How Malika Favre’s Arab News cover image of a woman driving made its mark in Saudi Arabia

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French artist Malika Favre
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Updated 29 August 2022
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How Malika Favre’s Arab News cover image of a woman driving made its mark in Saudi Arabia

  • An image that wrapped the special Arab News edition of June 24, 2018, took off as a popular symbol of the historic day
  • The French artist, whose mother is Algerian, is known for her minimal style and popular New Yorker covers

JEDDAH/RIYADH: An image by French artist Malika Favre, marking the day that women were allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia for the first time, has been formally recognised with a slew of awards after it became something of a cultural sensation.
The picture, commissioned to cover the special “Start Your Engines” edition of Arab News in June last year, took off as a popular symbol of that historic moment. It was downloaded as mobile wallpapers, replicated on hats, painted on a wall mural in Riyadh and, to celebrate its one-year anniversary, Arab News is giving away bumper stickers with it in today’s print edition.


It wasn’t just the masses that embraced the image. It went on to become the success story of the newspaper awards season, clinching seven design gongs, including the Society for News Design’s Award of Excellence for cover story illustration.
“For Arab News to be recognized on a global scale with so many awards is a great honor,” said Simon Khalil, global creative director at Arab News. “This highlights just how important this moment in history was for women across the Kingdom. We hope Malika’s work and our cover will empower women across the whole region.”
Favre, whose mother is Algerian, is an illustrator for The New Yorker, New York Times, Vanity Fair and Penguin Books. She’s known for her minimal style, with designs that are easily linked back to her through her use of vibrant colors and positive/negative spacing.
“As a champion of women for years through her unique creative style, Malika Favre was the obvious choice for our cover, and her illustration brilliantly captures the significance of this moment on the day Saudi Arabia changed forever,” said Khalil.
Favre’s illustration is of a Saudi woman in her headscarf, with her hands on a steering wheel reflected in her sunglasses (in the animated online version, her hands and the wheel move). “A story within a story,” the artist described it.
The artwork has resonated with a lot of people, to the extent that even those who were not Arab News readers at the time shared it and downloaded it in droves. Favre thinks that’s because it is about “empowering women and looking forward to the changes to come.”
Favre is a firm believer in celebrating even the smallest milestones in life. “The cover holds a very positive message, and I think this is what resonated with people out there, and especially the women of Saudi Arabia,” she said from her base in London.
Favre was not expecting Saudi Arabia’s reaction to the cover. “It is always an amazing feeling when an illustration starts having a life of its own.”
One Saudi female artist was especially moved by the cover. For a Panorama Mall contest in which she participated, Noha Al-Johar recreated Favre’s design as mural on the wall of the mall’s parking lot.
Al-Johar told Arab News that she went into the competition blindly, but then saw Favre’s illustration and knew what she had to do. For three days she replicated the design faithfully, right down to the street details in the oversized sunglasses.
When Favre came across a photo of the homage painted by Al-Johar, she shared it on her social media accounts. Al-Johar was very humbled by the attention. “I want to thank her,” she said. “She’s the definition of a visionary.”
Favre expressed delight at how her illustration has been received. “As an artist, getting awarded for a piece is very fulfilling,” she said.
“This cover was very important for me on a personal level as a woman, and I was really happy to see the image being shared, emulated and celebrated by other artists.”

From the archives: More about artist Malika Favre and her Arab News cover illustration


Saudi crown prince, Canadian prime minister discuss bilateral relations

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince, Canadian prime minister discuss bilateral relations

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shared a call on Thursday and discussed bilateral relations.
The pair also reviewed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing on the need for sustainable peace in the region.
Carney was victorious in a May election after taken over as prime minister in March following the resignation of his predecessor Justin Trudeau. 
The crown prince and Carney discussed energy security and deepening trade between Riyadh and Ottawa, according to a readout from the Canadian premier’s office. 
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact, it read. 


Umm Al-Qura University: Training students to work with millions of Hajj pilgrims

Updated 39 min 24 sec ago
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Umm Al-Qura University: Training students to work with millions of Hajj pilgrims

  • Makkah-based institute plays significant role in developing Hajj experience under Saudi Vision 2030
  • One of the institute’s most important contributions is its seasonal field studies, says official

MAKKAH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve the experience of Hajj, a specialized institute at Makkah’s Umm Al-Qura University is training thousands of professionals to work with the millions of pilgrims expected to travel to the two holy cities.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research plays a significant role in national development efforts under Vision 2030.

Director Khalid Al-Ghamdi spoke to Arab News about how the institute is working to improve the experience of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

“The institute remains a key driver in enhancing the pilgrimage experience through applied research and strategic capacity building,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.

“As an advanced scientific arm, it plays a vital role in improving the efficiency and safety of services at the Grand Mosque and the holy sites.”

HIGHLIGHTS

The institute also trains thousands of field personnel annually to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, in roles including security and healthcare staff, drivers and volunteers.

Training is delivered through immersive rehearsals that closely mirror real-world conditions in the field.

The institute is a globally unique research center dedicated to serving a gathering of unparalleled scale and significance.

One of the institute’s most important contributions is its seasonal field studies, Al-Ghamdi said.

Carried out annually during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, these studies document and analyze real-time challenges in key areas such as crowd movement, transport flow, environmental hazards, emergency response and overall efficiency.

He added that the outcomes of these studies serve as a vital technical reference for authorities, offering data-driven recommendations that support more effective planning for future seasons — a crucial function as crowds throng at holy sites in high temperatures.

The institute also trains thousands of field personnel annually to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, in roles including security and healthcare staff, drivers and volunteers.

Training is delivered through immersive rehearsals that closely mirror real-world conditions in the field.

The institute also operates in close coordination with various government entities, including the Ministry of Interior, Civil Defense and the Transport Authority, to align its training with official guidelines.

Al-Ghamdi also discussed the institute’s advisory role in shaping regulatory and operational frameworks for Hajj and Umrah services.

The advisory role includes evaluation studies and environmental impact assessments, which inform strategic decisions on infrastructure development and service quality enhancement.

The institute is a globally unique research center dedicated to serving a gathering of unparalleled scale and significance.

Its research priorities are uniquely tailored, setting it apart from its international counterparts through a specialized focus on the Hajj, the holy sites, the two holy cities and related areas including urban planning, environmental sustainability and humanitarian services.

Additionally, Umm Al-Qura University offers academic programs in medicine and administration, specifically designed to prepare students for managing the unique operational demands of the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
 


King Salman receives letter from Russian President Putin on Saudi-Russian ties

Updated 50 min 23 sec ago
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King Salman receives letter from Russian President Putin on Saudi-Russian ties

  • Message was delivered to Deputy Foreign Minister Walid bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during his meeting in Riyadh with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov

RIYADH: King Salman received a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday regarding relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The message was delivered to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji during his meeting in Riyadh with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov.

The two officials reviewed Saudi-Russian relations and discussed regional and international developments, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts on key issues, SPA added.


Elevating the comfort and dignity of Hajj pilgrims

Updated 29 May 2025
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Elevating the comfort and dignity of Hajj pilgrims

  • Premium amenities on offer for ease, safety, accessibility
  • Hajj operators say VIP packages within Islamic guidelines

JEDDAH: A number of premium amenities are available for Hajj pilgrims seeking greater comfort, safety and accessibility during the pilgrimage.

Some of the offerings include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits, and 24/7 medical support.

Hajj operator Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz spoke to Arab News about some of the new services introduced this year.

“We have enhanced our services in very small things,” he said. “Like the pillow, which now weighs 1,100 grams, and the mattresses, which are more comfortable for rest.

“We’ve also set up specialized tents that include mosque praying areas, which were previously located outside. One entire tent is equipped with massaging chairs to provide added comfort to the pilgrims.”

Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz (left) spoke to Arab News about some of the new Hajj services on offer this year. Shown on the right are some of the premium services available for pilgrims include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits and 24/7 medical support. (Supplied)

These upgrades allow pilgrims regardless of age or physical condition to perform their rituals with dignity.

“Our trained staff are available to support pilgrims at every stage, with special care provided for those with mobility needs.”

Wheelchair users are offered dedicated support during essential movement between the holy sites, and the operator also offers 24-hour meal and medical services.

“The Islamic sermon is provided in English, Arabic and Urdu, ensuring that everyone can understand and connect with the spiritual message,” Mahfouz added.

Mohammed Hamed, representing another Hajj operator, highlighted efforts to provide a comfortable pilgrimage.

“We have designed beds in a style with dividers so pilgrims are not disturbed by others in the tent,” he said.

“Each sleeping space includes charging points and reading lamps, allowing pilgrims to rest and recharge both physically and electronically.”

To minimize crowding and waiting, the company brings meals directly to pilgrims. “We will provide food to them wherever they are sitting ensuring a peaceful environment,” Hamed added.

Critics of VIP Hajj packages sometimes raise concerns about preserving the pilgrimage’s spiritual essence. However, providers insist these services are aligned with Islamic values and are merely accommodating varying needs among the faithful.

Salim Mansour, another Hajj service provider, defended the rise of VIP offerings. “The VIP packages are carefully designed to remain within the accepted religious guidelines of Islam.

“Many pilgrims opt for VIP Hajj packages to enjoy added conveniences, such as accommodation near the Jamarat area in Mina and dependable transportation services.”

These services are part of a wider initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing and modernizing the nation’s pilgrimage and tourism offerings.


 


Saudi Hajj gift association Hadiyah to serve 2.9 million pilgrims this year

Updated 29 May 2025
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Saudi Hajj gift association Hadiyah to serve 2.9 million pilgrims this year

RIYADH: The Hajj and Mutamer’s Gift Charitable Association, or Hadiyah, has launched its field and creative service programs to benefit nearly 3 million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to SPA, the initiative aims to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims by upholding human and moral values from the moment of arrival to departure. Hadiyah’s efforts extend across all points of entry — land, sea and air — facilitating access to Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.
 
Turki Al-Hetershi, Hadiyah’s executive director, said that the association was preparing to serve 2.9 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors this year.

He said that Hadiyah would focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience through innovative initiatives and strategic community partnerships.