Al-Baha mayor announces launch of ‘Theatrical Nights’ program

Al-Baha mayor announces launch of ‘Theatrical Nights’ program
The Al-Baha Theatrical Nights program will present a diverse range of theatrical performances. (Al-Baha Municipality)
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Updated 18 July 2024
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Al-Baha mayor announces launch of ‘Theatrical Nights’ program

Al-Baha mayor announces launch of ‘Theatrical Nights’ program
  • Organized by the Al-Baha Municipality in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts and the private sector, the event will be held from July 21 to 27
  • Ali Al-Sawat: Al-Baha Theatrical Nights program will present a diverse range of theatrical performances, including comedic, social, and patriotic themes

RIYADH: Ali Al-Sawat, the mayor of Al-Baha region, announced the upcoming launch of the “Al-Baha Theatrical Nights” program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Organized by the Al-Baha Municipality in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts and the private sector, the event will be held from July 21 to 27.

Al-Sawat said the program is part of the “A Summer in Al-Baha: Embrace Serenity” festival and includes theatrical performances featuring stars from outside the region, along with artists from Al-Baha. These local artists will introduce themselves to the audience and visitors through seven theatrical performances, all being presented for the first time in Al-Baha region.

He said that the “Al-Baha Theatrical Nights” program will present a diverse range of theatrical performances, including comedic, social, and patriotic themes, all marked by suspense and amazement.”

“These performances will foster a cultural and artistic atmosphere that complements the entertainment events and summer activities. Through this harmony, Al-Baha will be transformed into a vibrant hub featuring international shows, concerts, folk performances, fashion, heritage exhibitions, and culinary arts,” he added.

Al-Sawat confirmed that the theatrical performances include a women-only play, which will be held at the municipality’s theater, the Baljurashi Municipality Theater, and the Wesam Al-Badyah Theater in Al-Mandaq, concluding at the Baljurashi Front Theater. Additionally, the play “Lohmat Watan” (Homeland Kinship) will be staged at the Al-Baha Lights Festival Theater and the Wesam Al-Badyah Theater, with its final performance at the Baljurashi Front Theater.

He said this will be the first time the Al-Baha Summer Festival includes theatrical performances among its various activities, alongside the major events and parties announced in this year’s summer calendar.

According to SPA, with the support of the governor of Al-Baha, the region aims to attract more than 2.5 million visitors and tourists. Al-Baha’s enchanting nature, moderate climate, and well-developed facilities, services and infrastructure have earned it a strong reputation and significant momentum as one of the premier tourist destinations for the Saudi summer this year.


Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes

Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes
Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes

Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes
  • Department was set up after a directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • It aims to eliminate crimes by dismantling criminal networks in coordination with local and international authorities

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.


Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions

Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions
Updated 37 min 2 sec ago
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Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions

Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions
  • Border Guard seized 100 kg of hallucinogenic khat leaves, valued at approximately $5,300
  • In Jizan, authorities arrested a gang of Yemeni nationals for smuggling khat

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.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties
Updated 13 February 2025
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties
  • Special launch, social event in Riyadh

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.


Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently. File/AFP)
Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.(File/AFP)
Updated 13 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently. File/AFP)
  • 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

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 leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall

Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall
Updated 13 February 2025
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Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall

Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall
  • Riyadh region records highest precipitation of 21 mm in Alqah, Zulfi governorate
  • Qassim region reported significant rainfall, with Dukhnah in Al-Rass measuring 11 mm

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.