One-piece watch inspired by crown prince grabs attention at Jeddah Luxury Week

The undated photo shows a watch designed by jewelry designer Renad Al-Amoudi displayed at International Luxury Week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo courtesy: Renad Al-Amoudi)
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Updated 12 May 2023
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One-piece watch inspired by crown prince grabs attention at Jeddah Luxury Week

  • The stunning item grabbed all the attention at the Jeddah Luxury Week to put designer in spotlight
  • The watch itself was meticulously crafted in Switzerland, under guidance of Prince Mansour bin Nasser

JEDDAH: Some of the world’s most valuable items and gems took center stage at Jeddah’s International Luxury Week that ended on Thursday.

One of them was a one-piece watch originally made for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by young Saudi designer Renad Al-Amoudi.

The stunning item grabbed all the attention at the event to put its designer in the spotlight.

Al-Amoudi said: “This is the best-ever design I have done and I am very proud of it because this watch is the turning point in my career.”

Al-Amoudi’s interest in jewelry dates back to her childhood. She later pursued it professionally until she became the founder of Renad Al-Amoudi Jewellery.




The undated photo shows a watch designed by jewelry designer Renad Al-Amoudi displayed at International Luxury Week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo courtesy: Renad Al-Amoudi)

She said: “It all started with a deep-rooted passion that ignited during my childhood. At the age of 16 I took on a school project which became my first foray into design. I crafted jewelry pieces that drew inspiration from the captivating stories we shared as youngsters about the Prophet’s biography, Islamic civilization, history, and culture.”

The founder and designer of Renad Al-Amoudi pursued higher education at a distinguished university in the UK, specializing in product design and its contemporary methodologies. She further enriched her knowledge after graduation through an immersive training program in Geneva that spanned six months.

She told Arab News: “First of all, I am so honored and feel very proud to see the timepiece now adorns the crown prince’s wrist. It is indeed the biggest achievement of my life.”

She revealed that the design of the watch was inspired by the leadership characteristics of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

She added: “The watch is a testament to the meticulous nine-month manufacturing journey, complemented by a year dedicated to various accompanying elements.

“The watch itself was meticulously crafted in Switzerland, under the watchful guidance of Prince Mansour bin Nasser, the former Saudi ambassador to Switzerland.

“The book design was entrusted to the same talented individual responsible for creating books for Her Majesty Queen of England.

“As for the exquisite box, crafted from the finest and most luxurious leather, its design came from the renowned artisans of France. All the remarkable individuals involved in this endeavor showcased unrivaled expertise in their respective fields.”

The specifications of the watch are equally impressive.

Al-Amoudi said: “It is crafted from lightweight titanium and it maintains a substantial feel due to the intricate tourbillon movement housed within.

“Its design draws inspiration from the architectural and Islamic influences prevalent in our Kingdom, evoking a sense of grandeur. The dial showcases intricate Islamic decorations, replacing traditional numerals with the name of the crown prince, accompanied by his esteemed qualities as a leader.

“Encased within graceful arches, reminiscent of mosque entrances, each quality is beautifully highlighted.”

She added: “It is also symbolizing the Saudi flag. A vibrant malachite stone adorns the timepiece, while the face features sleek black onyx.

“The captivating tourbillon movement is accentuated by the presence of an exquisite emerald at its center. The strap, meticulously crafted from crocodile leather and camel leather, exudes luxury and sophistication.

“Behind the watch, geometric patterns add a touch of artistic flair. The watch bears the unique initials ‘MBS’ signifying its exceptional nature as a one-of-a-kind piece.”

As a Saudi designer, Al-Amoudi takes great pride in the inspiration for her designs.

She said: “The nature surrounding me serves as my wellspring of creativity. My design philosophy revolves around showcasing the overall beauty of our Kingdom and unveiling an unseen facet to the world.

“I am driven to dispel the misconception that we are solely consumers, and instead reveal our true identity as producers, innovators, and beneficiaries of unprecedented support.

“For me, as a Saudi girl or designer, I like to mix my culture and civilization with the other things that I see outside Saudi Arabia, but I always stick to my roots.”

 


Thunderstorms expected across Kingdom until Sunday

Updated 19 March 2025
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Thunderstorms expected across Kingdom until Sunday

  • Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday

RIYADH: Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday, leading the General Directorate of Civil Defense to urge the public to exercise caution, stay in safe areas, avoid flood-prone valleys and watercourses, and refrain from swimming in them.

It emphasized the importance of following official instructions issued through media outlets and social media platforms, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail and winds, causing dust and sandstorms.

Similar conditions are expected in the Riyadh region.

The directorate indicated that the regions of Madinah, Baha, Asir, Jazan, Qassim, and the Eastern Province will also experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Moderate rain is expected in the Najran region while the Hail region will have light showers.


Saudi Arabia cracks down on foreign truck violations

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia cracks down on foreign truck violations

  • Inspection teams have seized 25 trucks illegally transporting goods in cities

RIYADH: The Transport General Authority is stepping up inspections on foreign trucks in Saudi Arabia to enforce land transport regulations.

Inspection teams have seized 25 trucks illegally transporting goods in cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Each offense resulted in a SR10,000 ($2,666) fine and immediate impoundment of the vehicle, the SPA added.

In Riyadh, 86 inspections revealed 24 offenses and impoundments, while in Jeddah, one offense and impoundment were recorded from eight inspections.

The authority reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy, which results in a SR10,000 fine and a 15-day impoundment for first-time offenders.

Repeat offenses result in escalating penalties: SR20,000 and 30 days for the second offense; SR40,000 and 60 days for the third; SR80,000 and 60 days for the fourth; and SR160,000 and 60 days for the fifth. Persistent offenders face having their vehicles confiscated.

These nationwide campaigns enhance transport oversight, ensure fair competition, and support the national carrier, the SPA reported.

In collaboration with relevant bodies, the authority has set four key regulations for foreign truck operations: obtaining an electronic transport document via “bayan.logisti.sa,” limiting transport to return journeys, complying with local carrier rules, and settling offenses before entry or exit.


KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

Updated 19 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

  • In Somalia’s Bay region, 1,200 packages were distributed to families
  • In Syria, KSrelief distributed food baskets to 600 families in Daraa governorate

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food baskets to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In Somalia’s Bay region, 1,200 packages were distributed to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.

In Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh, 200 packages were distributed, while 685 baskets were given to needy families in Lebanon.

In Syria, KSrelief distributed food baskets to 600 families in Daraa governorate.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

KSrelief also distributed 1,100 baskets in Khartoum, Sudan. The project will distribute 30,000 parcels to displaced people returning to their homes.


Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

Updated 19 March 2025
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Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

  • New pact inked with entertainment firm Sela
  • Promotions to take place at Anime Japan 2025

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or Misk, has signed a new strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabia entertainment company Sela.

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration with renowned Japanese companies and create new opportunities for their participation in Riyadh Season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Potential collaborations will enable Japanese companies to engage with Saudi Arabia and international audiences through events and experiences in the Kingdom with the facilitation of Manga Productions, the SPA reported.

In 2022, Sela unveiled a 33-meter-tall statue of the anime character Grendizer, which set a Guinness World Record during Riyadh Season of that year.

This year, Manga Productions announced its official sponsorship of Anime Japan 2025, one of the world’s leading events in the creative industry.

During the event from March 22 to 25, the company’s booth will promote investment opportunities, according to the SPA.

This article also appears on Arab News Japan


Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday an attack that targeted the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A roadside bomb exploded near the presidential residence on Tuesday shortly after Mohamud’s convoy left the palace grounds, but the head of state was unharmed, according to officials.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said: “The Kingdom reaffirms its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and its people against all threats to its security and stability, reiterating its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism.”

Reports said that up to four people had been killed, including a journalist who was in a nearby building that collapsed after the explosion.

Somali militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The president’s entourage was traveling to the airport to head to the frontlines in Middle Shabelle, where Mahamud is expected to oversee the military campaign against the militant group.

The Somali government has increased its effort to crush Al-Shabab in recent months in Middle Shabelle as well as other regions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack and reaffirmed the global body’s commitment to Somalia’s people and government.

The British embassy in Mogadishu denounced the attack and offered condolences to the victims.

“The UK remains a steadfast partner to the Somali Government as they fight the violent extremists behind this despicable attack,” the embassy said in a statement.

Mohamud was in the Kingdom in November to attend the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh, where he reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the Palestinian people and urged for there to be a ceasefire in Gaza.