JEDDAH: A businessman accused of stealing $1.5 billion while working in the UAE could face extradition to the UAE after being detained in Jeddah. Khater Massaad at one point ran the sovereign wealth fund of Ras Al-Khaimah.
Ras Al-Khaimah last month accused him of stealing while heading the fund. A report carried on Emirati state media said he fled the country after questions about his business activities arose in 2012.
A statement released to AP on Massaad’s behalf Wednesday said he was taken into custody the previous day in Jeddah, based on a UAE arrest warrant.
Massaad holds Swiss citizenship and has business interests in several countries.
The government of Ras Al-Khaimah said Wednesday the warrant follows Massaad’s conviction in absentia last October for fraud and other criminal activity.
The emirate is also seeking his arrest on additional charges of fraud and diversion of public funds in relation to a seaport project in the country of Georgia. It said it will work with Saudi authorities to ensure he is returned to the Emirates to stand trial.
$1.5bn embezzler arrested
$1.5bn embezzler arrested
‘Masterpieces of Saudi Orchestra’ shine at Maraya in AlUla
- The concert on its opening night presented a seamless artistic journey, where orchestral works met Saudi musical identity
- It underlined the Music Commission’s aim to present Saudi artistry at a high professional level
RIYADH: The “Masterpieces of Saudi Orchestra” concert opened at Maraya Concert Hall in AlUla on Thursday under the patronage of the Kingdom’s Minister of Culture and Chairman of the board of the Music Commission Prince Bader bin Abdullah.
Organized by the Music Commission, the concert on its opening night presented a seamless artistic journey, where orchestral works met Saudi musical identity.
The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Maestro Hani Farhat, led audiences through carefully curated pieces reflecting heritage and modern creativity.
The repertoire combined traditional influences with orchestral scoring, offering listeners heritage-based compositions alongside recent arrangements.
Regional rhythms and layered musical textures were used to echo the Kingdom’s history, while pieces rooted in Saudi classical music tradition connected audiences with familiar cultural references in a fresh format.
The concert underlined the Music Commission’s aim to present Saudi artistry at a high professional level.
The series seeks to honor national heritage while encouraging contemporary artistic engagement, and its growing local and international presence was highlighted throughout the evening.
The program also featured a visual dimension led by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, which staged live performances of Saudi folk arts.
Audiences saw presentations of Samri, Dahha, Rafeihi, Yanbawi, Zair and Khabeeti, synchronized with the orchestra to create one integrated artistic experience.
These folk elements were arranged to complement the orchestral sound, reinforcing the richness and variety of Saudi cultural identity. The combination of music and movement aimed to show how traditional forms can engage with large-scale concert settings while retaining their historical character and community roots.
This performance is an extension of the series of successes achieved by the Saudi Orchestra’s masterpieces both locally and internationally, and reaffirms the Music Commission’s commitment to showcasing Saudi music in its finest form.
