Saudi Arabia confirms 4 COVID-19 deaths and 310 new cases, the first in over 2 months

The coronavirus pandemic has affected over 103 million people globally and the death toll has reached around 2.24 million. (File/SPA)
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Updated 03 February 2021
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Saudi Arabia confirms 4 COVID-19 deaths and 310 new cases, the first in over 2 months

  • The Kingdom said 271 patients recovered in past 24 hours
  • The highest number of cases were recorded in Riyadh with 131

JEDDAH: Najran Gov. Prince Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz bin Musaed has ordered the immediate suspension of all events and festivals in the region as part of a nationwide effort to control the spread of coronavirus.

He also called on the concerned authorities to intensify field inspections and impose statutory penalties against violators.
The decision affects 21 planned events that were scheduled to be held over the next two weeks.

Saudi Arabia has seen a steady increase in the number of infections in the past few weeks.
On Tuesday it recorded its highest number of daily COVID-19 cases in more than two months, amid concerns from the health minister about people’s “complacency” toward preventive measures.
There were 310 new cases reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the Kingdom to 368,639. There are 2,146 active cases, with 375 of them in critical condition.
The last time the country’s COVID-19 cases exceeded 300 was on Nov. 27, 2020.
“We have unfortunately, in recent days, registered a noticeable increase and continued rise in infections,” Saudi Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said on Sunday. “One of the main reasons is gatherings and complacency with precautionary measures.”

The Riyadh region made up 131 of the new COVID-19 cases, the Eastern Province reported 61 new cases and Makkah had 38.
There were 271 new recoveries, taking the total number 360,110. There were four more deaths, raising the death toll to 6,383.
Authorities are urging people to stick to safety and health rules, while inspection tours are being carried out nationwide to clamp down on violations.   
Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi directed monitoring teams to tighten controls over commercial establishments and sales outlets in all regions of the Kingdom, and to apply precautionary and preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There were more than 20,000 inspection visits to commercial establishments in January, with more than 1,500 violations recorded.
Ministry teams recorded violations for noncompliance with the specified capacity (the maximum number of people allowed in an area), shoppers not wearing masks and not following social distancing measures, and noncompliance of workers with preventive precautionary measures.
The failure of commercial establishments to apply COVID-19 protocols will lead to a three-month closure as a first offense and six months if repeated and businesses would be fined SR10,000 ($2,666) for flouting coronavirus measures.
A fine of SR5,000 ($1,333) will be imposed on individuals when there is a gathering of shoppers or workers inside or outside the commercial establishment that exceeds the numbers stipulated by law.

The Kingdom vs. COVID-19
How Saudi Arabia acted swiftly and coordinated a global response to fight the coronavirus, preventing a far worse crisis at home and around the world

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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle into the Kingdom 27.6 kg of cocaine found hidden inside the air conditioner of a shipment of potatoes.

Authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port arrested two individuals who were set to receive the shipment.

In a statement ZATCA said it is “committed to stiffening customs control of the Kingdom’s imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to thwart smuggling attempts and ensure the protection of the society.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any drug-related crimes by calling 1910, via e-mail [email protected], or through the international number 00966114208417.


Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources

  • Move aligns with aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi signed a cooperation agreement on Monday aimed at achieving their respective goals.

The agreement will also work to develop human capital in the culture and arts sectors.

It is hoped the partnership will lead to the development of local cultural identity; the growth in local economic interaction; an increase in job opportunities and social development; and the creation of a legislative and regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation in the cultural sector.

It is expected this will lead to increased economic activity and new job opportunities, targets which form part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministries will study ways to encourage and motivate the participation of the private sector in developing the culture and arts sectors as part of the agreement.


Inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week to highlight Saudi talent to a global audience, official says

Updated 06 May 2024
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Inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week to highlight Saudi talent to a global audience, official says

  • ‘Initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent,’ says Fashion Commission’s CEO

RIYADH: The head of the Saudi Fashion Commission said on Monday that the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week later this month will highlight the talent in the Kingdom to a global audience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Burak Cakmak, the CEO of the commission, said: “With Red Sea Fashion Week we set out to forge a distinctive and dynamic platform that not only highlights the vast creativity and skill within Saudi Arabia but also elevates our nation as a key player on the global fashion stage.

“This initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent and integrating them into the international arena, resonating deeply with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enriching our cultural fabric and broadening our economic horizons.”

The first edition of Red Sea Fashion Week, the latest initiative from the Saudi Fashion Commission to promote the Kingdom’s fashion industry, begins on May 16 at the new St. Regis Red Sea Resort. It runs until May 18.

A fashion show will be held on the first day, followed by two days of side events and further shows featuring a collection of luxury fashion, jewelry, ready-to-wear items, and resort wear collections from Saudi and international designers.

Saudi Arabia hosted its first fashion week in 2023 in Riyadh, and hosted a pop-up event in Milan last year on the sidelines of the city’s fashion week.


Saudi crown prince offers condolences to UAE president after death of uncle

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi crown prince offers condolences to UAE president after death of uncle

  • Sheikh Mohamed thanked the crown prince and expressed his condolences over the death of Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his condolences to the President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Monday after the recent passing of his uncle Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al-Nahyan.

During a phone call, the crown prince prayed that God forgive the deceased who was the representative of the Abu Dhabi Ruler in Al-Ain Region.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked the crown prince and expressed his condolences over the death of Saudi poet and national literary icon Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen.


Saudi justice minister opens International Conference on Judicial Training

Updated 06 May 2024
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Saudi justice minister opens International Conference on Judicial Training

  • Experts from around world will attend 2-day event in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Saudi justice minister on Monday opened the International Conference on Judicial Training in Riyadh.

Walid Al-Samaani made the opening speech at the two-day event, which has attracted more than 600 experts and 45 speakers from around the world.

He highlighted the strides made by the Kingdom in the judiciary sector since the launch of its Vision 2030 initiative.

He also outlined the ministry’s commitment to improving the efficiency of the judiciary and “pivotal role of training, qualification and legal knowledge management in achieving justice.”

The Judicial Training Center was dedicated to improving the skills of the Kingdom’s judicial and legal personnel through collaborations with its partners and had been instrumental in qualifying judges and training lawyers, judicial assistants and notaries, the minister said.

Al-Samaani also commented on the transformation of the justice system, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which has focused on fortifying legal principles, embedding values of transparency and ensuring legal certainty.

A key area for development was the digital transformation and integration of artificial intelligence, which the ministry was advancing to enhance judicial quality, he said.