportunity, the Reserve Bank of India said in its April bulletin released on Tuesday.
“Although the dampening global economic outlook could impact India’s economic growth through weaker external demand, the domestic growth engines ... consumption and investment, are relatively less susceptible to external headwinds,” the RBI said in its article, titled “State of the Economy.”
Saudi Arabia has long been a key energy supplier to India, with the Kingdom ranked as the country’s third largest source of petroleum, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India relies heavily on crude and refined oil imports to meet its expanding energy demands.
In an interview ahead of the visit with Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News, Modi emphasized that the bond between India and Saudi Arabia “is not new.” Rather, “it is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries. (SPA)
That partnership is also evolving in response to global energy transitions, as both countries recognize the urgency of moving toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.
India announced its aim of achieving 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, outlining its intention to meet half of its energy requirements from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. The target marked a significant step beyond the country’s earlier Paris Agreement commitments and highlighted its growing role in global climate leadership.
Modi’s itinerary had included a visit to a facility employing Indian workers and a meeting with members of the Indian community. Saudi Arabia is home to 2.7 million Indian residents and workers.
The Indian leader, who in 2016 was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash, Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor, has made Gulf partnerships a cornerstone of his foreign policy.
Analysts said the visit reflected India’s broader strategy to cement alliances across West Asia, a region vital to its energy security and home to more than 9 million Indian expatriates.
Laheq: New era of residential island living in Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global’s Laheq Island introduces island homeownership to Saudi Arabia
Updated 22 April 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: Unveiled by Red Sea Global, Laheq is the first island focused on residences rather than tourism, bringing resort-style living and homeownership to Saudi Arabia.
Located off Saudi Arabia’s western coast, Laheq Island is part of an archipelago of 92 untouched islands that are home to over 2,000 marine species, many of which are found nowhere else.
Out of all the locations, RSG selected the island for its intimate scale and natural beauty which is shaped by coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and calm lagoons.
Located near the western shores of Saudi Arabia, Laheq Island part of the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. (Supplied)
Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer at RSG, told Arab News: “Spanning over 400 hectares, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays. It offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home in a destination globally known for regenerative tourism and barefoot luxury.”
Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.
Darwish added: “It is designed by Foster and Partners, whose vision is grounded in its natural beauty. Their ‘Forever Gardens’ concept creates a regenerative, sensory-rich island shaped by greenery and architectural harmony.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.
• It is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs to family spaces and cultural programs.
Lissoni and Partners crafted the villa interiors, offering two palettes: light (with ivory, cream, and airy tones) and dark (with rich woods and earthy textures), to reflect different expressions of “barefoot luxury.”
Spanning over 400-hectare, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays, it offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home. (Supplied)
At its heart lies The Ring, an 800-meter circular structure of luxury apartments, hotels, and shops surrounding the island’s central lagoon and white sands.
Laheq is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs and wellness sanctuaries to family spaces and cultural programs.
Highlights include two luxury hotels, one focused on wellness and the other on social energy. There’s also a 115-berth marina with sailing and watersports schools, an 18-hole championship golf course, several beach clubs, and clubs for men and women.
Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer. (Supplied)
A retail and dining souq caters to both everyday needs and luxury experiences. North Park features sports facilities like tennis, padel, basketball, football, a gym, and a lap pool. The island also includes cultural programming, a mosque, and curated events for residents.
Laheq embodies RSG’s sustainability ethos, and Darwish said: “Residences are intentionally placed to maximize privacy (with) natural views, and solar orientation, while the entire island operates on 100 percent renewable energy and adheres to Red Sea Global’s pioneering environmental commitments.”
The “Forever Gardens” philosophy ensures that buildings blend with nature, using reclaimed materials, prioritizing solar orientation, and protecting mangroves and coral reefs.
Located near the western shores of Saudi Arabia, Laheq Island part of the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. (Supplied)
Laheq will also contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and tourism growth.
Darwish added: “It also shows RSG’s evolution, from a destination developer to a vertically integrated real estate company delivering enduring value through real estate, hospitality, and sustainability.”
Laheq is scheduled for completion in 2028, with sales now officially underway. Development is set to begin shortly, marking a new chapter in exclusive island living.
Spanning over 400-hectare, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays, it offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home. (Supplied)
Darwish said: “It appeals to those seeking second homes or primary residences in a private island setting, as well as intergenerational families looking to create meaningful shared experiences. The development also resonates with eco-conscious buyers who value sustainability and timeless design.”
RSG is working to plant 50 million mangroves and improve their natural habitats, while also protecting and restoring coral reefs in the Red Sea and nearby areas.
The developer is also on track to finish all 16 hotels in phase one of The Red Sea. By 2030 the full project will include 50 resorts with up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 homes spread across 22 islands and six inland locations, with Red Sea International Airport ensuring easy access.
