JEDDAH: Authorities in Riyadh have arrested two men who robbed a branch of McDonald’s and then fled the scene.
A video by a citizen who filmed the incident went viral on social media and led authorities to the robbers. In addition there was a tip from another citizen who grew suspicious of a vehicle matching the vehicle in the video.
Riyadh police spokesman Col. Fawaz Al-Maiman said authorities had received a tip from a representative of the fast-food company, saying that an unknown person had robbed one of their branches in northern Riyadh and had then fled the scene.
A video taken by a citizen showed the criminal in a vehicle as he was fleeing the scene; the film went viral on social media, he said, noting that authorities were able to put in place necessary steps to identify the vehicle.
The department of Security Patrols in Riyadh set up several fixed and mobile checkpoints in order to stop vehicles meeting the specifications. As a result, the police eventually identified the vehicle on a main road in northern Riyadh. Teams also blocked main roads and stopped the vehicle with its driver as he attempted to escape.
The driver, a Saudi national in his 20s, admitted in an initial statement to the offense, and said that he had been accompanied by another person whom the authorities subsequently arrested. Investigations revealed that the two had committed nine similar offenses, and investigations are continuing in order to identify their possible links to other crimes.
Both individuals were handed over to the police department; the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution in the region is carrying out necessary actions against them.
Al-Maiman thanked the citizens for their help and stressed the important and active role of citizens and residents who assisted the securitymen by monitoring and reporting information that led to the arrest of the criminals.
Video leads authorities to arrest McDonald’s robber in Riyadh
Video leads authorities to arrest McDonald’s robber in Riyadh
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
