RIYADH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have arrested 21 violators of Hajj regulations at the entrances to Makkah after they tried to enter without a valid Hajj permit, the state news agency SPA reported on Saturday.
The Ministry of the Interior announced that the Hajj Security Forces arrested eight residents and 13 citizens on Friday.
The seasonal administrative committees of the General Directorate of Passports issued 21 administrative decisions against them, which included: a prison sentence for a period of 15 days for each violator, and a fine of SR10,000 ($2,666).
The expatriate violators will then be deported and prevented from entering the Kingdom according to the legally specified periods after the execution of the sentence, while three vehicles used in their transportation have also been confiscated.
The Ministry of Interior called on all citizens and expatriates to abide by Hajj regulations and instructions so that pilgirms may enjoy safety, security, comfort and reassurance in performing their rituals.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, the director of Public Security and chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, stressed the security of the country, pilgrims, and the holy sites was “a red line.”
He said that safeguarding the pilgrims while they perform their Hajj rituals until they return to their home countries is a top priority for the Hajj security forces and that “preventing violators of Hajj regulations and those who have not obtained Hajj permits is central to this endeavor.”
He was speaking during a press conference held by the interior ministry for the commanders of the Hajj security forces in Makkah to brief on the ministry’s security, traffic, and organizational plans for this year’s Hajj season.
Al-Bassami said that the Public Security “has seized 140 fake Hajj campaigns and 64 carriers violating Hajj regulations, in addition to returning 97,664 violating vehicles and 171,587 non-residents of Makkah,” the SPA reported.
Authorities also apprehended 4,032 violators who did not have a valid Hajj permit and 6,105 violators of residency, work, and border security regulations, while those turned away in recent days from the holy city include 153,998 foreigners who held tourist visas rather than the required Hajj visas.
Saudi authorities arrest 21 Hajj permit violators
https://arab.news/4k5tg
Saudi authorities arrest 21 Hajj permit violators
Joy Awards 2026 spotlights arts in Arab world
- Event held annually since 2022
RIYADH: Riyadh hosted its annual Joy Awards on Jan. 17, bringing together stars and creative projects from across the Arab world for an event that has been held annually since 2022.
The 2026 ceremony continued its focus on recognizing storytelling and creative work, while highlighting projects released over the past year.
Awards were presented across six sectors; music, cinema, series, directors, sports and influencers. In addition to the category awards, the ceremony also honored recipients of special accolades, including Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Joy Honorary awards.
Previous events have recognized Arab and international figures for their contributions to the arts, including Matthew McConaughey, who received the Personality of the Year Award in 2025.
Amid the Kingdom’s expansion of its entertainment sector — spanning film, music and sports — the Joy Awards reflected Riyadh Season’s role in hosting large-scale cultural events.
This year’s fan-favorite nominees, many of whom were Saudi nationals, were cheered as they walked the Joy Awards’ iconic lavender carpet, where fashion once again took center stage as a key expression of the region’s evolving creative identity.
Among winners who took home the awards was Saudi 14-year-old Rateel Alshehri, who won Favorite Female Influencer. Speaking to Arab News on the lavender carpet, Alshehri shared her excitement, saying: “I’m so excited about being at the Joy Awards. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to. Everyone here deserves to be here.”
Alshehri shared that she was wearing a sky-blue gown by Saudi designer Adnan Akbar.
Alshehri’s excitement was echoed by both Arab and non-Arab guests on the lavender carpet, as many took in the unique atmosphere that Riyadh offers.
Lebanese actor Laila Abdullah also shared her enthusiasm toward both the award show and the Kingdom’s ambitions in creating a hub for creative voices.
Speaking to Arab News, she said the awards had “this mix of culture and luxury. It has that Gulf Arab character, the Saudi touch, you know? And that’s what really makes it stand out.”
The event was filled with a bustling energy that gave a platform to artists and talents who have been waiting to showcase their visions within the Arab world.
It was a celebration that went beyond mere award-giving; reflecting the same ambition and creative momentum that defines Riyadh Season.
Speaking to Arab News, Australian actor Luke Arnold shared his excitement toward attending the event, and added: “What I’m most excited about is kind of what I love about film and television, which is people from all over the world coming together to tell stories and share their expertise.
“It’s really exciting hearing about some of the potential projects happening (and) meeting some of the local talent here. (I am) just really excited to have more stories out in the world.”
Lebanese fashion influencer Karen Wazen reiterated the sentiment on Riyadh giving the Joy Awards a special and unique energy for the arts, saying: “I am so impressed. I’m so proud to be at an event like this in our region, in Saudi Arabia. This is probably the most impressive and big carpet that I’ve ever seen. I’m very excited to watch the ceremony, but also I think to just meet so many people from our industries; it’s a beautiful place to do so.”
Millie Bobby Brown won the Personality of the Year Award while the Lifetime Achievement honor went to actor Forest Whitaker.
On the stage, American pop star Katy Perry performed her iconic songs, while British singer Robbie Williams also gave a standout performance.
The Joy Awards 2026 once again proved that setting new benchmarks in entertainment and creative expression is not only achievable, but celebrated when driven by local talent and support.
As stars from around the world took to Riyadh’s lavender carpet, Arab culture was placed firmly at the forefront — spanning film, music, and digital creativity. The Joy Awards stand as a symbol of the broader cultural transformation that Riyadh is championing across the Arab world’s entertainment industry.
