Expat jailed for 5 years over transporting illegals into Saudi Arabia

The Public Prosecution vowed stringent punitive measures against those who transport illegals, give them shelter or provide any kind assistance and service. (File/AFP)
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Updated 21 September 2022
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Expat jailed for 5 years over transporting illegals into Saudi Arabia

  • The accused had agreed with criminal gang to smuggle a group of people from a neighboring country into the Kingdom for $4,000
  • Public Prosecution office filed an objection, calling for a tougher penalty for the convict

RIYADH: An Arab national was sentenced to five years in jail for transporting illegals into Saudi Arabia, the Public Prosecution said.

The accused had agreed with a cross-border criminal gang to smuggle a group of people from a neighboring country into the Kingdom in exchange for $4,000, investigations revealed.
He was arrested and referred to the relevant court.
However, the Public Prosecution office filed an objection to the ruling, calling for a tougher penalty for the convict, according to a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Authorities warned the public against involvement in human trafficking, noting that the Kingdom has facilitated different types of entry visas, hence there was no need to enter illegally into the country.
The Public Prosecution vowed stringent punitive measures against those who transport illegals, give them shelter or provide any kind assistance and service, read the SPA statement.


Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide

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Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide

  • The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by studies covering 8 marine habitats

TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a science-based model aimed at achieving a 30% net positive conservation benefit across its tourism destinations by 2040. 

The framework is now available for global adoption, according to a statement released by RSG.

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Red Sea Global is the multi-project developer behind ambitious regenerative tourism destinations like “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA.” 

As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the company aims to diversify the national economy while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, nature-positive development.

CEO John Pagano stated that openly sharing this detailed approach will help elevate the global tourism sector and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
 

Map showing the boundaries of the Red Sea Zone. (Graphic from the RSG report)

The cornerstone of this initiative is the proprietary SIIG Model, a four-step framework:
• Survey: Establish biodiversity baselines and monitor long-term changes.
• Identify: Assess risks to priority habitats and species.
• Intervene: Execute evidence-based actions, such as regulating fishing and enhancing natural habitats.
• Gain: Measure and verify biodiversity improvements.

The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by extensive 2022–2023 environmental baseline studies covering eight marine habitats and priority species groups during 2022 and 2023. 

A major intervention is the 5,015-square-kilometer Fishery Management Area in Al-Wajh Lagoon. The plan reserves 38% of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62% of local coral reefs—while allocating 61% for sustainable fishing.

According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113%, sharks and rays by 72%, and marine mammals by 24%. These measures are expected to boost coral resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles and seabirds.
Ihab Kindi, RSG’s Red Sea Destination Executive Director, called the data-driven model a practical roadmap for large-scale marine recovery. The complete methodology is available in the new report, “The SIIG Model: A Roadmap Toward Achieving Measurable Conservation Gains.”