Saudi labor minister stresses Kingdom’s pursuit in raising awareness against drugs

Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafis
Updated 20 October 2017
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Saudi labor minister stresses Kingdom’s pursuit in raising awareness against drugs

RIYADH: The Minister of Labor and Social Development and member of the National Committee for Drug Control, Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafis, stressed the need to concert efforts to face and eradicate the scourge of drugs and the need to cooperate with the relevant sectors and authorities to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs on individuals and society.
The educational forum for the prevention of drug abuse in the work environment was held on Thursday under the auspices of Al-Ghafis at the ministry in Riyadh.
During the forum, Al-Ghafis said: “The ministry is supporting the efforts of relevant authorities fighting drugs by providing all possible means that help raise awareness about drug dangers.”
The secretary-general of the National Committee of Narcotics Control (NCNC), deputy director general of the General Directorate for Drug Control, and chairman of the National Committee for Combating Drugs (Nebras), Abdul Ilah Al-Sharif, indicated that governmental institutions, especially the security bodies, are doing their best to protect the youth from malicious and ill-intentioned people who work day and night against this country.
Al-Sharif added: “This forum falls into the framework of the social role of the ministry in cooperation with Nebras, and is a part of our national duty to protect the Kingdom and the youth from all dangers.”
“The government has established centers and hospitals to help the drug addicts and abusers completely recover, so they can become effective members of society,” he added.
The forum public watched a video featuring the government’s efforts in fighting drugs, and another one on Nebras’ efforts.


Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

Updated 23 December 2025
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

  • The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.

He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.

They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.

Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”

He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.

The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.

According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.

The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.

It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.

Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.

The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.