Business & Money | Monday 2 March, 2015 1:42 am |

Saudi Arabia marks the World Civil Defense Day on Sunday under the theme: Sustainable development without risks.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense, key organizer of the nationwide program, is busy making extensive arrangements to observe this day in a fitting manner to carry its message to the public.
The celebrations aim to increase the level of protective awareness through diversified events, contests and exhibitions, along with distributing leaflets, delivering awareness lectures and training visitors on how to use fire fighting and warning tools.

World Civil Defense Day is being celebrated every year on March 1, ever since the Internal Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) General Assembly took the decision in 1990. It commemorates the entry into force of the ICDO constitution as an intergovernmental organization in 1972.
It aims to draw the attention of the world to the vital importance of civil protection and raise awareness of the preparedness for and prevention of self-protection measures in the event of accidents or disasters. It also pays tribute to the efforts, sacrifices and accomplishments of all the national services responsible for the fight against disasters.
The observance of the day is meant to take stock of the development of civil protection structures and of the technical means and equipment currently available.
According to official sources, the day will be observed with several activities in all parts of the Kingdom. They include Civil Defense exhibitions and firefighting equipment displays. Even some of the old machines dating back to 1960 will be displayed in the exhibition.

Col. Mamdooh bin Sulaiman Al-Anzi, spokesman for Tabuk Civil Defense, said the celebration, which aims to increase protective awareness levels, will include diversified events, contests and exhibitions, along with distributing leaflets, delivering awareness lectures at schools, and training visitors on how to use fire-fighting and warning tools.
Meanwhile, Tabuk police and other law enforcement agencies have caught 3,074 expatriates who have violated the local regulations over the last month.
Lt. Col. Khaled bin Ahmad Al-Ghaban, spokesman for Tabuk police, said 3,074 violators from different nationalities were apprehended during security raids conduced over the past 30 days.
“Those arrested have been handed over to the respective police stations for necessary action,” he said, adding that such people will be subject to fines, jail term and subsequently deportation.