Saudi authorities make arrests in ongoing anti-drug operations

In Najran, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two citizens for selling amphetamine and referred them to the Public Prosecution. (File/SPA)
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Updated 08 April 2025
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Saudi authorities make arrests in ongoing anti-drug operations

  • The authorities have urged the public to report information related to drug smuggling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province

DUBAI: Saudi authorities have arrested several people in separate operations as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling and dealing.

In Najran, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two citizens for selling amphetamine and referred them to the Public Prosecution.

In another operation, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Rabou’ah sector of the Asir region arrested three Ethiopian nationals for violating border security laws and attempting to smuggle 45 kg of qat.

The authorities have urged the public to report information related to drug smuggling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions. Reports can also be made in confidence to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or by emailing [email protected].


France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

Updated 16 January 2026
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France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

  • L’Institut francais, Riyadh Art will open La Fabrique on Feb. 22
  • ‘New cultural chapter’ between the nations, says France envoy

RIYADH: L’Institut francais in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Art, an initiative of the city’s royal commission, have announced the opening of La Fabrique, a space for artists, on Jan. 22.

The project is based in the Riyadh Art Hub in JAX District and will enable Saudi and French artists to create, experiment, and bring their visions to life, according to a press release from the organizers.

La Fabrique also offers the public a rare opportunity to witness creative production including movement performances, digital and immersive arts, photography, music, cinema, cuisine and poetry.

At its core, La Fabrique fosters artistic exchange between French and Saudi artists, fostering new encounters, shared practices, and co-creation.

The initiative is aligned with the vision shared by French President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who have placed cultural cooperation at the heart of the renewed Saudi-French strategic partnership.

Anchored in the ambitions of Vision 2030, La Fabrique is a part of Riyadh’s transformation into a major international cultural hub.

Developed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the project strengthens the long-standing cultural dialogue between the two nations, the press release stated.

Patrick Maisonnave, ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, said: “La Fabrique embodies the spirit of a new cultural chapter between France and Saudi Arabia.

“By bringing our artists together, we are not only sharing techniques and traditions, we are opening a space where imaginations meet, new forms emerge, and creativity becomes a bridge between our two societies.

“This initiative reflects our belief that artistic dialogue is one of the most powerful ways to build understanding, trust, and a shared future. It stands as a concrete example of France’s contribution to the ambitions of Vision 2030.”