Lebanon Arrests 3 after Over $1M Stolen from Home

A member of security forces stands at the gate of a bank, in the Tariq al-Jdideh neighborhood in Beirut, Lebanon September 16, 2022. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
A member of security forces stands at the gate of a bank, in the Tariq al-Jdideh neighborhood in Beirut, Lebanon September 16, 2022. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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Lebanon Arrests 3 after Over $1M Stolen from Home

A member of security forces stands at the gate of a bank, in the Tariq al-Jdideh neighborhood in Beirut, Lebanon September 16, 2022. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
A member of security forces stands at the gate of a bank, in the Tariq al-Jdideh neighborhood in Beirut, Lebanon September 16, 2022. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

Police in Lebanon, where a banking crisis has forced people to stash cash at home, said Friday that three people have been arrested after stealing over $1 million from a private residence.

The three Syrians -- a man, his wife and a relative -- were arrested on November 11, a week after allegedly making off with the trove that had been kept in the safe of a house in Mount Lebanon, AFP quoted a police statement as saying.

The bulk of the cash had been recovered, but one of those detained had spent around $70,000 on a wedding, a car and furniture, it added.

Lebanon has been reeling from a financial crisis dubbed by the World Bank as one of the worst in recent world history.

It has driven people in the country to hide a total of around $10 billion in their homes, according to central bank governor Riad Salameh.



Saudi Arabia’s Thuwal: Private Island Resort in the Red Sea

Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia’s Thuwal: Private Island Resort in the Red Sea

Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Thuwal Private Resort has officially opened as the first island of its kind in Saudi Arabia, located off the coast of Jeddah. The resort offers a unique experience of complete privacy and luxury, perfect for escaping the everyday hustle.

The resort is set on a beautiful island in the Red Sea, accessible by a 40-minute private yacht ride from the KAUST marina, north of Jeddah.

The resort allows guests to book the entire island for total privacy and comfort, with only one group staying at a time. Whether for a peaceful family retreat, a luxurious celebration with friends, or an exclusive escape with loved ones, the resort offers a perfect setting. It accommodates up to 12 adults and 3 children.

The main villa includes three spacious bedrooms, a large living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a 395-square-meter garden with a private pool and sunbathing terrace.

The three beachfront suites offer more privacy, each with a bedroom, outdoor terrace, private pool, and beautiful decor that blends with the natural surroundings.

The resort’s dining experience is overseen by a team of top chefs who use fresh, local ingredients to craft menus that cater to all tastes and satisfy every culinary preference. The offerings include Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes and healthy meal options.

Moreover, the resort offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. Adventure seekers can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks, with professional instructors and equipment for beginners.

For relaxation, the spa provides soothing massages and wellness treatments.

Guests can also enjoy beach soccer, volleyball, island walks, or unwind in the library, which has books and games.

The resort features an outdoor cinema where guests can watch movies under the stars, with snacks and refreshing drinks adding to the experience.

Additionally, the resort offers cultural programs inspired by Saudi heritage, including folk music, traditional performances, and crafts, enriching the overall stay.