The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday the execution of two Saudi citizens, Eid bin Atiyah bin Eid Al-Omrani and Muhammad bin Atiyah bin Eid Al-Omrani, in the Madinah region, after they were found guilty of committing a serious crime of transporting and promoting methamphetamine pills, and repeating this crime for the second time, which necessitated the application of the maximum legal and regulatory penalties against them.

In its official statement, the Ministry explained that, thanks to God and the vigilance of the security forces, the competent security authorities were able to apprehend the two perpetrators. Following the completion of the investigation, they were formally charged with the crime. Upon their referral to the competent court, a legal ruling was issued confirming the charges against them and sentencing them to death by way of discretionary punishment (ta'zir) due to the seriousness of their crime and their history of criminal activity. The ruling became final after being appealed and upheld by the Supreme Court, and a royal decree was issued ordering the execution of the legally mandated sentence.

The war on drugs: a resolute national context

This sentence is carried out within the context of the comprehensive and ongoing security campaign launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the banner of "The War on Drugs." The wise leadership places great importance on protecting society from this destructive scourge, and security agencies have recently intensified their proactive and field efforts to track down smuggling and trafficking networks, both local and international, to ensure the eradication of these poisons that target the minds of young people and the nation's resources.

Legal and social dimensions of the ruling

The death penalty, especially given the reference to the crime being committed "for the second time," reflects the judiciary's firm stance in dealing with repeat offenders. A drug dealer who re-offends after a first sentence demonstrates a persistent intent to spread corruption, necessitating a deterrent punishment to protect society from their evil. Methamphetamine (crystal meth) is among the most dangerous drugs, causing severe mental and physical damage, and often driving its users to commit violent crimes, making its dealers a serious threat to public safety and security.

The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by affirming the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to maintain security and achieve justice, while warning anyone who dares to commit such criminal acts that the legal punishment will be their inevitable fate, in order to protect the security of the homeland and the safety of its citizens and residents on its lands.

The public transport system in the Dammam metropolitan area has achieved a significant leap forward, reflecting the success of urban mobility strategies in the Eastern Province. Official statistics reveal that the number of public bus users reached 7.5 million passengers by the end of 2025. These figures confirm the effectiveness of operational plans aimed at enhancing traffic flow efficiency and establishing sustainable transport as a primary option for residents and visitors.

Rapid growth and community trust

Data showed a significant increase in public transport usage, reaching 23% compared to 2024. This is a strong indicator of growing public awareness of the importance of public transport and a shift away from traditional commuting patterns that relied entirely on private vehicles. This growth is supported by the operation of approximately 973 daily trips , covering a wide network of vital routes, reflecting the public's confidence in the reliability and punctuality of modern public transport services.

Expansion of infrastructure and stations

220 stations have been completed within the public transport system, equipped to serve passengers to the highest standards. Development has not stopped there, with work currently underway on an additional 56 stations , bringing the total number of targeted stations to 276. This geographical expansion aims to ensure comprehensive service coverage and connect residential neighborhoods with commercial, educational, and healthcare centers, thereby improving accessibility and achieving greater integration within the road network.

Context of Vision 2030 and Quality of Life

This achievement cannot be separated from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030 , specifically the Quality of Life Program, which prioritizes the development of transportation infrastructure as a key pillar. The Dammam Public Transport Project contributes to achieving the Vision's objectives by reducing reliance on private vehicles, thereby lowering carbon emissions and protecting the environment, in addition to its economic role in reducing transportation costs for individuals and families.

Enhancing traffic safety and reducing congestion

For his part, the Undersecretary for Construction and Projects, Engineer Mazen Bakhraji, affirmed that these record figures represent the fruit of integrated planning and strategic investment in urban transport infrastructure. Bakhraji pointed out that the project has contributed directly and tangibly to:

• Improving traffic safety on the city's roads.
• Reducing traffic congestion and easing pressure on main roads.
• Improving the quality of transportation and reducing travel times within cities.

The future of sustainable transport in the Eastern Province

Engineer Bakhraji added that the Eastern Province Municipality is moving forward with developing and expanding the public transportation system to keep pace with the rapid population and urban growth in Dammam. The municipality aims to build more efficient and sustainable cities that provide safe, smart, and reliable transportation options to meet the needs of all segments of society, thus enhancing Dammam's position as a modern and sophisticated destination.