Politics
The riyal is impossible to counterfeit
The Saudi currency is resistant to counterfeiters and forgers, as each issue has different security features and specifications
The Saudi currency is resistant to counterfeiting gangs and money forgers, as each issue of the currency has different security features and is characterized by high specifications that enhance the confidence and security of its holders, due to the nature of the technologies adopted in the manufacture of the transparent film prepared to fix the colors and security features, which allows its holders to verify the integrity of the banknote by touch, sight or movement.
The Saudi currency withstands trading conditions, is difficult to counterfeit, is resistant to dirt and the effects of humidity, has a longer lifespan than circulating papers, is environmentally friendly and can be recycled.
Six people were imprisoned for using documents they obtained from a platform
The Economic Crimes Prosecution Office concluded its investigation with six citizens accused of violating the penal system related to counterfeiting and forging money, and the system for combating financial fraud and breach of trust. The court sentenced each of them to five years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 riyals.
The investigation revealed that one of them ordered counterfeit money from an external website, amounting to 100,000 fake riyals, and that the defendants used and promoted counterfeit banknotes, and committed financial fraud by seizing items and sums of money resulting from their use.
Trading conditions are subject to
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) stated that among the advantages of the new currency is its ability to withstand trading conditions and the difficulty of counterfeiting it. It called for ensuring the presence of the security mark on the banknote, the clarity of its colors and their non-overlap, and ensuring that the banknote is safe to touch, as it is characterized by its roughness, and the raised writing spread on the front and back of the banknote can be felt.
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) confirmed that each issue of Saudi currency has different security features. The sixth issue, which was launched during the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, under the slogan “Trust and Security,” was distinguished by its multiple paper and metal denominations, which were designed according to the latest technologies, standards and international criteria, with the selection of the best available technical and security specifications that befit the status of the Kingdom’s currency and the leading position of the Saudi Central Bank, and enhance confidence in the strength and integrity of the Saudi Riyal.
This issue was launched on 27 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1438 AH, corresponding to 26 December 2016 AD, for the paper denominations: 500 riyals, 100 riyals, 50 riyals, 10 riyals, and 5 riyals, and for the metal denominations: 2 riyals, 1 riyal, 50 halalas, 25 halalas, 10 halalas, 5 halalas, and 1 halala.
Made of polymer and cotton
On Monday, 11/02/1442 AH, corresponding to 28/09/2020, the five riyal denomination made of polymer material was introduced, with a design and colors similar to the design and colors of the circulating denomination made of cotton, taking into account the differences in manufacturing techniques, technical specifications, and security features specific to this denomination.
On Monday, 20/05/1442 AH, corresponding to 04/01/2021, the 200 Riyal denomination was introduced to commemorate the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as a main denomination of the sixth issue.
Security features in version 6
When the sixth issue was launched under the title (Trust and Security), it included all currency denominations, with more security features that make counterfeiting that issue difficult. The new issue, which bears the images of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, included security features that include raised printing that spreads over most parts of the front and back of the banknote, adding roughness to the texture, consistency in colors, clarity in the engravings, and a security thread that is intermittent with magnetic ink and appears on the front of the banknote in the form of windows in a silver metallic color that are machine-readable.
As for the transparent window, it can be seen on the front and back of the banknote. It contains decorations derived from the Saudi Vision 2030 logo, which includes the state logo of the two swords and the palm tree, and phosphorescent shapes, which are geometric shapes, and decorations in multiple phosphorescent colors on the front and back of the banknote when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Optically variable ink
Among the features are optically variable ink, which is a decorative shape containing the denomination value, and can be seen in two different colors when the banknote is moved horizontally, as the color of this shape changes from purple to green. The special mark for the blind and visually impaired is a raised print of a decorative shape that helps the blind and visually impaired to identify the denomination value when they touch the banknote.
The law pursues counterfeiters abroad
The Public Prosecution affirmed its commitment to protecting and preserving the currency from tampering and counterfeiting, and preventing anyone who attempts to manipulate or misuse it, taking all necessary legal measures to protect society and safeguard their rights in their financial transactions.
It warned against committing the crime of counterfeiting coins of all kinds, regardless of the type of metal they are made from, or imitating paper money that is legally circulating inside or outside the Kingdom.
The Public Prosecution explained that anyone who manufactures or possesses, with the intention of selling for cultural, industrial or commercial purposes, metal pieces or papers similar in appearance to the currency legally circulating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as if this similarity were likely to mislead the public, shall be punished with imprisonment for a period of up to one year and a fine of up to one thousand riyals.
Falsification and forgery... there's a difference
Lawyer Ahmed Al-Maliki called for a distinction to be made between counterfeiting money and forging money. The terms forgery and forgery are similar and are always used together, and both refer to tampering with a document or paper such as banknotes, official paper, government document, etc. The distinction between them is that the meaning of forgery is tampering with and distorting a document or paper by deletion or addition, while the meaning of forgery is creating a new document or paper and fabricating it in a way that mimics a correct document or paper.
Weight loss is prohibited
Lawyer and legal consultant Obaid Ahmed Al-Ayafi revealed that the penal system for counterfeiting and forging money includes deterrent penalties, and stressed the precautions that the Kingdom is taking in this context to maintain a strong national economy.
Al-Ayafi emphasized that Article Two stipulates that anyone who counterfeits or imitates currency circulating legally in the Kingdom or abroad, or brings in currency that is counterfeit or imitated, or issues it, or engages in dealing with it, or promotes it by any means or method, or manufactures, acquires, or possesses without justification all or some of the machines, tools, materials, and means of counterfeiting in bad faith, shall be punished with imprisonment with hard labor for a period ranging between five years and 15 years, with a fine of not less than 30,000 riyals and not exceeding 100,000 riyals.
Lawyer Al-Ayafi added, as indicated in Article Three, that anyone who deliberately and maliciously alters the features of currency circulating legally within the Kingdom, or defaces, tears, washes with chemical means, reduces its weight or size, or partially damages it by any means, shall be punished with imprisonment for a period ranging between three and five years, and with a fine of not less than three thousand riyals and not exceeding ten thousand riyals, or with one of these two penalties.
He explained that the system stressed that anyone who manufactures or possesses, with the intention of selling for cultural, industrial, or commercial purposes, metal pieces or papers similar in appearance to the currency legally circulating in the Kingdom, and this similarity is likely to mislead the public, shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding two thousand riyals, or with one of these two penalties.
Al-Ayafi stressed that Article Five emphasized that anyone who prints, publishes, or uses for the purposes mentioned in Article Four of this system images that represent the face or part of the face of a paper currency that is legally circulating in the Kingdom without obtaining a license from the competent authorities and acting in accordance with the restrictions imposed in this license, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding one thousand riyals, or by one of these two penalties.
Al-Ayafi explained that Article Six of the Penal Code concerning counterfeiting and forgery of currency states that anyone who accepts in good faith a counterfeit or forged currency and then deals with it after becoming aware of its defect shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, and with a fine not exceeding two thousand riyals, or with one of these two penalties.
Politics
The Crown Prince contacted the King of Morocco to inquire about his health
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a telephone call to King Mohammed VI of Morocco to check on his health, in a gesture that reflects the depth of the historical and strategic relations between the two countries.
In a fraternal gesture reflecting the depth of the personal and historical ties between the leaderships of the two brotherly countries, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, made a telephone call to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of the Kingdom of Morocco.
During the call, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince inquired about the health of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, expressing his sincere wishes for his continued good health and well-being. For his part, His Majesty the King of Morocco expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for these sincere and noble sentiments, which reflect the strength of the distinguished bilateral relations between the two kingdoms.
Historical background and established relationships
This contact is not merely a protocolary gesture, but a natural extension of the long-standing historical and strategic relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco. This relationship rests on solid foundations of Islamic solidarity, Arab identity, and a shared destiny, in addition to the close ties between the two countries' royal families. Riyadh and Rabat have consistently stood shoulder to shoulder in various regional and international forums, maintaining continuous coordination and converging visions on key regional and global issues, making their partnership a model for Arab-Arab relations.
Strategic and diplomatic importance
Such high-level contacts are of paramount importance, especially given the challenges facing the Arab region. They not only contribute to strengthening bilateral relations on the political and economic levels, but also send a clear message about the continuity of the strategic alliance between the two countries, which is considered a cornerstone of security and stability in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Furthermore, inquiring about the health of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who enjoys a prominent position on the international stage, reflects Saudi Arabia's interest in the stability and prosperity of the Kingdom of Morocco, which has a positive impact on the entire region.
Humanitarian implications and reassuring messages
This contact comes in a context that highlights the human dimension of relations between the leaders, something highly valued in Arab culture. The Crown Prince's personal concern for the health of King Mohammed VI underscores that the relationship between the two countries transcends official frameworks, reaching the level of genuine brotherhood. At the same time, this gesture carries reassuring messages to the Moroccan people and to regional and international partners regarding His Majesty's health, thus strengthening confidence and stability. This direct communication affirms the ongoing consultation and coordination between the two leaderships to address shared challenges and realize the aspirations of their peoples for greater progress and prosperity.
Politics
Saudi Arabia supports Yemen with 9 new health and education projects
The Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen signs an agreement to implement 9 vital projects in the health and education sectors in Yemeni governorates, with the aim of improving basic services and supporting stability.
In a further step reaffirming Saudi Arabia's continued support for the Yemeni people, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) signed an agreement on Sunday to implement nine vital development projects in partnership with the Social Fund for Development in Yemen. These projects directly target the health and education sectors, which are among the most severely affected, and represent an extension of the Kingdom's efforts to support Yemeni state institutions and ensure the continued provision of services to citizens.
The context of support and its strategic importance
This support comes amidst complex humanitarian and economic conditions in Yemen, where years of instability have led to the deterioration of basic infrastructure, particularly health and education facilities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its development arm, the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, plays a pivotal role in rebuilding what has been damaged and contributing to stability and sustainable development. Since its inception, the program has implemented more than 268 projects and initiatives across eight key sectors, including health, education, water, energy, transportation, and others, reflecting a long-term commitment to supporting Yemen on all levels.
Health projects to save lives and improve care
The new package includes four high-quality health projects aimed at expanding medical services in underserved areas. These projects include:
- Establishing the rural eye hospital in Al-Mawasit, Taiz: to provide integrated medical services to the residents of rural areas.
- Establishing Al-Dhali Rural Hospital: To enhance the capacity of the health sector in the governorate.
- Establishing and equipping the Maternity and Childhood Center in Ras Al-Ara, Lahj: This is a vital project to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
- Establishing and equipping an emergency obstetrics center in Ras Al-Ara, Lahj: to ensure a rapid response to critical cases and cesarean births.
These facilities will be equipped with the latest medical equipment, including emergency departments, specialized clinics, operating rooms, intensive care units, laboratories, and blood banks, which will contribute to improving safe birth rates and providing decent healthcare for citizens.
Building the future of generations through education
On the educational front, the agreement includes five projects to build model schools in the governorates of Ma'rib, Lahj, Al Dhale'a, Shabwa, and Abyan. The design of these schools goes beyond simply providing classrooms; it focuses on creating a stimulating and integrated learning environment. The schools will include science and computer labs, sports facilities, and administrative offices, all furnished with modern school furniture. Most importantly, their design takes into account the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion and facilitating their movement within the school environment. These projects are expected to contribute to raising the quality of education, reducing classroom overcrowding, and equipping students with the practical and technical skills necessary for their future.
Expected impact extends beyond construction
The anticipated impact of these projects extends far beyond mere construction. Locally, they will provide employment opportunities for skilled Yemenis in the health and education sectors and will bolster the stability of local communities by delivering essential services. Nationally, they represent direct support to the Yemeni government in fulfilling its duties and serving its citizens, thereby strengthening its legitimacy and its ability to establish stability. The signing ceremony was attended by high-level representatives, including the Saudi side, represented by the program's General Supervisor, Ambassador Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, and the Yemeni side, represented by the Executive Director of the Social Fund for Development, Hossam Qaid, along with the Yemeni Ministers of Health and Education, underscoring the strong coordination and effective partnership between the two sides.
Politics
Yasser Galal calls for teaching digital citizenship to protect children in Egypt
Senator Yasser Galal called for the inclusion of digital citizenship in school curricula as a proactive step to protect children from cyberbullying and the dangers of the internet.
A proactive call to protect future generations
In a move reflecting a growing awareness of the impact of the digital age, MP Yasser Galal, Deputy Chairman of the Culture and Media Committee in the Egyptian Senate, called for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach to address the challenges posed by the internet and social media to children and youth. His call came during a Senate plenary session, chaired by Counselor Essam Farid, where he emphasized that protecting future generations is a shared societal responsibility.
What is “digital citizenship” and why is it necessary?
Jalal emphasized the importance of including the concept of “digital citizenship” in Egyptian school curricula. Digital citizenship refers to the set of rules, standards, and behaviors aimed at the safe, responsible, and ethical use of technology. This call comes in the context of the massive digital transformation the world and Egypt are witnessing, where children and adolescents are spending long hours online, exposing them to various risks such as cyberbullying, digital addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy violations.
General context: Egypt at the heart of the digital revolution
Over the past decade, Egypt has witnessed a dramatic surge in internet penetration and smartphone usage, making the digital world an integral part of millions of families' lives. This technological revolution has brought with it new challenges that were previously nonexistent. Integrating digital citizenship into education is no longer a luxury, but a pressing necessity to equip students with the skills to navigate this virtual world consciously and maturely, transforming them from passive consumers of content into active and engaged participants.
Expected impact extends beyond classrooms
Implementing this proposal will not only protect children within schools but will also shape a new societal culture. When students learn how to verify information, respect intellectual property, protect their personal data, and combat bullying, they contribute to building a safer digital environment for everyone. Regionally, such an initiative could serve as a leading model for other Arab countries facing similar challenges, strengthening collaborative efforts to create a safe and responsible Arab cyberspace.
Jalal explained that the goal of regulating children's internet use is not to restrict their freedom or prevent them from keeping pace with technological advancements, but rather to protect them and guide them towards making the most of the internet's potential while avoiding its risks. He emphasized that this responsibility does not fall solely on the government and educational institutions, but is a shared responsibility that families must also undertake through continuous monitoring and guidance.
Parallel artistic activity
On another note, and away from the political arena, actor Yasser Galal is preparing to compete in the upcoming Ramadan season with the series "They All Love Mody." The show falls under the category of light social comedy and features a stellar cast including Mervat Amin, Ayten Amer, Salwa Othman, and Huda El-Etreby. Written by Ayman Salama and directed by Ahmed Shafik, the series promises a diverse entertainment experience for viewers during the holy month.
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