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Rain lashes parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ with warnings of thunderstorms and hail

Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Updated 12 January 2025

Rain lashes parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ with warnings of thunderstorms and hail

Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
  • Overcast skies dominated the day in the capital Riyadh, which recorded moderate rainfall in the morning
  • The weather office also warned of potential near-zero visibility and flooding in some areas

RIYADH: Rain fell on parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds.

Overcast skies dominated the day in the capital Riyadh, which recorded moderate rainfall in the morning.

The National Center of Meteorology forecast strong winds, hail and thunderstorms, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The weather office also warned of potential near-zero visibility and flooding in some areas.

In the southern Jazan region, heavy rain was reported earlier in the day, affecting Jazan City for Basic and Transformative Industries, as well as the governorates of Ad-Darb, Beesh and the Farasan Islands.

The center issued alerts for Jazan, warning of thunderstorms, high waves and strong winds in the region.

Areas including Sabya, Abu Arish, Al-Harith, Ad-Dayer, Fifa, and Harub were highlighted in the advisory.

Residents were cautioned about the risk of reduced visibility and localized flooding in affected areas.

Earlier this week, parts of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, including Asir, Makkah, and Madinah regions, experienced similar weather conditions.

Thunderstorms coupled with heavy rain caused temporary disruptions in traffic and daily activities.

The authorities issued several warnings during that period, urging residents to stay vigilant, especially in flood-prone areas.

The rainfall is caused by seasonal weather changes affecting parts of the Kingdom.

The Jazan region, in particular, often experiences heavy rains at this time of year, which can result in flash floods and other related challenges.

Authorities in Riyadh and Jazan have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly for motorists navigating slippery roads and areas prone to water accumulation.

Emergency response teams are on high alert to address any incidents caused by the adverse weather.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to follow updates and warnings issued by the center to ensure their safety as weather conditions develop.


Cumin has health benefits but always seek medical consultation first, says SFDA

Cumin has health benefits but always seek medical consultation first, says SFDA
Updated 9 sec ago

Cumin has health benefits but always seek medical consultation first, says SFDA

Cumin has health benefits but always seek medical consultation first, says SFDA
  • Herbs, like any substance with therapeutic effects, should be used with caution, the authority said
  • Medical consultation is particularly recommended for those with blood clotting disorders or diabetes 

RIYADH: Cumin offers notable health benefits and nutritional value, including aiding digestion and relieving gas, but it should not be used without seeking medical consultation, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) said on Thursday.

Cumin, particularly the Cuminum cyminum species, is an aromatic spice used as a seasoning in food and extracted for its oil for perfumes, and is also a popular remedy in traditional medicine.

But the SFDA emphasized that herbs, like any substance with therapeutic effects, should be used with caution. 

"Medical consultation is essential, as certain herbs may interact with medications or affect nutrient absorption," the authority said in an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

The SFDA recommended adhering to the recommended daily intake of 1.5 to 3 grams of cumin, noting that one teaspoon is equivalent to 5 grams. 

Cumin may interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications, potentially mimicking their effects and leading to complications, it said.

Medical consultation is particularly recommended for individuals with blood clotting disorders or diabetes, as well as pregnant and lactating women, the SFDA said.

It warned that cumin may induce uterine contractions, increasing the risk of premature birth, and could also affect hormonal balance during pregnancy.

Cumin may also cause acid reflux or diarrhea and could influence milk production in breastfeeding mothers, potentially leading to colic or diarrhea in infants, the advisory warned. 

It further recommended discontinuing cumin consumption at least two weeks before any surgical procedure, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.


¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria 

¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria 
Updated 16 min 55 sec ago

¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria 

¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria 

RIYADH: ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ has condemned the targeting of security forces and crimes by “outlaw groups†in Syria, a foreign ministry said early Friday. 

“The Kingdom affirms its support for the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain security and stability and preserve civil peace,†the statement concluded.

Syrian forces were clashing with gunmen loyal to an Assad-era special forces commander in Latakia on Thursday, the province’s security director said, after authorities reportedly launched helicopter strikes.

The fighting killed 48 people on Thursday, a war monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes in the coastal town of Jableh and adjacent villages were “the most violent attacks against the new authorities since Assad was toppled†in December.

Pro-Assad fighters killed 16 security personnel while 28 fighters “loyal†to ousted President Bashar Assad and four civilians were also killed, it said.

The fighting struck in the Mediterranean coastal province of Latakia, the heartland of the ousted president’s Alawite minority who were considered bastions of support during his rule.


Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting

Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting
Updated 07 March 2025

Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting

Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated on Thursday in the seventh GCC-Jordan joint ministerial meeting of foreign ministers in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The meeting discussed regional issues including the Palestinian cause and the efforts made to achieve regional security and stability.

It also tackled ways of boosting GCC-Jordanian relations and supporting partnerships.

The meeting was headed by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya.


Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah

Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah
Updated 07 March 2025

Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah

Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah

MAKKAH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita co-chaired in Makkah the 14th session of the Saudi-Moroccan Joint Committee.

The event was attended by senior officials from ministries, government agencies and private-sector institutions from both sides.

The convening of the meeting reaffirms the strong ties between the two countries and aims to boost cooperation in all areas of common interest.

Both sides appreciated the efforts of the entities involved in the committee’s work to meet the aspirations of both leaderships. They also emphasized their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various fields to further elevate their strong relations.


Crackdown on environmental offenders in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ

Crackdown on environmental offenders in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
Updated 07 March 2025

Crackdown on environmental offenders in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ

Crackdown on environmental offenders in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ

RIYADH: The Special Forces for Environmental Security in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ took action in three separate incidents of environmental law infringement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forces apprehended two citizens for environmental offences after they cut protective fencing and entered the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve without proper permits. The authorities have implemented statutory procedures against the offenders and referred them to the authorities.

In a separate incident, authorities arrested a Sudanese resident for environmental offences in the Makkah region, where he was caught burning waste illegally, causing soil pollution and environmental damage. Legal measures were taken against him before referring his case to the authorities.

Authorities also intercepted a Saudi citizen transporting one cubic meter of locally harvested firewood in the Riyadh region. Standard legal procedures were applied, and the confiscated materials were handed over to the relevant authorities.

According to official statements, penalties for cutting or damaging fences in protected areas can reach SR100,000 ($26,665), with offenders required to repair damages and pay compensation.