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JEDDAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Farhan met Nigerian Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa on the sidelines of the 13th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World.
The two officials discussed the importance of enhancing cooperation in various artistic fields, including literature, music, films and heritage, in addition to discussing collaboration with organizations concerned with cultural affairs such as UNESCO.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior established the General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes on Thursday to further ensure the public safety.
The newly established body will be linked to the General Directorate of Public Security, following a directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry said that the department aims to combat crimes that infringe on personal rights, violate fundamental freedoms under Islamic Shariah laws, or undermine individual dignity.
It also aims to eliminate crimes by dismantling criminal networks in coordination with local and international authorities, the SPA added.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s counter-narcotics authorities thwarted drug smuggling and dealing attempts, including of hashish, khat, and methamphetamine, in various cities on Thursday.
The General Directorate of Border Guard arrested an Ethiopian citizen for attempting to smuggle 49,350 tablets of unlicensed medical pills in the Red Sea region of Asir, located in southwest Saudi Arabia.
The Border Guard thwarted another smuggling attempt in Asir, which borders Yemen, where they seized 100 kg of hallucinogenic khat leaves, valued at approximately $5,300.
In Jizan, located in the southwest of the Kingdom, authorities arrested a gang of Yemeni nationals for smuggling 5.5 kg of hashish and 30 kg of khat; in another incident, they seized 108 kg of khat.
In Dammam in the eastern region, the General Directorate of Mujahideen arrested a Saudi citizen for selling the toxic methamphetamine drug known locally as Al-Shabu.
Drug smuggling is a serious crime in Saudi Arabia. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, along with 50 lashes and a fine for first-time offenders involved in smuggling, consuming or marketing drugs. However, individuals who repeatedly commit this crime may face the death penalty, according to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.
Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.
Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected]. All information will remain strictly confidential.
RIYADH: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China was launched at a special cultural and social event in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was held with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the minister of culture and the chairman of the award’s board of trustees.
It highlighted the award’s objectives, categories, and various initiatives designed to enhance cultural collaboration between Riyadh and Beijing.
Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, the deputy chairman of the board of trustees, was also in attendance.
The deputy chairman emphasized the significance of the award — which bears the name of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — as a symbol of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, one of cultural interaction, strengthening ties and enriching cross-cultural exchanges.
He added that Saudi Vision 2030 placed a strong emphasis on cultural openness — aligning seamlessly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative — which seeks to enhance global connectivity.
The award, he said, reflected a new era of cultural cooperation to drive mutual development and prosperity for both nations.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.
In the first attack, a suicide bomber attacked the front of a bank in the northern city of Kunduz on Tuesday, killing eight people. Daesh later claimed the bombing, saying it was targeting Taliban government employees collecting salaries.
In the second attack, a person was killed and at least three wounded in a suicide attack on the Afghan ministry of urban development and housing on Thursday.
A Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the terrorist acts, and its support for the Afghan people against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism.
The statement also expressed the Kingdom’s condolences to the families of the victims and the Afghan people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture reported on Thursday that six regions across Saudi Arabia experienced rainfall, with Riyadh region recording the highest precipitation of 21 mm in Alqah, Zulfi governorate.
According to the ministry’s daily meteorological report, 52 hydrological and climate monitoring stations tracked precipitation across the Kingdom. Rainfall was recorded in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Eastern Region, and Al-Baha.
In the Riyadh region, Rawdat Al-Sabla in Zulfi recorded 7.5 mm, while Al-Rayyan district in Al-Dawadmi measured 7.1 mm. Other notable readings included Kharoub farms in Shaqra at 6 mm, Al-Majmaah train station at 4.8 mm, and Arja in Al-Dawadmi at 4.6 mm.
Qassim region reported significant rainfall, with Dukhnah in Al-Rass measuring 11 mm, Buraidah 8.6 mm, and Riyadh Al-Khabra 8 mm. The Eastern Region saw precipitation levels of 9.6 mm at Al-Olaya metro station, 9 mm in Khafji, 4.6 mm at the Naval Forces Airport in Jubail, and 3.8 mm at the Border Guard station in Ruqi, Hafar Al-Batin.
The Makkah region’s Saja Reserve in Al-Muwayh recorded 9.2 mm, while Raniah received 2.2 mm. Madinah region registered 1.4 mm in Al-Hisu, Al-Hinakiyah, and Al-Baha region’s Shada in Al-Makhwah recorded 0.6 mm.
