Saudi academy to launch Arabic Language Month in France
The program includes visits to French universities and educational centers to “meet staff and enrich the learning experience”
Updated 06 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language will launch its Arabic Language Month in France program on Oct. 7.
The initiative aims to “develop Arabic-language teaching curricula, enhance teacher performance, promote the language, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s initiatives,” according to a Saudi Press Agency report published on Saturday.
The program includes visits to French universities and educational centers to “meet staff and enrich the learning experience,” the report continued.
Previous editions of the Arabic Language Month program have been implemented in Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and China.
The academy will also host its third international conference — “Arabic Language Computing and Enriching Linguistic Data” — on Oct. 6 and 7 in Riyadh, at which experts will discuss “innovations in Arabic language computing and improving artificial intelligence models,” and “address the need for enhanced academic practices in the Arab world.”
Saudi attorney general OKs inclusion of meth among major crimes that warrant arrest
The criminal descriptions mean the crime of using crystal meth and crimes related to it, including possession, smuggling, bringing, receiving, obtaining, purchasing, or transporting
Updated 14 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s attorney general, Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib, has approved the inclusion of all criminal descriptions related to the substance methamphetamine among the major crimes in the Kingdom that warrant arrest.
Sheikh Saud’s decision, dated March 1, 2025, comes within the framework of national efforts to combat drugs and limit their spread, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The criminal descriptions referred to in the decision mean the crime of using crystal meth and crimes related to it, including possession, smuggling, bringing, receiving, obtaining, purchasing, or transporting, if the intent is for personal use or consumption, as well as the crime of attempting to manufacture the banned substance, said the report.
Methamphetamine — also known as shabu, crystal meth, or “poor man’s cocaine” — has been found to be harmful to health, causing serious psychological and behavioral disorders and contributing to the rise in crime and violence rates.
As such, the scourge has to be dealt with firmly in accordance with deterrent legislation and decisions, the report said.
While the law against drug trafficking and drug abuse is harsh, it also allows for reform and rehabilitation.
Article 42 of the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law stipulates that “the user of narcotic or psychotropic substances shall be granted the opportunity to receive treatment without legal accountability, by not filing a lawsuit against the user, user, or addict, if he or one of his relatives comes forward intending to receive treatment, provided that he hands over the narcotic or psychotropic substances in his possession, if any, or provides information about their location,” the report noted.
Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally
Updated 14 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Yazeed Al Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.
After winning the title in the cars category, Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to accomplish the feat in the rally, one of the world's most prestigious motorsports championship.
The Crown Prince congratulated Al-Rajhi on winning a tough competition, featuring a number of prominent international competitors. He emphasized that the achievement should serve as motivation for Saudi athletes to continue developing their skills for future success.
Al-Rajhi thanked the Crown Prince for the gesture.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, attended the reception.
Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.
Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis
Updated 14 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency said early Friday.
The crown prince affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting all efforts to facilitate dialogue and achieve a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.
President Putin renewed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom for its constructive efforts and endeavors.
The two leaders also reviewed ways to boost bilateral cooperation.
RIYADH: A historical gem nestled at the foot of Mount Uhud, north of Madinah, Al-Fas’h Mosque stands as a reminder of the Battle of Uhud, a pivotal moment in Islamic history.
This has a special place in the history of Islam because it is also where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have prayed, and attracts visitors from around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Historian Dr. Fouad Al-Maghamsi highlighted Al-Fas’h Mosque’s significance within the wider historical landscape of Uhud, which includes Jabal Al-Rumah and Wadi Qanat.
Al-Fas’h Mosque’s proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah. (Photo courtesy: welcomesaudi.com)
Known as Uhud Mosque or Sha’b Al-Jerar Mosque, Al-Fas’h has been meticulously preserved and restored.
“The remnants of Al-Fas’h Mosque, enclosed by a roughly 1-meter-high stone wall on three sides, measure 6 meters in length and 4 meters in width,” said Al-Maghamsi.
He added that this landmark, constructed with resilient black stones, has endured through centuries and undergone numerous restorations, most recently under the reign of King Salman, as part of a broader initiative to revitalize historical sites.
The mosque’s simple yet distinctive architecture features a rectangular prayer space and a mihrab crafted from red bricks.
Al-Fas’h Mosque’s proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah. (Photo courtesy: welcomesaudi.com)
Recent restoration efforts, overseen by the Saudi Heritage Commission, have introduced a wooden roof, a floor of artistically arranged yellow natural stones, paved surrounding areas, seating, and informative signage.
The mosque’s location, approximately 4.5 km north of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi or the Prophet’s Mosque, places it in the heart of an area rich with Islamic heritage.
Its proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah.
