Alliance Francaise Khobar celebrates female Saudi entrepreneurs

Special Alliance Francaise Khobar celebrates female Saudi entrepreneurs
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The panel comprised of Saudi entrepreneurs Adwa Al-Harbi, Amna Sidqi Bokhamsin and Dr. Laila Abualsaud. (Supplied)
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Updated 07 March 2024
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Alliance Francaise Khobar celebrates female Saudi entrepreneurs

Alliance Francaise Khobar celebrates female Saudi entrepreneurs
  • Alliance Francaise Khobar brought together three Saudi women entrepreneurs on March 6 for an engaging conversation centered on empowerment and overcoming challenges
  • Panel comprised of Adwa Al-Harbi from the world of beauty, Amna Sidqi Bokhamsin representing the education sector and fashion designer/medical doctor Dr. Laila Abualsaud

AL-KHOBAR: In honor of International Women’s Day, the Alliance Francaise Khobar brought together three Saudi women entrepreneurs on March 6 for an engaging conversation centered on empowerment and overcoming challenges.

The evening was attended by community members interested in learning more about the areas of expertise represented on the panel. 

The Alliance Francaise Khobar offers French and Arabic lessons at its location in Al-Khobar, and the evening’s discussion was conducted in Arabic.

The three women chosen to be on stage each brought a different perspective and set of expertise: Adwa Al-Harbi from the beauty world, Amna Sidqi Bokhamsin from the literary and education sector and Dr. Laila Abualsaud, who went from being a medical doctor to a fashion designer.

Al-Harbi talked about her journey entering the beauty space 17 years ago, when she opened a women’s salon with her mother. Armed with a degree in business, she has also been a Saudi trainer for the Empretec program, aimed at entrepreneurs of all sizes in the Kingdom, which is affiliated with the UN Conference on Trade and Development, in collaboration with the Social Development Bank in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Harbi said: “As women, we need to think outside the box, be creative, have patience and be diligent. But mostly, we should be flexible.”

Bokhamsin, a vivacious and articulate Saudi novelist and writer from Al-Ahsa, founded Yaqelon Education Co. and Yaqelon Higher Institute in 2019, which is the first such establishment of its kind in the Kingdom where philosophy and music are taught academically.

She told the crowd: “While we rightfully spotlight the various accomplished Saudi women in the community, we must not forget to shed light on the women who work at home, the women who raise her children — who will later become successful — and the woman who supports the man who becomes successful. All of these women are successful, but some are in the shade. Success is a journey that we share.”

After studying medicine, Abualsaud shifted focus and followed her passion for fashion by creating her brand, Chic Design. She is also the co-founder of Mizan United Co., specialized in opticals and in helping customers receive eyecare support in the form of eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.

She said: “It’s so thrilling to witness history being written in real time. No matter what, we must trust our inner voice and continue to seek knowledge — but don’t just take a course and then rush out. Stay, meet the other participants, listen to their stories and thank the speakers and introduce yourself. Create lasting connections so that we all advance collectively.”


Senior Muslim scholars express appreciation for King Salman’s patronage of MWL Islamic conference

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
Updated 4 sec ago
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Senior Muslim scholars express appreciation for King Salman’s patronage of MWL Islamic conference

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
  • MWL members confirmed that King Salman’s sponsorship of the event is an extension of Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening Islamic solidarity

RIYADH: Muslim World League chief Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said members of the organization’s bodies, assemblies, and councils have thanked King Salman for his patronage of a conference to be held in Makkah during Ramadan.

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects on March 6-7 in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency announced on Tuesday.

The conference will bring together leading muftis, scholars, intellectuals, and representatives from senior Islamic councils, jurisprudential academies, and religious institutions across different sects and denominations.

It will serve as a unified platform for fostering constructive dialogue among diverse Islamic traditions as well as coordinating efforts and resources to strengthen Islamic unity, while ensuring mutual respect for doctrinal diversity.

Al-Issa explained that members of the organization confirmed that King Salman’s sponsorship of the event is an extension of Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening Islamic solidarity, especially among Muslim scholars of various sects.

Al-Issa added that members of the league’s Supreme Council, Jurisprudence Council, and World Supreme Council for Mosques praised the Kingdom’s influence and its influential and respected word among Muslim nations around the world.


Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’

Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’
Updated 11 min 5 sec ago
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Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’

Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’
  • Best of country’s cuisine, from cheeses to chocolate
  • Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Jacob Jensen in attendance

RIYADH: Denmark’s Embassy in Riyadh celebrated gastronomy on Wednesday by hosting “an evening of Danish flavors with a Saudi twist,” highlighting the best of the country’s cuisine, from cheeses to chocolate.

Liselotte Plesner, Denmark’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, thanked Jacob Jensen, Danish minister for food, agriculture and fisheries, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia; the Danish Agriculture and Food Council; and the business delegation accompanying the minister, along with Food Nation Denmark, for their support.

Plesner said that the evening was the third celebration of Danish gastronomy over the past two decades.

She said: “When I was young, finding a restaurant serving Danish food in Denmark was near to impossible. You could get Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and more. Only a few restaurants in Denmark would serve traditional open sandwiches.”

Then, in 2004, a group of chefs and foodies decided to turn the table. They crafted the New Nordic Cuisine Manifesto, setting out principles for a culinary revolution rooted in local and sustainable ingredients.

Plesner added: “Two of the chefs founded Noma. Fast forward, and five times Noma has won the top spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

“In 2021 Noma earned its third Michelin star. The year after, another Danish restaurant, Geranium, took the top spot of best restaurant in the world. Inspiration spread like ripples in the water. Who would have thought that Denmark would become a world-class food nation?”

The evening intended to inspire Saudi Arabia on its culinary journey as it bids to increase tourism and offer guests dishes to delight, said Plesner.

Cheeses took centre stage this year as the buffet featured 12 exquisite choices from Denmark. Cheese expert Rasmus Holmgard curated a feast of flavors.

Sana, a Saudi cheesemaker that produces burrata, introduced a local twist for the evening.

Jensen said: “I have been here for a day and I am full of impressions already. This evening we have gathered not only to taste the flavor of Denmark, but also to explore how culinary traditions can inspire innovation … and build bridges between nations.

“Denmark is proud to be recognized as a global food nation known for our high-quality, safe and sustainable food production.

“I am also pleased to see the Saudi cheesemaker Sana here, Danish-Saudi food diplomacy in action.”

The minister added: “Denmark’s contribution to the world of food goes far beyond gastronomy. We have major exports of advanced machinery and know-how solutions that enable efficiency and sustainable food production worldwide.”


Strong Saudi-US ties only continue to grow, Kingdom’s envoy says

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
Updated 44 min 41 sec ago
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Strong Saudi-US ties only continue to grow, Kingdom’s envoy says

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
  • Princess Reema said that strong and growing Saudi-US relations were “creating once unimaginable opportunities for a more prosperous future together”

RIYADH: The strong ties between Saudi Arabia and the US only continue to grow, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington Princess Reema bint Bandar said on Thursday.

Princess Reema said that strong and growing Saudi-US relations were “creating once unimaginable opportunities for a more prosperous future together.”

The Kingdom’s envoy made the comments on social media platform X after welcoming US President Donald Trump to the FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 summit on Wednesday.

The gathering of thought leaders, investors, and policymakers reflected the strength of “our shared vision, where partnership, trade, and investment drive progress,” Princess Reema said.

During the opening of the summit on Wednesday, Trump thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating US-Russian talks on the Ukraine war that were held in Riyadh on Tuesday.


Saudi crown prince invites leaders of GCC, Jordan, Egypt for informal meeting in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 20 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince invites leaders of GCC, Jordan, Egypt for informal meeting in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The informal gathering follows similar meetings that have been held periodically for many years between the leaders of GCC countries, Jordan, and Egypt

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has invited the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Egypt for a meeting in Riyadh on Friday, an official source stated on Thursday.

The informal gathering follows similar meetings that have been held periodically for many years between the leaders of GCC countries, Jordan, and Egypt, enhancing cooperation and coordination.

“Joint Arab action and any relevant decisions will be included in the agenda of the upcoming Extraordinary Arab Summit, which will be held in Egypt” on March 4, the source added.


Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity

Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity
Updated 20 February 2025
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Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity

Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity
  • Aim is to improve operational efficiency, transparency and GACA’s regulatory role

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority has launched a new integrated digital platform and brand identity.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation’s changes, which includes an updated website, was announced at its headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The new platform, named Ajwaa, provides all civil aviation services, ensuring quick and efficient access for users and creates a fully digital environment for stakeholders, the SPA reported.

The aim is to improve operational efficiency, transparency, and GACA’s regulatory role, the report stated.
 

The event was attended by Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s transport minister and chairman of GACA’s board, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, president of GACA, vice presidents, CEOs, and other officials.

Al-Duailej said the slogan for the Ajwaa platform is “Together for New Horizons.”