Citizen arrested over illegal drug/node/2569358/saudi-arabia
Citizen arrested over illegal drug
Security agencies are asking the public to report any information concerning drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions. (SPA/File)
DAMMAM: Patrols of the General Administration Mujahideen in the Eastern Region have apprehended a citizen involved in the promotion of methamphetamine pills. The individual has been arrested and appropriate legal measures have been taken against him. He has been referred to the competent authority for further action.
In addition, patrols of the General Administration Mujahideen in Jazan have apprehended a citizen involved in the promotion of qat. The individual has been arrested and appropriate legal measures have been taken against him. He has also been referred to the competent authority.
Authorities in Jeddah have also apprehended two citizens involved in the promotion of regulated drugs. The individuals have been arrested and appropriate legal measures taken against them. They too have been referred to the competent authority for further action.
Security agencies are asking the public to report any information concerning drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
‘Modernity Roots’ art exhibition merges Saudi past and present
Our cultural heritage is our ultimate powerhouse, says Bilory ArtHaus founder
Updated 7 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: A new exhibition in Jeddah will “push boundaries” in the world of Saudi art, encouraging artists to challenge stereotypes and explore new horizons, its organizer believes.
Abdulrahman Kamil Mourad, general manager of the Bilory company and founder of Bilory ArtHaus, said the “Modernity Roots” exhibition will merge Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage with contemporary art practices, creating a dynamic platform for both artists and art enthusiasts.
The exhibition, the gallery’s first, draws inspiration from the Arabic term for origin and centrality, symbolized by the date stone, a revered element in Saudi culture, known for its vitality and unyielding strength.
“Modernity Roots is not just an exhibition, it’s a declaration of our roots and the unyielding power they instill within us as Saudis navigating the modern world,” Mourad said.
HIGHLIGHTS
• ‘Modernity Roots’ showcases the works of AFM and Heba Ismail, two prominent Saudi artists gaining wider recognition in the region.
• Bilory ArtHaus has positioned itself not only as a gallery, but also a creative space that promotes openness and innovation.
• Alongside its commitment to promoting art, Bilory Company also plans to launch an e-commerce jewelry platform.
“In a society eager to progress, this exhibition reminds us that our cultural heritage is our ultimate powerhouse, guiding us forward without losing sight of our origins.”
Mourad said that the exhibition is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes.
“The primary purpose of ‘Modernity Roots’ was to highlight that it is OK and desirable to be courageous and daring in the art production process, pushing boundaries and challenging the stereotypes surrounding Saudi art.
“Each artist embodies strong dedication and resilience, building on their rich Saudi cultural backgrounds, while exploring new horizons and opportunities,” he said.
The exhibition showcases the works of AFM and Heba Ismail, two prominent Saudi artists gaining wider recognition in the region.
AFM’s camel paintings merge pop art with cartoonish abstraction, utilizing bold, African-inspired colors and Saudi symbols to explore a modern, progressive identity rooted in tradition.
Ismail’s “The Holy Grail” series brings a cubist perspective to the theme of cultural identity and self-exploration, using modernist abstraction and striking colors to challenge perceptions and evoke deep emotional responses.
Together, their work creates a dialogue that bridges past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on the power of heritage in shaping the future.
Ismail said: “I’ve been involved with the team from the very beginning, and we spent months preparing for the launch.
“I contributed 23 paintings, all of which are very dear to me. The team was incredible. We became friends along the way, and the launch was a huge success.
“It was wonderful to work alongside AFM for the third time, and I love how our work complements and enhances each other’s.”
Mourad also explained Bilory’s approach to selecting artists for the inaugural exhibition, emphasizing a commitment to Saudi Vision 2030.
“From our perspective, there will never be a solid perfect choice when it comes to selecting art and artists; there are only different tastes and perspectives.
“Our main focus initially was to find creative Saudi artists who work with great passion. The main factor guiding our choice of these two artists was their alignment with our broader vision of participating in Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create more cultural art spaces and improve the overall quality of life.”
Bilory ArtHaus has positioned itself not only as a gallery, but also a creative space that promotes openness and innovation.
Mourad outlined the gallery’s broader ambitions, saying: “We aim to create a balanced and harmonious gallery that fosters multi-talented artists who challenge themselves and inspire others to do the same.
“This creative space will feature diverse exhibitions, showcasing both well-established and emerging local Saudi artists, as well as hosting international artists.
“We strongly believe that Bilory ArtHaus will play a major role in shaping the local art scene by promoting and exposing outstanding available talents.”
Alongside its commitment to promoting art, Bilory Company also plans to launch an e-commerce jewelry platform.
The exhibition, open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Oct. 31, offers visitors an immersive experience that highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution, and the enduring connection between tradition and modernity.
Crown prince to lead Saudi delegation at GCC-EU summit in Brussels
Senior EU officials held a briefing in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss “ambitious agenda” of event
Updated 8 min 29 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will lead Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit in Brussels on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
His participation follows directives from King Salman, SPA added.
Senior EU officials held a briefing in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss the “ambitious agenda” of the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-EU summit in Brussels on Oct. 16.
GCC and EU leaders will address regional stability, trade, and people-to-people cooperation during the summit.
Third Saudi International Maritime Forum to focus on AI and maritime security
Forum will host more than 55 national and international entities from 22 countries
Updated 15 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces will host the third Saudi International Maritime Forum from Nov. 19 to 21, with artificial intelligence and maritime security set to top the agenda.
The event will be held at the Dhahran Convention and Exhibition Center in the Eastern Province under the patronage of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi minister of defense, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The forum will address various themes through a series of workshops and specialized sessions, including how AI is reshaping naval operations and the new strategies that need to be implemented to enhance security measures at sea.
The future of military industries within the context of AI will also be explored, delving into how AI-driven innovations are set to transform military technologies and defense strategies in the maritime sector.
Another key topic of discussion will be the impact of modern maritime systems on security and the challenges posed by cybersecurity threats.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, chief of staff of the naval forces, thanked the minister of defense’s sponsorship of the event, SPA reported.
The event will gather naval leaders from around the world, along with experts in the military, scientific, and technical fields. Attendees will also include government officials, maritime company executives, and regulatory authorities.
The forum will host more than 55 national and international entities from 22 countries. An accompanying exhibition will showcase the latest equipment, technologies, and systems in maritime security, featuring contributions from leading local, regional, and international companies.
Shoura Council calls for investment in Saudi higher education, approves international MoUs
The council also discussed the annual report of the University Higher Education Fund for the previous fiscal year
Updated 15 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Shoura Council convened on Tuesday, led by its vice president, Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, to call for increased investment into the Kingdom’s education sector.
Council member Asim Madkhali proposed an annual forum and exhibition to showcase investment opportunities within university cities in Saudi Arabia, with the council urging collaboration with authorities to make the event a reality, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The council also discussed the annual report of the University Higher Education Fund for the previous fiscal year, urging the fund to establish effective partnerships with both the private and public sectors to enhance its resources and support ongoing initiatives.
In its resolution, the council emphasized the need for the fund to develop performance indicators to assess the impact of university-funded projects. It also called for expanded support for comprehensive access programs at Saudi universities.
The session also saw the approval of several key draft memoranda of understanding between Saudi Arabia and other nations. These agreements covered a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, environmental protection and intellectual property:
A draft MoU was approved between the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Romania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural field.
A draft MoU between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait was agreed to collaborate on environmental protection and rehabilitation efforts.
A draft MoU was approved between the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, focusing on intellectual property cooperation.
A draft MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs and North Macedonia’s Supreme Islamic Presidency, centered on Islamic affairs and guidance was also agreed.
Saudi Arabia hosts first Qur’an and Sunnah contest in Mauritania
Saudi envoy inaugurates Jusoor Exhibition showcasing Kingdom’s cultural and religious contributions
Updated 15 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia inaugurated the first King Salman Competition for Memorizing the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet on Tuesday in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in cooperation with Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, the event runs from Oct. 15-19.
A total of 136 contestants from 16 West African nations are competing, judged by a panel of 10 experts. The prize pool is SR1,218,000 ($324,000).
Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sidi Yahya Ould Cheikhna Ould Lemrabet expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the competition in Mauritania, reflecting the country’s care for the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The competition’s preliminary rounds run until Oct. 17, with the final ceremony on Oct. 19, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Alongside the competition, Saudi Ambassador to Mauritania Abdulaziz Al-Raqqabi inaugurated the Jusoor Exhibition on Sunday.
The exhibition features more than 12 interactive sections, including areas focused on the Qur’an, photography, Saudi attire, the Two Holy Mosques, Arabic calligraphy, technology, hospitality, and children’s activities.
A large screen showcases Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims globally. The sections highlight the Kingdom’s cultural, scientific, Shariah and linguistic contributions, as well as its initiatives in supporting the Qur’an, Sunnah, and holy sites.
The exhibition aims to strengthen ties between Africa and Saudi Arabia, allowing African nations to benefit from the services of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. It also promotes the Kingdom’s message of moderation and rejection of extremism.
“We in Mauritania are proud of this choice, which reflects our identity,” Lemrabott said, pledging full efforts to ensure the competition’s success and its future growth.
The competition encourages Muslim youth to engage with the Qur’an through memorization, understanding and reflection. It also promotes healthy competition among participants and underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to teaching the Qur’an and spreading the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The Mauritanian minister highlighted the competition’s positive impact on participants, allowing them to compete honorably in Qur’an memorization and recitation, with the prizes serving as a valuable incentive.
He said that Mauritanian contestants has prepared diligently for the competition, expecting them to impress others with their Qur’anic memorization and recitation skills.
Lemrabott expressed gratitude to King Salman for sponsoring the competition and thanked President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani for his support of Qur’an memorization and recitation.
The minister emphasized the important role of the Jusoor Exhibition in offering visitors insights into Saudi Arabia’s history and its efforts in preserving the Qur’an and Sunnah.
“This exhibition is a great opportunity to educate the Mauritanian people about this history,” he said.