RIYADH: The award-winning Saudi film “Norah” made its premiere in the Kingdom on Thursday after its international success at the Cannes Film Festival. A special screening was held on Wednesday night at Roshn Front’s Vox Cinema, where director Tawfik Al-Zaidi was in attendance alongside the film’s star, Maria Bahrawi, and her acclaimed co-stars Yaqoub Al-Farhan and Abdullah Al-Sadhan. Al-Farhan told Arab News: “To be accepted in Cannes is an indication of how important this film is, and also an indication of how much progress the film industry (has made) here.

RIYADH: The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center is set to host the Advanced Therapies Forum which will take place from June 23-24, Saudi Press Agency reported. The event in Riyadh will bring together 30 representatives from various government organizations and academic institutions alongside advanced therapy manufacturing companies. It will aim to foster a collaborative environment where industrial partners can showcase their research and forge strategic alliances with healthcare institutions.

LONDON: Saudi Arabia will not normalize ties with Israel at the expense of Palestinian statehood, the Kingdom’s ambassador to the UK said on Thursday. Speaking at Chatham House’s London Conference, Prince Khalid bin Bandar said that normalization remained important to Saudi Arabia and other nations in the region because it would ensure peace, stability and security.
He admitted that “compromises would have to be made” to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, which he said affected the world in a way other conflicts did not.

BEIJING: Saudi Arabia, represented by its Heritage Commission, is taking part in the Beijing International Book Fair, which began on Wednesday and continues until Sunday. The Kingdom was invited to participate at the event as guest of honor. The Saudi pavilion offers visitors a chance to learn more about the nation’s heritage, diverse culture, historical landmarks and overall historical significance, officials said. It includes displays featuring archaeological reproductions that illustrate the Kingdom’s rich culture and expansive history over thousands of years.  

RIYADH: A high-tech visual medical service trialed by the Saudi Ministry of Interior on security personnel during this year’s Hajj season proved successful, Saudi Press Agency reported. The service uses a capsule enhanced with artificial intelligence and modern communication technology to conduct medical examinations in the workplace, completing each one within six minutes.

RIYADH: Drumming is an important and popular part of cultural heritage in Najran, especially during holidays and special occasions. The art of playing the drums is considered one of the most famous and creative Najran dances and is the only one in which all vocal and movement arts are included.  Drummers begin collectively in a single straight row as they move in harmony to the beat of drums and tambourines while chanting. 

Arab News RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s drug control authority seized large quantities of narcotics and arrested several people involved in smuggling following a number of operations across the Kingdom, reported Saudi Press Agency. Border guards in Asir province thwarted an attempt to smuggle 123 kg of hashish and 89,355 narcotic tablets, while in Jazan four Ethiopian nationals were arrested for trafficking 75 kg of qat. In Riyadh, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two Pakistani residents attempting to sell 26 kg of methamphetamine.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started issuing Umrah visas for the post-Hajj season, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. The new Umrah season will coincide with the start of the new Islamic year on Muharram 1, and the move aims to streamline the arrival of pilgrims to the Kingdom and ensure a smooth and worry-free experience. The ministry is working diligently to implement the directives of the Saudi leadership and accommodate more Umrah pilgrims and provide services that meet their needs, SPA said. 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia boasts a plethora of novel natural reserves and resorts that champion the nourishment of the mind, body, and soul. From lush mountain ranges to glistening blue waters, the well-preserved environments have become must-visit spots for those looking to discover the Kingdom’s hidden gems and reconnect with nature.

MAKKAH: The arrival of Eid Al-Adha signals the return of mahshoosh, or Al-Humais — a traditional dish beloved by Jazan locals that is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage. Mahshoosh has stood the test of time, maintaining its prominence among the various dishes that grace the Jazan table. Its preparation is seen as a revival of an age-old tradition dating back to a time when there was no refrigeration. Local people relied on this dish to preserve the meat from their Eid Al-Adha sacrifices.

RIYADH:  Saudi humanitarian center KSRelief carried out a number of aid initiatives across the Middle East and Africa during Eid, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is on target to deliver an Expo 2030 “by the world, for the world,” organizers have told event chiefs in Paris in their first progress report since Riyadh was chosen as host city. Abdulaziz Alghannam, director general of the Riyadh Expo 2030 office at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, led the Saudi delegation at the general assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions in the French capital.

RIYADH: Saudi Railways on Wednesday hailed the success of the Mashaer Train operation at this year’s Hajj season, saying the metro service had transported more than 2.2 million passengers between the nine stations in Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, operating 2,206 trips. More than 29,000 worshippers were transported on the first day of the pilgrimage, while more than 292,000 pilgrims were carried from Mina to Arafat, Saudi Press Agency reported.

MAKKAH: During the Hajj season, locals in the holy city are often praised for their fluency in several languages, stemming from their interactions with people from around the world. Their engagement in Hajj-related activities, both commercial and voluntary, across various sectors, enables them to secure seasonal jobs and gain valuable experience in volunteering. Most importantly, it provides them with the honor of serving pilgrims, meeting their needs, and ensuring their comfort.

RIYADH: Pilgrims hosted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit have left for Madinah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. They will visit the Prophet’s Mosque in the holy city after completing Hajj on Tuesday. The pilgrims expressed their thanks to the Saudi leadership for the generous hospitality and services provided to them during their Hajj journey, SPA reported. 

MADINA: Madinah Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz inspected the health services available to pilgrims in the central area near the Prophet’s Mosque, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. During his inspection tour, the governor was briefed on the preparations made by the health cluster to cater to the needs of pilgrims in the post-Hajj season, in line with the directives of the Kingdom’s leadership to provide optimal health care and treatment to visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.

BEIJING: The Saudi Heritage Commission is participating in the Beijing International Book Fair in China with the aim of providing visitors with a platform to expand their knowledge about national heritage. The commission also aims to familiarize visitors with the Kingdom’s diverse culture, historical landmarks and historical significance through its participation in BIBF, which began on Wednesday and continues until June 23, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has sent a cable of congratulations to Spanish King Felipe VI on the 10th anniversary of his accession to the throne, the state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday. King Salman wished his Spanish counterpart continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Spain steady progress and prosperity. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a cable of congratulations to the Spanish ruler. Felipe was sworn in on June 19, 2014, days after his father stepped down.

RIYADH: Desertification and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges faced by the world, Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Osama Faqeeha has said. In a statement marking the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the minister said land degradation affected up to 40 percent of the world’s land area, resulting in the annual loss of 100 million hectares of healthy land, Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s drug control authority arrested several people involved in smuggling, and seized large quantities of narcotics after operations across Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday. Border Guard land patrols in Rabwa, Asir province, arrested 15 violators, Ethiopians and Yemenis, for smuggling 300 kg of khat. Additionally, security patrols in Jazan region have arrested two Yemenis and four Saudis after finding them in possession of 196 kg of hashish and 7,227 amphetamine tablets.

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributed the meat from 480 animal carcasses to 6,720 people in Yemen, reported Saudi Press Agency. The distribution in Hadramout and Marib on Tuesday was part of a project being carried out by KSrelief in several Yemeni governorates this year. Muslims traditionally sacrifice animals for the Eid feast, with some of the meat given as a gift to those who are less fortunate.

RIYADH: The achievements of Saudi Arabia’s military sector are being celebrated this week by the country’s pavilion at Eurosatory 2024, an international defense and security event in Paris. The installation reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing its military capabilities and fostering international partnerships, officials said.

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau spoke on the phone on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported. During the call, the development of relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them in various fields were reviewed. A number of regional and international issues and their recent repercussions, as well as international efforts made regarding achieving security and stability, were also discussed.

RIYADH: Like every Dul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, millions of Muslims from all over the world have gathered in Saudi Arabia to take part in the ritual of Hajj, one of the world’s largest annual congregations. Though this massive influx of pilgrims poses a challenge to the limits of the infrastructure and social services of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the Kingdom was well prepared to handle this year’s Hajj.

RIYADH: The Saudi minister of health has hailed the success of preparation for Hajj after no outbreaks or threats to public health were recorded during the annual pilgrimage. Fahad Al-Jalajel said in a statement: “I am pleased to announce the success of this year’s Hajj health plans. Despite the large number of pilgrims and the challenges posed by high temperatures, we experienced no outbreaks or public health threats.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has started distributing 1,879,352 copies of the holy Qur’an to departing Hajj pilgrims, Saudi Press Agency reported. The copies, printed by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, are available in various sizes.

MINA: Hundreds of thousands of this year’s total of more than 1.8 million Hajj pilgrims began performing the final rituals of their pilgrimage early on Tuesday morning before preparing for the return home. Many began stoning the pillars in Mina at noon on Tuesday and then headed to the Grand Mosque to perform the final ritual of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times, known as Tawaf Al-Wadaa, concluding their pilgrimage.

MAKKAH: The journey of Hajj, representing the fulfillment of the fifth pillar of Islam, is a chance for personal transformation, fostering patience, resilience, endurance, solidarity and cooperation. These virtues can positively impact an individual’s life long after completing the pilgrimage.

RIYADH: During the sacred days of Hajj, Makkah witnesses an influx of pilgrims and locals themselves engage more fervently in Islamic practices such as prayer and fasting. Sami Al-Alwani, a local citizen, enjoys the spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage and says the Hajj season is unlike any other month. “This annual tradition of welcoming, joy and enthusiasm with which we receive the pilgrims of the House of God is passed down from generation to generation,” he told Arab News.

DUBAI: Pilgrims at the Kaaba completed the stoning of the three Jamarat on the second day of Tashreeq on Tuesday. They began with the smallest, Jamrat Al-Oula, then the middle, Jamrat Al-Wusta, and finally Jamrat Al-Aqaba. Pilgrims then headed to perform the Farewell Tawaf at the Kaaba before returning to their residences in Mina.

MINA: It is a time of overwhelming emotion – the moment when pilgrims finish their Hajj journey and must bid farewell to the holy city of Makkah. They offer their final prayers and make their way to the airport, leaving behind the place where they have felt the deepest connection to their faith. The unity and camaraderie they have shared with other pilgrims, the hardships they have endured, and the profound sense of peace and tranquility they have found in Makkah — all contribute to the sadness of saying goodbye.

RIYADH: The Saudi minister responsible for labor issues has praised the ministry’s workers for their efforts during this year’s Hajj, the Saudi Press Reported. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister for human resources and social development, made the remarks on a visit to the ministry’s Hajj headquarters, where he reviewed the activities of the regulatory teams and inspected relevant workflows. The teams are tasked with ensuring that establishments involved in Hajj operations comply with labor laws and other regulations.

RIYADH: Specialist medical teams deployed in Makkah for the Hajj season had successfully performed 24 open-heart surgeries on pilgrims, the Ministry of Health said on Monday. In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry said 249 pilgrims had also undergone cardiac catheterizations, and 1,006 had dialysis operations, in addition to the admission of 4,082 pilgrims in need to hospitals and medical centers to receive the necessary health care.

RIYADH: More than 47,000 calls have been received by the Saudi Ministry of Health’s 937 call center since the start of Hajj, Saudi Press Agency reported. Staff at the center handle health inquiries, offer medical consultations and help find missing or hospitalized pilgrims at the holy sites. They can deal with reports in seven different languages and a team of administrative staff, specialists and consultants are available around the clock to offer advice and support.

RIYADH: Saudi’s rulers have hosted the families of military personnel who were killed or injured in the line of duty, Saudi Press Agency reported. Maj. Gen. Dr. Suleiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Maiman, Ministry of Interior undersecretary for military affairs, said 289 pilgrims from families of martyred or injured personnel had been welcomed during this year’s Hajj season. Every effort was made to ensure the guests had comfort, peace of mind and as much ease as possible in performing their rituals, added the report.