Artist pays homage to Saudi Arabia’s heritage, culture through diverse artforms
Artist pays homage to Saudi Arabia’s heritage, culture through diverse artforms/node/2452891/saudi-arabia
Artist pays homage to Saudi Arabia’s heritage, culture through diverse artforms
Abdulwahhap Otaif uses dried frond leaves as a canvas to create dotted paintings of prominent figures such as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi elements such as coffee cups and camels. (Supplied)
Artist pays homage to Saudi Arabia’s heritage, culture through diverse artforms
Otaif has mastered multiple styles of abstract and realistic artforms using mediums such as clay, oil and acrylic on canvas
Updated 02 February 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: As a multidisciplinary artist, Abdulwahhap Otaif’s diverse artwork returns to one common denominator — a rich reflection of Saudi heritage.
The Saudi artist began his journey in his hometown, Abha, where he gained inspiration from the beauty of his surroundings, and guided by his sister.
“There is no doubt that the environment played a major role, in addition to the creativity of my older sister, who encouraged and nurtured me in the direction of the fine arts field until art became a pleasure and an outlet for me in life,” he told Arab News.
Otaif describes his upbringing as “a simple environment, filled with beauty and diversity, between the corn fields, the plains, the mountains, the scent of jasmine … the weekly popular markets, and the moonlit nights.”
The true artist is the one who deals with and raises in his works the issues and concerns of his society and environment.
Abdulwahhap Otaif, Saudi artist
He began drawing in elementary school and his hobby soon turned into a career.
“My passion for art continued in the middle and high school levels, then my university studies in history and civilization were a fertile field for learning about Islamic arts and architecture in different civilizations,” he said.
Otaif has mastered multiple styles of abstract and realistic artforms using mediums such as clay, oil and acrylic on canvas.
He is known for using dried frond leaves as a canvas to create dotted paintings of Saudi elements such as coffee cups and camels, and prominent figures such as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the late King Abdullah.
“There is no doubt that the Saudi heritage is very rich and diverse, and it provides broad horizons for everyone who searches for it. My project, ‘Memory of the Fool,’ was to present the Saudi heritage in different stages and methods.”
Otaif’s most recent work is an interactive piece made out of clay painted with mosaic designs that aims to stimulate multiple senses: “I try to make the viewer enjoy the work with more than one sense. So, when I spray the clay with water it emits the smell of rain meeting with the clay after a long absence, and this is due to a special technique in shaping and burning clay.”
Otaif’s work is currently being displayed at the Diriyah Doors exhibition in Riyadh.
Speaking about his participation in the local art scene, he said: “I have become an artistic imprint and have excelled in presenting heritage in a contemporary way. My project is celebrated in many organizations and events inside and outside the Kingdom, and my works are even presented as a gift from government agencies to guests from outside the Kingdom.”
Otaif says that “the development of any society is measured by the development and diversity of the arts in it, and the true artist is the one who deals with and raises in his works the issues and concerns of his society and environment.”
He believes in the significance of art as a way to document progress and history: “Also, the arts throughout history bear witness to the development of every society and convey the aspects of life and issues prevalent in that era of time.”
His studio, Kadi Gallery, is located in Riyadh’s Al-Mousa Center, where he continues to create more pieces and exhibits his work.
To explore Otaif’s artwork, visit his Instagram @otaif_art.
Reseda alba, an aromatic herb found across Saudi Arabia, plays vital role in fighting desertification
In springtime, reseda alba blooms, attracting bees and other pollinators, thereby enhancing ecological balance
Updated 8 sec ago
Arab News
ARAR: Reseda alba, a flowering aromatic herb, is naturally found in several regions of Saudi Arabia and is a key component of the local vegetation in the Northern Borders region.
Known by its common names white mignonette or white upright mignonette, the plant has small, white, fragrant flowers and is also cultivated as an ornamental plant. In springtime, reseda alba blooms, attracting bees and other pollinators, thereby enhancing ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.
Thriving in both sandy and clayey soils, the plant is well-suited to the desert climate of the Kingdom's Northern Borders region due to its drought-resistant nature. It also plays a vital role in combating desertification by stabilizing the soil.
A perennial plant that grows up to a meter tall, reseda alba is also native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It can also be found in other parts of the world as an introduced species.
Nasser Al-Mujlad, chair of the Aman Environmental Association, highlighted that the expansion of reseda alba is a key element of the region's natural botanical heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Muilad pointed out that the plant's aesthetic appeal adds significant value to the region's tourism and environmental significance.
He further emphasized that many plants previously at risk of extinction have made a comeback, thanks to the establishment of reserves and the implementation of new regulations and laws aimed at protecting the environment and conserving its natural resources.
How Saudi Arabia is protecting users’ privacy and data from harmful AI
AI technologies often collect sensitive personal data, raising concerns over consent, surveillance, and potential misuse
Saudi Arabia is leading AI regulation in the region with ethical principles and a personal data protection law
Updated 10 April 2025
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: As artificial intelligence seeps deeper into everyday life — from smart assistants and facial recognition to online shopping and AI-generated selfies — so too do the threats to personal data and privacy.
The dazzling capabilities of AI come at a cost many users do not fully grasp: exposure to data collection, surveillance, and potential misuse. And in a world where convenience often trumps caution, experts are urging users and organizations alike to slow down and scrutinize the digital tools they engage with.
“AI systems often depend on vast amounts of data, including sensitive personal information, which raises significant privacy issues,” Osama El-Masry, who leads data protection and privacy practice delivery for the Middle East region at the IT consulting firm Cognizant, told Arab News.
“Many users are unaware of how their data is collected, stored, and utilized, leading to fears of unauthorized access or misuse. For example, technologies like facial recognition can infringe on individual privacy without consent, posing risks of surveillance and tracking.”
This warning comes amid growing concerns about how AI software processes user data — especially in apps and platforms that seem harmless at first glance.
While regulation and ethical oversight are often viewed as a government or corporate responsibility, El-Masry stresses that users must also play an active role.
“This means reading privacy policies and being aware of what personal information is collected and how it may be used or shared,” he said.
“A critical aspect of this responsibility is limiting the sharing of personal data when using AI tools. Users should strive to provide only the minimum necessary information required to achieve their desired outcomes, avoiding unnecessary disclosure of sensitive data.”
In short, treat AI tools like you would any new technology: with a mix of curiosity and caution. The onus is on users to learn how their data is handled and to be wary of oversharing. On the flip side, organizations must prioritize privacy from the very beginning of product design.
“This involves implementing strong data protection measures, ensuring transparency and explainability in data usage, and adhering to AI and privacy regulations/principles,” El-Masry said. “Organizations should also clearly communicate their data practices to users, fostering an environment of trust.
“Ultimately, a collaborative approach, where both parties understand their roles and responsibilities regarding privacy, is essential for protecting personal information in the age of AI.
“By working together, users and organizations can create a more secure digital landscape that respects privacy rights.”
Take the current obsession with AI art filters, for instance. Millions of users upload their photos to apps that transform them into anime characters or classic oil paintings. But what happens to those original images?
“Many users may not realize that while the effect is fun, their original images are still being processed and may be retained by the app,” said El-Masry.
“This underscores the importance of being mindful about which platforms and applications are trusted with personal images and data. By taking these steps, users can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding their personal information against misuse.”
It’s a simple but powerful reminder: Just because something looks like harmless fun, doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Every interaction with AI — no matter how trivial it seems — carries data implications.
As AI becomes more sophisticated and integrated into business, healthcare, finance, education, and government systems, the implications for misuse — whether accidental or malicious — become more severe. (Pexels illustration image)
Users are also advised to challenge the information they receive from AI platforms. While many tools promise personalization and convenience, they can just as easily perpetuate bias or inaccuracies.
“Continuous education about AI ethics and privacy implications empowers users to make informed choices about their interactions with these technologies,” said El-Masry. “Users should also advocate for ethical data practices within their communities, promoting accountability among developers and organizations.
“It’s important to recognize that AI applications vary widely, with some being non-privacy-related, such as telecom network enhancements and medical diagnostics, and others being privacy-sensitive, like marketing profiling and predictive analysis.
“Users should be particularly cautious when interacting with AI technologies in privacy-sensitive fields, as these applications often involve the handling of personal data that can impact privacy rights.”
There are ways to navigate the AI landscape safely. One approach is to seek out AI tools that prioritize user privacy through transparent practices and robust protection measures.
“By taking these steps, users can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding their personal information against misuse,” said El-Masry.
The stakes are higher than many realize. As AI becomes more sophisticated and integrated into business, healthcare, finance, education, and government systems, the implications for misuse — whether accidental or malicious — become more severe.
El-Masry lists several privacy threats tied to AI applications, including “unintended biased decisions, unethical AI use cases, data leaks, decisions ambiguity, and the use of AI with vulnerable data subjects.
“This is becoming a global concern and the driver for the issuance of the different ethical AI regulations/principles by many policymakers across different regions and countries to mitigate the above risks associated with the use of AI.
Osama El-Masry. (Supplied)
While much of the world is still struggling to keep pace with innovation, Saudi Arabia has moved to regulate and promote the ethical use of data and AI.
“The Kingdom introduced the Personal Data Protection Law, which establishes clear guidelines for data collection, processing, and sharing, ensuring that individuals’ privacy rights are protected,” said El-Masry.
“This framework aligns with international standards, signaling a commitment to responsible data management.”
The country’s National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence is another critical piece of its governance efforts. It aims to build a culture of innovation without compromising ethical boundaries.
“Notably, SDAIA has issued a set of ethical AI principles that emphasize fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy,” said El-Masry. “These principles guide the development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they are used responsibly and ethically.”
Despite Saudi Arabia’s leadership, data privacy in the broader Middle East remains patchy. Many countries still lack comprehensive legal frameworks to protect users’ rights.
El-Masry believes that’s an area ripe for action. “Governments should establish comprehensive AI and data privacy laws and regulations that align with international standards, providing clear guidelines for data processing.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• Saudi Arabia has introduced the Personal Data Protection Law to safeguard user privacy and regulate data use responsibly.
• The Kingdom’s National Strategy for Data and AI promotes innovation while ensuring ethical, transparent, and accountable AI practices.
• SDAIA’s ethical AI principles emphasize fairness, privacy, and governance, guiding responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
He also advocates for coordinated public-private collaboration to raise the bar for compliance and innovation across the region.
“Organizations must prioritize compliance and even go beyond compliance and acknowledge the value of investing in implementing data responsibility practices and technologies that ensure robust privacy compliance and AI governance in conducting business, which has a direct impact on their revenues and sustainability. There are clear examples of private organizations who adopted this approach and (have) proven to be competitive and successful.
“Organizations should communicate their data practices clearly to build public trust. Additionally, mandating that organizations document AI use cases involving personal data and ensuring periodic reviews of AI algorithms can help maintain compliance with privacy regulations.
“Governments can support this by providing resources, consultation, and training to enhance organizations’ privacy and AI governance capabilities.”
While legislation and corporate responsibility are critical, El-Masry says individuals must also be empowered to take charge of their own digital lives. He calls for greater awareness and education around data privacy.
“By adopting a proactive and unified approach, both organizations and governments can create a safer digital environment that prioritizes privacy for all,” he said.
As AI becomes increasingly entangled in the infrastructure of modern life, protecting privacy is no longer a niche concern — it’s a collective responsibility. From the laws that govern AI to the choices we make about which apps to trust, the future of digital safety depends on everyone playing their part.
As El-Masry puts it: “By working together, users and organizations can create a more secure digital landscape that respects privacy rights.”
Saudi and French experts explore opportunities for cooperation in sustainable agriculture
Updated 10 April 2025
Arab News
Saudi Arabia’s National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, also known as Estidamah, welcomed a delegation from the French National Federation of Seed Potato Growers for an official visit during which they discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation and exchanges of expertise.
The visitors learned about the center’s activities, including its research and technical programs and prominent projects that support the development of sustainable agricultural solutions in the Kingdom.
The center said the visit reflected its commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading international organizations, and the sharing of experience that can contribute to the development of the agricultural sector and improved food security.
The French federation, which specializes in support and development of potato seed production, oversees a number of research and technical institutions.
The festival features a variety of additional activities, including illuminated hot air balloon shows, tethered-flight and free-flight balloon rides over AlUla’s iconic landmarks, and musical concerts blending culture, exploration and entertainment
Updated 10 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: AlUla Moments has announced the return of the “AlUla Skies Festival 2025” from April 18 to 27, featuring a variety of new experiences.
The festival highlights the area’s clear, light-pollution-free skies and AlUla’s deep, ancient connection to astronomy, as it is home to Gharameel and AlUla’s Beacon, the first designated Dark Sky locations in the Middle East, recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, solidifying AlUla’s status as a global hub for astro-tourism.
The festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to stargaze in a pristine natural environment, showcasing IDA-certified locations such as Gharameel and AlUla’s Beacon.
These spots are among the first official Dark Sky Sites in the region, reinforcing AlUla’s role as a leading destination for stargazing tourism.
Visitors can head to the Gharameel Reserve to view the Milky Way in one of the clearest skies in the region. The experience also includes night walks, camping sessions and grilled dinners around campfires.
The festival features a variety of additional activities, including illuminated hot air balloon shows, tethered-flight and free-flight balloon rides over AlUla’s iconic landmarks, and musical concerts blending culture, exploration and entertainment.
For more information about the AlUla Skies Festival, visitors can check the official website: https://www.experiencealula.com/en.
The meeting took place as part of the bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the sixth meeting of the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum, held in Chile from April 9-11
Updated 10 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The chief executive officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, on Thursday met in Santiago with President of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Dr. Andreas Hensel.
The meeting took place as part of the bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the sixth meeting of the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum, held in Chile from April 9-11.
According to a press release from the SFDA, both sides underscored the crucial role of regulatory authorities in forging robust partnerships with the private sector.
This collaboration is vital for developing and improving product quality, driving progress, and enhancing operational efficiency within a unified system that prioritizes product safety.
Discussions also centered on the importance of establishing an integrated regulatory system underpinned by reliable reference data, accurate quality testing, and transparent regulatory frameworks.
This foundation will foster greater confidence in regulatory information, improve the capacity for proactive risk assessment and response, and ultimately enhance product reliability and food safety.
Officials from the SFDA delegation also conducted a series of bilateral meetings with several counterpart regulatory bodies, including the UK Food Standards Agency, the Chilean Food Safety and Quality Agency, the New Zealand Food Safety branch of the Ministry of Primary Industries, and the Portuguese Economic and Food Safety Authority.
These meetings were geared toward fostering cooperation frameworks and enhancing integrated work with international organizations to serve food quality and safety objectives.
