Saudi Arabia’s authorities seize over 81kg of cannabis in attempted drug smuggling
Authorities were able to ensure the arrest of the recipients inside the Kingdom
Updated 13 January 2023
Arab News
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Zakat and Tax thwarted an attempted drug smuggling operation, seizing more than 81 kg of cannabis at Al-Wadiah port.
The narcotics were hidden inside the roof of a vehicle entering the Kingdom through the country’s port, reported state agency SPA.
The customs authority, in coordination with Saudi’s General Directorate Of Narcotics Control, was able to ensure the arrest of the recipients inside the Kingdom.
The zakat and tax authority reaffirmed its commitment to preventing further drug smuggling attempts and tightening customs procedures on imports and exports.
A symbol of Saudi hospitality, dates come in a range of textures, colors and levels of sweetness
Updated 01 April 2023
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: Dates are an iconic symbol of Saudi Arabia. The fruit represents an integral part of the Kingdom’s hospitality as one is always offered dates and Arabic coffee at home, in the office and at event of all kinds.
It is no surprise that during the holy month of Ramadan, dates are a staple on the iftar table. With more than 200 varieties to choose from, dates come in a range of flavors, textures, colors and levels of sweetness.
Aside from consuming them on their own, dates are used in multiple ways in the kitchen: a filling for the popular and traditional mamool cookie, a natural sweetener for drinks and desserts and garnishing for salad, among other uses. Choosing the right variety will ensure a magical gastronomic experience.
A symbol of Saudi hospitality and an Iftar staple, over 200 varieties of dates are produced in Saudi Arabia and sold at date markets. (SPA)
The significance of dates is also tied to the belief that the Prophet Muhammad broke his fasts with the fruit, thus eating dates in the holy month of Ramadan is a tradition that Muslims have followed for centuries.
Khaled Al-Ramadan, a mechanical engineer, dedicates all of his free time to his date business, Kahraman Dates, in the Eastern Province. “I was born in Al-Ahsa and I have always had palm trees surrounding me. Out of love for agricultural history and my own hobby, I started my date business,” he said.
FASTFACT
The Ajwa date, considered one of the most expensive in the Kingdom, is produced mainly in Madinah, the second holy city in Saudi Arabia. Nicknamed the ‘holy date,’ the black or dark brown Ajwa has a distinct flavor profile.
Al-Ramadan added that he has become acquainted with many people in the date business, whose work he values. “Dates are available everywhere, even in grocery stores. There are dates that are marked at the lowest possible price, SR2-3 ($0.5) a kilo. But a person who can produce a beautiful and luxurious product deserves appreciation and support … we should buy from him and market his production.”
A symbol of Saudi hospitality and an Iftar staple, over 200 varieties of dates are produced in Saudi Arabia and sold at date markets. (Supplied)
Al-Ramadan’s favorite type of date is the Raziz date. The Raziz date is usually served with date molasses and sesame in a traditional dish named safsif. “Any authentic date expert would also tell you that the best date out there is the Raziz date. It has great nutritional value and flavor, even if it’s high in sugar,” he said.
Al-Ramadan told Arab News about four of the most popular Ramadan date varieties in the Kingdom.
Ajwa: The Ajwa date, considered one of the most expensive in the Kingdom, is produced mainly in Madinah, the second holy city in Saudi Arabia. Nicknamed the “holy date,” the black or dark brown Ajwa has a distinct flavor profile. It is slightly sweet and fruity with a prune-like texture and is rich in vitamins.
Khalas: Khalas dates are also considered one of the Kingdom’s premium varieties. It is a dark brown, oval-shaped date with a sweet butter-caramel flavor. “Khalas is most famously associated with the Eastern region in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahsa tends to produce the highest quantity and quality of the Khalas date. You most certainly will find Khalas dates in every social gathering in the GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia and UAE,” he said.
Sokari: Al-Ramadan recommends the sought-after Sokari date for a sweet caramel taste. They are considered a great source of fiber and suitable for people with heart conditions. “The word ‘Sokari’ sounds like ‘sugar’ in Arabic. It means ‘the sweet one,’ he said. The variety is popular in the region and the fruit is often referred to as ‘royal dates’,” Al-Ramadan added.
Segai: Segai are two-toned dates that hold different textures: One part of the date is soft and the other is dry and crunchy. Its taste is similar to brown sugar.
Saudi esports festival returns with $10m charity prize fund
Event will also host a women’s tournament for the first time
Updated 01 April 2023
Arab News
JEDDAH: The world’s biggest charitable esports festival is returning to the Kingdom for the fourth year with a $10 million charity prize fund, connecting the world of gaming to humanitarian causes around the globe.
Gamers Without Borders is a six-week-long series of events that will be held virtually by the Saudi Esports Federation beginning April 27.
The esports festival offers elite players competition across a wide range of the world’s most popular gaming titles through tournaments that will serve as a qualifier to Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the biggest esports and gaming festival worldwide, which will return for a second year on July 6.
Teams including NIGMA GALAXY will compete for a total prize pool of $2.5 million in the multiplayer tactical first-person shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment. Other teams taking part will be announced later.
This year’s edition will also feature the first-of-its-kind all-women Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament, with six teams battling in a single elimination bracket on April 27-29.
HIGHLIGHT
The esports festival offers elite players competition across a wide range of the world’s most popular gaming titles through tournaments that will serve as a qualifier to Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the biggest esports and gaming festival worldwide, which will return for a second year on July 6.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “It is extremely exciting to announce that Gamers Without Borders’ fourth edition will have an all-women component. One of the best features of gaming and esports is that it provides equal opportunities for everyone without any bias or restrictions.
“We are furthering our commitment to providing an inclusive gaming and esports environment that encourages and supports female gamers from all backgrounds.”
NIGMA GALAXY said: “We are proud to take part in the world’s biggest charitable esports festival and see the tournament expanding its horizons. Hopefully, events like Gamers Without Borders will help pave the way for the further development of women’s esports globally and we’re excited to play for such an important cause.”
In addition to the women’s tournament, the main Counter-Strike: Global Offensive qualifiers will take place on May 16 for Europe and North America, allowing teams to secure a spot at the GWB finals and Gamers8 grand finals.
Prince Faisal added: “Gamers Without Borders paved the way for us to organize Gamers8, the biggest esports and gaming festival worldwide. With Gamers Without Borders, the Kingdom has established the world’s largest charity esports platform and in just three years, the world’s largest charitable Esports festival raised $30 million to support humanitarian aid partners such as Direct Relief, IMC, UNICEF, ITU Gavi, NRC, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and UNHCR.”
After three successful editions that saw more than $30 million donated to COVID-19 relief and vaccine distribution, the festival is aiming to reach a total of $40 million in donations.
Gamers from around the world can support the donation drive through the Gamers Without Borders website.
Who’s Who: Ahmed bin Wasl Al-Juhani, CEO of Rua Al-Madinah Holding
Updated 01 April 2023
Arab News
Ahmed bin Wasl Al-Juhani has been CEO of Rua Al-Madinah Holding since February 2022.
The company is a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and undertakes development projects in Madinah that feature modern urban planning.
Rua Al-Madinah Holding aims to highlight Madinah’s cultural and urban characteristics, while helping achieve Vision 2030 targets for Hajj and Umrah through its development projects.
Al-Juhani’s executive track record extends across more than three decades, and includes real estate development, construction and facilities management, housing, tourism, hospitality and culture, education, sports facilities, as well as railways, airports, and oil and gas facilities.
He has held numerous leadership positions at major companies and institutions in the Kingdom, Europe and South Korea.
Before joining Rua Al-Madinah Holding, Al-Juhani was CEO of the development and construction sector at the Royal Commission for AlUla, where he served for a year.
He was previously vice president of construction at El-Seif Engineering Contracting.
Al-Juhani also lent his expertise to Saudi Aramco, where he served for 20 years, and the Ministry of Finance, where he supervised various large-scale projects and laid out the strategic framework for future undertakings.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and a master’s degree in engineering from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Al-Juhani has completed Harvard Business School’s real estate management program, as well as several specialized training programs.
Saudi mission coordinates date distribution program in Helsinki
Two tons of premium-quality dates will be distributed among Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan
Updated 01 April 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, in coordination with the Saudi Embassy in Helsinki, launched King Salman’s date distribution program.
The event was held in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Finland Nisreen bint Hamad Al-Shibel.
Two tons of premium-quality dates will be distributed among Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.
The ministry is implementing the program in 60 countries this year, as an extension of the Saudi leadership’s commitment to address the needs of Muslims and bring them together during the holy month.
The ministry said of the current cases, 75 patients were in critical condition
Updated 02 April 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities reported 153 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. As a result, the total number of cases in the Kingdom over the course of the pandemic grew to 833,880.
Of the new infections, 58 were recorded in Riyadh and 23 in Jeddah. Several other cities recorded fewer than 10 new cases each.
The Ministry of Health also confirmed that the Kingdom’s death toll from COVID-19 reached 9,631.
It said that 116 patients had recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom over the course of the pandemic to 819,303.
The ministry said that 4,946 COVID-19 cases are still active, adding that 4,026 PCR tests were conducted in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number to more than 45.2 million.
The ministry said of the current cases, 75 patients were in critical condition.
More than 69.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the Kingdom’s immunization campaign began, with more than 25.4 million people fully vaccinated.
