The General Authority for Media Regulation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revealed today (Saturday) its latest operational statistics, which reflect the growing activity in the media and entertainment sectors, as it announced the approval and classification of 25 cinematic contents and 15 series contents, during the past week alone.

The announcement, highlighting the Authority's extensive activity, revealed official figures showing that 405 printed books were cleared and classified, reflecting the continued flow of knowledge and culture in the Kingdom's publishing market. Regulatory efforts also included the clearing of 20 electronic games, in addition to nearly 50,000 media devices—a figure indicative of the high demand in the local technology and media market.

Regarding professional and regulatory licensing, the Authority reported issuing 345 new media licenses and granting 15 no-objection certificates, in addition to completing 415 professional registrations for media professionals and practitioners. Concerning the regulation of the advertising and digital content sector, the Authority issued 80 licenses for "Mawthooq," the mandatory license for individuals to conduct commercial advertising on social media platforms.

These figures reflect the pivotal role played by the General Authority for Media Regulation in regulating and developing the media landscape in the Kingdom, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and developing the entertainment and culture sector. The film and video game sector is among the fastest-growing sectors in the region, necessitating swift and effective classification and licensing mechanisms to ensure that appropriate content reaches the public.

The surge in the number of licensed books (405 books per week) demonstrates the dynamism of the cultural scene and the publishing and authorship movement, while the number of licensed media devices (50,000) underscores the purchasing power and economic growth in the e-commerce retail sector. The Authority continuously works to govern the sector to ensure a transparent and investment-friendly media environment, while upholding societal values ​​and consumer rights through licenses such as “Mawthooq,” which has regulated the digital advertising market in an unprecedented manner.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced today (Saturday) the execution of a perpetrator in the Makkah region, after he was found guilty of smuggling a quantity of cocaine into the Kingdom, in a new confirmation of the determination of the security and judicial authorities to firmly confront anyone who tries to harm the security of society and the safety of its members.

Details of the crime and the legal ruling

In its official statement, the Ministry explained that the perpetrator, identified as Mohammed Mohammed Ismail Omar (a Sudanese national), had attempted to smuggle cocaine into the Kingdom. Thanks to vigilant security measures, the relevant authorities were able to apprehend him, and intensive investigations led to his indictment for the crime.

After the accused was referred to the competent court, a legal ruling was issued confirming the charges against him and sentencing him to death by way of discretionary punishment (ta'zir) due to the gravity of the crime committed. The ruling became final after appeal and its confirmation by the Supreme Court, and a royal decree was issued to enforce the legally mandated punishment. The sentence was carried out today in the Makkah region.

The war on drugs: a strict security and legal context

This execution comes within the context of the ongoing and comprehensive security campaign waged by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against the scourge of drugs, described as a "war on drugs," to protect the nation's human capital. Saudi law considers drug trafficking a major crime warranting the severest penalties, including the death penalty, due to its corrupting influence and grave harm to society.

These rulings are based on Islamic law, which prohibits everything that impairs the mind and harms the soul. The Kingdom deals firmly with drug smugglers who target the Kingdom and its youth, attempting to flood the local market with substances that destroy minds and break up families.

Protecting society and youth from dangers

In its concluding statement, the Ministry of Interior affirmed the Kingdom's government's commitment to protecting the security of citizens and residents from this deadly scourge. It emphasized that imposing the strictest penalties prescribed by law on smugglers and dealers is a necessary deterrent to prevent the loss of innocent lives and to curb the grave corruption that affects youth, individuals, and society, as well as to protect their right to live in a safe and crime-free environment.

The ministry warned anyone who dares to commit such criminal acts that they will face severe legal punishment, stressing that the security services are on the lookout for all smuggling and trafficking attempts across all border crossings and in various regions.