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Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom. (SPA file photo)
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Updated 31 May 2025

Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12,129 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 7,127 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,441 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,561 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,197 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 34 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 90 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts

Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts
Updated 21 sec ago

Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts

Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts
  • Calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls on Monday with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani and EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas, amid growing regional concern over the escalation between Israel and Iran.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.

Both sides reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at containing the fallout from Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran's retaliation, which have prompted fears of a wider confrontation in the Middle East.


Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh

Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh
Updated 13 min 56 sec ago

Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh

Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh
  • Discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts

RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received UK Ambassador to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Neil Crompton at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance them. Both officials also discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts.

In a separate meeting, Elkhereiji held talks with Chinese Ambassador to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Chang Hua in Riyadh. They reviewed bilateral relations as well as recent regional and international developments.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Omani Ambassador Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi. They discussed fraternal relations between the two countries and topics of mutual interest.


Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Eastern Province

More than 31 million trees have been planted in º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project.
More than 31 million trees have been planted in º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project.
Updated 16 June 2025

Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Eastern Province

More than 31 million trees have been planted in º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project.
  • The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land

RIYADH: More than 31 million trees have been planted in º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The trees were planted by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, working with 51 other entities, under a program launched in November.

The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land.

The scheme is part of the nationwide Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees — 600 million by 2030 — and rehabilitate more than 40 million hectares of land.

As well as planting trees, the center has been engaged in a program of environmental monitoring, combating illegal logging and raising public awareness across the Eastern Province.

It also works to prevent sand encroachment in farming areas that are at risk of soil degradation and uses native plant species to populate its afforestation areas in order to maintain the ecological balance of local habitats.

The center also organizes the National Afforestation Season in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.


Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call
Updated 15 June 2025

Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Sunday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss the escalating situation between Israel and Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the region, with particular focus on the repercussions of Israeli military operations targeting Iran.

They stressed the need for restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.

The phone call comes amid heightened tensions following a series of tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries.

The latest flare-up has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with international leaders urging all parties to avoid further escalation.


Saudi foundation displays projects at Dutch ‘GreenTech’ exhibition

Saudi foundation displays projects at Dutch ‘GreenTech’ exhibition
Updated 15 June 2025

Saudi foundation displays projects at Dutch ‘GreenTech’ exhibition

Saudi foundation displays projects at Dutch ‘GreenTech’ exhibition
  • Morooj highlighted its technical and operational capabilities, as well as its innovative environmental solutions based on best practices and global standards

RIYADH: The Vegetation Cover Development Foundation, known as Morooj, presented its flagship projects as part of the Saudi delegation at Greentech Amsterdam, an international exhibition for horticulture held from June 10-12 in the Dutch capital.

Morooj highlighted its technical and operational capabilities, as well as its innovative environmental solutions based on best practices and global standards.

The foundation also presented examples of its strategic partnerships with various government and private sectors, as well as with international organizations.

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The foundation’s CEO, Wael Bushah, said that its participation in GreenTech further demonstrates the Kingdom’s efforts to reinforce its leadership in the environmental sector on an international level.

The projects displayed included the planting of millions of mangrove trees, greening mosque areas, promoting community participation in environmental sanitation campaigns, and efforts to rehabilitate natural reserves in various regions of the Kingdom, all of which fall under the Saudi Green Initiative.

The foundation’s CEO, Wael Bushah, said that its participation in GreenTech further demonstrates the Kingdom’s efforts to reinforce its leadership in the environmental sector on an international level.

The exhibition, one of the world’s leading events focused on environmental innovations and sustainable agricultural technologies, is also an opportunity to build new partnerships and exchange expertise on the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration.

Ultimately, Murooj aims to become an interactive platform for knowledge transfer and application, creating meaningful environmental and social impact in the Kingdom.

The foundation’s role of strengthening its international presence and exchanging successful experiences with various global environmental entities and organizations has been crucial to achieving the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, founded under Saudi Vision 2030.

SGI, which celebrated its second anniversary earlier this year, has reinforced the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a key contributor to global efforts to combat climate change and enhance environmental sustainability by promoting renewable energy, protecting terrestrial and marine areas, and reaching net-zero domestically by 2060, among other initiatives.