Saudi Arabia has in the past two days released 23 of the more than 200 royals, officials and businessmen detained on charges of corruption after they reached deals with the government, Okaz newspaper reported on Tuesday.
It also said that more detainees will be released in the coming days, while the rest who continue to deny charges against them will soon face trial.
“The government wants to close this file case as soon as possible,” a source told the daily.
The report did not name those who were released. They were detained in November in an anti-corruption crackdown led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The suspects have been held at the Ritz Carlton and other five-star hotels in Riyadh.
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More than 200 people have been questioned during investigations into corruption cases, and more than 2,000 bank accounts frozen.
Although some suspects will go on trial, the authorities in Saudi Arabia are seeking to reach financial settlement with most of them, whereby those who do not contest the charges pay back a portion of the assets that were illegally acquired.
Saudi Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, who was seen as a leading contender for the throne, was freed after reportedly agreeing to pay more than $1 billion (Dh3.67bn).
Saudi attorney-general Sheikh Saudi Al Mojeb said the arrests were the culmination of three years’ work by a special committee to combat corruption.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
AIDA%20RETURNS
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Meydan race card
6.30pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,600m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh 185,000 2,000m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh 190,000 1,400m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh 175,000 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap Dh 175,000 1,200m
10pm: Handicap Dh 165,000 1,600m
