RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 21,564 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 13,883 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,668 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,013 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,477 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 55 percent were Ethiopian, 41 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 90 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years and a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000).
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.
MAKKAH: Volunteers in Makkah devote themselves every year to serving pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan.
Among them are doctors, university professors, teachers, students, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared commitment to providing comfort, care, and reassurance to the pilgrims.
The volunteers display unwavering dedication and generosity, preparing for their tasks well in advance of the holy month.
This service is a heartfelt act of devotion to them, a profound expression of love for serving the guests of God, and a noble mission that embodies the essence of human and Islamic values. They see it as a path to faith and charity in the holiest place on Earth.
Numerous charitable organizations and volunteers begin their efforts early in Makkah’s central area and the corridors of the Grand Mosque, where touching humanitarian moments unfold, showcasing an exceptional model of generosity and dedication.
Mohammed Al-Yousfi, a student at Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, shared with Arab News his experience as a young volunteer.
He said that serving Zamzam water to pilgrims was “a profound expression of devotion and a deeply rewarding experience that enables pilgrims to perform their worship with ease.”
He added: “Every volunteer considers it an honor to serve, recognizing the lasting impact that their efforts leave on the hearts of pilgrims.”
Saudi men offer pilgrims Zamzam water upon their arrival in the holy city of Mecca on August 7, 2019, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP)
Maha Al-Sharif, leader of the volunteer team Ruoh Makkah (Spirit of Makkah), described volunteering in Makkah as both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience.
She said: “Volunteers work with a unified vision and shared purpose — to serve the guests of God — rooted in the humanitarian principles of volunteerism and the pursuit of social good.”
She highlighted the profound sense of fulfillment and joy that comes from this noble mission, which includes welcoming pilgrims, guiding them, offering Zamzam water, and distributing gifts.
She added: “Volunteers from all walks of life — including doctors, engineers, and healthcare professionals — selflessly dedicate their time, setting aside their professional roles to earn the honor of serving the guests of God.”
She said that many volunteers are fluent in languages such as Urdu, English, Turkish, and French, allowing them to engage with pilgrims, understand their needs, and provide personalized assistance.
Al-Sharif added: “Volunteer work deepens the sense of belonging to society, nurtures humanitarian values, and cultivates an atmosphere of participation and tolerance.
“It also instills in young people a profound appreciation for service, reinforcing the importance of contributing to nation-building while honoring and assisting visitors.”
Ehsan Hawsawi, a volunteer with the Lajlk Ya Watan (For You, My Homeland) team, stressed that volunteer work reflects the highest ideals of generosity and solidarity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
She noted the importance of embracing innovation and diversity in volunteer efforts, expanding their scope to encompass religious, cultural, social, health, and tourism-related initiatives.
Abeer Fakira, leader of the Hur Makkah volunteer team, affirmed that generosity and giving continue to thrive. She spoke about how human beings are inherently social and flourish within communities built on cooperation and shared kindness.
She said: “Volunteer work at the Grand Mosque is an example of generosity and community service, reflecting the profound humanitarian values deeply embedded in Saudi society.”
As all these efforts demonstrate, male and female volunteers continue to embody the spirit of dedication and selflessness, carrying a message of love and peace to visitors.
Cumin has health benefits but seek medical advice first
Saudi Food and Drug Authority urges cautious ingestion
Possible complications for diabetics, pregnant women
Updated 07 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Cumin offers notable health benefits and nutrition, including aiding digestion and relieving flatulence, but medical advice should be sought for its use, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority said on Thursday.
Cumin, particularly the Cuminum cyminum species, is an aromatic spice used as a seasoning for food, has its oil extracted for perfumes, and is also a popular traditional medicine.
But the SFDA has emphasized that herbs, like any substance with therapeutic effects, should be used with caution.
“Medical consultation is essential, as certain herbs may interact with medications or affect nutrient absorption,” the authority said in an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
The SFDA has recommended a daily intake of 1.5 to 3 grams of cumin, noting that one teaspoon is equivalent to 5 grams.
Cumin may interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications, potentially mimicking their effects and leading to complications, it said.
Medical advice is particularly recommended for individuals with blood clotting disorders or diabetes, as well as pregnant and lactating women, the SFDA said.
It warned that cumin may induce uterine contractions, increasing the risk of premature birth, and could also affect hormonal balances during pregnancy.
Cumin may also cause acid reflux or diarrhea and could influence milk production in breastfeeding mothers, potentially leading to colic or diarrhea in infants, the advisory warned.
It further recommended discontinuing cumin consumption at least two weeks before any surgical procedure, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Saudi Arabia condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria
Updated 07 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned the targeting of security forces and crimes by “outlaw groups” in Syria, a foreign ministry said early Friday.
“The Kingdom affirms its support for the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain security and stability and preserve civil peace,” the statement concluded.
Syrian forces were clashing with gunmen loyal to an Assad-era special forces commander in Latakia on Thursday, the province’s security director said, after authorities reportedly launched helicopter strikes.
The fighting killed 48 people on Thursday, a war monitor said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes in the coastal town of Jableh and adjacent villages were “the most violent attacks against the new authorities since Assad was toppled” in December.
Pro-Assad fighters killed 16 security personnel while 28 fighters “loyal” to ousted President Bashar Assad and four civilians were also killed, it said.
The fighting struck in the Mediterranean coastal province of Latakia, the heartland of the ousted president’s Alawite minority who were considered bastions of support during his rule.
Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting
Updated 07 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated on Thursday in the seventh GCC-Jordan joint ministerial meeting of foreign ministers in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The meeting discussed regional issues including the Palestinian cause and the efforts made to achieve regional security and stability.
It also tackled ways of boosting GCC-Jordanian relations and supporting partnerships.
The meeting was headed by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya.
Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah
Updated 07 March 2025
SPA
MAKKAH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita co-chaired in Makkah the 14th session of the Saudi-Moroccan Joint Committee.
The event was attended by senior officials from ministries, government agencies and private-sector institutions from both sides.
The convening of the meeting reaffirms the strong ties between the two countries and aims to boost cooperation in all areas of common interest.
Both sides appreciated the efforts of the entities involved in the committee’s work to meet the aspirations of both leaderships. They also emphasized their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various fields to further elevate their strong relations.
