Riyadh boy’s death sparks alert on dangerous fireworks

July 30, 2014

Riyadh boys death

Jeddah, Jul 30: The festive fireworks that mark the beginning of Eid ended in tragedy for a Riyadh family when a 14-year-old boy died on Monday evening trying to burst a firecracker.

The latest incident comes among several other firework-related casualties during the Eid holidays.

Firecrackers are still widely available on the streets of Jeddah, Makkah, Taif, Riyadh and other cities despite strict measures to combat the phenomenon, including a financial reward of SR5,000 for anyone who reports fireworks warehouses.

Fireworks are reportedly being distributed to other parts of the Kingdom from Jeddah, believed to be the main hub.

The “Alqaat,” “Nafur,” “Thob” and “Zingabel” are popular types of firecrackers purchased by the Kingdom’s children, according to vendors approached by Arab News.

Firework packs cost SR5 last year but have since been sold at SR15.

“Parents should not allow their children to purchase fireworks, which can impair eyesight and even cause finger amputation,” said Col. Abdullah Al-Harithy, Civil Defense spokesman. “We urge parents to buy only low-density firecrackers if they must.”

Other firecrackers simply burst in the heat.

“Children used to play with amateur firecrackers in the past, but have since taken a liking to sophisticated and explosive fireworks thanks to rogue traders running loose in the market,” he said.

Dangerous fireworks manufactured in China are being smuggled into the Kingdom through the southern borders.

“We seized nearly 10,000 kg of fireworks being smuggled into the Kingdom during the first two weeks of Ramadan,” said Brig. Abdullah bin Mahfouz, Saudi Border Guards director for the Jazan region.

Ironically, fireworks are often sold by women and children during the Eid holidays, both in Jeddah and in other parts of the Kingdom.

Jeddah police have arrested several expats in the downtown area, a hub for firework sales.

Police also seized a huge quantity of fireworks and arrested vendors in Taif during Ramadan, according to Lt. Aati Al-Qurashi, Makkah regional police spokesman.

Police and municipal authorities have attempted to combat the sale of fireworks in the Hammam and Azizia areas of Riyadh, meanwhile, but these markets continue to be a major source of firework supplies sold in the capital, according to sources.

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News Network
April 30,2020

Riyadh, Apr 30: Saudi Arabia on Thursday recorded 1,351 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 22,753, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

The ministry also announced 5 more deaths and 210 new recoveries, raising the total number of fatalities and recoveries to 162 and 3,163 respectively.

Riyadh with 440 cases topped the list, followed by 392 cases in Makkah, 120 in Jeddah and 119 in Madinah.

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News Network
June 26,2020

Dubai, Jun 26: As summers in Dubai bloom in its full glory, the most savoured summer fruit - Mongo - is getting the most special treatment in the city as it gets delivered to customers via an emperor like ride of a Lamborghini.

As per a video report by Gulf News, the Pakistan Supermarket in Dubai is delivering the king of fruits to the doorsteps of its customers in a green coloured Lamborghini to match the level of its supremacy among fruits.

"The king should travel like a king," says the managing director of the store, Mohammad Jehanzeb who delivers the pulpy fruit by himself and also takes the customers on a short ride in the luxury car.

In order to avail the offer rolled out on the Facebook page of the famous supermarket, customers are required to make a minimum order of Dh100, reports the Gulf News.

"The idea is to put a smile on people's faces and make them feel special," says Jehanzeb who has put a smile on the face of dozens of Dubai residents amidst the throes of a pandemic with his 'Mangoes in Lamborghini' campaign.

The delicacy this year has gone viral with videos of delighted mango lovers taking a joy ride in the supercar doing rounds over the internet.

"The joy ride was essentially meant for kids who have been sequestered at homes because of the coronavirus but adults are equally thrilled at the prospect of getting behind the wheels of my Lamborghini Huracan. I am happy to oblige them too," says Jehanzeb.

"Each order takes about an hour. We do about 7-8 home deliveries a day but are hoping to ramp up the numbers to 12," he adds.

Arshad Khan who hails from the Indian city of nawabs - Lucknow- ordered the 'nawabi' varieties - Sindhri and Anwar Ratol - and said that his children were exhilarated after hearing the roar of the Lamborghini outside their Falcon City villa.

"For someone who hails from Lucknow -- the land of the famous dussheri and landga mangoes -- I was a bit skeptical about the taste of Pakistani mangoes. I ordered them for the sheer experience of seeing them come to my place in a luxury supercar," Gulf News quoted Khan as saying.

"It was quite exhilarating and I must confess that the mangoes were as delicious as the ones back home," he added.

Mango fruit has been a delicacy in the 16th-century Hindustan sub-continent. It holds a fascinating narrative in Babur Nama which is an autobiography of the Mughal emperor Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur.

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KT
April 16,2020

Dubai, Apr 16: Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), unveiled a series of outdoor ads that form part of its new campaign to encourage the community to stay home.

Featuring the slogan 'For My Sake #StayHome for Us', the campaign depicts stunning artwork developed in collaboration with Emirati artist Maitha Demithan. The ads have been displayed on billboards, lamp posts and digital screens across Dubai.

The campaign reinforces the importance of staying at home in line with the strict restrictions on movement put in place by Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management as part of intensified measures to combat Covid-19.

Nehal Badri, Director of Brand Dubai, said: "The outdoor campaign, displayed in prominent locations across Dubai, was designed to illustrate the importance of staying at home during the current sensitive period. Using Maitha Demithan's stunning creative artwork, we sought to send out a clear message to the community that staying at home is vital to safeguard the wellbeing of our loved ones. 

This project is one of a series of initiatives launched in collaboration with UAE-based artists to raise awareness about the need to unite efforts to protect vulnerable people from the risk of infection."

Emirati artist Maitha Demithan said: "It has been a privilege for me to work on this project and an honour to serve my country through my artworks. The three portraits featured in the campaign create a triptych that represents the people who are the most vulnerable to being infected by the virus. During such difficult times, art can play a crucial role in raising awareness on how to stay safe, but most importantly it can keep everyone inspired. I encourage all my fellow artists and the creative community to continue practicing social distancing and stay connected by using their creativity and innovation to raise awareness during this period."

Brand Dubai partnered with several media outlets, including Media 24/7, Arabian Outdoor Media and Hypermedia to launch the outdoor ads. The ads are displayed on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina.

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