The female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh that aim to empower women

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Wateen Al-Tuwaijri opened Sunsets Yoga, a serene environment dedicated solely to women. (Photos Instagram: @sunsets_yoga)
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Updated 25 April 2025
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The female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh that aim to empower women

  • Yoga, Pilates studios provide safe, calm environment
  • ‘I have met some pretty incredible women,’ Australian customer says

RIYADH: A number of female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh are aiming to provide empowering communities for women, driven by the desire for privacy and comfort.

Locations like gyms, pools and even some theme parks have created safe spaces exclusively for women on designated days.

This allows women to dress freely and engage in activities that foster a sense of community.




"Yoga by Sunset", a serene environment dedicated solely to women. (Supplied)

One such place is Sunsets Yoga, a serene studio environment dedicated solely to women.

It offers an array of classes and programs focused on health and wellness and also has an entertainment center where women can unwind and connect.

“Sunsets Yoga was born out of my passion for yoga and my deep desire to help people,” owner Wateen Al-Tuwaijri told Arab News.

Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.

Emma Shirley

“I opened this space because I believe in the transformative power of yoga — not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well.

“My goal for Sunsets Yoga is to create a welcoming, peaceful environment where individuals can escape the stresses of daily life, reconnect with themselves and grow both physically and mentally.”




“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers. (Supplied)

Al-Tuwaijri said it was “especially important” to have places in Riyadh that cater exclusively to women.

“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers.

“It’s about supporting their journey of self-discovery and personal growth in a place where they can feel free, strong and inspired.”




The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions. (Supplied)

Al-Tuwaijri said she wanted to build “a community that supports, encourages and nurtures” people.

Another prominent female-only space is the reformer Pilates studio Bdn in Al-Rayyan District.

“I’ve been practicing reformer Pilates for over 15 years now and swear by it,” owner Najd Al-Hatlani said.




Another prominent female-only space is "Bdn", a Pilates studio designed specifically for women. (Supplied)

“It has given me impeccable self-awareness regarding my body and how the smallest muscles move to support the larger ones … it has completely changed my perspective regarding all workouts.

She said she opened the studio to serve an untapped market in the east of Riyadh.

“Female-oriented spaces have always been part of our cultural heritage and experience. I think it’s important to continue to offer these safe haven spaces for women in order to maximize their well-being.

“As kind as many people want to be, we as women have shared far too many similar experiences through life which makes it comforting to be in the same room as that unspoken supportive energy.”

The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions, Al-Hatlani said.

Emma Shirley, an Australia living in Riyadh, is a regular at Bdn.

“Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. My go-to Pilates studio in Riyadh is Bdn. I have been going there for a few months.

“Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.”

 

 


Saudi FM receives phone call from UK foreign secretary

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and British Secretary of State David Lammy. (File/AFP)
Updated 06 July 2025
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Saudi FM receives phone call from UK foreign secretary

  • The UK foreign secretary is on a visit to the region and he met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday
  • On Sunday, Lammy met separately with Kuwait’s prime minister and crown prince during a visit to Kuwait

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from the British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy on Sunday.

During the call, they reviewed Saudi-British relations and discussed developments in the region and efforts being made with regard to them, the Saudi foreign ministry said.

The UK foreign secretary is on a visit to the region and he met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday. The meeting marked the restoration of British-Syrian relations after 14 years of tensions during Syria’s conflict and Assad family rule.

On Sunday, Lammy met separately with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah during a visit to Kuwait.


Saudi author brings stories closer to home

Updated 06 July 2025
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Saudi author brings stories closer to home

  • Kendah Jambi has turned to local folklore and southern Saudi Arabia for her next novel

RIYADH: When Saudi writer Kendah Jambi released “The Epic of Frost” in 2024, she wrapped up a fantasy trilogy that had been nearly a decade in the making.

Spanning three titles published by Adab Book — “The Voyagers” (2021), “The Historian” (2023), and “The Epic of Frost” (2024) — the trilogy reflects a growing interest in Arabic speculative fiction and highlights her steady rise within the Kingdom’s evolving literary scene.

With the series complete, the 25-year-old has turned the page with a new project: “Khalil,” a standalone novel rooted in Saudi heritage and slated for release this year.

Author Kendah Jambi sees the current moment in Saudi Arabia as particularly significant for writers, with growing cultural initiatives under Vision 2030. (Supplied/AN photo)

Reflecting on her journey, she told Arab News: “In comparison to when I first started, it has definitely become a lot easier to write and complete a novel in shorter amount of time.”

Her works have resonated with readers across Saudi Arabia who seek her out at the region’s various book fairs. Jambi said that she is touched by the kindness they express and their connection to her works. “I have young authors flooding my socials daily talking about how my work inspired them to write and stay persistent.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kendah Jambi’s ‘The Voyager’ fantasy trilogy gained momentum through its Manga Arabia adaptation.

• The writer’s next project ‘Khalil’ is a stand-alone novel rooted in Saudi heritage and slated for release this year.

• Her works have resonated with readers across Saudi Arabia who seek her out at the region’s various book fairs.

She added that her goal has always been “to make the world fall in love with the Arabic language.”

Jambi’s trilogy was published in Manga Arabia magazine’s print and digital versions. (AN Photo Basheer Saleh)

Her trilogy also gained momentum through its Manga Arabia adaptation, which Jambi said brought new attention to the original novels.

This, she said, brings the story full circle as “The Voyagers” was written originally to be a manga series and ended up becoming a novel.

Her advice to aspiring writers is grounded in experience: “Always chase what you believe in, no matter how long it takes. It took me seven years to write my first book, and I never regret taking my time,” she said.

Jambi’s trilogy gained momentum through its Manga Arabia adaptation, which Jambi said brought new attention to the original novels. (Supplied/AN photo)

While her earlier work leaned heavily into fantasy, her upcoming novel “Khalil” represents a shift in setting and tone.

“‘Khalil’ takes place in our modern-day Saudi Arabia across different regions. It reflects our heritage and traditions while being completely inspired by Arabian mythology,” she explained.

One such reimagining involves the folklore figure “Um Al-Saaf wa Al-Leef,” whom she described as “a witch who sits atop palm trees and eats children.”

Jambi participated in numerous book fairs in the MENA region, including the Riyadh International Book Fair. (AN Photo Abdulrahman Shalhoub)

In Jambi’s version, the character is still a deranged witch, but she does not eat children — instead, she has children named Al-Saaf and Al-Leef.

Jambi emphasized the importance of cultural accuracy in portraying southern Saudi characters, noting that her work “stays true to the people … I definitely made sure of that with help from friends native to that region.

“The characters are people whom Saudi readers can relate to as they hold similar values and have a familiar upbringing,” she added.

Explaining the shift from fantasy to a narrative more grounded in reality, Jambi said: “My pen is free and can go wherever it wants.”

She sees the current moment in Saudi Arabia as particularly significant for writers, with growing cultural initiatives under Vision 2030.

Maram Al-Samman, who read Jambi’s trilogy, told Arab News: “I see in Kendah Jambi a new and promising voice in Arabic fantasy literature … There are some moments that might lack narrative coherence, but her boldness in introducing new ideas and her creation of complex characters distinguish her work.”

Reflecting on her overall impression, Al-Samman added: “Personally, I believe her writing is worth reading, especially for those who enjoy novels that expand the imagination and open the door to deep thought.”

With the trilogy and her upcoming standalone novel sharing the same narrative universe, Jambi has created an expansive literary ecosystem where the fantastical and the familiar coexist.

 


Eastern region governor receives Thailand’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz (R) holds talsk with Dam Bontam in Dammam. (Supplied)
Updated 32 min 10 sec ago
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Eastern region governor receives Thailand’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

  • The officials discussed topics of common interest

DAMMAM: Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Eastern Region, received Thailand’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Dam Bontam, in Dammam on Sunday.

During the meeting, the officials discussed topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Separately, Saudi Ambassador to the Maldives Yahyah Al-Qahtani presented his credentials to the country’s president, Mohamed Muizzu, at his office.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the historic Saudi-Maldives partnership,” the Saudi Embassy wrote in a post on X on Sunday.

 


Saudi Arabia enhances pilgrimage journey with record growth, satisfaction

Pilgrim Experience Program issued its 2024 annual report, showing a 101 percent increase in arrivals compared with 2022.
Updated 06 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia enhances pilgrimage journey with record growth, satisfaction

  • New report reveals 101% increase in arrivals, improved services, and seamless pilgrim experiences

RIYADH: The Pilgrim Experience Program, a key initiative under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, issued its 2024 annual report, showing a 101 percent increase in arrivals compared with 2022 — an achievement attributed to cross-sector integration and streamlined procedures facilitating pilgrimages.

The report highlighted the program’s and its affiliated entities’ achievements in enhancing services for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors, showing the Kingdom’s efforts to provide a rich, seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience from planning to safe return.

According to the report, in 2024 more than 18.5 million pilgrims and Umrah performers arrived from abroad, including 16.92 million Umrah performers, exceeding the year’s targets.

It noted that 89 initiatives, implemented with more than 40 government entities, achieved a 95 percent compliance rate. These initiatives cover all stages of the pilgrim journey, including transport, rituals, and visits to historical and religious sites.

Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of Hajj and Umrah and chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program committee, said that the Saudi leadership has prioritized serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as a key goal of Vision 2030.

Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah hosted more than 13 million visitors in 2024, up from 4 million in 2022. Visitor satisfaction rose from 57 percent to 81 percent, reflecting improved service quality and experience.

Volunteer engagement grew significantly, with more than 153,000 volunteers serving pilgrims in 2024, up from 15,000 in 2022 — showing a stronger culture of social participation.

Internationally, the program led 33 overseas visits with public and private partners, addressing logistical challenges, opening new routes, increasing seat capacity and easing travel for pilgrims.

The Hajj and Umrah minister emphasized that these achievements result from the efforts of more than 40 partner organisations, each working with a sense of religious and national duty.

Globally, Makkah ranked fifth in international visitor numbers, while Madinah climbed to seventh in the global tourism performance index, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading spiritual and cultural destination.

The report also highlighted advances in digital services, notably the Nusuk platform, which now offers more than 100 services to streamline travel, booking, and pilgrimage arrangements.

Meanwhile, the Makkah Route initiative, designed to expedite travel procedures for pilgrims in their home countries, has benefited more than 940,000 travelers since its inception.

The report concluded by emphasizing that these milestones reflect the support of the Kingdom’s leadership and the efforts of various government agencies.

It reaffirmed that serving pilgrims remains a top national priority, with continued innovation and integration to enhance their religious and cultural journey in line with Vision 2030 aspirations.


Baha’s farms cultivate more than crops as tourism grows

Baha’s rural farms are drawing travelers looking for a slower pace of life. (SPA)
Updated 06 July 2025
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Baha’s farms cultivate more than crops as tourism grows

  • Region is home to 23 licensed rural farms
  • More are expected as part of broader effort by Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to license up to 50 farms across Baha

RIYADH: Tucked into Saudi Arabia’s mountainous southwest, Baha’s rural farms are drawing travelers looking for a slower pace of life.

Fruit picking, farming and rustic charm meet Saudi hospitality in the growing tourism trend.

The region is home to 23 licensed rural farms, with more expected as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to license up to 50 farms across Baha, the Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

The growth is part of a national initiative to promote agritourism and rural development, with farms contributing to the local economy by combining agriculture with heritage-based tourism.

The ministry has supported this development by distributing 15,000 seedlings of crops suited to the region, including blackberries, pistachios, saffron, roses and strawberries.

Seven demonstration fields have been set up as models for successful farming, and small farms have been developed to host agritourism activities, including fruit picking, livestock care and tree planting.

Five agritourism workshops and several entrepreneurial training sessions have been held for farm owners. The ministry has also conducted 25 workshops on licensing procedures and 114 field visits to facilitate agricultural licensing processes.

The licensed farms span various governorates and offer a range of experiences that combine traditional hospitality with the region’s agriculture and cultural identity.

Visitors can sample local cuisine, take part in agricultural activities, and explore handicrafts and social traditions.

During the summer, the farms produce a variety of fresh fruits, including grapes, figs, apricots, pomegranates, blackberries, prickly pears and peaches.