Saudi Arabia condemns ‘abuse of Holy Qur’an’ by extremists in Sweden

Medics carry a man who was shot in the leg during a riot sparked by Danish anti-Muslim politician Rasmus Paludan in Norrkoping, Sweden on April 17, 2022. (TT News Agency/via REUTERS)
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Updated 18 April 2022
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Saudi Arabia condemns ‘abuse of Holy Qur’an’ by extremists in Sweden

  • The kingdom emphasized concerted efforts to spread the values of dialogue and coexistence
  • Qur'an burnings by far-right group led to riots in several Swedish towns over the Easter weekend

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned the “deliberate” abuse of the Holy Qur'an, as well as provocations and incitement against Muslims by some extremists in Sweden.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of concerted efforts to spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.
The statement also emphasized renouncing hatred, extremism, and exclusion.
The Kingdom highlighted the efforts to prevent abuse of all religions and holy sites, the statement said.
Three people in the Swedish city of Norrkoping needed medical attention after being hit by police bullets during clashes between police and protesters following Qur'an burnings that caused riots in several Swedish towns over the Easter weekend.




Counter-protesters throw stones at the police ahead of a demonstration planned by Danish anti-Muslim politician Rasmus Paludan in Orebro, Sweden, on April 15, 2022. (TT News Agency/via REUTERS)

In some places counter-protesters attacked police ahead of planned right-wing extremist demonstrations. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson has condemned the violence.
"Three people seem to have been hit by ricochets and are now being cared for in hospital. All three injured are arrested on suspicion of crime," Swedish police said in a online statement, adding that none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Police said the situation in Norrkoping was calm on Sunday evening.
Police and protesters have been engaged in serious clashes during the past days, resulting in several police suffering injuries and multiple vehicles torched.
The violence began on Thursday after a demonstration organized by Rasmus Paludan, leader of the Danish far-right political party Hard Line. 
Paludan, who had permission for a series of demonstrations across Sweden during the Easter weekend, is known for Qur'an burnings.

(With Reuters)


Ensan launches dual initiatives to empower orphaned girls, single mothers

Updated 6 sec ago
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Ensan launches dual initiatives to empower orphaned girls, single mothers

  • First of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children
  • Second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support

RIYADH: The Charity Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh has launched two initiatives to improve the lives of orphaned girls and single mothers.

Mohammed bin Saad Al-Muharib, general manager of the society, also known as Ensan, said the first of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program will run for a full academic year and include a range of activities with psychological, spiritual, linguistic, social, health and economic dimensions.

Al-Muharib said the program would feature regular meetings, visits and excursions with the ultimate goal of providing the youngsters with the tools they needed to navigate a successful future.

The second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support to help them achieve personal and professional success.

The scheme will comprise 90 hours of practical training designed to raise awareness of their educational responsibilities, addressing the spiritual and psychological needs of their children and teaching them critical life skills.

Both programs will be overseen by the Specialized Council for Orphan Associations in the Kingdom and supported by the Abdul Latif Al-Essa Charitable Foundation. The King Salman Social Center will provide logistical support in the form of venues for  holding the training courses.


Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

The Saudi Press Agency said both ministers discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest.


Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers

Updated 07 May 2024
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Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers

  • The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period

RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the Ajeer Al-Hajj service for this year’s Hajj season.

The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period.

The ministry is encouraging Saudis and expatriate residents interested in working at the holy sites during the Hajj season to upload their CVs on the Ajeer portal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This integrated platform connects job seekers with available positions, facilitating workforce management and streamlining processes for both businesses and workers during the Hajj season.

The launch of Ajeer Al-Hajj aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance services for pilgrims and improve their experience during this sacred period.

Establishments are now required to issue Hajj permits for individuals employed on a seasonal basis, with strict penalties for non-compliance, the SPA reported.

This service enables businesses to issue work permits and recruit temporary staff, as well as advertise job vacancies specifically designed for the Hajj season. Job seekers can access these opportunities and apply directly through the platform.

The key goals of Ajeer Al-Hajj are to foster workforce flexibility, boost market efficiency, and reduce reliance on external recruitment sources, according to the SPA.

The service is accessible online in a streamlined manner for businesses and individuals through the following website: https://www.ajeer.com.sa.


King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week

Updated 07 May 2024
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King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week

RIYADH: King Khalid International Airport has announced the inauguration of a new air route that will connect Riyadh to the Chinese capital, Beijing.

The route will be serviced by three weekly flights operated by Air China, starting May 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, said the new route reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing direct air connectivity between the Kingdom and China.

The initiative is intended to allow more Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom, explore additional tourist destinations and discover existing investment opportunities, the RAC said.

The company also said that the collaboration with Air China is a result of a series of pioneering achievements by RAC, including obtaining the “Welcome Chinese” certification for King Khalid International Airport last July. The certification enhances the prospects of success in cooperation between the two parties, the company said.

The RAC said that the launch of the new route will contribute to achieving the targets of the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations and 29 airports.

The strategy includes developing airport infrastructure and establishing regulatory frameworks for operational processes at international and local level.


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.