Saudi Arabia ‘will remain resolute’ in anti-drugs campaign, minister warns
The minister praised the efforts of security personnel in protecting the nation from the dangers of illicit drugs, and urged citizens to play their role by reporting traffickers and smugglers, saying that all reports will be dealt with confidentially
Updated 16 May 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s campaign against illegal drugs is achieving dramatic results, with major strikes against traffickers and smuggling operations, the Kingdom’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif said.
Speaking during a visit to the Central Operations Room at the ministry’s Riyadh headquarters, Prince Abdulaziz said that although the campaign is still in its early stages, the Kingdom “will remain resolute and not leave room for smugglers or dealers to target our youth or tamper with security in any way.”
The minister praised the efforts of security personnel in protecting the nation from the dangers of illicit drugs, and urged citizens to play their role by reporting traffickers and smugglers, saying that all reports will be dealt with confidentially.
He received a briefing from Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, director of general security, on the results of recent anti-drug operations.
The meeting was attended by Nasser Al-Dawood, deputy interior minister; Lt. Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, assistant minister of interior for operations affairs; Hisham Al-Faleh, ministry undersecretary; and Mohammed Al-Muhanna, the ministry’s undersecretary for security affairs.
Jeddah Book Fair set to showcase rising Saudi literary scene
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops
Updated 58 min 40 sec ago
Arab News
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is preparing to host the Jeddah Book Fair from Dec. 11 to 20 at Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries across 400 booths.
Held under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair is part of the commission’s “Saudi Reads” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
Jeddah Book Fair’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage. (Supplied/@saudibookfairs)
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, CEO of the commission, said the Jeddah Book Fair reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to cultural development and the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s literature, publishing and translation sector.
He highlighted the fair’s interactive programs for publishers, authors, translators and the public, which are designed to enhance content quality, support creative development and foster knowledge partnerships.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Jeddah Book Fair seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
• It will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
• The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers.
The event also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural hub attracting major publishers, content creators and investors.
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops. A dedicated children’s zone will feature literary and entertainment activities tailored to young visitors, along with competitions to inspire reading and creativity.
The fair will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
Book-signing stations will give readers the chance to meet their favorite authors, while cultural organizations, community groups and universities will present their latest publications and initiatives.
A manga and anime zone will highlight collectibles from the genre, alongside specialized books. A discounted books section will also be available to promote wider access to reading.
The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers, where hundreds of titles across literary and cultural fields will be showcased, underscoring the fair’s role in nurturing local talent and enriching the Kingdom’s evolving literary scene.
