Saudi authorities raid illegal cosmetics factory in Qatif
Saudi authorities raid illegal cosmetics factory in Qatif/node/2537421/saudi-arabia
Saudi authorities raid illegal cosmetics factory in Qatif
Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is an independent body for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that aims to ensure food and drug safety for the nation. (X/@Saudi_fda_en)
Saudi authorities raid illegal cosmetics factory in Qatif
Food and Drug Authority seizes 365,000 items after tracing origin of unlicensed product sold online to a house where it was manufactured illegally
Under Article 34 of the Cosmetic Products Law and related regulations, manufacturers and distributors of illegal goods face fines up to SR5m or up to five years in prison
Updated 25 June 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: A facility in Qatif is being prosecuted for the manufacture and marketing of cosmetics without proper licensing. It was also found to be storing regulated products at an unauthorized location.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority traced the origin of an unlicensed product sold online to a residential property, where they discovered it was being manufactured illegally. During a raid on the location, officials confiscated products and ingredients. They also discovered an unlicensed warehouse containing unregistered cosmetics and food items, along with an area used to fulfill online orders.
The authority shut down the storage facility, seized approximately 365,000 products from the house, warehouse and the fulfillment center, and referred the case to the Public Prosecution
Under Article 34 of the Cosmetic Products Law and related regulations, manufacturers and distributors of illegal goods face fines up to SR5 million ($1.33 million) or up to five years in prison.
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
Updated 15 February 2026
Arab News
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
