Schools in Makkah region closed Tuesday due to inclement weather

This photo taken in August shows heavy rain along a street in Makkah. (SPA)
Updated 20 November 2017
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Schools in Makkah region closed Tuesday due to inclement weather

JEDDAH: Schools and universities in Makkah region will be suspended on Tuesday because of expected severe weather condition, the General Directorate of Education in Makkah said Monday.
The decision to suspend classes in all school levels is for the safety of students, the directorate announced on Twitter.


A bulletin issued by the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection on Monday warned of inclement weather in various parts of the Kingdom, with sandstorms blowing all over Qassim and the western part of Riyadh region.
Education officials in Taif and Jeddah issued separate announcements suspending schools in all levels, also citing the weather authority's bulletin, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
It said rain and thunderstorms are expected in Madinah and Makkah regions, including the coastal areas as well as over the mountains of Jazan, Asir and Baha regions.
Heavy to moderate rain associated with dust and sand storms also prevailed over Tabuk, the Northern Border, Al Jouf and Hail regions, the weather agency said.
In view of the expected rains, the Directorate of Civil Defense urged everyone to move away from places that are usually flooded and to avoid going near riverbanks.
Rainshowers generally attract residents in the Kingdom to go outdoors to enjoy, but the flood disaster of late 2009 had been traumatic to many particularly in Jeddah, where dozens of people perished, including some who were trapped inside cars that were swept away by floods.


ZATCA thwarts massive captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha border

Updated 30 January 2026
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ZATCA thwarts massive captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha border

  • Following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, leading to the arrest of two individuals

RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority at the Al-Haditha border crossing intercepted an attempt to smuggle 269,411 captagon pills hidden in a commercial food consignment during a routine inspection.

The authority thwarted the attempt to smuggle the contraband using advanced security technologies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, leading to the arrest of two individuals intended to receive the shipment in the Kingdom.

ZATCA spokesperson Hamoud Al-Harbi reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to tightening border security as a core strategic pillar to protect society from the prohibited goods.

The authority encourages the public to support national security by reporting smuggling activities via the confidential number 1910 or email at [email protected].

Through these channels, the authority receives information related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law with complete confidentiality, and a financial reward is granted to those providing the tip-off if the information is accurate.

The Kingdom vs Captagon
Inside Saudi Arabia's war against the drug destroying lives across the Arab world
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