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Saudi authorities arrest foreigners for drug offenses

Police in the Asir region have arrested individuals carrying prohibited drugs. (SPA)
Police in the Asir region have arrested individuals carrying prohibited drugs. (SPA)
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Updated 29 July 2025

Saudi authorities arrest foreigners for drug offenses

Police in the Asir region have arrested individuals carrying prohibited drugs. (SPA)
  • Border guard land patrols in the Ad-Daer sector in Jazan arrested three Ethiopian nationals for smuggling 73,500 unregulated medical tablets

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s authorities arrested several foreign nationals across the country this week for drug offenses, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Security patrols in Asir region arrested two Sudanese residents for possessing 16 kg of qat in Al-Farsha governorate.

In addition, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two Bangladeshi residents in the Eastern Province for selling methamphetamine, also known as shabu.

Meanwhile, border guard land patrols in the Ad-Daer sector in Jazan arrested three Ethiopian nationals for smuggling 73,500 unregulated medical tablets.

And in the Al-Rabou’ah sector in Asir they arrested 17 Ethiopians for smuggling 255 kg of qat.

The security authorities called on citizens and residents to report drug-related activities by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 and 994 in other regions of the Kingdom.

All reports will be handled confidentially, the authorities said.


Saudi entertainment authority launches new program to spark creativity and innovation

Saudi entertainment authority launches new program to spark creativity and innovation
Updated 05 November 2025

Saudi entertainment authority launches new program to spark creativity and innovation

Saudi entertainment authority launches new program to spark creativity and innovation
  • It aims to turn creative ideas into sustainable projects aligned with the Kingdom’s entertainment development goals

RIYADH: The General Entertainment Authority has launched the “Entertainment Innovations” program to boost creativity and innovation in ֱ’s entertainment sector.

Aimed at empowering talent and entrepreneurs, the program helps develop solutions that enhance sector growth and global competitiveness, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Registration is now open for the program. More than 100 participants will form diverse teams supported by mentors and industry experts, the SPA added.

The program includes several phases: registration via the authority’s website, screening and team selection for a virtual bootcamp, and a three-day challenge culminating in final presentations before judges, where winners will be honored.

The program focuses on building business models, brand identity, prototypes, and go-to-market strategies, the SPA added.

It aims to turn creative ideas into sustainable projects aligned with the Kingdom’s entertainment development goals and foster collaboration among creators, investors, and experts.

The program targets three goals: promoting innovation in entertainment, attracting specialized talent in technology, design, and entrepreneurship, and expanding the pool of young creatives in the sector.

In total, SR300,000 ($80,000) in prizes and support packages worth more than $1 million will be awarded to the top three winners.