Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs

Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs
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Farah Hammad’s Ramadan collection “reflects the harmony between organic forms.” (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 01 March 2025
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Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs

Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs

RIYADH/ABU DHABI: Fashion designers and enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia are championing modest Ramadan-themed collections that aim to reflect the spirituality of the holy month.

Sarah Albedair, Saudi designer and founder of Voula Collection, told Arab News that her Ramadan collection “combines modesty, elegance and cultural significance.”

“Modest clothing that can be worn year-round, including during Ramadan, aligns well with the spirit of practicality and simplicity which aligns with affordable cost … Over the past decade, there has been a notable shift in the fashion world as modest fashion moves from niche to mainstream, and Ramadan plays a pivotal role in this evolution,” she said.

Albedair’s collection blends Saudi and Greek symbols in her colorful and expressive designs.

Voula Collection’s abayas and dresses use a range of materials and fabrics, mostly sourced from Europe, including linen, crape, organza, denim, poplin and cotton.




Farah Hammad’s Ramadan collection “reflects the harmony between organic forms.” (SUPPLIED)

Fashion-lover Zainab Mamdooh predicts that the fashion trend this Ramadan will include winter heavy fabrics and darker colors.

Mamdooh prefers to wear jalabiyas, a flowy and modest dress worn by women from Middle Eastern countries, styled with statement gold jewelry.

“During the holy month, I love wearing jalabiyas made from linen and velvet, especially those embroidered in gold,” she said.

“I find that traditional adds a touch of elegance and reflects cultural authenticity ... I also love pairing my jalabiyas with jewelry, incorporating gold and diamond pieces to complete my look.”

Deciding to add a fresh touch to her wardrobe, Mamdooh purchased a jalabiya from Souq Manama, a market located in Bahrain.

“I wanted to break the traditional association of jalabiyas with gold embroidery only, so I opted for silver detailing to showcase a different, yet equally elegant aesthetic.”

Saudi designer Farah Hammad has launched her latest Ramadan drop, “The Botanical Collection,” inspired by the beauty of nature and the fluid elegance of marble. The pieces merge organic floral patterns with structured artistry.

“The collection reflects the harmony between organic forms and structured artistry,” Hammad told Arab News. “It’s about celebrating femininity, strength and the beauty of contrast — delicate yet bold, soft, yet powerful.”

Featuring about 40 curated pieces, the collection is designed for versatility. The color palette is drawn from nature, incorporating earthy tones, deep blues and greens, muted pastels and rich jewel hues.

“The cuts are flowy yet tailored, incorporating layering and intricate embellishments that enhance the botanical and marble-inspired aesthetic,” she said.




Gilded Aura by Nour Al-Dhahri. (SUPPLIED)

“What makes ‘The Botanical Collection’ even more special is that I sourced the fabric locally this time,” Hammad said. “It was important for me to support locals and ensure the materials reflect the authenticity and richness of the collection’s inspiration.”

The collection was designed to align with Ramadan, a time of renewal and reflection. “Ramadan is one of my favorite months,” she said. “It’s about growth, transformation and beauty in every stage. The collection embodies that spirit, embracing contrast and balance, just like Ramadan itself.”

The Botanical Collection is available online and at Hammad’s studio. At the end of February, select pieces will also be showcased at Homegrown Market in Hay Jameel in Jeddah, her hometown, as a limited-edition release.

A portion of proceeds from the collection will also be donated to various charities.

Nour Al-Dhahri’s Ramadan 2025 collection is an ode to the spiritual serenity and luminous beauty of Ramadan days and nights.

Al-Dhahri told Arab News: “Although I have warm feelings for all of my collections, Ramadan always has a more intimate quality. Stories, tradition and passion are at the heart of this collection, not merely the clothes.

“To me, it’s a celebration of the women who are proud of their ancestry and who aren’t afraid to embrace modern elegance.

“During this sacred month, every aspect, from the hand-embroidered details to the meticulously selected materials, was created with the purpose of empowering women to feel beautiful and certain.”

The collection of kaftans boasts a soft pastel and neutral tone palette.

Pieces were crafted from luxury fabrics, including pure linen, tulle, French crepe, Indian linen, chiffon and organza.

“In keeping with the spiritual quest of the holy month, the embroidery stands for tradition while the contemporary cuts and pastel colors provide a feeling of levity and rebirth.

“The enduring allure of Ramadan is celebrated in each item through the incorporation of modern elegance,” she said.

The Noor Eclipse piece is a sophisticated tulle design with delicate sequin shoulder and asymmetrical neckline embellishments.

Sundown Veil combines organza and chiffon, mirroring the warm hues of a Ramadan sunset, while the Gilded Aura is a wearable symbol of nature’s beauty with its hand-embroidered leaf motifs.

“It is our responsibility as a Saudi label to pay homage to our heritage via clothing, making items that speak to the women of the Middle East and beyond ... to keep inventing while maintaining the spirit of the kaftan, which is an essential component of Ramadan apparel,” Al-Dhahri said.

Since Ramadan generally encourages a more meaningful lifestyle, AMUSED is a platform that promotes and sells previously owned, authenticated accessory items in Saudi Arabia. Mindful that fashion is the second-largest polluting industry in the world, it aims to create a more circular economy to break away from the make-use-dispose model that has dominated fashion culture.




Voula Collection’s Ramadan line “combines modesty, elegance and cultural significance.” (SUPPLIED)

Sara Teymoor, CEO and cofounder of AMUSED, told Arab News: “Ramadan is a time of reflection, connection, and celebration — one of our busiest shopping seasons, with buyers often purchasing higher value and multiple pieces.

“The right accessories elevate every occasion, from elegant iftar gatherings to intimate late-night suhoor outings.

“Mindfulness, generosity, and sustainability define Ramadan — values at the core of AMUSED’s mission.”

Items from the platform have been sported by several online personalities, including the Saudi chef and travel content creator Nihal Felemban, fashion and travel influencer Sausan AlKadi, and style and beauty influencer Asma AlMalki.

Customer experience executive, Maryam Yusuf, shared some of AMUSED’s most requested pieces year after year for their timelessness: the Chanel Classic Flap Small is a daytime essential for their buyers for its compact and elegant design, perfect for running errands during the day.

A discontinued yet sought-after gem, particularly in metallic versions that remain a collector’s favorite, is the Diorama, while the Hermes Picotin 18 seems to be a popular mini tote for cozy evenings out.

To add to the festive spirit of the month, the platform is sharing exclusive styling tips to elevate the Ramadan wardrobe, special recipes from their team, live Instagram drops featuring next-day shipping finds, guest interviews, fashion trends, and more, on their blog.

 


Saudi communications minister urges decisive action, global cooperation to address AI divide

Saudi communications minister urges decisive action, global cooperation to address AI divide
Updated 12 July 2025
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Saudi communications minister urges decisive action, global cooperation to address AI divide

Saudi communications minister urges decisive action, global cooperation to address AI divide
  • World faces ‘existential gap’ due to alarming disparities in access to AI technologies: Abdullah Al-Swaha 
  • Urgent action needed as next 10 years will be critical for bridging the divides, he said at ITU event

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia’s minister of communications and IT has called for “decisive international collaboration” to address the inequality in computing infrastructure that could leave other nations behind in the era of artificial intelligence.

In a keynote address at the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva, Abdullah Al-Swaha cited the “concentration of computing power in a few regions, the lack of AI infrastructure in many countries, and the limited participation of the Global South in shaping governance frameworks and regulatory policies.”

“Today, the world faces an ‘existential gap’ due to alarming disparities in access to AI technologies,” the minister said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Alswaha said that the world could learn lessons from the past phases of technological transformation: The analog era, which took more than a century to connect 800 million people, and the digital era, which linked 5.5 billion individuals in just 50 years but still left 2.6 billion unconnected.

Minister Al-Swaha said Saudi Arabia under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in the age of AI through a series of bold initiatives. (SPA)

In the AI era, he said, current gaps exist in computing infrastructure, data availability, and algorithms that could slow the advances needed to support human progress.

Al-Swaha reiterated Saudi Arabia’s ”unwavering commitment” to support and lead international efforts to close the emerging technological divides.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to address these gaps, citing the digital empowerment of women in the Kingdom — who now have a participation rate of about 35 percent — and the Kingdom’s top global rankings in digital competitiveness for two consecutive years.

He also noted that researchers at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology rank among the top one percent globally in scientific citations, offering hope for the future of AI.

Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha and his delegation. (SPA)

He likewise underlined the Kingdom’s progress in data protection regulations and the development of ”language models that promote inclusive access to technology for diverse communities.”

Al-Swaha further cited the HUMAIN project launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman “to provide the full spectrum of AI capabilities, from advanced processors to top talent, and to position the Kingdom as a global AI pioneer.”

“The Kingdom’s efforts are a direct response to urgent global challenges,” he said.

Al-Swaha emphasized that the next 10 years will be critical for bridging the divides. He called for multination “partnerships under the umbrella of the ITU to build a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem that supports sustainable development and enhances human well-being.”


Shaddad: Traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert

Shaddad: Traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert
Updated 12 July 2025
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Shaddad: Traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert

Shaddad: Traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert
  • Used for riding camels and transporting supplies across deserts, it embodies the deep heritage and ingenuity of early communities in adapting to the harsh desert environment

RAFHA: The “shaddad” stands as one of the oldest artisanal innovations in the Arabian Peninsula, serving as an essential tool in Bedouin life, SPA reports.

Used for riding camels and transporting supplies across deserts, it embodies the deep heritage and ingenuity of early communities in adapting to the harsh desert environment.

Crafted from curved wood and fixed to the front and rear of a camel’s back, the shaddad is supported by a cushion placed between the wooden arcs, ensuring balance and comfort during long journeys. It served as a vital companion during nomadic travel, trade expeditions and the transportation of passengers and goods over vast, rugged terrain.

Its design varies based on function, with one type designated for riding and another for carrying heavy loads — underscoring the bond between humans and camels, the indispensable icons of desert life.

Despite the evolution of modern transportation, the shaddad endures as a unique heritage icon. (SPA)

Despite the evolution of modern transportation, the shaddad remains a fixture in cultural and heritage displays, often featured as a decorative piece in guest areas and traditional markets. It serves as a symbol of authenticity and a tangible link to ancestral roots, SPA reports.

This artisanal innovation reflects the resourcefulness of ancient communities in using local materials to create practical tools that reflect sustainability, innovation and a cultural identity centered on the camel as a symbol of endurance, strength and adaptability.

Today, the shaddad endures as a distinctive heritage icon, carrying a powerful message about the importance of preserving folklore and honoring its symbols in cultural forums, reinforcing values of self-reliance and harmony with nature, SPA reports.


How organic beekeeping is transforming a traditional Saudi industry into a model of sustainable growth

How organic beekeeping is transforming a traditional Saudi industry into a model of sustainable growth
Updated 12 July 2025
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How organic beekeeping is transforming a traditional Saudi industry into a model of sustainable growth

How organic beekeeping is transforming a traditional Saudi industry into a model of sustainable growth
  • Over 15,000 beekeepers in the Kingdom now use modern hives, transforming honey into a major economic and export sector
  • Government support, organic certification, and participation in exhibitions have helped scale production for international markets

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s honey sector is experiencing a quiet revolution, one that blends centuries-old beekeeping traditions with the precision of modern sustainable agriculture.

Once an overlooked element of rural life, honey production in the Kingdom is now gaining global recognition, fueled by organic certification, government support and the determination of pioneering beekeepers.

Among the leading figures shaping this transformation is Jassim Almughrabi, Saudi Arabia’s first certified organic honey producer and owner of Mughrabi Apiaries.

With decades of experience, including his tenure as a honeybee specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Almughrabi discussed with Arab News the profound shift that has taken place in recent years.

“After the government showed strong interest in organic agriculture, things became much more comfortable for us,” he said. 

“I had already registered as an organic honey producer, but when the Ministry of Agriculture started giving support and donations to beekeepers who wanted to convert from conventional to organic, our production improved significantly.”

This institutional backing has allowed local beekeepers to grow their operations and expand into new markets.

Almughrabi highlighted how the ministry not only facilitated certifications but also opened doors for beekeepers to participate in national exhibitions like BIOFACH Saudi Arabia, a major event now held annually in Riyadh.

Saudi beekeepers are now a regular participant in BIOFACH, the annual international exhibition for organic products sponsored by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. (SPA)

“Through the Organic Cooperative Society, we are even allowed to participate free of charge,” he said. “The government really helped us spread our presence in the field, and we thank them for that.”

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s beekeeping heritage lies a deep knowledge of traditional methods, especially in the mountainous regions of Makkah, Madinah, Abha, Al-Baha and Taif.

For centuries, beekeepers in these areas used hollowed logs to house bees, drawing from nature to sustain their practices. While this form of beekeeping still holds cultural value, a shift began around 45 years ago when the ministry encouraged farmers to adopt modern beehive systems.

Mangrove trees along the Kingdom's Arabian Gulf coast pllay an important role in beekeeping. (Supplied)

“I was working in the Ministry of Agriculture back then,” said Almughrabi. “We conducted training courses to help traditional beekeepers transition to modern methods, like the Langstroth hive used in Europe and America. Now, more than 15,000 beekeepers across the Kingdom have adopted these techniques.”

This has transformed the industry, making Saudi honey a highly sought-after commodity.

Mansour Al-Mgaslah, beekeeper and supervisor of the Mangrove Honey Production Initiative said: “The honey sector in the Kingdom has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable beekeeping practices. 

Mangrove flowers help sustain bee populations. (Supplied)

“Beekeepers are now committing to environmental and health standards and adopting modern technologies to preserve the health of both bees and plants.”

This transition is not without its challenges. Desertification, pesticide use, and climate change are pressing environmental issues that threaten both bee populations and floral diversity.

However, both Almughrabi and Al-Mgaslah believe sustainable beekeeping offers practical solutions. By encouraging vegetation restoration and reducing chemical dependencies, beekeepers can help preserve ecosystems that bees and honey production rely on.

Beekeeping boxes set up for harvesting. (Supplied)

“Some of the major challenges include the shrinking of natural pastures and increasing desertification,” said Al-Mgaslah. “Sustainable beekeeping helps restore ecological balance by preserving bees as sensitive and effective environmental indicators.”

Al-Mgaslah shared the sentiment.

“Biodiversity is not just an environmental value. It is essential for ensuring the continuity of high-quality honey production,” he said. “Native plants such as sidr, samar, talh and mangrove provide bees with rich and pure nectar sources. Supporting this biodiversity contributes to building a more resilient and stable ecosystem.”

Almughrabi says government schemes have already begun to yield results. “When Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Saudi Green Initiative, valleys were protected from overgrazing and greenery started returning,” he said.

“This led to a noticeable increase in honey production. Ten years ago, we produced less than 1 kilogram of honey per hive. Now, we sometimes get 1.5 to 2 kilograms.”

The role of native bees and local flora in this equation cannot be overstated. Indigenous bee species, such as the Arabian honeybee, have shown better resilience and adaptability to the Kingdom’s varied climate.

Saudi Arabia’s honey industry is proving that sustainability, tradition, and innovation can work in harmony. (Supplied)

In contrast, imported bees often struggle to survive beyond one or two harvest cycles.

“In the middle of Saudi Arabia, beekeepers often use imported bees,” said Almughrabi. “But they aren’t as strong. Local bees are very good, very strong, and after the harvest we can even transport them to other regions like Jazan or Al-Lith, where the climate is warmer in winter. We don’t have to buy new bees every year.”

The cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s sustainable honey movement is its organic certification system, monitored by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. The process is rigorous and includes criteria such as pesticide-free pastures, natural nutrition without antibiotics or sugar, and complete traceability from hive to shelf.

With an organic certification system in place, Saudi Arabia's honey industry is poised to export to the world market. (Supplied)

“To be certified organic in the Kingdom means that your honey is free from any chemical or industrial interventions at every stage,” said Al-Mgaslah. “Beekeepers must meet strict environmental and documentation standards, and the certification is granted only through authorized, ministry-recognized bodies.”

With international demand for clean, traceable, and eco-conscious products on the rise, both experts believe Saudi Arabia is poised for a golden era in honey exports.

“The Kingdom holds an exceptional opportunity to become a global leader in organic honey production,” said Al-Mgaslah.

Locally produced honey. (Supplied)

“Thanks to its unique botanical diversity, rich heritage, and government support, Saudi honey can meet the growing global demand for authentic, natural products.”

Almughrabi added: “We believe the future of Saudi honey lies in expanding exports and entering niche markets that value quality and authenticity. With continued support, we can make Saudi honey a global name.”

In a land long associated with arid deserts, Saudi Arabia’s honey industry is proving that sustainability, tradition, and innovation can work in harmony. The result is more than just honey — it is a model for agricultural resilience and cultural pride.

 

 


Saudi Arabia praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings

Saudi Arabia praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings
Updated 12 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings

Saudi Arabia praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings
  • The meeting highlighted the Kingdom’s $10 million commitment over five years to strengthen early warning systems

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s international efforts to combat sand and dust storms were commended this week during a high-level meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The meeting highlighted the Kingdom’s $10 million commitment over five years to strengthen early warning systems and support countries vulnerable to dust storm impacts.

The initiative, led by Saudi Arabia in cooperation with regional centers affiliated with the World Meteorological Organization, was praised for enhancing forecasting and response capabilities.

Jumaan bin Saad Al-Qahtani, deputy CEO of the National Center of Meteorology, emphasized the Kingdom’s work through Vision 2030 programs such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives.

He also noted the establishment of the Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storms in Jeddah as a strategic hub for regional coordination, data exchange, and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia has hosted major research events, including the First International Conference on Dust and Sand Storms in Riyadh, and plans to hold a second edition in 2026.

Its environmental efforts have resulted in planting over 142 million trees and reclaiming more than 436,000 hectares of degraded land.

Al-Qahtani reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to expand international partnerships to reduce dust sources, protect the environment, and improve resilience against climate change, SPA added.


New dates set for UN Palestinian statehood conference co-chaired by France, Saudi Arabia

New dates set for UN Palestinian statehood conference co-chaired by France, Saudi Arabia
Updated 12 July 2025
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New dates set for UN Palestinian statehood conference co-chaired by France, Saudi Arabia

New dates set for UN Palestinian statehood conference co-chaired by France, Saudi Arabia
  • Originally scheduled for June 17-20, the event was postponed after Israel launched its 12-day war against Iran on June 13
  • The aim of the conference, rescheduled for July 28-29, is the urgent adoption of concrete measures leading to implementation of a 2-state solution

NEW YORK: An international conference organized and co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France to discuss Palestinian statehood that was postponed last month has been rescheduled for later this month.

“The two-state solution ministerial conference will resume on July 28 and 29; details will be shared shortly,” diplomats confirmed to Arab News on Friday.

Originally scheduled for June 17-20, the event, officially titled the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, was postponed after Israel launched its 12-day military operation against Iran on June 13.

The event, convened by the UN General Assembly, will take place at the UN headquarters in New York. The aim is the urgent adoption of concrete measures that will lead to the implementation of a two-state solution and end decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

At the time of the postponement last month, French President Emmanuel Macron said the conference was being put back for logistical and security reasons but insisted it would be held “as soon as possible.”

The delay did not “call into question our determination to move forward with the implementation of the two-state solution,” he added

Macron is expected to officially announce French recognition of a Palestinian state during the event. This week, he urged UK authorities to do the same.

Palestine is officially recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states. It holds observer status within the organization but is denied full membership.

Speaking during a preparatory UN meeting in May, Manal Radwan, a counselor at the Saudi Foreign Ministry, said the conference comes at a moment of “historic urgency” in which Gaza was “enduring unimaginable suffering.”

She said Saudi Arabia was honored to stand with the other nations committed to diplomatic efforts to bring “real, irreversible and transformative change, to ensure, once and for all, the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine.”