RIYADH/DAMMAM: A total of 150 beggars have been arrested in the Eastern Province and Riyadh over the past few weeks, according to the police in both regions.
In Riyadh, 90 beggars, including 34 children, were arrested in the first four days of Ramadan, the police reported Monday. The individuals were of various nationalities and age groups.
In the Eastern Province, about 60 beggars were arrested in raids, including three Saudis, said Abdullatif Al-Naeem, director of the anti-begging committee. He said the Labor and Social Development Ministry has plans, with other government agencies, to combat the practice.
Al-Naeem said that there is a significant increase in begging every Ramadan because of the tendency of Muslims to be more charitable, so inspections are intensified near traffic lights, mosques, public gardens, markets and ATM machines to arrest beggars.
He said the government is working with private charities to create awareness about the negative effects of begging, and provide training for young Saudis in preparation to find work.
150 beggars arrested in Riyadh, EP
150 beggars arrested in Riyadh, EP
Saudi Cabinet rejects any attempts to undermine Somalia’s unity and sovereignty
- Chaired by Saudi Arabia's King Salman, the council of ministers stressed its rejection to any parallel entities that undermine Somalia's unity
DUBAI: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday reiterated its support for Somalia's sovereignty and unity, rejecting any attempt to undermine it, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The cabinet expressed its support for the outcome of the extraordinary meeting held by the foreign ministers of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation regarding the situation in Somalia, held in the city of Jeddah.
Chaired by Saudi Arabia's King Salman, the council of ministers stressed its rejection to any parallel entities that undermine Somalia's unity.
It said the Kingdom rejected any “parallel entities that conflict with the unity of Somalia and the integrity of its territories, as well as any attempts to divide or interfere with its sovereignty.”
