Saudi customs officials seize hundreds of prohibited items
Saudi customs officials seize hundreds of prohibited items /node/2627615/saudi-arabia
Saudi customs officials seize hundreds of prohibited items
The authority called on citizens to support its efforts by reporting smuggling activities through its designated hotline, 1910; via email at [email protected]; or by calling the international number 009661910. (SPA)
Saudi customs officials seize hundreds of prohibited items
The authority handles all reports with strict confidentiality and offers financial rewards for accurate information
Updated 27 December 2025
SPA
RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has announced that customs officials at land, air, and sea ports reported 961 seizures of prohibited items over the course of a single week, highlighting the authority’s efforts to enhance security and protect society.
The seized items included 91 narcotics-related products — including hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, and Captagon — in addition to 427 other prohibited items. Customs officials also thwarted attempts to smuggle 1,811 tobacco products and derivatives, as well as ten types of currency and five types of weapons.
The authority said that it is “continuing to tighten customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports, in order to achieve and protect the security of society, through continuous cooperation and coordination” with relevant authorities.
The authority called on citizens to support its efforts by reporting smuggling activities through its designated hotline, 1910; via email at [email protected]; or by calling the international number 009661910.
The authority receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the provisions of the Unified Customs System through these channels. The authority handles all reports with strict confidentiality and offers financial rewards for accurate information.
Saudi Arabian Railways breaks records in 2025: 14mn passengers and 30mn tons of freight
By transporting 30 million tons of freight via rail in 2025, SAR successfully removed 2 million truck journeys from the Kingdom’s highways, resulting in 139 million liters of fuel saved
It also meant a reduction of carbon emissions by 364,000 tons, contributing directly to the Saudi Green Initiative
Updated 6 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced record-breaking operational milestones for the year 2025, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s logistics and tourism sectors.
SAR transported over 14 million passengers, representing a significant leap from the 11.2 million passengers recorded in 2023, highlighting the increasing adoption of rail travel for both commuting and pilgrimage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Similarly, freight operations have expanded robustly from approximately 24 million tons in 2023 to the current 30 million tons, driven by increased industrial demand and mining logistics.
By transporting 30 million tons of freight via rail in 2025, the network successfully removed two million truck journeys from the Kingdom’s highways, resulting in 139 million liters of fuel saved.
It also meant a reduction of carbon emissions by 364,000 tons, contributing directly to the Saudi Green Initiative, the report said.
These figures underscore SAR’s pivotal role in realizing the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) and Saudi Vision 2030, delivering a network that is not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable.
“Dream of the Desert”
A standout achievement of 2025 was the official launch of the Dream of the Desert, the first luxury train service in the Middle East and North Africa.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and SAR Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser unveiled the first “Dream of the Desert” carriage last October as one of the FII9 highlights. (SPA file photo)
Developed in partnership with the Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale Group, this service has redefined rail tourism. The train features 40 custom-designed luxury cabins, offering a “rail cruise” experience inspired by the classic Orient Express but with a distinct Saudi Arabian identity. The route traverses the Kingdom from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, stopping at key cultural heritage sites including Ha’il and Al-Jouf, effectively turning the journey itself into a destination.
In a major move to capitalize on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), SAR announced the establishment of a SAR6 billion real estate fund focused on Makkah.
This fund is dedicated to developing prime lands adjacent to the Haramain High Speed Railway station in Makkah. The initiative aims to enhance the pilgrim experience by constructing high-capacity hotels, commercial centers, and residential units directly linked to the station. This development not only diversifies SAR’s revenue streams but also supports the government’s goal of hosting 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by seamlessly integrating transport and accommodation.
Global Recognition
Internationally, SAR’s commitment to excellence was recognized on the global stage. SAR became the first company to win the prestigious International Union of Railways (UIC) award for long-distance tourist trains.
The ceremony was held at the union’s headquarters in Paris, France, with broad participation from major railway companies worldwide.
The UIC, known as the worldwide railway organization, presented the award in recognition of SAR’s innovation in integrating luxury tourism with heavy rail infrastructure.
This accolade cements SAR’s reputation for service quality and places the Kingdom on the map as a premier destination for railway enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.
