Saudi fashion designer adds a modern touch to traditional dresses

Reem Esailan said “Our costumes are made of rare materials by few and skilled craftsmen who pour their heart into the very long and delicate process.” (Supplied)
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Updated 01 May 2023
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Saudi fashion designer adds a modern touch to traditional dresses

  • Reem Esailan is known for creating expensive, high- end dresses inspired by Saudi heritage
  • Esailan says there is a huge demand for Saudi- inspired dresses, especially on national holidays

MAKKAH: Saudi fashion designer Reem Esailan is known for creating expensive, high- end dresses inspired by Saudi heritage.

“The official Saudi dress is the one that represents the identity of Saudi citizens and goes along with the various environmental and climatic conditions. Some of its elements are similar to those of the Arabian Peninsula’s dresses, yet their details are different,” said Esailan.

“The Saudi dress is loose and made of several pieces which are usually of white color. It can point out through its elements the status of the wearer and can also indicate the type of occasion, whether formal, festive, or simply regular.”

When asked about the high prices of the traditional dresses, Esailan explained that they are expensive for a reason.

“Our costumes are made of rare materials by few and skilled craftsmen who pour their heart into the very long and delicate process.

“Furthermore, our costumes are of high quality that preserves their luxury and prestige, since only those who know their worth care to wear them. They are worth it.

“I personally provide buyers with a ‘Costume Birth Certificate’ for valuable pieces to serve as a reference for them or their generations.

“This certificate serves as a description of the journey of the product from A to Z. As such, buyers will have to think twice before deciding to get rid of the piece, and they might as well appreciate the richness and historical impulse it comprises,” she added.

Esailan said recently there has been a huge demand for Saudi- inspired dresses, especially during national occasions such as Saudi National Day, Saudi Flag Day, and Founding Day, “as the new generation has become curious” and wants to know about the history of the Kingdom.

“We have witnessed in recent years the beginning of the journey to search for secrets of the dresses and traditions of our ancestors. Various designs with different colors emerged and encouraged a large proportion of the new generation to learn about the arts, design, especially in the heritage field, while getting creative,” she said.

In future, Esailan aims to have herself seated at international fashion houses with her fashion creations. “The Saudi dresses are known as a culture that embodies the authenticity of the past. Visitors and researchers are attracted by expensive pieces, such as jambiyas, among other expensive clothes and accessories,” she added.

“We aim to be the bridge connecting authenticity with modernity among all regions of the Kingdom.”


US energy secretary visits Saudi Aramco HQ, Shaybah oil field

Updated 8 sec ago
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US energy secretary visits Saudi Aramco HQ, Shaybah oil field

  • Chris Wright accompanied by Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman
  • Sides discuss renewable energy, cooperation, investment

RIYADH: US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited the headquarters of Aramco in Dhahran on Tuesday in the company of his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Amin Nasser, the president and CEO of the petroleum and natural gas giant, gave a briefing on the company’s latest initiatives and innovations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During his visit, Wright saw Aramco’s Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Advanced Research Center, the Accelerated Innovation Laboratory and the Fourth Industrial Revolution facility.

The two officials were also shown the Shaybah oil field and visitor center — one of Aramco’s environmental initiatives — in the Empty Quarter.

Wright, who arrived in the Kingdom on Sunday, has praised the Saudi leadership for supporting energy cooperation between the two countries.

He also discussed renewable energy sources, such as green hydrogen and solar power, with Saudi officials and stressed the need for long-term investment to meet rising global demand, the report said.


Saudi foundation, UN sign deal to tackle food waste

Updated 7 min 30 sec ago
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Saudi foundation, UN sign deal to tackle food waste

  • Agreement aims to strengthen partnerships that support the charitable sector and contribute to national development goals
  • Establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, joint programs and food waste reduction efforts

RIYADH: The Grace Preservation Foundation signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday with the UN Environment Programme to promote sustainability and reduce food waste through community awareness and joint initiatives.

The agreement aims to strengthen partnerships that support the charitable sector and contribute to national development goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, joint programs, food waste reduction efforts, and the development of scientific tools for data analysis and informed decision-making.

Abdullah Abdulrahman bin Saeed, the foundation’s secretary-general, said the agreement aligns with Vision 2030 and national priorities in sustainability and food security. He also emphasized the value of strategic cooperation in empowering community efforts.

The agreement covers food waste competitions and awards aligned with Sustainable Development Goal, the SPA reported.

Key activities include awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the UNEP “Recipe for Change” initiative.

Seasonal efforts will be launched during Ramadan, Hajj, and UN international days to promote food preservation and environmental responsibility.


Madinah forum to discuss Islamic finance progress

Updated 28 min 6 sec ago
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Madinah forum to discuss Islamic finance progress

  • Symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability
  • Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts

JEDDAH: Al-Baraka Islamic Economics Symposium will be held in Madinah on Wednesday under the theme “Islamic Banking in 50 Years: Achievements of the Past and Hopes for the Future.”

Hosted by Prince Muqrin University’s female campus, the event’s 45th edition will gather ministers, financial leaders, experts, and representatives from more than 15 countries.

The two-day symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability.

Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts.

Future-focused discussions will highlight Shariah governance, financing mechanisms, Islamic windows, acquisitions, and the sector’s contribution to sustainable development.

Distinguished individuals and institutions will be honored for advancing Islamic economics in theory and practice.

Abdullah Saleh Kamel, the forum’s chairman, said that since 1981, Al-Baraka has been a key platform for dialogue on Islamic economics.

He said the 50-year milestone offers a chance to reflect and look ahead, reaffirming the commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and Shariah-compliant progress.

Several cooperation agreements will also be signed, reinforcing the symposium’s role as a hub for intellectual exchange.

A documentary titled “Glimpses of Islamic Banking: From Inception to Contemporary Reality” will be screened, tracing the evolution of Islamic banking and its pioneers.

The symposium will also announce this year’s nomination topics for the Saleh Kamel Prize for Islamic Economics, which honors his legacy and supports excellence in research.


Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference

Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference

  • Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security
  • Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire

LONDON: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji called on Tuesday for intensified international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan during his address at the London Conference on Sudan.

Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Our collective responsibility requires us to support the dialogue process, work toward a ceasefire, deliver urgent humanitarian aid and safeguard Sudan’s unity, institutions and territorial integrity,” he said.

Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference, Al-Khereiji was attending on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, particularly through hosting the first and second talks. These negotiations resulted in the Jeddah Declaration on protecting civilians, a short-term ceasefire agreement that contained crucial humanitarian arrangements.

The second round also led to the creation of a humanitarian coordination platform under OCHA, the adoption of four confidence-building measures and a proposed resolution formula on military base issues.

In his address, Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political solution. He added that neutralizing foreign interference would facilitate humanitarian operations — particularly the opening of safe corridors and the delivery of aid.

He warned against the formation of any parallel government or alternative political entity, calling such attempts illegitimate and damaging to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.

“These actions undermine the political process and deepen national divisions,” he said.

The deputy foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that a solution to the war must be Sudanese-led and based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and the preservation of its state institutions.


Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud

Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution. (@ppgovsa)
Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud

  • The accused committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products for sale online

RIYADH: A Saudi citizen has been sentenced to five years in prison for financial fraud that defrauded 41 victims, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

An investigation carried out by the Financial Fraud Prosecution revealed that the accused had committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products through online sales outlets, deceiving victims into believing that goods were for sale, and then immediately blocking them after they transferred the required amounts to his bank account.

The Public Prosecution affirmed its commitment to protecting society from all financial fraud crimes and anyone who attempts to seize the money of others through fraud.