Fiqh Council official condemns extremism

JEDDAH — The secretary-general of the Muslim World League’s Islamic Fiqh Council said the Islamic nation has been undermined by Muslims who have embraced extremist ideologies. “These ideologies allow their followers to claim others are disbelievers just because they have different opinions about Islamic teachings,” Saleh Al-Beqami said. He explained the Fiqh Council held several conferences aimed at addressing these issues.

Need for more training stressed

JEDDAH — The head of the human resources awareness team at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it is important that training programs are provided in all sectors to ensure the success of the Saudization program. Mahmoud Khan explained some companies have realized the need for training to keep their talented Saudis and are conducting training courses for their employees. “Saudis have proven they can meet their work requirements and many have become competent in their work within three to six months of joining their companies,” he said.

New stadiums to create jobs for Saudis

RIYADH — The Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s plan to build 11 new stadiums around the country would provide new job opportunities for Saudis. Fund spokesman Sulaiman Al-Zughaibi explained the aim of these stadiums is not only limited to improving sports but will also have other economic objectives. “These stadiums will add to the development projects around the country, create new investment opportunities in the contracting sector and complement other businesses in their localities,” he said.

SFDA bans drugs repackaging

JEDDAH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has prevented pharmaceuticals from being repackaged or having additional labels on them without prior approval. SFDA also said the closure of any installation containing narcotics and psychotropic substances requires the drugs to be transferred to alternative premises. Such drugs may also be returned to the agent or local factory. They can also be re-exported to the point of origin after approval from the local health authorities is obtained. “The drugs may also be sold directly to the government or private pharmacies, or loaned to a private or government institution specializing in therapy,” SFDA said in a statement.

Two expats held for practicing black magic

RIYADH — Teams from the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Makkah have arrested two suspected black magicians of African nationalities in separate cases. The commission in Makkah also arrested an Arab expatriate working as a manager of a furnished apartments building for allegedly trying to have an affair with one of the female guests. Following his arrest, police said the suspect had relations with a number of women. He allegedly saved their phone numbers in his mobile and there were SMS messages from them.

Suspect in house break-in detained

TABUK — Al-Wajh Police arrested a man who allegedly stole three big gold sets and pictures of a family from the home of a Saudi national in the governorate. Spokesman for Tabuk Police Lt. Col. Khalid Al-Ghabban said police received a report from a citizen that his house was broken into while out of the city. A detailed description of the stolen jewelry was given to police. Undercover police monitored shops where the gold ornaments were likely to be sold after collecting evidence from the victim’s house, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

 
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