Diriyah, Jewel of the Kingdom: Diriyah honors Saudi police on Arab Police Day

Eighty outstanding officers from the Ministry of Interior were honored at Diriyah police station.
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Updated 25 December 2021
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Diriyah, Jewel of the Kingdom: Diriyah honors Saudi police on Arab Police Day

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) partnered with the Ministry of Interior to honor the police force of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of Arab Police Day on December 18.
In a ceremony initiated by the DGDA’s Community Engagement Department, 80 outstanding officers from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior were honored at Diriyah police station and recognized for their service to the community and nation. That night, the historic Salwa Palace in the At-Turaif neighborhood was illuminated with images of some of the men and women who maintain the security and safety of communities around Saudi Arabia.
The role of the police force is essential in the interest of all Diriyah residents to promote progress, development, and security in the community.
During the pandemic, the Ministry of Interior and the Kingdom’s police force rose to the occasion, assisting and supporting citizens across the country through the early challenges faced as a result of COVID-19. Saudi Arabia’s police force played an essential part in the Kingdom’s success in controlling the pandemic — from lockdown to vaccination drives and citizen support.
Alanoud Al-Saud, senior community officer at DGDA, congratulated all police officers in the Kingdom and other Arab countries, wishing them success, safety, and good health.
She said: “It is a privilege to honor the brave men and women who keep our communities, cities, and nation safe and secure. Having the images of these heroes projected onto the walls of Salwa Palace is not only a matter of pride for Diriyah, but also for the families of these heroes.
“We are delighted to collaborate with the Ministry of Interior in recognizing the everyday heroes of our country. Our tribute to these men and women inspires the next generation of young Saudis who wish to join our nation’s police force in building safe and secure communities. Public safety has always been a critical component of the Kingdom’s community development and plays an integral part in shaping the progress and inclusivity of our country,” she added.


Najran’s camels are embedded in local culture and traditions

Camels are not only a vital livestock resource in Najran, but also a cornerstone of local identity and tradition. (SPA)
Updated 25 December 2025
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Najran’s camels are embedded in local culture and traditions

  • Several distinct camel breeds are found in the region
  • Animals permeate Arab consciousness, says expert

RIYADH: In Najran, camels are not only a vital livestock resource but also a cornerstone of local identity and tradition.

According to Hadi Benyan Al-Amer, head of Najran’s Camel Association, the region has several distinct camel breeds.

Principal among them is the Awarik, an ancient Arabian lineage linked to territories where arak trees flourish, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

These light-colored, sparsely-haired camels possess remarkable resilience, and are prevalent across southern Arabia.

The Majahim are characterized by dark hues spanning black to brown, and excel in both milk yield and endurance.

The Asayil are prized for their sleek, lean physiques, and dominate in speed-based competitions.

Al-Amer said traditional water sources known as Odood, or traditional water wells and artesian wells, have sustained herders navigating the Empty Quarter’s grazing lands for generations.

These permanent water points, equipped with dedicated drinking basins for camels, showcase the animals’ extraordinary environmental resilience.

Among the principal wells accessible from Najran are Al-Minkhali, Abu Shadid, Hamra Nathil, Tamani, Umm Al-Wahat, and Khujaima.

Countless additional wells dot the Empty Quarter and adjacent territories, forming the backbone of camel owners’ far-reaching pastoral networks.

Dr. Hind bint Dawood Al-Shuqair of Najran University’s Arabic Language Department explained how camels have permeated Arab consciousness through legends and stories spanning thousands of years.

Representing endurance, power, and grace, they have become inseparable from Arab cultural identity.

Archaeological evidence at Al-Ukhdood, Mount Al-Tharwa and Hima, preserves through carvings and ancient artwork the deep bond between people and camels, Al-Shuqair said.

She drew attention to Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment in camel heritage, exemplified by proclaiming 2024 as the Year of the Camel.

This designation emphasizes their importance to national prosperity and cultural heritage while backing global initiatives to promote awareness of camels as valuable economic and cultural assets.

The Kingdom further demonstrates its commitment to protecting the animals through the annual King Abdulaziz Festival, the SPA reported.