Ministry arrests 25,533 people in single week for violating residency, labor and border laws
Updated 5 min 37 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: A total of 25,533 people were arrested between Sept. 11 and 17 for violating residency, labor and border security laws, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
This included 1,391 people who were apprehended while trying to cross into 蹤獲弝け, with 31 arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The Ministry of Interior recorded a total of 21,638 violations over the course of the week, including 12,958 related to residency laws, 4,540 to border security regulations and 4,140 to labor laws.
Statistics published by the SPA stated that 54 percent of those attempting to cross the border illegally were Yemeni nationals, while 45 percent were from Ethiopia and 1 percent from other countries. Nineteen people involved in transporting, sheltering and employing violators were arrested.
The SPA reported that 32,149 expatriates 29,265 men and 2,884 women are currently the subject of legal procedures. Those arrested were instructed to contact the relevant embassies or consulates to obtain the proper travel documents.
In addition, 1,610 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 13,375 were repatriated.
The ministry stressed that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance, or any other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
KSrelief expands global reach with aid initiatives
Updated 20 September 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has launched a series of wide-ranging humanitarian programs across three countries this week, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
In Port Sudan, KSrelief medical teams have begun a voluntary plastic-surgery campaign to treat burns and congenital deformities. Seventeen volunteer doctors and specialists are participating in the effort, which has already examined 23 cases and successfully performed 25 complex surgical operations.
The project is part of KSreliefs medical volunteer program designed to bring advanced care to areas where specialized services are scarce.
Meanwhile, in Yemen's Hadhramaut Governorate, KSrelief is addressing unemployment and economic hardship through its career paths project. The center has distributed vocational kits to 80 young men and women, equipping them with the tools and skills to launch small, income-generating businesses.
Officials said the initiative is intended to raise living standards and foster self-reliance, offering long-term solutions beyond immediate aid.
Whilst, in Sidon, Lebanon, KSrelief teams distributed 773 food parcels, reaching 3,865 individuals in disadvantaged communities. This assistance is part of 蹤獲弝けs ongoing food aid distribution program, which aims to ease the impact of economic and political crises on vulnerable families.
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSreliefs Masam Project removed 1,103 explosives in Yemen during the second week of September reported state news agency SPA on Friday.
The aid agency cleared explosives including four anti-personnel mines, 51 anti-tank mines, 1,047 unexploded ordnances, and 1 improvised explosive device.
These efforts bring the total number of explosives cleared since the start of the Masam Project to 514,193.
The explosives were randomly planted throughout Yemeni territory, endangering innocent civilians, including children, women, and older people, and sowing fear in once-safe communities.
Saudi delegation departs for New York to attend UNGA80
Updated 20 September 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: 蹤獲弝けs minister of foreign affairs departed for New York on Friday to head the Kingdoms delegation participating in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Prince Faisal bin Farhans delegation includes Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi ambassador to the US; Adel bin Ahmed bin Al-Jubeir, minister of state for foreign affairs and envoy for climate; Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim, minister of economy and planning; Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, director general of the Saudi aid agency KS Relief; Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, deputy minister for international multilateral affairs and general supervisor of the public diplomacy deputyship; and Saudi Ambassador to the UN Abdulaziz Alwasil.
On the sidelines of UNGA80, the Kingdom will host a number of initiatives and meetings aimed at strengthening regional and international security and stability and advancing diplomatic humanitarian, and development efforts, the statement said.
蹤獲弝け will also chair the high-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at the leaders level, as well as the high-level ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementing of Two-State Solution.
Prince Faisal and his delegation will also participate in the UNs commemoration of its 80th anniversary, in addition to a range of official meetings to bolster multilateral cooperation, review regional and international developments, support efforts to promote international peace and security, and coordinate joint work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Rashida Al-Rashidis journey from needle and thread to global recognition
She designed special Sadu-style shoelaces for Adidas
Proud to keep timeless art alive, she tells Arab News
Updated 20 September 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Rashida Rashid Ali Al-Rashidi has turned a passion for needle and thread into a unique and authentic identity that has resulted in global recognition.
Al-Rashidi, or Umm Nasser, told Arab News recently: The story began with a simple love for embroidery, which to me was a hobby that kept me occupied and comforted me.
As the years passed, I realized that this hobby carries a greater value, much more significant than a thread and needle. It is an identity and a form of creativity that can make a difference in peoples lives.
Rashida Al-Rashidi has launched her work under the name Al-Thawq Al-Rafeea (The Sophisticated Taste), a brand offering handmade products inspired by Sadu embroidery. (Supplied)
She said that she looked for ways to improve her skills.
I received a professional practitioner license, a train-the-trainer certificate, and a freelancer permit. These steps were very important to me because they boosted my self-esteem and made me feel as though I was standing on solid ground.
Al-Rashidi has participated in numerous events and collaborated with many entities, including the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center, the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, and the Harakia Association for Adults with Physical Disabilities.
Partnering with Adidas was one of my most beautiful milestones, where I designed a special shoelace that carries my unique touch. It was a turning point for me, and I felt that the thread which began in a small home was able to cross the borders and reach international platforms.
Rashida Al-Rashidi
She has also worked with the Dates Festival, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Lamma and Fallah Festival, Ayamna El-Helwa Festival, as well as national celebrations and a graduation project at the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University.
With every participation, I felt part of a big picture, and that my simple work left an impact on people, while adding a touch of beauty and a sense of pride in our heritage, she said.
She recently received global recognition for her work. Partnering with Adidas was one of my most beautiful milestones, where I designed a special shoelace that carries my unique touch.
It was a turning point for me, and I felt that the thread which began in a small home was able to cross the borders and reach international platforms.
Al-Rashidi said she has launched her work under the name Al-Thawq Al-Rafeea (The Sophisticated Taste), a brand offering handmade products inspired by Sadu embroidery.
She explained: I wanted to combine the authenticity of heritage with the spirit of modernity. Thats why I designed abayas with a touch of Sadu, so this timeless art remains present in peoples everyday lives, but with a modern twist that appeals to all tastes.
Al-Rashidi added: My message to anyone with a dream is to hold onto it. When a dream is accompanied by perseverance, it can turn into a success story and might become a source of inspiration for someone else without you realizing it.
She said her achievements are a result of the support from her family and community, and wants to honor them.
Every thread I wove carried a dream, and every embroidery I crafted carried a message. Today, I feel like I am still at the beginning of this journey, and I still have a lot to offer.
