Saudi authorities arrest 12,974 illegals in one week

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Updated 08 June 2024
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Saudi authorities arrest 12,974 illegals in one week

RYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12,974 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 8,044 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,395 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,535 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 815 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 54 percent were Ethiopian, 41 percent Yemeni, and 5 percent were of other nationalities.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Syrian artist Emar Hmeid hosts first solo show in Saudi Arabia

Updated 6 sec ago
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Syrian artist Emar Hmeid hosts first solo show in Saudi Arabia

  • Artist’s work draws inspiration from Fauvism 

DAMMAM: Syrian artist Emar Nedal Hmeidi has opened her first solo exhibition, “Nook,” at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam.

“I am a lively person who loves life — and you can peek into my world over the last three years here,” Hmeidi, who is based in Saudi Arabia, shared with Arab News on the opening night.

Featuring 53 paintings of various sizes, the exhibition reflects Hmeidi’s deeply personal exploration of her space and its transformation — and translation — into works of art.

Hmeidi’s vibrant, melancholic yet playful works depict intimate interior scenes, capturing how her personal nook— a modest corner a short drive away from SASCA — served as her creative sanctuary. It is her place to rest, create and be the most authentic version of herself. 

These paintings, created entirely within that space during the past three years, represent a fusion of reality and imagination, with her use of color serving as an emotional language to convey her inner world.

Reflecting on her move from Syria to Saudi Arabia, she added: “Coming from Syria to Saudi Arabia, I live in a perpetual and permanent state of discovery. Art is an ongoing search for unity in contrasts.”

Her work draws inspiration from Fauvism, evident in the bold and instinctive use of vibrant colors. Hmeidi describes her creative process as one where colors resonate with her emotions, evolving instinctively to match her state of mind. This approach allows her to create uniquely emotive shades that are nearly impossible to replicate.

The paintings showcase her ability to transform static spaces into dynamic sanctuaries through light, mood and creativity. They often depict solitary, reflective moments, such as a woman reading or sipping tea, surrounded by plants and shifting light.

Hmeidi’s journey from Syria to Saudi Arabia brought a profound change to her art and life. Having endured the hardships of life in Syria, where basic needs often overshadowed artistic endeavors, she found stability and peace in Saudi Arabia. This shift in location allowed her to focus on introspection and creativity, channeling her experiences into deeply personal art.

Color plays a central role in Hmeidi’s artistic expression, serving as a medium to communicate her emotions.

“I’m a person who prefers to communicate with colors rather than with words. I love color deeply. For me, it’s not just about putting together shades and tones, but about how colors resonate with me in the moment. I enjoy mixing them instinctively, following the natural flow of my feelings,” she said.

“Sometimes, when people ask how I achieve a specific shade, I could tell them the combination, but it won’t ever come out the same. The color can feel. It always comes from the heart and it has my own personal touch,” she said.

Through her paintings, Hmeidi creates a dialogue between reality and imagination. “It’s about how these elements come together — walls, plants, furniture and light — interacting to form a space where reality and imagination converge. It’s almost as if the corner, the nook, becomes a meeting point for these worlds,” she said.

Hmeidi’s journey to Saudi Arabia profoundly influenced her creativity.

“It wasn’t my choice to come here to Saudi Arabia at first, but over time, I realized that it was the best decision. It empowered me,” she said. “This place gave me more than I ever had before — notably, stability, comfort and peace of mind,” she said.

Reflecting on her past, she said: “Back in Syria, I had to worry about basic needs — electricity, water, safety. Life there was exhausting, and it was hard to focus on creating art with so many external pressures. But here, in Saudi Arabia, I feel an inner peace that I never had before. This change in my surroundings has also brought a change in me and my work.”

Isolation, for Hmeidi, became a source of inspiration. “That solitude can also be a positive state for an artist. It allows immersion into oneself and opens a window for others to explore their own dimensions through art. It’s a journey of documenting personal experiences while discovering the relationship between place and self, color and light, and isolation and creativity,” she said.

Commenting on the recent news from Syria, Hmeidi offered a note of optimism. “This recent burst of joy in Syria was so brief— only about 12 hours. But during that time, we felt a heightened sense of belonging to our homeland, a deep connection. It was a sense of ‘Syria for the Syrians,’ just as Saudi Arabia is for the Saudis.”

She hopes to pick up a paintbrush soon and dedicate the next nine months to creating an entirely fresh set of paintings inspired by the ever-morphing and evolving journey she is experiencing.

For now, Saudi Arabia is home. Visitors to the Dammam exhibition are encouraged to purchase the for-sale paintings, and perhaps hang pieces of Hmeidi’s Nook in their own nooks.

The exhibition will remain on display until at least Dec. 20.


Man arrested in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan for transporting 9 illegals

Updated 10 min 52 sec ago
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Man arrested in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan for transporting 9 illegals

JAZAN: Border patrols in Al-Aridah, Jazan, arrested a man for transporting nine people from Ethiopia and Yemen who illegally crossed the Saudi border in his vehicle.

After preliminary legal procedures, the violators have been referred to the relevant authorities and, subsequently, to the Public Prosecution.

Saudi authorities have warned that anyone facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, including providing transportation, shelter or other assistance, could face 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000). Their vehicles and property could also be confiscated and they could face public defamation.

Meanwhile, authorities in the same region arrested a resident for selling qat. Legal procedures have been completed and the person referred to the competent authorities.

Members of the public with information on drug smuggling or selling are urged to call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. They can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email [email protected].


Saudi FM congratulates new EU high representative

Updated 19 min 23 sec ago
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Saudi FM congratulates new EU high representative

  • Two leaders also discussed recent regional developments and ongoing efforts to address key issues

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday spoke on the phone with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

During the call, Prince Faisal extended his congratulations to Kallas on her new appointment, which she took up on Dec. 1, and expressed his best wishes for her success in her role, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders also discussed recent regional developments and ongoing efforts to address key issues.

The exchange underscored the importance of Saudi-EU collaboration in promoting stability and addressing shared challenges.


Saudi Arabia, UNESCO to mark Arabic Language Day in Paris

Updated 56 min 10 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, UNESCO to mark Arabic Language Day in Paris

  • Saudi-UNESCO event will focus on artificial intelligence’s role in supporting Arabic
  • Experts will discuss language learning methods for non-native speakers

RIYADH: UNESCO and Saudi Arabia’s Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Charity Foundation are cooperating to celebrate and mark the UN Arabic Language Day next week.

The UNESCO headquarters in the French capital will host an event on Dec. 18 to highlight the cultural and civilizational importance of the Arabic language, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi-UNESCO event will focus on the role of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence in supporting Arabic and promoting its global spread.

It will also include discussions on using AI to enhance Arabic teaching methods, the application of machine learning in translation, and efforts to preserve cultural and linguistic heritage through digitization.

A group of international scholars, researchers and experts will discuss the syndication of Arabic content on the web and how to facilitate the language-learning experience for non-native speakers, SPA reported.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language hosted the World Arabic Language Day celebration program at the UN headquarters in New York.

Saudi Arabia launched the Arabic Intelligence Center in May, the first of its kind specializing in AI-powered Arabic language processing.


Importance of volunteering highlighted at Madinah event

Updated 12 December 2024
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Importance of volunteering highlighted at Madinah event

  • Nayef Al-Sharif, a member of the board of directors of Fazaa, said that the ceremony expressed the spirit of volunteering and giving
  • Al-Sharif highlighted the importance of volunteering as a noble mission and a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030

MADINAH: Madinah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid, on behalf of Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan, sponsored the “Giving and Inspiring” event organized by Fazaa Volunteering Association at the headquarters of Namaa Almunawara.

During the event, Nayef Al-Sharif, a member of the board of directors of Fazaa, said that the ceremony expressed the spirit of volunteering and giving, on the occasion of the Saudi and International Volunteer Day. 

Al-Sharif highlighted the importance of volunteering as a noble mission and a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on promoting the culture of volunteering by increasing the percentage of volunteers in society and empowering youth to actively participate in serving their country.

The attendees watched a presentation showcasing the history of the association from its establishment to the present, highlighting its efforts and achievements in serving the community. The event also featured a segment titled “Volunteer Dialogue,” which shed light on the positive impact of volunteering on individuals.