Saudi authorities seize 1.3 million drug pills smuggled from Turkey
The drugs were discovered by X-ray stitched into the linings of a consignment of fur clothing
Saudi Customs thwarted over 12.5 million pills shipped from the same port since last year
Updated 29 March 2021
Arab News
DUBAI: Saudi customs at Jeddah Islamic Port foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,323,000 Captagon pills, which were found hidden in a cargo of clothes, state news agency SPA reported on Monday.
The drugs were discovered by X-ray stitched into the linings of a consignment of fur clothing, that had arrived from Turkey’s Port of Iskenderun, the authority's undersecretary for security affairs Mohammed Al-Naeem said.
He added that after the attempt was thwarted, two people – who were waiting to receive the pills – were caught in coordination with the General Directorate for Narcotics Control.
Al-Naeem confirmed that Saudi Customs are continuing to tighten customs control over all imports, exports and travelers as well as combating smuggling in all its forms.
He also said that Saudi Customs thwarted over 12.5 million pills shipped from the same port since last year.
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future
Updated 08 February 2026
Arab News
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces.
The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Makkah’s Hira Cultural District has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity. (SPA photo)
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
City’s transformation recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. (SPA photo)
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
