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Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

Minister of Justice Walid inaugurated the Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Minister of Justice Walid inaugurated the Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
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Updated 22 December 2024

Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

Minister of Justice Walid inaugurated the Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
  • The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers

RIYADH: The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Saudi Bar Association, has announced the launch of a comprehensive project to review and develop the lawyers’ system, according to Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani.

The project aims to strengthen the legal profession by empowering practitioners, improving access to legal services, and keeping up with the Kingdom’s legal, social and developmental advances, Al-Samaani, also chairman of the association, said.

On Sunday, Al-Samaani inaugurated the first Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh, themed “Developments in the Lawyers and Legal Consultations Sector.”




A gathering of experts, specialists, and stakeholders attended the Saudi Lawyers Conference, held in Riyadh. (SPA)

With participation from government and private entities, the two-day conference focuses on the future of the legal profession within the Kingdom’s evolving legislative landscape.

It also highlights the significant impact of professional and educational developments on enhancing the local legal environment and fostering a vibrant business and investment climate.

About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. On Monday, 19 workshops will be held, led by specialists to enrich attendees’ knowledge and professional experience.

Al-Samaani said that the renewal of law licenses will be processed automatically and completed within 15 days of a complete application, aiming to empower and support lawyers.

He said that the demand for lawyers had grown significantly and would likely continue with the Kingdom’s expanding business landscape and ongoing developments.

“This growth is tied to strengthening institutional work, enhancing legal foundations, and developing model contracts, documentation systems and legislative tools,” he said.

The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers.

These programs combine practical and theoretical training, including the Lawyer Qualification Program, Lawyer Development Program, Saudi Professional Accreditation for Legal Practitioners, and Cooperative Training Program for university students, among others.


Saudi foreign minister discusses planned Israeli escalation in Gaza with counterparts

Saudi foreign minister discusses planned Israeli escalation in Gaza with counterparts
Updated 15 sec ago

Saudi foreign minister discusses planned Israeli escalation in Gaza with counterparts

Saudi foreign minister discusses planned Israeli escalation in Gaza with counterparts
  • The calls come amid mounting regional concern over the deepening crisis in Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a series of calls on Friday with his counterparts in France, Egypt, and the European Union to discuss the worsening situation in Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas, Prince Faisal stressed the need to halt Israeli violations and starvation tactics against Gaza’s population.

During his call with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Prince Faisal highlighted the urgent need to stop the ongoing Israeli attacks and bring an end to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Strip.

The calls come amid mounting regional concern over the deepening crisis in Gaza.

Also on Friday, Ƶ strongly condemned Israel’s declared intention to consolidate its military occupation of Gaza, calling it a blatant violation of international law and a continuation of “barbaric practices and ethnic cleansing” against Palestinians.

In a statement on Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced Israel’s systematic displacement, inhumane policies, and what it described as war crimes.

The Kingdom warned that such actions further destabilize the region and undermine global efforts to achieve lasting peace.

The condemnation follows Israel’s approval of a plan to assume full control over Gaza City, a move that marks a new phase in its military campaign, now in its 22nd month following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.


Saudi authorities thwart massive Captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha

Saudi authorities thwart massive Captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha
Updated 08 August 2025

Saudi authorities thwart massive Captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha

Saudi authorities thwart massive Captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha
  • Over 400,000 pills seized hidden in livestock shipment
  • Border Guard also confiscated 100,800 pills in Jazan

RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority at Al-Haditha border crossing successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 406,395 amphetamine pills, under the brand name Captagon, concealed in a livestock shipment.

In an official statement posted on X on Friday ZATCA explained: “Upon customs procedures and inspection using security techniques and live equipment, the pills were found hidden inside the sheep’s fur.”

After the seizure, coordination was made with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to ensure the arrest of the intended recipients of the contraband in the Kingdom who were subsequently apprehended, added the authority.

ZATCA affirmed its commitment to tightening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports and to confronting smuggling attempts.

This is in line with the most prominent pillars of its strategy, which is to enhance the security and protection of society by limiting attempts to smuggle such pests and other prohibited items.

The authority called on citizens and residents to contribute to combating smuggling and protect society and the national economy by contacting it on the dedicated security reporting number (1910), via email ([email protected]), or by calling the international number (009661910).

Through these channels, the authority receives information related to smuggling crimes and violations of the provisions of the Unified Customs Law with complete confidentiality, and a financial reward is granted to those providing the tip-off if the information provided is accurate.

Meanwhile the Border Guard land patrols in the Ad-Daer sector in Jazan region also thwarted the smuggling of 100,800 Captagon pills. The seized contraband handed over to the relevant authorities. 

Security authorities urged people to provide information they may have about smuggling by calling (911) in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, (999) and (994) in the rest of the Kingdom, or by calling the General Directorate of Narcotics Control’s reporting number (995), or by email ([email protected]). All reports will be handled with complete confidentiality.


KSA society committed to reviving extinct art forms

KSA society committed to reviving extinct art forms
Updated 08 August 2025

KSA society committed to reviving extinct art forms

KSA society committed to reviving extinct art forms
  • In the Al-Baha region, a rich artistic heritage is being brought to life
  • It reflects their aspirations to connect with an authentic civilization

AL-BAHA: In the southern regions of the Kingdom, folk arts differ from one area to the next, with the region’s cultural and geographical diversity fostering a rich array of styles and expressions unique to each area.

In the Al-Baha region, a rich artistic heritage is being brought to life, blending culture and tradition in a way that resonates with the tastes of both visitors and residents.

It reflects their aspirations to connect with an authentic civilization that has flourished through the ages, passed down from generation to generation, from fathers to grandfathers.

The Director of the Cultural Society branch, Ali Khamis Al-Baydani, said that the region is home to 12 folklore groups, bringing together more than 350 members and participants from across its governorates.

He added that the society is committed to documenting and reviving extinct art forms such as Al-Harmooj, Al-Mahshoush, Al-Samer, Al-Laab, Al-Mashabani, Tariq Al-Jabal and Al-Majlisi.

He added that the branch organizes dedicated festivals for these arts, ensuring their presence in the region’s national, social and tourism events.


Jazan’s governor meets residents of Al-Darb region

Jazan’s governor meets residents of Al-Darb region
Updated 08 August 2025

Jazan’s governor meets residents of Al-Darb region

Jazan’s governor meets residents of Al-Darb region
  • Discussions focused on the needs of the governorate

AL-DARB: Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz met sheikhs and residents of Al-Darb Governorate as part of an inspection tour of administrative divisions in the region.

Discussions focused on the needs of the governorate in service and development sectors.

The governor affirmed his commitment to follow up on these matters and to ensure the provision of the highest quality services to citizens and residents.

Prince Mohammed stressed that his visit to Al-Darb, his meetings with its people, and the discussions held on various development-related issues resulted from directives of the leadership to monitor the progress of development projects while ensuring they met the needs of citizens and residents.


Arts institute concludes heritage training initiative

Arts institute concludes heritage training initiative
Updated 08 August 2025

Arts institute concludes heritage training initiative

Arts institute concludes heritage training initiative
  • The program took place in Jeddah over a two-week period
  • Participants developed core competencies in documentation techniques and cultural project management

RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts has completed a comprehensive training program focused on cultural heritage documentation and digital preservation, delivered in collaboration with the Saudi Cultural Memory Center.

The program took place in Jeddah over a two-week period.

The initiative brought together heritage professionals and digital archiving specialists for an intensive 15-day curriculum that combined theoretical foundations with hands-on practical training.

Participants developed core competencies in documentation techniques and cultural project management, working with cutting-edge methodologies currently employed across the sector.

The training program forms part of the institute’s broader strategy to cultivate specialized national talent and establish heritage work as a viable career path.

This effort supports the institution’s mission to safeguard national identity while driving cultural development forward, particularly as Ƶ observes the Year of Handicrafts 2025.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts plays a pivotal role in elevating the Kingdom’s cultural profile both regionally and globally.

The institute champions traditional artistic practices, celebrates master craftspeople and cultural innovators, and works to preserve authentic techniques while nurturing emerging talent in the field. It also encourages interested individuals to learn, master, and develop traditional arts.