Saudi-led Catmosphere’s inaugural Catwalk raises awareness about wildlife conservation

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Saudi families gathered on Nov. 6 to take part in the ‘Catwalk’, a 7 km outdoor walk to promote efforts to protect endangered big cats and their ecosystems. (AN photo)
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Updated 07 November 2021
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Saudi-led Catmosphere’s inaugural Catwalk raises awareness about wildlife conservation

  • Organized by nonprofit group Catmosphere, the inaugural event saw wildlife lovers go the distance for a good cause
  • Catmosphere, founded by Ambassador to US Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, supports big cat species worldwide

RIYADH: Live music, painting, food trucks and hordes of wildlife lovers hit the streets in Saudi Arabia — and at events across the world — for the inaugural “Catwalk,” organized by Saudi-led nonprofit Catmosphere on Saturday.

Participants and volunteers gathered at the starting line of the 7 km walk to show their support for, and raise awareness about, the living conditions of the seven big cats the organization supports, including at an event in Riyadh’s Al-Ammariya.




Catmosphere’s ‘Catwalk’ kicked off in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 6 with over 10,000 volunteers to help raise awareness about endangered big cat species. (AN photo)

Catmosphere was launched by Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, who is on a mission to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of big cats. The nonprofit aims to magnify the efforts of Panthera, a US-based charity devoted to the conservation of 40 species of wild cats.

Catmosphere focuses on lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, leopards and snow leopards.

With the walks open to the public, Princess Reema previously told Arab News: “‘Catwalk’ is striving for a healthy habitat for big cats, and healthy habitats start at home. A healthy and active lifestyle helps us respect our own bodies, and engaging with our environment gives us an appreciation for the fundamental role it plays in all of life. ‘Catwalk’ invites us all to ignite physical movement locally, and in doing so trigger the big cat conservation movement globally.”




Saudi families gathered on Nov. 6 to take part in the ‘Catwalk’, a 7 km outdoor walk to promote efforts to protect endangered big cats and their ecosystems. (AN photo)

Walkers and runners kicked off around the world on Nov. 6, with organizers reporting 10,000 participants in Saudi Arabia alone. Those who signed up to take part could do so individually, in groups or as part of a company-organized event.




Catmosphere, founded by Ambassador to US Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, supports big cat species worldwide

Abdullah Abdulrahman bin Saeed, the deputy minister of municipal and rural affairs and housing, kicked off the walk in Al-Ammariya with a speech that thanked the crowd for their involvement.

“We thank everybody for coming here today to raise awareness about this important initiative that was started by her royal highness, Princess Reema,” he said.




Khalid bin Bandar, Saudi ambassador to UK, taking part in Catwalk in London. (Social media)

“We have initiated 30 locations around the Kingdom … and right now we have over 10,000 volunteers registered, from Saudis to non-Saudis, who are participating today to raise awareness about this initiative,” the deputy minister added.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi minister of sport, Waleed Abdulkarim Elkhereiji, the deputy minister of foreign affairs, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, the minister of economy and planning, Khalid bin Bandar, Saudi ambassador to UK, and Saad Mohammed Alarify, head of the Saudi mission to the EU, also participated in the walk.

“The event is international — we have Princess Reema participating in Washington, there are people participating from Copenhagen, Egypt, throughout Europe — so it’s a global event.”




Catmosphere’s ‘Catwalk’ kicked off in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 6 with over 10,000 volunteers to help raise awareness about endangered big cat species. (AN photo)

One walker, named Abdulaziz, told Arab News: “It’s honestly an amazing experience, and I am happy I was able to be here and to express my feelings for the tiger to help endangered species.”

In addition to animal-loving adults participating, organizers also made sure to offer a shorter trek called the “Catwalk Cub” — a 700-meter dash — for children to show their support.

One of the young participants was 11-year-old Mohammed, who revealed that he was walking in support of big Arabian cats.




Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi minister of sport, also took part in Catwalk. (Social media)

While it was a family affair for Mohammed, who joined in with his siblings, other participants were quick to praise the community spirit behind the event, too.

“A good friend of ours recommended this place and we thought it would be a wonderful event — it is a great cause and a great place to do it in, a great place for getting to meet new people and having a chat,” participant Anthony Di Rosa told Arab News.

“I am so glad to see a lot of people volunteering to run for 7 km — it is such a great experience. I would like to share with people all around the world, we are here and we are supporting this kind of initiative to protect all wildlife,” social media influencer Muhanad Alhassoun told Arab News.




Waleed Abdulkarim Elkhereiji, deputy minister of foreign affairs, participated in Catwalk. (SPA)

“The aim of this walk is to protect wildlife … we are building the community and environment and we need to protect it,” he added.

His sober statement echoed warnings by Panthera that important species are threatened by habitat loss, with the tiger, lion, leopard and cheetah having lost between 65 percent and 96 percent of their historical populations.

“The reality of the pandemic and the experience that the whole world has just had of separation and isolation from human communities due to COVID-19 is very much what was done to the big cats when we cut off their territorial corridors and isolated them from their natural habitats in nature,” Princess Reema said about the destruction of big cat environments.




Saudi families gathered on Nov. 6 to take part in the ‘Catwalk’, a 7 km outdoor walk to promote efforts to protect endangered big cats and their ecosystems. (AN photo)

“Just as we have seen that impact on us, imagine what that impact has been on them. ‘Catwalk’ is hoping to highlight a very simple fact: That our collective wellbeing is interconnected, and so it is incumbent on all of us to operate through empathy and provide spaces that we as humans would want to live and thrive in, and ensure the same for big cats,” she added.

And while the general public at the event in Riyadh seem to have taken that message to heart, public officials also took to Twitter to show their support. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Spain, Azzam Al-Qain, thanked Arab countries for their participation.




Saad Mohammed Alarify, head of the Saudi mission to the EU, poses for a group photo at the Catwalk event in Brussels. (Social media)

“Thank you from the bottom of the heart to all the brothers and sisters, the ambassadors of the accredited Arab countries, the Libyan school and its staff, the mayor of Madrid and the Rotero Park officials for your active participation in the event. Together we save endangered cats,” he wrote.

From Riyadh to the cooler climes of Europe, walkers were out in full force — and participants in AlUla staged a special event in support for the Arabian leopard.

AlUla’s walk took place in the protected Sharaan Nature Reserve, where residents, visitors and staff from the Royal Commission for AlUla gathered to show their support for the critically endangered big cat, with fewer than 200 thought to be living in the wild.

The RCU has already committed $25 million to the Arabian Leopard Fund, an independent organization launched by the commission to work across the leopard’s home range to save the species.


Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud hails Saudi-Japan ties

Updated 43 min 6 sec ago
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Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud hails Saudi-Japan ties

  • Prince Abdullah highlights investment growth with Japan
  • Praises role of Arab News Japan in boosting cooperation 

TOKYO: In an interview with Arab News Japan, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud has lauded the strong ties between Japan and the Kingdom, and said he was deeply honored to have received a top honor from the Asia nation.

The former governor of the Saudi General Investment Authority received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun last month.

“Receiving the Imperial Award is indeed a great honor. Like many in the Kingdom, including officials and former officials, I hold the Japanese emperor, government and people in the highest regard,” Prince Abdullah said in the recent interview with Arab News Japan. 

Reflecting on his tenure at SAGIA, now the Ministry of Investment, Prince Abdullah highlighted the collective nature of the recognition. 

“The award reflects the work carried out during my tenure at SAGIA ... This recognition is not solely mine, it is a shared achievement with my colleagues.

“More importantly, it reflects the leadership’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relations with Japan,” he said. 

He emphasized the Kingdom’s investment in international cooperation, noting the evolution of SAGIA into a full ministry under the Council of Ministers. 

“The elevation of SAGIA to a full ministry ... highlights the strategic importance the Saudi leadership places on investment and international cooperation,” he added.

During his recent visit to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Prince Abdullah shared his impressions of the Saudi Pavilion, which he described as a powerful representation of the Kingdom’s transformation and culture. 

“The Saudi Pavilion was excellent,” he said of the expo which opened on April 13 and ends Oct. 13. 

“I was particularly interested in the design elements of the Saudi Pavilion, how it captured the essence and transformation of our land, and how quickly and effectively the structure was developed.”

He praised the role of the Ministry of Culture and the young Saudis staffing the pavilion.

“The presence of talented young Saudi men and women at the pavilion was especially noteworthy.

“The structure itself, using stones especially brought from the Kingdom, was impressive, with features such as embedded loudspeakers, combining aesthetics and functionality,” he told Arab News Japan.

Prince Abdullah, who previously served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, also lauded the Japanese Pavilion, saying it was “outstanding. Their designers, architects, and scientists demonstrated exceptional innovation.”

 “I even recommended our ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, who began his academic career in physics, to revisit the pavilion, as the advanced technologies on display merit deeper understanding,” he said. 

Turning to the broader significance of Saudi Arabia-Japan relations, Prince Abdullah emphasized the need for robust media and cultural exchange, pointing to Arab News Japan’s role as a valuable bridge between the two nations. 

“First, I would like to commend the efforts behind Arab News Japan. It is an important initiative, both in its content and in the way it delivers information. 

“It serves a valuable audience and contributes meaningfully to deepening understanding between our two countries.” 

He added: “There is deep mutual respect between our peoples. There is great potential for cooperation, especially among small- and medium-sized enterprises on both sides,” he said. 

Praising Japan’s technological innovation and the Kingdom’s transformative development, he said: “What we can realize by our partnership is amazing.” 

Prince Abdullah added that Japan and Saudi Arabia will benefit from increased cooperation, as well as the global economy.


Riyadh hosts a world of jewels

Updated 51 min 9 sec ago
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Riyadh hosts a world of jewels

  • Jewelry exhibition showcasing Saudi designers and global luxury pieces dazzles visitors

RIYADH: Under the chandelier-lit halls of Riyadh’s Mandarin Oriental Al-Faisaliah Hotel, the Jewels of the World exhibition gathered more than 60 brands for an eager crowd of jewelry and watch enthusiasts.

The exhibition, which ended on Monday, featured notable global names including Bil Arabi, Yoko London, Scavia and FerriFirenze.

Local talent was also spotlighted, notably Renad Al-Amoudi’s striking Marque Legacy collection, which draws inspiration from the flora of the Saudi deserts, including Ruby Lily and Petit Iris.

Nader Freiha, director and organizer of Jewels of the World, said that the exhibition this year is “the culmination of a journey that began in 2016.”

He added that hosting the event in Riyadh reflects “the remarkable growth of the jewelry market in the Kingdom, which has become a destination for global brands thanks to its discerning clientele.”

The exhibition offers the opportunity to explore new collections debuting in Saudi Arabia, from everyday jewelry to ornate bridal sets, many of which are inspired by global artistic and cultural heritage, Freiha said.

“The exhibition is a benchmark for ensuring both quality and luxury simultaneously,” he added.

Ahmed Al-Shirazi, director of SJC Saudi Arabia, a destination for luxury jewelry, said that the exhibition is an opportunity to strengthen brands and attract new customers through showcasing designs and engaging directly.

The Bahraini jeweler observed a rising inclination among clients to use luxury jewelry as a form of self-expression and personal style, highlighting a heightened appreciation for the finer details in their overall look.

Nezar Mukhtar, a member of the Precious Metals and Gemstones National Committee at the Saudi Chambers Federation, observed visitors’ keen interest in renowned brand names.

“Hosting exhibitions locally spares enthusiasts and designers the hassle of traveling and saves them valuable time,” he said.

Mukhtar added that events like Jewels of the World support the national economy and spotlight the sophisticated taste of Saudi consumers.

“Such an exhibition addresses the expectations of many discerning clients seeking specific quality standards in jewelry,” he said.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Level Up’ social hub in Riyadh

Updated 5 sec ago
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Level Up’ social hub in Riyadh

Level Up is a social hub in Riyadh for those seeking entertainment and connection. For just SR60 ($16), visitors gain access to activities ranging from board games and video games to virtual reality experiences.

This multifaceted venue stands out as a gathering place for individuals with shared interests, making it easy to forge new friendships.

One of the highlights at Level Up is its open mic nights, where local bands showcase their talents. This not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community among those attending.

The friendly vibe welcomes both extroverts and introverts, making it a space where people can comfortably engage in conversation or simply enjoy the performances.

The hub also sells PlayStation 5 consoles and accessories, catering to gaming enthusiasts, as well as a range of anime and video game action figures for those into pop culture.

One of the items on the menu I enjoyed was the iced matcha, which is popular among patrons.

While visiting with a friend, I was captivated by the talented musicians at the open mic event, followed by an engaging session of board games.

Level Up hosts discussions every Tuesday, featuring industry leaders such as marketing heads, board members, talent acquisition directors, CEOs, and founders.

These events provide opportunities to learn from and engage with influential figures, helping to enrich the community experience.

Whether you are looking to socialize, enjoy live music, or dive into gaming, Level Up is well worth a visit.


Saudi deputy FM receives Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Updated 19 May 2025
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Saudi deputy FM receives Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Oraz Mohammed Charif, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed economic issues of common interest, the foreign ministry said in a post on X on Monday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during which they reviewed bilateral relations and regional and international developments


Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

Updated 19 May 2025
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Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

  • Ali Al-Khabouri: AI will help the project managers to predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns
  • Al-Khabouri: AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions

RIYADH: Industry leaders and innovators discussed the role of artificial intelligence in advancing project management during the final day of the Global Project Management Forum in Riyadh on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, which has Arab News as a media partner, Ali Al-Khabouri, co-founder of Matrix Oman, told Arab News that AI is playing an increasingly important role in supporting decision-making in project management.

“AI will help the project managers to predict some of the information, predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns,” he said.

Al-Khabouri also discussed the importance of defining a clear strategy for AI adoption, adding that organizations should evaluate whether adopting AI is a value-adding step or simply a response to market trends.

During a panel discussion titled “The Future of Project Management: Leadership, Innovation and Strategic Integration of People, Process and Technology,” Marko Golob, head of IT PMO at SIJ d.d., highlighted the need for education in project management.

“We have a gap of 30 million project (managers) in the board in the next 10 years — 30 million. It’s a lot.”

Al-Khabouri highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in improving decision-making within project environments.

He said: “AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions.”

He added that while the essence of decision-making remains constant, the tools, processes and organizational mindset supporting it are evolving in response to technological advancement.

Imad Al-Sadeq, transformation delivery partner at EY MENA, discussed the growing concern of over-reliance on artificial intelligence in project management.

“The risk here (is) that some people, including project managers, will over rely on (AI). Some people will mistrust the human side for the sake of AI,” he said.

Al-Sadeq added that this trend is already emerging in some settings, and he highlighted the need to strike a balance between technology and human insight.

“We still need to keep the human at center, keep the trust with the human judgment. Otherwise, we are not only calling for best effect, but we are calling only for best practice or previous work. And this is a big difference,” he added.