Beijing, Rabi'I 18, 1438, Dec 17, 2016, SPA -- Streets, roads and parks in the Chinese capital Beijing were quiet on Saturday in response to an official red alert by authorities to combat heavy smog. The level of fine particulates rose to a "hazardous" 358 microgrammes per cubic meter at 5:30 pm on Saturday, according to the US Embassy air quality index. The maximum safe level is 25 microgrammes, according to the World Health Organization. At least 24 cities including Beijing issued alerts on Friday, urging residents to stay indoors and ordering schools to close until Wednesday, dpa reported. --SPA 17:41 LOCAL TIME 14:41 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w292429